Obituary: Thomas J. Carter

Thomas J. Carter of Niagara Falls, New York, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, in the Schoellkopf Health Center.

He was born on Jan. 6, 1926, in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, the son of the late John and Mary (Kelly) Carter of Broadford, County Clare, Ireland. After moving to Niagara Falls in 1942, he became an offset press operator with Moore Business Forms.

Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II and served with Company I, the 71st Infantry, 44th Infantry Division. He was wounded in Woelfling, France, during the Battle of the Bulge, which resulted in the amputation of his right arm. He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Tom loved sports, especially baseball, and played in both the Independent League and the Industrial League in the 1940s and ’50s. He played for the Moore Business Forms, Niagara Falls Citizens, Niagara Falls Pirates, Niagara Falls Panthers and the Simon Oils teams. He played center field and was always a favorite of the crowd.

Tom also loved handball and played in many championship games. He continued actively playing into his 80s.

Tom was a life member of the YMCA. He also loved camping and fishing and throughout the years, had many fishing boats, truck campers and a motor home. His favorite place to camp and fish was on the Raquette River in the Adirondack Mountains, which he truly loved.

He is survived by his brother, Stephen (Barbara) Carter; nieces Maureen Carter and Mary Elizabeth (Joe) Burton; nephews Brian Carter and Sean (Maria) Carter; great-nephew Joseph Burton; and great-great nephew Joseph Burton Jr. Tom was the brother of the late Mary Burton, Betty Shaffer, John J., Joseph and Robert J. Carter, and was the uncle of the late Stephen J. Carter.

Private interment was in North Ridge Cemetery at the wishes of his family. Donations in Tom's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Arrangements were made through the Rhoney Funeral Home, Lewiston. Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com for guest register.