Thomas C. Hubal

March 11, 2021

Thomas C. Hubal, 76, of Rome, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at Rome Memorial Hospital.

He was born on April 30, 1944 in Rome, the son of the late Charles and Mary Choma Hubal. On August 23, 1969 in St. John the Baptist Church he married Diane Raulli, a blessed union of 51 years.

He graduated from RFA in 1962. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army National Guard on November 1962 and was honorably discharged in December 1970. In December 1970 he was appointed to the Rome Police Department. After successfully completing his police training at MVCC he officially hit the streets as Patrolman Thomas C. Hubal in January 1971. He would proudly serve the community in the RPD for the next 25 years. In 1979 he was promoted to Sergeant. In 1989 Tom launched the DARE Program for RPD and Rome City School District until his retirement from the force. In 1991 after completing the American Sign Language course at Galludet University in Washington D.C. he started the DARE Program at the NYS School for the Deaf. In the DARE Program Tom found his true calling in law enforcement, educating school age children of the dangers of drugs. For years to come past students would approach Tom or members of his family with stories and memories about “Sgt. Hubal” and the DARE Program. After retirement from the RPD Tom became head of security for the Rome City School District. He ended his employment career at Birnie Bus working there until 2019.

He was a member of the Rome Elks Club, American Legion and the Police Benevolent Association. He enjoyed his time at his camp on “The River”, boating, fishing, watching the sunset and spending time with his summer friends. Tom’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren who called him “PopPop”. In the winter Tom could be found cheering on his grandsons, Patrick and Eric, on the ice at hockey rinks all over New York State. This past year he enjoyed “being a great driving instructor for his #1 man Patrick”.

Tom is survived by his beloved family, his wife Diane; two sons; Michael (Erica) Hubal of Stittville and Mark (Nicole) Hubal of Fort Plain; cherished grandchildren, Patrick Thomas Hubal, Eric Michael Hubal and Carter Anthony Hubal and a much loved canine Kody. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Sonia Hubal and his partner in crime John Carissimo.

He’s been a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law. He was a good friend to so many. He always had a smile on his face and a good word to say about everyone.

I’ve lost my best friend that I’ve loved all my life. He brought me so much happiness for 51 years. Rest in peace my love, until we’re together again.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bottini Funeral Home, 120 W. Embargo St.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tom’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.