R. Thomas Cheney

R. Thomas Cheney passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at the House of John, in Clifton Springs, surrounded by his loving family – after a long life, well lived. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 13th at 10:00 am at St. Francis Church with Father Anthony Amato officiating, followed by burial in St. Francis Cemetery. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no prior calling hours.
The family request the courtesy of no flowers. Donations may be made in memory of Tom to the House of John, 14 Spring Street, Clifton Springs, N.Y. 14432.
He was born in Phelps, New York on March 11, 1936 to Roy and Leona Cheney. Tom was a proud Army Veteran and member of the Phelps American Legion, having received the Legionnaire of the Year award in 2016. He entered the service after graduating from Phelps Central School in 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1963.
While stationed in Germany, he married his sweetheart from Phelps and the love his life, Beverley (King). They spent 58 years together until her death in 2015. He marked their 70th anniversary this past July.
No matter where life took them, the communities in which they lived benefited from their friendship, volunteerism and dedication. When it came to community service, you rarely said one name without the other. It was almost always “Tom and Bev”, receiving many recognitions for their commitment and leadership.
Their home was always open to international exchange students, Fresh Air children and the many “strays” that their children brought home.
Returning to their hometown in 2002, they were on a mission to help better Phelps, leading by example. A quiet retirement was not in their plans. It seemed like they became a part of almost every community event and many organizations in Phelps. If Bev joined an organization, Tom was there to help and vice versa.
Tom was a vital member of the Boards of Directors for the Phelps Community Center, the Phelps Historical Society, the Phelps Chamber of Commerce and the Phelps Food Cupboard, and Parish Council for St. Francis Church.
While raising their family in Clifton Springs, Tom served as Village Trustee and Town of Manchester Code Enforcement Officer and was a member of the Clifton Springs Rotary. He and Bev also owned and operated the local pizza and sub shop, Cousin Luigi’s.
In every community they lived, Tom served his Church as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan and member of the Parish Council, among other roles.
Tom’s dedication and efforts on behalf of his church and community were only surpassed by that for his family. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his sons, Stephen and Bradley. He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Jill Cheney; children, Teresa (Terry) McKenzie of Isle of Palms, S.C. Ellen (John) Luppino of Mohawk, N.Y., Jim (Dawn) Cheney of Phelps, Peter (Sharon) Cheney of Phelps; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; brother Richard (Kathleen) Cheney; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. He was also predeceased by his brother, Roger.
He was known for his sharp mind, his tact and his humility … right to the end. His doctor said of him, “Behind that pleasant smile and disarming humor lies the heart of a lion.” He amazed everyone he encountered by his love of life, his sharp mind, his will to live and the fact he still lived on his own even though his body was tiring. He rarely spoke of his accomplishments, his service or the past. Even at 90, he was always humble and looking to what was next.
The family would like to thank all those who cared for him in recent years during his hospital visits and frequent transfusions, especially Dr. Jason Feinberg and the staff (who affectionately knew him as RT) at Geneva General Hospital and Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Penn Yan; as well as, the wonderful staff and volunteers at the House of John, who made his last 10 days more than anything we could have asked for. To all those who donate blood through the American Red Cross, thank you. Without your gifts, he would not have had the life he had in his later years.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7