Thomas N. Gigliotti, Sr.

Thomas N. Gigliotti, Sr., 90, retired UPD, passed away in the comfort of his home on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.

Tom was born in Utica on January 2, 1934, a son of the late Louis and Florence (Marchesino) Gigliotti. He was raised and educated locally and graduated from T.R. Proctor High School, with the nickname “glue fingers”. Upon graduation, Tom entered the Utica police force. He spent over 35 years with the Utica Police Department, from which he retired in 1991. On September 14, 1957, Tom was joined in marriage to the former Phyllis Conte, with whom he spent over 65 loving years of marriage. 

Creating characters and drawing were two of Thomas' passions, as a bright and lively man who wore many hats and was charmingly witty. While serving as a police officer, Thomas gained the nickname "Ticket Tom" due to the sheer number of parking tickets he issued, once beating out a whole squad. He even ticketed his mother, unintentionally, while she borrowed the neighbor's car. He loved and cherished his years managing the Uptown Theatre in Utica and the New Hartford Drive-In. It was a way for Thomas to connect with his community and grow his passion for film. One of the many stories he loved to share was when he got a call from the Utica Police Department informing him that the theater safe was found outside broken into and in the back of the building. The detective asked how much money was stolen from the safe, and his response was, “None, because I keep the money inside the soda machines”.

Thomas was raised as a devout catholic and enjoyed Sunday service with his wife. In his later years, Tom enjoyed going to "My Father's House Church," which allowed him to embrace the Lord in a different way. Though Thomas passed on his chances of drawing for Disney, he still took any chance he could to draw. In his later years, Thomas "Bumpa" loved to spend time with his grandchildren and even great-grandchildren, watching Disney movies and playing tricks such as pulling off his thumb. Thomas lived a full life and was smiling till the very end. Glue Fingers, Ticket Tom, Tom, Thomas, Dad, Grandpa, and Bumpa was a loving and supportive man who will live forever in our hearts.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Gigliotti; children, Thomas Jr. and Lori Gigliotti, Elizabeth Gigliotti, and Jacqueline Gigliotti and John Wameling; grandchildren, Nicholas and Christina Gigliotti, Gabby Anne Gigliotti, Jessica Elizabeth Fafaul, Maggie Elizabeth Robledo, and Steven Cross; great-grandchildren, Delilah, Mikayla, Franklin, and Sage; brother, Ronald Gigliotti Sr.; nephew, Ronald Jr., and Vera Gigliotti; and great-nieces, Shaliyah, Gianna, and Giovanna. He was predeceased by brothers, Louis Gigliotti and John Gigliotti. 

Tom’s funeral service will be held at Calvary Cemetery, in the upper mausoleum, Monday, January 8, 2024, at 11 a.m., and Tom will be laid to rest immediately following the service.

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