Thomas A. Schirmer
Canandaigua – Thomas A. Schirmer, 92, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loving family on May 15, 2025. Tom was born in Dansville, NY on February 14, and shared a birthday with his wife, Gail. They met on a boat to study abroad in Europe in 1961. When he told her he was born on Valentine’s Day, she suspected he’d seen her birthday on her passport and was using it as a pick-up line. But he was able to produce documentation, and somewhere between the mid-Atlantic and Florence, Italy, they fell in love. They married July 7, 1962 and more than sixty years later, were still the last couple on the dance floor at weddings. Jitterbug was their specialty.
Tom served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, stationed at several land bases overseas with Naval Air Patrol Squadron VP-11. He exemplified a life of service, from his time in the military to his decades-long career in public education. After graduating from SUNY Geneseo, he served as a teacher, principal, assistant professor of education, and curriculum coordinator before being appointed superintendent of Medina Central Schools. Proud to be a Mustang, he led the district for fifteen years, and after retiring in 1987, spent several years serving as an interim superintendent for area school districts.
In 1996, Tom and Gail made a second home in Naples, Florida, where they spent winters building houses with Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, and later, once their roofing days were over, helping out at the Habitat Restore, where they made cherished friends.
Tom prized nothing more than spending time with his family. An avid antique dealer, he loved sharing knowledge with Anne, who followed in his footsteps and consulted him for advice. Weekends were spent arranging football bets and eating peanut butter toast with Tommy and Steve, and playing cards or watching Jeopardy with Kate and her family. Tom also loved traveling with Gail, whether they were exploring Italy, rafting through the Grand Canyon, or picnicking at Stony Brook State Park.
Tom is survived by his loving wife Gail Smith Schirmer; his children Steve and Lynn Schirmer, Anne and Mark Ruppert, Tom and Margie Schirmer, and Kate and Tom Messner; ten grandchildren: Sara, Chris, and Nick Schirmer, Matt and Ben Ruppert, Tommy, Emily, and Danny Schirmer, and Jake and Ella Messner; and three great grandchildren: Abby and Will Cheney, and Beau Ruppert. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Delia, and siblings, Robert, Jack, David, and Phyllis.
To honor Tom’s lifelong dedication to public education, his family has established the Thomas A. Schirmer Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded each spring to a Medina Central School senior who will attend college to become a public school teacher.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas A. Schirmer Memorial Scholarship, c/o Nicole Guild, Medina Central Schools, 1 Mustang Dr. Medina, NY 14103.
Tom’s memorial Mass will be celebrated on May 28 at 11am at St. Mary’s Church, 95 N. Main St. in Canandaigua. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.
