Thomas B. Critz

Known to many in the Jordan-Elbridge community as “Tee Cee,” Thomas Critz, 94, died peacefully in the company of family in Syracuse on December 8, 2020.  Remembered as an accurate shot on the golf course, spirited tennis player, pioneer of alpine skiing and a skilled bridge player, Tee was friend to many and loyally served Jordan – Elbridge operating the area’s only pharmacy for 37 years.  Most recently, Tee lived independently at the Nottingham Senior Community in Jamesville.  

Born in Britt, Iowa in 1926, Tee moved to Syracuse as a boy where he attended St. Vincent’s School.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944, later stationed on a Destroyer Escort in the Pacific. Following an Honorable Discharge, Tee enrolled at St. Bonaventure before transferring to Albany College of Pharmacy. Newly graduated in 1950, Tee and his bride Patricia (Patty) moved to Jordan, where he established Critz Pharmacy and began his pharmacy practice. They joined St. Patrick’s Church, Jordan where Tee was an active lector and as a teacher of confirmation classes for several decades. Tee and Patty enjoyed travel, music, skiing, bridge, their home and yard, and later in life, visiting their children and creating memories with their grandchildren.  

Tee is preceded in death by his beloved Patty, sisters Elizabeth (Coville) and Chris (Hanavan) and infants John and Catherine Mary. He is survived by his sister Margaret (Wright), seven children: Mark (Susan), Matthew (Juanita), Cate, Amy, Elizabeth Schockmel (Keith), Monica and Timothy; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Services will be arranged in the spring by Bush Funeral Home in Elbridge. Thomas will receive a military burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Jordan.  Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Jordan Ambulance Fund, 1 N. Hamilton St. Jordan, NY 13080.  

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