Thomas Alfred Facelle

With family at his side Thomas A. Facelle passed away on July 30, 2021, two days before his 92nd birthday.He had a long and extraordinary career in the law and the military, but he would say that his family was his greatest joy and achievement. Born in the depression of 1929 to Thomas and Helen Facelle he grew up in the lower east side of Manhattan, a proud Italian-American and devout, life-long Roman Catholic. He graduated with honors from Xavier Military Academy and enlisted in the Army in 1946 on his 17th birthday. After compassionate discharge from the Army upon the sudden death of his mother he enrolled in Fordham University and graduated with honors in 1952.  During that time he met the love of his life Rose Mirabelli.  After marriage in 1952 he entered night classes at Fordham Law School, working full time during the day to support his wife and son. Finishing 5th in a class of 178 students he was a successful applicant for a position with the prestigious US Attorney's Office in the Southern District of NY.

In 1958 the Facelles moved to Yonkers when Tom accepted a coveted  appointment to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office. He rose rapidly in the office and was soon promoted to Chief Assistant DA-  a position he filled for over 20 years. He was unsurpassed as a trial lawyer handling the biggest cases and never losing a felony conviction. When one of his homicide cases was reviewed on appeal, a highly prominent jurist said that his trial summary was the finest he had ever read. He also served as a mentor to countless attorneys - many who have gone on to noteworthy legal careers.

He lectured nationally in the early '60s on the incipient scourge of drug addiction and related crimes. Over his career he delivered literally thousands of talks, and taught trial proceedings at Pace Law where he was on the adjunct faculty. Tom served with distinction on numerous civic organizations in particular the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Westchester Mental Health Association.

Parallel to his civilian positions he served in the US Air Force Reserve as a Staff Judge Advocate and was promoted to Brigadier General, his proudest accomplishment. After 38 years he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the highest non-combat related medal, a long way from a teenage private in post-war Japan.

The last phase of his career was in the judiciary.  He was elected Family Court Judge in Westchester County, a job he said was the toughest he ever had because it directly impacted the well-being of children.  He then successfully ran for the  NYS Supreme Court for the 9th Judicial District covering five counties. Any attorney  who appeared before him knew they had better be prepared because he was smart and tough, but always fair.

After retirement he and Rose enjoyed extensive travel, especially Europe and Italy, as well as visiting family and friends.They had an active and varied social life in Westchester and Delray Beach Florida until Rose's death in 2010. In his later years he had the devoted companionship of Suzanne Johnson.

As a youth Tom was an excellent swimmer and boxer. In the Army he was awarded the infantry marksman's medal.  His main hobby was stamp collecting and he assembled a beautiful array of American and Italian postage stamps.  Books and newspapers were his daily passion.  He was an avid sports fan and Jets season ticket holder and was in the stadium at their only Super Bowl win.  He enjoyed golfing, bowling, softball, and the occasional card game. Dad loved family time most of all, with games and discussions, often over pizza with Sinatra in the background.

You could never beat him in and argument, though, and we all tried. On the other hand,  Dad was a wonderful listener and gave great judgment-free advice.

Tom was predeceased by his wife and children Robert and Judith Ann.  "Poppi" is survived by his sons Thomas (Joan) and Michael (Erin); five grandchildren Thomas (Jen),Amanda (Peter), Stephen (Abigail) Michael P (Ari), and Kathryn; and four great-grandchildren Ryan, Wesley, Everett, and Keely; and many cousins and friends.

An obituary that merely catalogues his wide-ranging and impressive accomplishments would miss the essence of this man:  he gave freely of his time and talents and was a most loving and forgiving father.

Tom was truly larger than life and yet we remember him for his humble love of God and country and family.

Good-bye, Dad.  We'll miss you.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School at 59 E. Main St, Elmsford, NY 10523