Obituary of Thomas C. Kait Sr.

With the passing of Thomas Charles Kait, Sr., the title of South Buffalo’s “Toughest SOB” is, regrettably, now up for grabs. Tom passed away peacefully at his home in Angola, NY, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on September 24, 1944, in Buffalo, NY, Tom was raised in South Buffalo and graduated from Bishop Timon High School. After high school, he served in the Army Reserves, training at Fort Dix, NJ, and later stationed at Fort McClellan, AL. He went on to study business at Bryant & Stratton College before marrying the love of his life, Kathleen Harrity, on April 12, 1969. They found their forever home in Angola, where he could more often than not be found on his patio watching the beautiful sunsets. Tom was never afraid of a hard day’s work. He began as a laborer at Bethlehem Steel and later became a typesetter at the Courier-Express. After the newspapers closure, he wore many hats, working at Niagara Envelope and R.T. Jones Lumber Yard, and eventually becoming the Water Superintendent for the Town of Evans. Known affectionately as “Dr. Water and H2O,” Tom led by example—more often found in the trenches with a wrench than behind a desk. He was a fierce competitor in Wheel of Fortune and self-proclaimed undefeated at-home Jeopardy! Champion, Tom’s household phone didn’t stand a chance of being answered between 7:00PM and 8:00 PM Tom was a proud father and grandfather. He is survived by his children: Thomas Kait Jr. (Tracy) of Virginia Beach; Jason Kait (Leigh-ann) of Raleigh, NC; Karen Rose (Ryan) of Suffolk, VA; and Megan Kait (Tim) of Virginia Beach, VA. His legacy lives on in his eight grandchildren: Courtney Snyder (nee Kait), Thomas Kait III, Tre Demas, Nick Demas, Isabelle Rose, Maddon Rose, Kieran Rose, and Milly Kait-Mossholder. He was joyfully anticipating becoming a great-grandfather in November. He was blessed with numerous cherished friends he considered family. He will be remembered for his generosity, humor and the joy he brought to his family and friends. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His siblings also survive him: Carolyn Clancy (née Kait), Michael Kait Jr., and Rosemary McKinley (née Kait), along with his cherished in-laws, James Harrity, Barbara Smith (née Harrity), John Harrity, and Ann Lloyd (Bukowski). Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Michael Sr. and Henrietta Kait, and his brother, Joseph Kait. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the ADDISON FUNERAL HOME, INC. 262 N. Main St. Angola, NY. A Celebration of Life will be held SATURDAY, July 26, at the Lake Erie Beach Fire Hall, 9483 lake Shore Road, Angola, NY, from 3:00PM to 7:00PM., where friends and family are invited to raise a Bud Light in his honor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Research Institute or the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.