Harrison S. Thom

VICTOR, NY/ April 6, 2026: Born December 28, 1929. Predeceased by his wife, Margaret (Pomeroy) Thom. He is survived by two sons, Daniel H. Thom (Lois) and Dr. Stephen R. Thom (Jean), daughter, Patricia E. Coates (Jeffry); four sisters, Goldie Rogers, Jean and Connie Thom, and Bonnie Graff; six grandchildren, Megan Thom, Dr. Christopher Thom (Dr. Colleen), Matthew Thom (Angela), Kelly Barbato (David), Michael Thom (Kelsey), Alissa Frederick (Zach); eight great grandchildren, Maddie Thom, Alex Thom, Sofia Thom, Savannah Thom, Ava DeFrees, Anson Barbato, Harrison Barbato and Cassandra Frederick; three nephews, Jim Rogers (Margarita), Gary Rogers (Suzette), and Tom Hendrickson (Suzanne), two nieces, Linda Andrews (Ralph) and Deborah Hendrickson.

Harrison had worked on his father’s farm during high school and graduated from Spencerport High School in 1948. He attended Alfred State College; however, was forced to drop out due to severe illness. He returned to Rochester and was employed at General Motors. His employment was interrupted by the Korean War when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in December, 1950. He became a Supplies Sergeant stationed at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Harrison married his life-long wife, Margaret Pomeroy in 1951. He secured an honorable discharge from active duty in August 1952 to return home to assist on Margaret’s father’s farm to harvest the crops.

Upon his return to Rochester, Harrison resumed working at General Motors, began tool and die training, and worked for them as a Tool Maker for 13 years. He decided to work for himself in 1960, partnered with his friend, Norman Gauch, and bought Minett Tool and Die company from Mr. Frederick Minett. With Harrison’s entrepreneurial spirit, Harrison had started producing the “Outlaw” fishing lure while at General Motors, and later merged that with the Hofschnieder “Red Eye Wiggler” which had been acquired with the purchase of Minett Tool and Die. Harrison also developed the “Lure Glow” formula additive which would make bait glow brightly in the depths of the Finger Lakes. This product was used by Len Hartman, the professional fisherman from Alexandria Bay, to catch the world record Muskie in Lake Ontario. The Muskie weighed over 79 pounds, resulting in a record that held for over 35 years.

Harrison also started and ran a fiberglass manufacturing business, and an urban renewal sand-blasting business in addition to Minett Tool & Die. As the fortunes of small businesses were changed and challenged in the early 1970’s, in 1974 Harrison sold all the businesses and began building luxury homes in the Churchville/Chili area. He joined Century 21 Real Estate as a Realtor/Broker, moved to Pompano Beach FL in 1977, and opened his office, International American Properties in 1980. He and his wife later moved back to Rochester area, and enjoyed spending time at their cottage on Honeoye Lake for many years.

In addition to his entrepreneurial spirit, Harrison loved researching and investing in stocks. Harrison always credited Mr. Frederick Minett for igniting his interest in the stock market. Following his passion, Harrison and Margaret Thom started the Harrison S. and Margaret E. Thom Education Fund in 2025, to support a boy and girl from each of their high schools. Peg was class of 1947 Canandaigua Academy, and Harrison was class of 1948 Spencerport High School.

Harrison was a phenomenal card player, and possessed the ability to make a winning hand out of thin air. His favorite game was “Pepper” and he enjoyed playing it for many hours with family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.