Poughkeepsie, NY

Thomas Harold Bechard, 77, of Hyde Park, died on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at The Eleanor Nursing Care Center, Hyde Park.

Born on August 24, 1946, in Tuxedo, NY, he was the son of Wilfred and Bertha Hayden Bechard. He met his future bride, the former Catherine Ghandt while working at the Hudson River State Hospital. Catherine passed away in 1996.

Thomas was a graduate of FDR High School, Class of 1966. He retired in 1988 from the Hudson River State Hospital, with over twenty-five years of service.

Thomas was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the United States Army. He enjoyed fishing, watching wrestling and spending time with his sister Gerry and her family. Tom was a fun loving and caring person. He enjoyed helping his family and friends. He spent his younger years at the Children's Home in Poughkeepsie, NY along with his siblings.

Thomas is survived by his brother, Patrick Hawhurst, Syracuse, NY, his sisters, Geraldine and her husband Joseph Contursi, Hyde Park, and Deborah Sweet, Virginia,  nephew, Justin and wife Christine Contursi, great nephews, Aiden, Brandon and one great grand-niece, Julia.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Catherine, he was predeceased by two brothers, Robert Bechard of Syracuse in June of 2007, and Wilfred Bechard, prior to his passing, living in the Philippines, and niece, Amy Contursi who died in November of 2010.

Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, from 3pm to 6pm at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park. Funeral services will begin at 10am on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, where Thomas will be laid to rest next to his beloved Catherine. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Children's Home of Poughkeepsie, 10 Children's Way, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or online at www.childrenshome.us. To send an online condolence, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.