Obituary of Thomas John Birdsall

ATHOL:  The family of Thomas “Tucker” John Birdsall, 78, of Athol, NY, shares with heavy hearts that he took the express bus to heaven on May 27th, 2026.

Born on July 15th, 1947, at Glens Falls Hospital, he was the youngest of four children born to David and Helen (Weinacht) Birdsall. He grew up in Wantagh (Long Island) and spent summers at the Ranch in Athol.  Tucker graduated from Wantagh High School in 1965 and went on to attend Farmingdale College, where he was on the Dean’s List all four semesters. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Animal Science in 1967. He was accepted to Cornell University, but during his first semester, his mother passed away unexpectedly. Following that semester, Tucker returned home to be with his family.  

Tucker attended Midwest Horseshoeing School in Macomb, Illinois. In the summer of 1969, he answered a call to shoe a horse in Corinth; a call that would change his life forever. The horse belonged to Arlinda Guilder, who soon became the love of his life, soulmate, and best friend. Tucker and Arlinda were married on September 5, 1970, and shared nearly 56 years of true and enduring love together. Following their marriage, the couple returned to farrier school, where Tucker further refined his skills and trained in the art and techniques of horseshoeing and blacksmithing. 

As one of the top farriers in the area, Tuck passed the challenging test to be admitted to the Thoroughbred Racetracks: Saratoga, Aqueduct, and Belmont to shoe million-dollar racehorses.  Tuck also collaborated with a top racetrack veterinarian to make a titanium brace for a horse with a broken leg.  He engineered the brace from titanium sourced from a local bicycle shop.  The horse, Turn Back the Alarm, not only recovered but returned to racing, an outcome considered highly unusual at the time and rarely, if ever, repeated. In recognition of his dedication and craftsmanship, Tucker was nominated for induction into the Horseshoer's Hall of Fame. He was on the cover of The Blood Horse magazine and was a twice-published author in the same premier horseracing magazine.  He concluded his career working as the paddock blacksmith, carefully inspecting each horse’s shoes before races. Tucker retired in 2022 after a long and respected career. 

In addition to his horseshoeing career, Tucker was nominated by write-in vote to be the Thurman Town Assessor.  He was dedicated to the town for many years and was extremely successful behind the scenes, fixing the equalization rate and securing many grants and money for the town and school district. He faithfully served the town until his retirement in September 2025. 

His influence on the community did not stop there…Tucker coached Little League for decades, building character along with baseball skills for numerous players. He was an outstanding coach who led by example and won many games and even championship titles with his teams.  He was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Warrensburg. He taught Sunday school and would let the kids ring the bell to see who could “ride the rope” the highest. He wrote an article about the adventures of his Sunday School kids, which was published in the Guidepost magazine. He was an elder and Clerk of Session for many years. 

Anyone who was lucky enough to know Tuck was blessed by his ability to accept people for who they are and challenge them to be their best selves. His friends and family had the privilege of his loyalty, sense of humor, and unwavering support. He was an honorable, selfless man who always gave his best. Tucker’s family remained the center of his world and the greatest joy of his life. His kindness and compassion toward his family, his community, and the animals he cared for knew no bounds, and all who had the privilege of knowing him were better for it.

Tucker is being welcomed into heaven by his parents, David and Helen, his sister Evelyn Spice, and numerous friends and loyal canines (including his beloved Droopy) to pass before him.

Left to cherish Tucker’s memory is his beloved wife, Arlinda Birdsall; his children, Jamie (Dan) Sesselman and Jordan (Mandy) Birdsall; and the joys of his life, his grandchildren Tommy, Nick, Luke, and Kate Sesselman, and Morgan, Tuck, and Calvin Birdsall. He is also survived by his siblings, Judith (Doug) Birdsall-Taylor and David (Sue) Birdsall; many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his best friend since the 8th grade, Steve (Lori) Gerber.

Visitation for Tucker’s friends and family will be held from Noon – 2 pm, Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg, NY. A funeral service will follow visitation at 2 p.m. with Pastor Steven Andrews officiating. Burial will take place after the service in Warrensburg Cemetery, Hudson Street, Warrensburg.

A luncheon will be served at the First Presbyterian Church immediately following the burial. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 15th, 2026, at a place to be determined.  

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences, guest book, and directions.