Mr. Glair, who greatly expanded the Arc chapter during two decades as executive director, was 74 years old. Born in Buffalo, he lived his entire life and raised a family in Western New York. He spent the past four decades in Batavia. Mr. Glair began working with people with disabilities in the early 1970s with the Niagara County chapter of Arc. He was hired as the executive director of the Genesee County chapter in the early 1980s and served in that position for about two decades. Mr. Glair also served on the board of the New York State Industries for the Disabled, including a stint as president of the board.
Mr. Glair was married for 51 years to Patricia Glair, nee McNamara. They met in high school when they used to ride the school bus together, he to Bishop Timon High School and she to Mount Mercy Academy. Their early dates included roller skating, sledding and Mrs. Glair’s first visit to a new drive-in restaurant named McDonald’s. They were married in 1969 at Nativity of Our Lord in Orchard Park. Mr. Glair got an undergraduate's degree from the University of Buffalo and a master’s degree from Niagara University. He was in the Army Reserves and a member of the Rotary club. An avid hunter, Mr. Glair spent time with friends in Franklinville. He was known by friends and family for his long stories, use of Latin phrases and rendition of the Big Bopper song, Chantilly Lace.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife; Patricia (nee McNamara) Glair; their children Colleen M. Schleede of Cottage Grove. MN., Jennifer (David) Demmer of Batavia, Thomas J. Glair of Kenmore and Daniel G. Glair of Eau Claire, WI.; brothers Paul Glair, John (Sandy) Glair and Michael (Nancy) Glair; three sisters Frances (Robert) Gall, Lorretta (Murry) Reagan and Marie Pezinski; seven grandchildren Tricia Demmer, Ty Demmer, Thomas Demmer, Erin (Zach) DeLorne, Alexis Schleede, Benjamin Schleede and Charlotte Glair; 3 great grandchildren Serinity Rose Demmer, Ivy Rose Harper and Lorraine Harper, along with many nieces and nephews.
There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be private.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations are made to memorials may be made to ARC of Genesee Orleans https://www.arcgo.org/. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
