Obituary of Thomas Sax

Thomas D. Sax, 59, of Westerleigh, died peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Staten Island University Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Sax, a lifelong Staten Island resident, was born and raised in Port Richmond. He attended Saint John Lutheran School and graduated from Port Richmond High School. He joined the New York City Police Department in July of 1986 and was assigned to the Transit Bureau. While serving he was also active and influential in running the Explorers program, involving young men and women from the city’s diverse communities and introducing them to a possible career in law enforcement. After serving for 20 years, he retired in 2006. Upon retirement he began a career in music. He became the full-time organist/choir director at St. John’s Lutheran Church, and remained in that position until the time of his death.  He also taught music at St. John’s Lutheran School for 10 years starting a hand chime and handbell choir. His talent and love for music was evident and he passed that on to so many others.

Thomas was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer in September 2023. He never let it slow him down and more importantly he never lost his faith. It was that faith and love for God that kept him going, always wanting to be a light for others.  He was never afraid to share his faith or his story with anyone and he endeared himself to everyone he met. He loved serving the church and was a man who put others before himself.

While receiving treatments at the Florina Cancer Center, Thomas was visited by a special guest – comedian Tracy Morgan. He was also interviewed by Channel 7 reporter Kemberley Richards. Thomas was asked to speak at the Survivors breakfast in June as well as be a keynote speaker at the Pancreatic Cancer Walk on Staten Island, in September.  At the time of his death, he was also filming a short video titled “A Patient’s Story”, which his family vows to continue doing in order to tell his story.

He is survived by his wife, Susan (nee Neitzel), his daughters,

Ashley Goldberg and her husband Eric, Victoria Petrillo and her husband Joe, sister Mary Jane (Bob) niece and nephew Ambre and Adam, brother Carl (Rusty) and his grandpups Blaze and Lane. He is predeceased by his mother Antoinette, father Carl, and sisters

Betty Ann and Carol.

Visitation will be at Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Blvd., 10314 on Thursday, December 26, 2-5pm and 7-9pm. Funeral service will be from St. John’s Lutheran Church, 216 Jewett Ave., 10302 on Friday, December 27, 10:30am. Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, 1852 Victory Blvd. 10314.

 In lieu of flowers, donations to St. John’s Lutheran Music Fund or to the Lustgarten Foundation to help find a cure for Pancreatic Cancer at lustgarten.org would be appreciated.