Brighton NY: August 21, 2022, Todd passed away at the age of 54 after a courageous 2 ½ year battle with lung cancer. Todd is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ellen (Bradshaw) Thayer; daughters Kaitlyn and Allison and son Owen; father Norman Thayer, brother John Thayer; mother-in-law Carol Bradshaw, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nephews, nieces and friends far and wide. Todd was predeceased by his mother Susan (Hutchings) Thayer and father-in-law Robert Bradshaw.
Todd was born December 18, 1967, in Rochester, NY. He graduated from Pittsford Mendon in 1986 and Dartmouth College in 1990 with a BA and again in 1991 with a BE in Computer Engineering. He worked at Xerox for many years and most recently L3Harris. He was a talented engineer who had a knack for problem solving.
He loved traveling, spending time with family at Loon Lake, baking apple pies, biking, skiing, hiking, rowing, playing cards, doing Suduko and KenKen puzzles on the porch, and evenings with friends. He was gregarious and a genuine friend to so many – his legendary hugs will be missed.
Todd could be found on the sidelines or audience of just about any event that remotely involved his children. At sports events, decked out in the proper fanwear (hat, shirt or both), Todd’s booming voice was often heard over the crowd as he cheered for not only his own children but the entire team.
Todd always said, “while I may not be the richest man, I made choices in life that revolved around my family – and my children are my proudest legacy.”
The family would like to thank the incredible ICU nurses and doctors at Strong Memorial Hospital Unit 8.3400. A special thank you to Todd’s compassionate oncologist, Dr. Deb Mulford at the Wilmot Cancer Center (who just happened to be his high school AP Chem lab partner many years ago!)
A celebration of Todd’s life will be held Oct 1st at 1:00 pm at the Rochester Academy of Medicine, 1441 East Ave, Rochester NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sierra Club or lung cancer research at the Wilmot Cancer Institute (300 East River Rd. Box #278996, Rochester, NY 14627) in Todd’s memory.
Dear Ellen and Family:
You all have our deepest sympathies.
Steve & Julie Blanchard
Dear Todd’s Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope you are able to find comfort in fond memories of him.
With much sympathy,
Tracy Schleyer
Todd could light up any room – his enthusiasm for all family members extended even to his large group of friends and anything “Brighton”. He will be so dearly missed – warmest thoughts to his family!
Ellen, I cannot even imagine the loss and devastation you and your family are feeling. While I didn’t know Todd well, the times we did meet, he was always friendly and ready to chat it up or toast a drink in celebration of anything. He put out good energy into the universe and will continue to do so, I’m sure. You are a remarkably strong woman with a loving family at home and at work. Lean on your support group as needed. We are here for you. Sending you all prayers for peace.
I do not know Todd in person but thanks to him and his peer founders, we have the Genesee Rowing Club to enjoy today and to make rowing more accessible in mid-life to masters like myself. I am sure it is also one of the proud legacies he left behind. I am so sorry for your loss, he was still so young and had so much to offer to make the world a better place. But I am also amazed by how much he had achieved within his lifetime, and hope he had a joyful reunion with his mother (and father-in-law).
(a rookie rower at GRC)
We are so sad to learn of Todd’s passing. We enjoyed getting to know Todd and Ellen through Brighton soccer. They were always gracious with time, resources and support for all the soccer girls and families. We so enjoyed those times and knowing Todd.
Ellen, Kaitlyn, Ally and Owen you were blessed with an amazing dad whom will be missed.
Our heartfelt condolences
Mark, Roxanne and Katherine Lowenguth
Dear Ellen, Kaitlyn, Ally, and Owen,
We are so sorry for your loss. Todd was such a kind person and has contributed a lot of good to the world. We are certain you will carry on his legacy.
Sincerely,
The Booths ( Jeff, Steph, Jackson, and Steven
Todd was my best friend in fourth and fifth grade. He was brilliant, fun, and had a great sense of humor. Terrific piano player, too. I miss him and I’m grateful to have known him. My condolences to his family and all who are missing him.