Thomas A. Sanfratello passed away at age 54 on March 10, 2024 in the line of duty, while serving and protecting the citizens of Genesee County, New York. Thomas was born on September 19, 1969 in Batavia New York to Anthony and Dorothy (Hinz) Sanfratello. Thomas is preceded in death by his father Anthony A. Sanfratello.
He graduated from Alexander Central School in 1987. He went on to complete his Paramedic Certification while being an active member of the Alexander Fire Department from 1986-2003. Thomas began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office as a dispatcher on February 29, 1992. Thomas was appointed as a Deputy Sheriff in 1996 and attended the Erie County Law Enforcement Academy, 88th class. He was promoted to Road Patrol Sergeant in 2007.
Thomas was twice awarded Deputy of the Year, and awarded several commendations over the years. Thomas was heavily involved with the New York State Sheriffs Association, Stop DWI, and shop with a cop. Thomas was a Town Board Member for the Town of Alexander. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and a huge Buffalo Sabres fan. He had an overwhelming collection of Lego’s and Hotwheel’s. He enjoyed spending his time at Diecast conventions and was heavily involved in Motorama all across the country. He was an inductee of the Diecast Hall of fame in 2015 as the Collector of the Year and in 2021 he received the President’s award. He loved spending time with his family, especially his children.
Thomas is survived by his mother; Dorothy (Hinz) Sanfratello of Batavia; children Ian (Brittany), Kyla, and Alexis Sanfratello; Mother of Alexis, Rachel Sanfratello; sisters, Jacqueline (Patrick) Coffey and Michelle (Joel) Panasiewicz; nieces and nephews Rachel and John (Kelly) Diehl, Justin (Teresa) and Jordan (Sydney) Panasiewicz, Nathan (Laurel) Coffey and Samantha Coffey; his significant other Nicole Danser; 2 great nieces, 2 great nephews, along with many cousins, countless friends and his brothers and sisters in law enforcement.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 2:00-8:00PM at the Call Arena at Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia NY 14020. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held at the same location on Saturday March 16, 2024 with a burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made the Deputy Sheriffs Association PO Box 492 Batavia, NY 14021 (Memo Shop with A Cop or Fallen Officer Memorial) To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.
