ALTAMONT — Thomas Carberry Robinson who, as a young electrician, helped build The Egg, went on to teach prisoners and manage physical plants for colleges. His family describes him as “a highly respected and well-loved man both personally and professionally.”

He died peacefully at Albany Medical Center on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. He was 69.

He was born in Plattsburgh, New York on Aug. 14, 1953, to the late Earl J. Robinson and Selma L. (née Carberry) Robinson.

“The family soon relocated to Delmar, New York, where they shared many happy memories and built lifelong friendships,” his family wrote in a tribute. “After graduating from Bethlehem Central High School, Tom earned an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in trade electricity and carpentry from the State University of New York at Delhi and a bachelor of science degree in vocational/technical education from SUNY College of Technology Utica. 

“He began his career as a self-employed electrical contractor as well as a maintenance electrician during the construction of The Egg between 1974 and 1977. For five years, he taught at the Fishkill Correctional Facility and then became the electrical foreman for Construction and Maintenance Services at Otisville Federal Correctional Facility in Otisville, New York. Tom shared many interesting experiences at Otisville.

“By 1986, he became manager of plant engineering at Charles River Laboratories in Stone Ridge, NYew York where he earned several awards including the Corporate Innovative Solutions Award (Merck Project) and Corporate Gain Profits Award.

“Tom then served as director of the physical plant at SUNY Cobleskill where he met his wife, Wendy. In 2002, Tom and Wendy moved their family to Altamont, after Tom accepted a position as operations manager at the University at Albany Bioscience Development Corp in Rensselaer, New York, where he finished a long and successful work career, retiring in 2018.

“Outside of his professional life, Tom was a man of faith; a provider, devoted to his wife and children. Together, they attended the Princetown Evangelical Presbyterian Church, in Princetown, New York.

“Tom especially enjoyed summer days and family gatherings at the family camp in Schroon Lake and trips to the Boston area. When at home, he could be found doing home improvements and repairs. He prided himself on a well-manicured lawn and landscape, much to the delight of neighbors and passersby.

“He enjoyed a lifetime love of music, golfing, and skiing with friends. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. Tom was a highly respected and well-loved man both personally and professionally. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, stories, and cherished memories.”

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Thomas Carberry Robinson is survived by his wife, Wendy J. (née Bemis) Robinson; his daughter, Erin L. Robinson; and his son, Zachary A Savage.

He is also survived by his brother, James Robinson, sister-in-law Trish (née Bellew) Robinson of Byfield, Massachusetts; his brother John (Scott) Robinson; his brother-in-law, Eric Nastasi of Arlington, Virginia; and his nieces and nephews: Ian Robinson, Megan Parsons, Jill Brien, Emerson, Morgan, Benjamin, and Joshua Bemis.

His parents, Earl J. Robinson and Selma L. (née Carberry) Robinson, died before him, as did his beloved sister, Sue Ellen Robinson (Creeden) of Tampa, Florida.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Delmar at 428 Kenwood Ave. in Delmar on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 11 a.m. Private interment will be held at a later date at the Graceland Cemetery in Delmar.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Attention: Donor Services, 225 N Michigan Ave., 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601.