Thomas J. Natoli

With much sadness we inform you Thomas J. “Tom” Natoli, 98, formerly of Norwich, and more recently of Chatham, MA, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

Thomas was the oldest son of the late Bartholomew “George” and Frances Regina (Scafidi) Natoli born on July 6, 1928, in Norwich, NY. He graduated from Norwich High School in 1946 and later graduated from Clarkson University with a degree in civil engineering on the G.I. Bill. Tom began his highly respected professional career working for Sydney K. Johnson Engineering in Norwich before relocating to Westchester County as a civil engineer. In 1957, Tom came back to Norwich as the City of Norwich engineer. He also served as a code enforcer for Chenango County for many years. Tom later formed Natoli Engineering – a professional land surveyor and engineering firm that served the greater Norwich region until his retirement in 2000.

On January 22, 1966, in Norwich, Tom married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Bette” Jackson, who predeceased him on July 11, 2020.

Tom and his wife, Bette, enjoyed their homes in Chatham, Cape Cod, St. George Island, Florida, and Chenango Lake, NY during his life. He was a former Rotarian, was a member of the American Legion Post 189, was a member of the Elks Club, and greatly enjoyed golfing. He and Bette were very active in Chenango County Republican Party, having attended the inauguration of George Bush in 1989.

He was a communicant of St. Bartholomew’s Church and was one of the oldest members. Tom also helped to design the Parish Center. An example of his dedication to the community and church are the ceiling fans and the ramp he designed and donated to the church.

If you knew Tom, no one will dispute he was a gentleman, a scholar, a hard worker, very honest and just a good man and friend.

Tom is survived by his sister, Gloria Natoli, of Atlanta, GA; brother, Richard (Linda) Natoli, of Norwich; sister-in-law, Phyllis Jackson, of Norwich; niece, Andrea Curcio; nephews, Nicholas Natoli, Vincent Natoli, David Curcio, Richard Wuensch, Thomas Wuensch, Emil (Kimberly) Wuensch, and Lawrence (Mimi) Wuensch; and many of Bette’s beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, Tom was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Natoli and Connie (Emil) Wuensch.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Church of St. Bartholomew. Family and friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Monday, September 14, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Burial will occur at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to the St. Bartholomew’s Church, c/o the Organ Fund, 31 Pleasant Street, Norwich, NY 13815.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home.