Edgewood, NM: Formerly of Rochester, Thomas passed away on March 28, 2013. Predeceased by his parents, Kay Gene Papaleo. Survived by his son, Christopher; siblings, Carol (Dan) Collins, Gene (Mary Ann) Papaleo, Donna (Jeff) Spencer, Joan Papaleo (Mike); uncle, Tom (Nancy) Papaleo; aunt, Betty Papaleo; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. No prior visitation. Private burial. Thomas was born and raised in Rochester, NY. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1967 and headed to New Mexico where he joined the Air Force. He loved New Mexico so much that he decided to maintain a permanent residence there, but would come back to Rochester now and then to visit family. He retired after many years of work in a jewelry factory and held a few part-time jobs after that to keep busy. He loved his dog, Max, the outdoors, the mountains and spent much of his spare time fishing and making Indian jewelry. He had a passion for his Corvette and he and his brother enjoyed photography. He would often call his sister to get mom's recipes, many of which he successfully recreated. Thomas will be missed by all who knew and loved him.