DOLGEVILLE - Mr. Thomas A. Sarpen, age 56 of Hoertz Road, Little Falls, NY "Keyser Lake" died unexpectedly on New Year's Day January 1, 2014 as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic fire at his home. Tom was born in Little Falls, on August 13, 1957 the son of the late Oscar and Emily (Ortlieb) Sarpen. He attended Dolgeville schools and was a graduate of Dolgeville Central School Class of 1975. He later went on to attend Kansas City Missouri School of Aviation, "Aviation Institute of Maintenance." Tom was employed by Remington Arms in Ilion. He was a member of the Dolgeville United Methodist Church. He was a lifelong area resident. He was a woodsman and a boater, and personally was an accomplished water and down - hill skier. Tom enjoyed bowling and swimming and was a country music lover. He was a very proud great uncle. This was such a sudden loss to his family. Tom was an animal rescuer, lover and provider. He was inventive and creative. Through the years he ended up with three licenses in aviation mechanics. He held air frame and mechanics licenses. He was a builder and great in the field of carpentry and worked great with his hands. Surviving are his siblings William Sarpen of Dolgeville, Linda Ermisch and her husband Karl of Little Falls, Kathleen Sarpen of Dolgeville, and Lori Ann Guetti and husband Peter of Utica; nieces and nephews: Laura Ritchie and husband Matthew Henry (their children Quinn and Ian Henry), Christine Sherwood and her husband Jamie (their children Connor and Jack Sherwood), Daniel K. Ermisch, and Michael Sarpen; aunt and uncle: Virginia Ortlieb of Herkimer and Charles Provorse of Little Falls; along with many cousins and very special friends. He loved his animals including Bubba and Kemo Sabe. He was predeceased by his parents. His funeral service will be held Saturday January 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Dolgeville United Methodist Church, 21 North Helmer Avenue, Dolgeville with the Rev. Jack Ford, Pastor officiating. Calling hours will be held on Saturday morning prior to the services 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. AT THE CHURCH. Spring interment will take place in the family plot in Dolgeville Cemetery. Donations in memory of Tom may be considered to the Herkimer County Humane Society or to the Dolgeville United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the church service for these purposes. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Brian A. Roberts and Kevin E. Enea of the Roberts & Enea Funeral Home 3 Faville Avenue in Dolgeville. A Special Thank You to the assisting fire departments during this very difficult time. A remembrance of Tom or a message of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.robertsandenea.com.