March 15, 2026
Thomas Peter Mirabito, 86; of Fulton, NY passed away Sunday, March 15th, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse, NY.
Tom was born February 12, 1940, in Fulton, NY to the late Ross and Frances (Zaia) Mirabito. He remained a lifetime resident of Fulton, NY. Tom was the seventh of eleven children and was the first child to be born outside of the family home. He was born on Abe’s birthday and went home on George’s birthday! Tom attended St. Mary’s School, Fulton where he was taught by the Dominican Nuns from Sparkhill, NY. The nuns thought they were being punished by being sent to Fulton, NY. “Where the heck is Fulton?” Upon graduating from St. Mary’s School, he attended Fulton High School graduating with the Class of 1958. Tom attended Alfred University and Ithaca College briefly before returning to work in his father’s R. Mirabito Grocery Store, Fulton, NY. He joined the Army Reserve Unit out of Oswego, NY in the mid 1960’s and was honorably discharged in 1970. He along with his brothers: Angelo and Francis continued growing their family grocery business in Fulton area upon their father’s retirement. The family operated under Angelo’s Big M, Francis’ Broadway Big M and Hannibal Big M and Tom’s Cayuga Street Midstate. Tom was a communicant of Holy Trinity Parish, a 60-year member of the Fulton Kiwanis Club where he served as secretary for many years and president from 1973 to 1974. He also participated for many years on the Memorial Day Salute committee as a Kiwanis representative.
Tom was pre-deceased by his siblings: Angelo B. Mirabito, Francis Mirabito, Catherine Boon, Anna “Sister Frances Teresa” Mirabito, and Mary Holdorf.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years: Lois Kelsey Mirabito, their three children: Karen (Rich) Cowan of Dracut, MA; Ross Mirabito of Fulton, NY; and Douglas Mirabito of Pusan, South Korea, his siblings: Barbara Thomas of FL, Teresa Mirabito of MA, Margaret Bocsor of Phoenix, NY; Paul (Barbara) Mirabito of MA; Peter (Deborah) Mirabito of Clay, NY; his grandchildren: Savannah Mirabito, Izaac Mirabito and Zachary Cowan and several nieces and nephews. Calling Hours will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Friday at the Sugar Funeral Home Inc., 224 W. 2nd St. S., Fulton. Funeral Services will be conducted 10 AM Saturday at Holy Trinity Parish, Fulton where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. J. Scardella.
Entombment will be conducted in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fulton, NY at the convenience of the family.
Donations may be made in honor of Tom to the Kiwanis Kidhaven, c/o Megan Falanga, 688 Forest Ave., Fulton, NY 13069 or to Holy Trinity Parish/Wednesday Night Free Meal Program, 309 Buffalo Street, Fulton, NY 13069.
I known him for long time when we lived on Cayuga street. Tom is a person that would take a few minutes to talk with you. That man had personality and more. I new some of his brothers like Tom and Angelo when they had there stores. Tom will be greatly missed. RIP Tom!
Dear Lois and Family,
Bill and I are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a good man, and we are blessed to have known him. May he rest in peace.
We will be away this weekend but know that he, you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Peggy Donnelly
We are so deeply sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Tom was a bright light in our community , truly respected and kind. He touched many lives with that sense of community. May God bless him and his family. Our condolences, Maryellen LaGrou and family (Bob Kimball’s family) dad worked for Tom for years in meat department.
Lois and family,
It is with my deepest sympathies that I share with you and your family, especially Ross. Having friendships with you and Tom made me feel welcome in Fulton. My husband Donald and myself were snowbirds in Myrtle Beach for the month of March, that’s why this message is so late in coming to you.
With love, sympathy and friendship,
Rosemary Occhino-Pilawa