Thomas Adrian “Tommy” Poole

OSWEGO – Thomas Adrian “Tommy” Poole, 81, of Oswego, New York, passed away on the morning of October 3, 2026. His family celebrates the life of a kind man who embodied the New England spirit of hard work and a willingness to lend a hand. Tommy never shied away from a challenge—or a dare.

Born in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, Tommy was the son of the late Lester T. Poole and Margaret M. (Thornton) Poole.

Tommy spent much of his working life behind the wheel of a truck. He operated his own business, Poole Trucking, and also worked for Midway Excavators and the Town of Hampstead, New Hampshire. His career included driving a truck during Boston’s Big Dig, helping reshape the city where he was born. In retirement, he navigated Lake Ontario in constant pursuit of trout, steelhead, and salmon.

Before Oswego, Tommy called Newburyport, Massachusetts, and Hampstead, New Hampshire, home. His family had longstanding ties to Wash Pond, also known as Sunset Lake, where his grandparents owned cottages. Tommy later owned a home just off the lake on Thomas Drive.

Tommy loved fishing, hunting with friends, camping, and dogs. His canine companions included three white German shepherds with memorable names: Mrs. Poole, Huckleberry, and Snow.

He was also known for his “fashion sense,” including graphic tees, Timberland work boots, flannel shirts, and misshapen baseball hats. He loved Dunkin’ Donuts coffee (and the friends he drank it with), his corncob pipe, anything made from potatoes, jelly beans, Captain Morgan, chewing gum, and making a dog’s day with a treat.

Above all, Tommy loved his family and friends. He adored his wife, Karen, who spent her career teaching first grade in the Oswego schools. He took pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow up and beamed when he heard of their accomplishments. His generous spirit extended to strangers—he would hold a door open without hesitation and gladly give anyone “the shirt off his back.”

Tommy is survived by his wife, Karen; his daughter, Deb Garand; his son, Marc Ouellette; his stepsons, Jason Sheldon and his wife, Darcie, and Ben Sheldon and his wife, Maureen; his grandchildren, Avery and Marin Garand and Julia, Justin, and James Sheldon; and his cousin, John Poole, whom he considered a brother, and his wife, Carol. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Lester “Teddy” Poole of Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Tommy will be remembered for his kindness, his grit, and his readiness to take on whatever came next. A favorite fishing story, a cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, or a small act of generosity would be a fitting way to remember him.

A private celebration of his life is planned later this month.

Donations in memory of Tommy can be made to the American Heart Association www.heart.org and the Parkinson Foundation www.parkinson.org

Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.