It’s hard to find anyone that loved tinkering with cars more than Tom. He had a known affinity—and a knack—for finding a beat-up old classic car and restoring it to ‘like new.’ He was extremely loyal to the American auto industry (and part of U.A.W. for 32 years) and loved restoring the greatest American classic cars. He and his wife, Joanna spent much of their free time traveling to car shows in the Northeast. Tom could name the year, make and model of almost any American car. He was also so skilled at restoration that he could call out a car that had been rebuilt within just a few seconds. His cars were his pride and joy.
One of Tom’s greatest talents was his music. He loved to make people smile when he played his guitar. Tom taught himself the guitar when he was 12 years old. He played all his classic-rock favorites with a well-established band in Central New York, The Flipside Band. He loved watching everyone enjoy his music. He was happy if the crowds were dancing and asking for ‘one more song.’ The Flipside Band played at resorts, parks, campgrounds, bars, golf courses, taverns, wineries, beach clubs, charity events, The American Legion, and also The Great New York State Fair (Chevy Court), to name a few. Many will miss Flipside’s events.
When you spent time with Tom, you were likely eating a good meal or talking about a great meal that you just had. Many did not know, but Tom was actually an ice cream aficionado. Good food was an important part of every conversation, and discussions about food typically turned into reviews of restaurants to try or intrigued him for a new at-home recipe. A great supper brought him so much joy—at 4 p.m., so that he had enough time throughout the evening for all his other favorite snacks. He was always on the hunt for ‘the best,’ … the best steak, the best sandwich, the best ice cream, the best burger, the best seafood, the best steamed clams, etc. Tom’s routine was also very predictable with the foods he loved so much. For example, he had poached eggs and toast for breakfast almost every day of his life (for 70+ years), and he ended almost every single night of his life with a few scoops of ice cream right before bed. It was a good day if he fit in all his favorite foods.
After Tom retired, he spent years traveling and discovering the world with his wife Joanna. Together, they visited 27 countries, took 11 cruises, and visited many states within the U.S. Their adventures were sparked by their curiosity in discovering the world, people, foods and different cultures.
Tom is preceded in death by his mother, Alma J. (Godfrey) Greenwald (d. 2019), his father, Joseph V. Jankowski (d. 1995), his sister, Rita Leubner (d. 2018) and his son, Michael T. Jankowski (d. 2005).
Tom is survived by his wife, Joanna Jankowski, two daughters, Shawn Jankowski and Carrie Jankowski (Christopher) McNish, their mother, Debra LeRoy-Elliott, three grandchildren, Tony Hodges, Brittany Bethea and Reilly McNish, his brother, Donald Jankowski, and brother and sister John and Susan Greenwald, and many nieces and nephews.
Calling Hours will be held on Monday, February 14th from 4 to 7 pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Church Service will be held on Tuesday, February 15th at St. Mary’s of the Lake at 10am. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles.