Tarrytown Pays Tribute to Behind-the-Scenes Music Hall Legend Tom Reich

There are many musical legends who pass through the Tarrytown Music Hall and then there are the legends we live with.

Tom Reich, lovingly known as “Big Tom” with his tie-dyed t-shirts, long beard, and endless dedication to the Music Hall and our community, passed away on Saturday at the age of 64. He was remembered Wednesday night at a service at St. Barnabas Church in Irvington.

Meanwhile, many are sharing fond memories of Reich on the Music Hall’s Facebook, where warm comments keep rolling in from friends and family, fellow volunteers and Music Hall regulars. Some are sending their condolences to his wife Debbie, also a volunteer at the Music Hall, and considered a great partner to Tom.

His sister Joanne Reich Avenaut wrote: “My brother rose above a lot of obstacles in his life many people would not even begin to climb. He was stronger than you knew. He was simple, caring and loving. ‘Safely home in Heaven Tommy.’”

Executive director Bjorn Olsson wrote on behalf of the Music Hall: “We mourn the loss of a legendary Music Hall profile: "Big Tom" Reich. Tom volunteered here for decades and will forever be a part of the very fabric of this theater and our community. His larger than life persona and his fantastic tie-dye shirts made him something of a celebrity as "The Guy From The Music Hall", a label he wore with pride. Our loving thoughts go out to his wife Debbie (also a volunteer) and his family. Tom will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all of us at The Music Hall.”

One commenter praised Reich for "making us mellow," another old classmate of his from high school figured he hadn't cut his hair his graduation in 1968. A fellow volunteer said it was Reich who inspired his own involvement with the Hall.

"Peace forever," Dean Gallea said.