Thomas Frank Kiselak, Sr.

December 3, 1942 – May 12, 2026

Tom, lovingly known as Dad, Pop, Poppie and occasionally “Horse’s Ass” by the love of his life, passed into eternity on May 12, 2026, likely searching for a good horse, a sturdy fence line, and someone whose phone needed fixing.

Born to Thomas J. and Frances Kiselak, Tom grew up in North Tarrytown, NY, attending St. Teresa of Avila parochial school and North Tarrytown High School before serving in the United States Air Force, and he built a life defined by hard work, quick wit, sarcasm, subtle wisdom, and an unwavering love for his family.

Tom spent his career as a telephone repair technician, climbing poles, crawling through impossible places, and finding himself in neighborhoods most people only heard stories about. As he would say with a grin, “those neighborhood entrepreneurs needed their phones too.” No matter where the job took him, Tom handled it with humor, grit, and his signature cowboy boots.

Although he worked for the phone company, his heart always belonged somewhere out West. Tom loved horses, cowboy culture, and all things rugged Americana so much that he got trained as a farrier, turning his love for horses into a second trade. Deep down, Tom always believed he was a cowboy born about 100 years too late.

At the center of his world was his wife, Joan E. Kiselak (Gasparovic), his sweetheart since the 8th grade and partner for nearly 70 years. Their marriage was built on faith, loyalty, laughter, and legendary banter. Joan affectionately called Tom names such as “Jack Ass,” “Dumb Ass,” and the ultimate expression of love: “Horse’s Ass.” One thing she never called him, however, was lazy.

Together, Tom and Joan built a large and loving family, raising six children: Mary-Jo Flanick (Daniel), Frances Reid (Jeff), Thomas Kiselak Jr. (Clarisse Rodrigues), Michael Kiselak (Kim), David Kiselak, and Gregory Kiselak (April). Along the way came 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and two more on the way — proof that Tom and Joan took the Lord’s instruction to “be fruitful and multiply” quite seriously. Thomas is predeceased by his son in law, Mark Arlotta who passed away in 2002.

Tom was known for his endless “Popisms,” including classics like:

“I’m so hungry my stomach thinks my throat’s been cut.”

Behind the jokes and sarcasm was a man who loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and stood strongest for his family.

His family will forever remember the cowboy boots, the laughter, the stories, the teasing, the grit, and the unmistakable presence of a man who lived fully and loved fiercely.

And somewhere in Heaven right now, there’s probably a horse getting reshod properly while an angel hears:

“Well… THAT ain’t how I woulda done it.”

Friends may call on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the William M.  Gagan Funeral Home, 1525 Burlingham Road, Pine Bush, NY 12566. Funeral services will take place at 7:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers Tom’s Family asks that friends consider a Donation to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan County.

Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Donation Link