Thomas “Tom” Gifford

DUANESBURG — Thomas “Tom” Gifford, a veteran, outdoorsman, and construction manager, died on Friday, May 16, 2014. He was 64.

Son of the late Winfred and Melvina Gifford of Altamont, he was a lifelong resident of the Capital Region and a graduate of Guilderland High School. After graduation from high school, he proudly served with the United States Air Force.

Mr. Gifford spent the past 30 years as a construction manager for a local company.

“Tom was an avid and accomplished hunter and fisherman,” his family wrote in a tribute. He was a devoted member of the Dunnsville Rod and Gun Club for more than 30 years. They concluded, “He loved the outdoors and was a gifted woodsman.”

He is survived by a loving family and friends: his partner of 30 years Deborah Houlihan; five children Joby Gifford and his wife, Ashli, of Ballston Lake, Jaccob Gifford of Carthage, N.Y., Jodi Hall and her husband, Ron, of Watertown, N.Y., Jennifer Washer and her husband, Cory, of North Carolina, and Erin Houlihan of St. Petersburg, Fla.; his brother Jerry Gifford and his wife, Gayle, of Delanson; his sisters, Linda Sue of Indiana, and Tricia of Mechanicville; his grandchildren, Collin, Keegan, Paige, Caden, Jasmine, Jade, Mya, and Alexa as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours for all family and friends will be held at Fredendall Funeral Home in Altamont today, May 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. Services are private. Online condolences may be made at www.fredendallfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave., Schenectady, NY 12302 or Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 1007 State Highway 5s, Amsterdam, NY 12010.

More Obituaries

  • Mrs. Helen K. Bensen, who raised her family in Rensselaerville where she and her husband worked on their dairy farm, died peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Tennessee where she had lived for 49 years. She was 96.

  • ROTTERDAM — Ruth S. Dexter, a strong woman who loved and supported her family, died peacefully in her Rotterdam home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. She was 90.

  • VOORHEESVILLE — Mary Jean “Jean” Healey of Voorheesville, a physical-education teacher and sports referee, died on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. She was 90.

The Altamont Enterprise is focused on hyper-local, high-quality journalism. We produce free election guides, curate readers' opinion pieces, and engage with important local issues. Subscriptions open full access to our work and make it possible.