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Light a Candle
Thomas Laurent Burgess, Jr, 6/30/1979-11/18/2021 Thomas L. Burgess, Jr. of North Chesterfield, VA died unexpectedly in his sleep at his home in Hartsdale, NY on Thursday, November 18th at the age of 42. He is survived by his mother Gail S. Burgess, his younger brother Jeffrey S. Burgess and sister-in-law Crystal, his four year old niece Riley Grace Burgess (who was the absolute light of his life), his partner, Emily R. Harper (who was the absolute love of his life), his many aunts, uncles and cousins for whom he had so much love, and his beloved rescue cats, Chesterfield, Amelia, Montgomery, Onyx and Fu-Schnickens. Thomas was predeceased by his father, Thomas L. Burgess, Sr., and by both sets of grandparents._____ Thomas was a big man, not only in stature, but most notably in spirit and in the intensity with which he strove to make a difference in the lives of everyone around him. He wanted nothing more than to protect his people, to keep those he loved safe and comfortable, and to extend his helping powers as widely and fervently as possible. He often acted like Superman when faced with split-second emergencies, going well over and above a normal person’s call of duty, but would humbly refuse accolades, maintaining that what he did was the right thing and is what anyone should have done._____ Thomas was known and loved by many, including members of his shaving community, his restaurant community, and of course his large family and humongous group of friends. When he wasn’t working on a vehicle or home improvement project, he was experimenting with creating useful things from odds and ends, restoring and giving life and beauty back to old, worn, tired tools and antiques, and inventing then creating things to make life better for himself and others. He also made a point to reach out to others who were struggling emotionally and support them in a way that sometimes no one else could._____ Thomas was an empath and felt incredibly deeply, never hiding his emotions or thoughts on anything. He was honest and forthright, didn’t believe in beating around the bush, and was an amazing advocate for what strongly held his convictions. He was incredibly smart, incredibly talented, incredibly strong both of body and of spirit, and his death will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His were big shoes that won’t be easily filled._____ A memorial service will take place at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in North Chesterfield, VA at 1pm on Tuesday, December 7th (https://staugustinerva.org/) and a colorful Celebration of Life will follow in New York at a later date (TBD). In lieu of flowers, donations in Thomas’ memory can be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org), and Safe Horizon Child Advocacy Centers (safehorizon.org).
