VEY VODA - Thomas, age 94, of Douglaston, NY, born in Maspeth NY, passed away on June 16, 2018 after a brief illness. Thomas was a USMC WWII Veteran, Marine Air Wing Fighter Squadron VMF 112, known as the "Wolf Pack." Between 1943 and 1946, Thomas was a crew chief on F4U Corsair Fighter Aircraft with Col. Hap Hansen in Santa Barbara, CA. Tom also worked alongside Col. Joe Foss' "Flying Circus" and Col. Pappy Boyington's "Blacksheep" squadrons. In 1953, Thomas joined the NYPD, became a Detective in 1959 and Sergeant in 1963. As part of the Tactical Patrol Force (TPF), Tom played an integral leadership role during the 1960's NY City riots.Thomas was promoted to Lieutenant in 1969 where he worked in the Organized Crime Control Bureau - Loan Sharking Unit. Thomas retired from the NYPD in 1977. After retiring, Thomas formed the Retired Lieutenants Association (RLA) and remained as the RLA President for over 30 years. Under his leadership, the RLA grew to over 2,500 members.Thomas also served as a Charter Member and officer with other fraternal NYPD organizations including the NY 1013 and Superior Officers Assn Retired (SOAR). Tom worked tirelessly in Albany and with NY Legislators advocating for benefit of retired NYPD Officers. Tom's RLA Newsletters were a "must read" among retired NYPD officers for more than 30 years. Thomas was beloved husband of Patricia, nee Galvin (deceased); devoted father of Dr. Denise Vey Voda, DDS and Debra Vey Voda Hamilton, Esq; cherished grandfather of James A. Hamilton, Thomas C. Hamilton, Lt. Cody B. West, USN and Morgan H. West. Friends may call Tuesday 3-5 and 7-9 PM at Fairchild Sons Funeral Chapel, 1570 Northern Blvd, Manhasset, NY. Mass Wednesday, 10:45 AM at St. Kevin RC Church, Flushing. Interment Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations requested to be made to Marine Leathernecks Motorcycle Club - NY Long Island Chapter, 99 New York Ave, Massapequa, NY 11758, Attn: Frank Danetra or Patriot Guard Riders of NY (PGRNY), PO Box 637, Wappinger Falls, NY 12590.

Published in Newsday on June 19, 2018