Obituary of Thomas C. Busack

Thomas C. Busack, 97, of 718 Genesee Street, passed away Friday, September 7, 2012 at Sr. Pat's Home at 122 South First Street. Tom was born Feb. 5, 1915 in Chicago, IL and was a son of Karl and Catherine Zimmerlin Busack. On Oct. 29, 1938, on the Southside of Chicago he married his wife of 72 years, the former Dorothy R. "Dolly" Schlagel who predeceased him on April 21, 2011. Tom was a graduate Oak Park High School in Illinois. He continued his education at both ITT (Illinois Technical) and the University of Minnesota. He moved from Rockford, Ill to Rochester and then to Olean in 1948. Thomas worked at Dresser from 1948 until his retirement in 1977. When he retired he was in charge of the foundry. Tom was a 60 plus year member of the Olean First Presbyterian Church. Tom was very active in scouting as a young man. He was not only an Eagle Scout but was also a life guard at the scout camp and a cook. He is a former President of the Boy Scout Council. Tom loved canoeing, was a member of the swim team in school and was known for his breast stroke. Tom had many stories to tell and loved to tell anyone who would listen. Tom was more than an avid model railroader. He was an author of many articles for different publication for model railroading as well as buying and sell them. His railroad setup was so extensive it will be sent the Salamanca Rail Museum for their use. He truly was a professional model railroader. Tom is survived by one daughter, Cathy (Ben Redditt) Busack of New Jersey; two daughters-in-law, Barbara J. Busack of Cuba, and Bonnie Busack; five grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Along with his loving wife, Tom was predeceased by two sons, John C. Busack on January 31, 1990, and Peter T. Busack in 2003; one sister, D. Busack; one brother, David Busack; and one stepsister, Grace Diels. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday; Sept. 9, 2012 in the Olean First Presbyterian Church at 2:00 pm. The Rev. Dr. Anthony L. Evans will officiate. A reception will follow in the church hall. Burial will be in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Olean. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State Street, Olean. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Salamanca Rail Museum 170 Main Street, Salamanca, NY 14779 or to Sr. Pat's Home 122 South First St., Olean, and New York 14760. Online condolences may be made by clicking on the button above.