MOHAWK: Thomas J. Preston, known to many friends and acquaintances as "Potterr" left this world on Friday, August 12, 2011. He had the love and comfort of his wife and family by his side at the time of his passing. Tom was born in Little Falls, on February 21, 1952 son of the late Robert E. Preston & Dorothy (Masle) Preston. He graduated from Herkimer High School in 1970 and attended HCCC. For 35 years, Tom was employed by CSX (formerly Conrail), the last several years as Foreman of the Bridges & Buildings Department. On September 19, 1987 Tom married Valerie, sharing 24 years of happiness, companionship, fun and laughter. Tom loved horse racing from Vernon and Saratoga to talking with the guys at OTB. He enjoyed spending time in his vegetable garden and putting his skills to work as an amateur landscaper. He was a proud member of Red Sox Nation and a dedicated, eternally optimistic fan of the Buffalo Bills. Tom leaves his wife, Val; his mother, Dorothy Preston, his sisters & their spouses, Roberta & George Connell; Jane & Alan Hipps; Lauren & Peter Gibbs; and Nancy & Ted Wind. He leaves his nephews and nieces of whom he was so proud and who meant so very much to him: Megan (Connell) Kegel & husband Kevin, Preston Connell and Lauren Connell; Jacob Hipps and Robert Hipps; Thomas Gibbs and Louise Gibbs; and Dimitri Wind. He also leaves a close extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. Tom's strong will and steely determination, along with his uncomplaining and positive attitude in facing his incurable rare blood disorder were remarkable and an inspiration to all who knew what he faced daily. Val thanks all of Tom's railroad buddies and the friends who visited, called and kept in contact with Tom - he truly appreciated and looked forward to those calls and visits. Tom's family also thanks Dr. Healey, Dr. Bravin, Dr. Freund, and every nurse and staff member of Bassett Hospital and Little Falls Hospital for the care, compassion and sincere friendship to Tom over the years. Funeral services will be held at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315) 866-1011 and 9:30 a.m. at Sts. Anthony & Joseph Church, Main St., Herkimer, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Reverend Thomas Lawless, Pastor. Procession will follow to Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, where Tom will be laid to rest. Calling hours will be held at the Enea Family Funeral Home, Herkimer, NY on Monday, August 15, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to Bassett Hospital or the American Red Cross be considered. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care of Harry J. Enea, Funeral Director.