LANCASTER—Thomas Daniel “Tommy” Hemans, 90, unexpectedly passed away January 4, 2025.
He was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. A proud graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and Niagara University, his competitive basketball journey was illustrious, including a professional career spanning from 1956 to 1969.
From 1990 to 2001, Tommy served as the executive director of the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL), leaving a lasting mark on the lives of countless student-athletes. One of his many significant contributions to New York City sports was his instrumental role in bringing the PSAL Basketball Championships back to Madison Square Garden, which paved the way for countless student-athletes to compete in “The World’s Most Famous Arena!” Tommy was inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.
He and his wife, Cathy, moved to Lancaster in 1997 so that he could pursue boating and fishing, a favorite hobby which he continued recently from their pier.
Locally, Tommy was instrumental in establishing the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck. He also was active in the Habitat for Humanity, serving as executive director; and Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library, especially the Black Voices: Men at Work project involving Black fishermen, with his friend Capt. Mathew “Sonny Boy” Gaskins Sr.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Cathy; his son, Thomas Daniel “Danny” Hemans Jr. of New York; his daughter, Laura Brantley (Curtis) of New Jersey; grandchildren, Thomas Daniel “Danny” Hemans III, Chayce Brantley and Shane Brantley; and stepson, Christopher Hampton of Colorado.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. March 15 at the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck, 517 North Main Street, Kilmarnock.
