Read this knowing that Mr. Thomas Pride has a place in our hearts.
Hello,
I am attaching the Obituary for Thomas Pride, my father. As many young boys did, I dragged Pop in to the Boy Scouts when I joined Troop 24 in the late 1950’s. Dan Bryson was the Scout Master at the time. Pop thought all he was doing was taking me to my first meeting. Dan Bryson had other plans. He said “you were in the Navy, you must know a lot about knots. These young boys over there need some training”. The following week when he brought me to my next meeting Pop was told to teach us how to salute. Next came learning the Scout’s Code. As weeks went on, it was preparation for Tenderfoot, Second and First Class advancement. Then merit badge counselling, monthly camping, newspaper drives, summer scout camp, jamborees… My brothers Tom joined the Troop soon after me and Robin joined the Pack. Pop was in hook, line and sinker. Tom and I went on to join the Order of the Arrow and advance beyond Eagle Scout as we entered the Explorers.
The original Scout Shack behind the old Police Station was being decommissioned as the police moved to new facilities. Pop signed-on with a number of other men to buy the present Scout Shack, putting their own names on the Promissory Note. Time came to represent Troop 24 on the local Council and Pop stepped up for that. He worked with other Scout Troops to enhance their programs, emulating Troop 24’s robust program. He went on to represent Staten Island scouting at the national level.
The Scouts loved Pop. He had a way with young boys helping each advance at his own pace and capability. In doing so, he helped build character in them. Pop passed away in January at 98. We drove past the Scout Shack Wednesday on the way to the cemetery. It was an honor to see that the fruits of his labor lives on.
Raymond Pride
