Thomas Kausch

Tom passed away unexpectedly July 17, 2025 at age 76. He was born June 28, 1949, in Rochester, NY, the only child of Robert & Marjorie, who predeceased him. Survived by his beloved wife Maureen Kausch; children Michele (Michael) Begemann, Matthew (Jacklyn) Kausch; grandchildren Grace, Luke, & Owen Begemann, MJ, Ana, & Thomas Kausch. Tom is also survived by dear lifelong friends Tim Powers and Tom Waterhouse, who he always referred to as the brothers he never had.

Tom and Maureen met at the end of their Senior year at Greece Arcadia High School in 1967. A mutual friend orchestrated their first date to the Senior Prom. Sparks flew and so the journey began. They were married October 4, 1969 at Our Mother of Sorrows Church. The next year Michele arrived, followed a few years later by son, Matthew.

Family, friends and faith were the center of Tom’s life. Most of his free time was spent with his family. He enjoyed walks with Maureen in the neighborhood or on the pier, grabbing a burger at Schaller’s – just the simple things. Tom was always in attendance for his grandchildren’s activities: on the river to watch rowing, in the audience at dance recitals, on the sidelines at soccer, baseball, basketball, rugby and spent many Friday nights cheering on McQuaid football. Neither rain, sleet nor snow could keep him away.

Tom enjoyed fishing with his son and grandsons and had many enjoyable days in the little motorboat trying for the big catch. He also enjoyed gardening and took great pride in his lawn.

A dedicated parishioner at Holy Cross Church, Tom served for many years as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at the 5pm Mass. Along with Maureen he used his gardening skills to maintain the Mary, Queen of Peace Shrine and also painted almost every classroom in Holy Cross School before it reopened.

For over 30 years, Tom was the caregiver for his mother Marjorie. He also lovingly provided care for his in-laws Robert and Valerie Klehr until their passing.

Tom was involved in the packaging industry for over 55 years. During that time, he was a package designer for the corrugated industry for 8 years. He worked for Eastman Kodak in the Packaging Division for 28 years as a Senior Packaging Engineer for film and paper packaging and as a Packaging Manager of Kodak’s Health Science Division. He earned an AAS in Marketing from Monroe Community College in 1972, a BS in Production Management from RIT in 1986 and an MS in Packaging Science from RIT in 1999. Upon retirement from Kodak, Tom embarked upon a new career as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology & Science at RIT where he also managed the RIT Packaging Dynamics Lab. He was a longtime member of IoPP (Institute of Packaging Professionals).

Tom's funeral mass will be held 9:30 am Tuesday, August 12 at Holy Cross Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Veterans Outreach Center or McQuaid Jesuit.