Thomas M. Brush

Thomas M. Brush of Highland, NY, died Tuesday, December 1, 2009. He was 53 years old. Thomas was born on March 2, 1956 in Ellenville, NY the son of James S. and Margaret Mary (Martin) Brush. 

Tom graduated from Rondout Valley High School in 1974. Following high school he attended the Culinary Institute of America in NYC studying as a Dessert Chef but knew his real passion was with helping people. He went to school to learn the ins and out of being an EMT and in 1980 he became an EMT Instructor. In 1985 Tom furthered his education to become a Paramedic and was employed by Mobile Life for 21 years as a Paramedic Supervisor. Most recently he worked for the New Paltz Police Department as a Dispatcher.

Tom’s entire life revolved around saving those in need. He volunteered and worked with multiple rescue squads including Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad and the New Paltz Rescue Squad, where he was the Current President, a Past Vice President, a Captain for several terms and a Paramedic. Tom was also a die hard Yankees fan.

Survivors include his father, James S. Brush of Sarasota, FL, his sisters; Barbara Brush of Clifton Park, NY and Kathryn Avery and husband Micky of Kerhonkson, NY, his brothers; Kenneth Brush and wife Beth of Kingston, NY, William Brush and wife Cathy of University Park, FL and Robert Brush of Kerhonkson, NY. Several nieces and nephews. Tom was pre-deceased by his mother, Margaret Mary and his brothers; James G. Brush and John W. Brush.