Thomas L. Wiswall

Thomas L. Wiswall was born on June 11, 1948, to Dr. George R. Wiswall, DVM and Charlotte Thomas Wiswall of Queensbury, NY. He grew up helping his father at his veterinary practice, and survived the “living hell” of having two older sisters, Patty and Susan. Tom was a tall redhead on the football team in high school, and played his freshman year of college at Cornell. Tom pursued a bachelor’s degree at the Cornell School of Agriculture. The specifics of that degree were overshadowed by the tomfoolery with his fraternity brothers from Alpha Gamma Rho, but he must have done alright because he graduated with honors from Syracuse University with a master’s in business administration. He took to farming in Pompei for a few years before settling in Dryden, NY where he spent the next 36 years of his career at Dairy One Cooperative. Tom was known as a “miserable old bugger” who always expected the best from his colleagues, but his work ethic from 7-7 seven days a week let them know that he deeply cared…just deep, deep down. Tom retired on his farm in Cortland NY, where he was able to watch over his highland cattle with his two best friends, Becky (his trusty terrier) and Bud (his beverage of choice). Tom never had any of his own children, so he adored his niece Robyn, his nephew-in law Joe, his grandniece Basil and grandnephews Brighton and Diego, and all the neighboring kids. Tom was reserved in his later years, but always came out to drive the tractor in the Dairy Day parade or throw a hoe down with his close friend, Bryan. Tom spent the last year of his life battling cancer, but he was able to do so in his own home on his own terms – those terms being the nurses had to be cute. Thomas Wiswall passed on June 21, 2023, stubborn as ever, surrounded by family and dear friends who all fondly remember his sharp perception, tenacity, and generosity. He is survived by his sisters, Patricia Porter and Susan Socha, as well as his niece, Robyn Scotland and her family.
Tom’s family invites everyone who loved or tolerated Tom to join them in a celebration of his life at his farm at 3132 Page Green Road, Cortland on July 23, 2023 at 12:00 PM. Please come with memories and stories, and be prepared to drink a Bud. Arrangements by Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden.