Thomas Matthew Hurst

Thomas Matthew Hurst of Trumansburg, NY passed away at the Hospicare Residence in Ithaca, NY on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, a few days shy of his 72nd birthday.

Tom was born in Hardwick, VT, a few miles from his hometown and favorite place on earth, Greensboro, VT, to Ernest Matthew and Phyllis (Willey) Hurst.  As a boy he spent many hours working in the family business, The Willey’s Store, a remarkable emporium selling groceries, hardware, and clothing. It was in this environment that Tom developed his strong work ethic and dedication to community.  He also was active in the Greensboro United Church of Christ.  After graduating from Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, NH, Tom attended Bates College in Lewiston, ME where he majored in religion, and received his Bachelor’s degree in 1974.  Tom then attended Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Newton, MA, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1978.

It was at Bates that he met Merrill Bunce, and they were married in 1983.  In the next four years, they welcomed two daughters: Emily (Hurst) Thompson, who currently lives in Trumansburg with her husband, Nathaniel, and their three daughters, Nathalie, Edith, and Lillian; and Whitney (Hurst) Katz who lives north of Chicago and has two sons, Jordan and Austin.

Tom had two careers: as a minister in two churches of the United Church of Christ, and as fourth generation manager of the family store in Vermont for the last 15 years of his working life.  Back in his beloved Greensboro, he joined the Historical Society and the Greensboro Fire Department, and was involved in his church.

In 2000, Tom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and met that challenge by walking around Caspian Lake near his home over 400 times, undoubtedly adding years to his life.  He never tired of answering questions about his disease or treatment in the hope of increasing awareness of PD.

After he and Merrill retired they moved to Trumansburg, where Tom enjoyed spending time with family, assisting the Trumansburg Historical Society, attending the Trumansburg Fire Department meetings as chaplain, visiting various churches in the area, and participating in Rock Steady Boxing, an exercise program for people with Parkinson’s Disease.  He also brought with him from Greensboro his hobby of making chocolate chip cookies regularly, and delivering them to friends, neighbors, and group meetings.  He became quite famous around both towns for this practice.

In September 2024, Tom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, resulting in his death two months later. Tom is survived by his wife; daughters and grandchildren; as well as sister Liisa (Hurst) Coco of Colorado and her family; and brother Robert Matthew Hurst of Greensboro, Vermont and his family.

A funeral service was held on Nov. 26 at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church in Trumansburg, NY.

In lieu of flowers, Tom would be honored by donations sent to either The Greensboro United Church of Christ, Greensboro, VT 05841 or the Trumansburg Volunteer Fire Company, EMS, PO Box 418, Trumansburg, NY 14886.

As his final sign of gratitude to the scientific advancements that prolonged his active life, Tom made an anatomical gift to the SUNY Upstate Medical University. His ashes will be interred in the Hurst family plot in Greensboro within the next two years