Obituary of Tom Giles

ROCHESTER, NY - May 14, 2026

Tom Giles, beloved husband, father, and friend passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026 in Rochester, New York. Born on December 15, 1937 in Sardis, Georgia to the late Haskell Giles Sr. and Annie Giles. He was the youngest of nine children.

His unwavering faith was another cornerstone of his life. He was a long-standing member of New Bethel C.M.E. Church where he served as Church Treasurer, sang in the choir, and President of the Usher Board.

Tom worked at Genessee Hospital, Gleason Works, and was a school bus driver for Rush Henrietta.

Family Memories

• We remember growing up that Dad was very into music and even started a band. James Brown was one of his favorite artists.

• Mom and Dad loved to travel. We remember them taking us to AAA to get road maps, and Dad would carefully write out the trips on paper.

• Dad was elected “Bus Driver of the Year” for the Rush-Henrietta School District.

• Dad started a lip sync group with friends and church members called “The Not So Great Pretenders.” They performed at churches, family reunions, and hospitals.

He leaves cherish memories: his loving wife of 68 years, Barbara Giles, his children Anthony (Milagros) Giles, and Delphia (Kevin Sr.) Brown, his grandsons, Ryan Cooper and Kevin Brown Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

May we honor Tom striving to live with the same passion, resilience, and love that defined his extraordinary life.

Family and friends may call Friday, May 29 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at New Bethel C.M.E. Church, 270 Scio Street, Rochester, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate his life will immediately follow with Reverend Kevin Brown II, Officiating. Entombment Riverside Cemetery, Rochester, NY.