Thomas Allen Henley, 82, of Vestal, NY died as the result of a stroke on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at the Syracuse Upstate University Medical Center. He was the only child of Francis and Mildred (Smith) Henley, and was born on August 13, 1944. He was a graduate of the Vestal Central School class of 1962, and a graduate of SUNY Albany, class of 1967.

Tom was a veteran of the US Army, and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He met his future wife, Laraine Rowe, at SUNY Albany in 1965. On his return to civilian life, they were married January 24, 1974. They returned to his childhood home in Vestal, NY and continued an adventurous life for the next 52 years.

In 1982, he became a member of the United States International Muzzleloading Team, and was able to compete in world championships over the next 35 years, winning a number of gold medals and achieving world records. He loved chocolate and Reese's peanut butter cups almost as much as making and delivering on cheeseburger bets for winning targets! He left this world a better place with his kindness, compassion, and willingness to help anyone – especially fellow muzzleloaders.

He is survived by his loving wife Laraine Rowe Henley, his sister and brother-in-law Joan and Peter Schweigert, a special goddaughter Erica (John) Ethrington, and nieces Teresa (Adam) Reider, Grace (Dylan) Reider, Adelaide Reider, and nephew Jackson Reider, and his cousin Mary J. Hatch.

Viewing will be at Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home, 765 Main Street, Vestal, NY from 4 -6 pm pm Friday, April 17, 2026. A funeral mass will be offered at 10:30 on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 801 Main Street, Vestal, NY. Lunch will be served following the internment at Our Lady of Sorrows.