Obituary of Thomas John Mach

Tommy Mach Sunrise September 20, 1955 Sunset October 25, 2007 Mountaindale, NY - Thomas John Mach, 52 years young, arrived in Heaven on Thursday, October 25, 2007. We believe he most likely drove through the gates in a convertible Dodge Dart circa 1960s, customized in full Tommy Mach style, wearing that well worn cowboy hat that youd recognize a half mile away. Were pretty sure he was also sporting that kid-like smile, knowing there arent any speed traps all the way home and no flashing red lights in the rear view (not that they would have caught him anyway) and since all dogs go to Heaven, surely his Jack Russell Ralph, waiting for his master to come home, jumped in the front seat when he got there. Born in Amsterdam to John and Barbara Mach, he was the first of the Mach kids. Starting out in West Haverstraw, NY, ending up in Wickham Village, Warwick, NY, Tommy was known for cars, model cars, custom painted, modified and the impressive mini racetrack in the basement. From the days of his first car, that red VW Carmen Ghia, anyone who knew him would most certainly have a story that begins with I remember the time he was driving followed by laughter and accounts of chases and races that kept not only his guardian angels busy, but the local patrolmen as well. His life took him many places, working for such places as Sears Automotive Dept., to nuclear plant operator, to Texaco, where he spent 15 years doing research and development and fleet testing of vehicles. His passion was always cars: classics, hot rods, hoopties and everything in between. He could always be called on to find, fix or retire vehicles. If you had Tommy looking for a car for you, it was gonna be a great one. When his daughter April was born, he fell in love. While most other babies would be gripping a playpen rail, she knew the steering wheel and dashboard of a parked car to be her busybox. A little later on, Aprils Barbie Nascar would be featured in a model car magazine. The legacy continues. Tommy enjoyed so many things in this life. Sharing his love for cars, he started a weekly after school program to benefit at-risk kids, teaching them, of course, how to build model cars. He was a member of the Orange County Antique Auto Club, the Newburgh Model Car Club. He could also let you know where every great diner is, who had the best meatball parm hero and a back road shortcut the GPS doesnt know about to most anywhere. Unknown to many of us until the photos emerged, we learned that, dressed as the Easter Bunny or Santa, he visited hospitals, bringing smiles to young and old; and speaking of smiles, he had one that lit up a room. He is survived by his amazing 18 year old daughter: April Lynn Mach; his once in a lifetime love of his life Sandy Bergen; his mother: Barbara M. Mach; his father: John L. Mach & Joan; his brother: Johnny Mach & Belinda; his sisters: Joanne Mach, Carolyn Macauley & Kenny, Nancy Mach-Soldwedel & Bobby, Mary Brulatour & Chris. He was also the coolest uncle in the world to Casey Lingle & Jessica, Michael Morino, Heather and Kenny Macauley, Christopher, David and Jonathan Brulatour. Lord, we are so grateful for the treasure you gave us. The gift of Tommy, forever in our hearts. Visitation will be on Sunday, October 28 from 12:00 noon to 3:00pm the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home, 111 Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro. His funeral service will be held on Sunday afternoon at 3:00. Memorial contributions made to his daughter April would be appreciated. Arrangements under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Wurtsboro. For additional information please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com