Rochester, NY: Thomas Stephen Hervey passed away at age 62 on October 3, 2017. Thom is predeceased by his father, Rev. William Hoyt Hervey, mother, Bessie Jane Hervey, brother, Terrance James Hervey, and sister, Barbara Jean Hervey. He is survived by his siblings, Timothy (Cynthia) Hervey, Patricia Macking, and Kimberly (Gabriel) Rivera, nieces and nephews, Hannibal (Megan) Hannah, Ryan (Brittany), William, Bianca (Nathan), Jessica, Jennifer, Malerie (Sean), Samantha, Emmanuel (Karah), and great nieces and nephews, Noah, Hailey, Marshall and Suzanne, as well as many close friends.
Thom, better known as “BEAR” by most, was born February 22, 1955 in New Brunswick, NJ and later moved to Rochester with his family, where he grew up. He was free-spirited, loved music, friends, family, art, and supporting independent business owners, oh, and the public market…He LOVED the public market. He enjoyed Artists like Janis Joplin, Bob Marley and others from back in the day. He was in a few bands of his own…. Holy Smoke, String Theory, and there may be more I don’t know about. He was also an artist, known for his very unique masks.
He enjoyed spending time with his friends and loved to bless them any way he could. He loved hearing updates about family (nieces and nephews) how they were doing, what they have been up to, etc., And we talked about food a lot (usually about what mom used to make).
Thom was getting along pretty well over the years, and I remember him telling me that his Dr was surprised he was doing so well with the amount of health issues he had. Thoms response “I take really good vitamins”. He used to do lots of research on medications and vitamins, etc., But over the past 6+ months, he had been in and out of the hospital quite frequently, and his quality of life was deteriorating, and me trying to get him to consider living in any other environment, such as an assisted living facility? Oh, he was “not” hearing it. And this past visit to RGH was where he took his last breath.
I do hope you are able to come and share in this celebration of his life. If you are not able to come, please feel free to share/post a memory or story. Those coming are also welcome to post before or after…. Here are the Memorial service details:
Date: Saturday, October 14th, 2017
Time: 2pm
Location: Potter Memorial Building
Address: 53 W Church Street, Fairport NY 14450
Details: There will be a service, then friends and family are welcome to stand and share a favorite memory
Following: Refreshments will be served during a time of fellowship
I am so sorry for your loss. I have know Bear for 46 years. He used to jam with my brother Marc. He is gone too and I hope and pray they are jamming together on the other side.
I loved him. I will miss him. I pray he is at peace.
Didn’t know Bear well at all. I do remember him sitting in front on me in a high school math class sophomore year and although we ran in different circles we had a couple of mutual friends. Last time I saw him was in’09 at a memorial service for Rick Burton. I’m sure he and Rick are hanging together as I type this. On Eagles 🦅 Wings Bear.
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one. Keeping you all in my prayers.
The Hervey’s were quite a clan when I met them. They had just moved from NJ and were staying with the Starret family until they settled. I hung mainly with Terry and Laverne but the family was pretty tight and I had the pleasure of getting to know them all. Lots of fun, love and yes, tears.
Thom was the elder and “Bear” was the perfect name. He was born with a beard and had lots of hair. Peaceful, gentle, yet intense spirit always kind and great smile. I write this because that loving spirit of his was in the people all around him, especially Tim,Patty and Kim. Hang in there. Lots of love and I’m so sorry for your loss.
My condolences to the Family. Great guy and we had fun Mr ories. RIP. Love to all. Lucille (Bucky)
My deepest condolences to the Hervey family. Such a sad loss.
Praying for comfort and peace to the family.
My condolences and love to Tom’s family. I knew him, and them, so long ago. I was able to keep in touch with Tom sporadically over the last 10 years or so. I will miss him.
Bear was my “Bestman”!! In so many more ways than I can ever say… It was his invtie, to his Dads church, Rev.Bill Hervey to memorial, for a fellow gitar picker, George F. who passed away back when we were all at Iroquois in mabe seventh grade.. And I got to meet a man who saved my life in many ways Rev.Tom Hegar… The first time I ever rode a bike was that Honda trail 90 in the back yard on Thomas ave. next door to the Knudson’s John,& his sisters, Anna, Pauly and the rest… Well that’s when it get’s a little cloudy…
“Holy-Smoke” was as close,2 home as I felt in a long time
I know that He was’t perfect..
But he was a perfect “best friend”,,,He never left “I did” and for that I’m so sorry,. All my love allways Peter