WRIGHT — Thomas P. Snowdon, an Irishman who moved to the United States to work for General Electric as a mechanical engineer, died, after an extended illness, on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at his Knox Road home in Schoharie County’s town of Wright. He was 81.

He was born July 28, 1937 in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland, a son of Thomas N. and Anne (née Clavin) Snowdon. He graduated from DeLaSalle Brothers Secondary School and later from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland where he received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

He worked for Irish Base Metals as a draftsman and, after graduating from college, came to the USA for a career with General Electric Co. in Schenectady. He worked as a mechanical engineer with the steam turbine department from 1968 until retiring in 2003.

Mr. Snowdon was an active member with the Town of Wright Lions Club for over 40 years. He served on the board of education at Schoharie School, served as a town of Wright councilman, and held memberships with the Quarter Century Club, the Elfun Society, and the former Irish Heritage Society. 

“Tom enjoyed reading, gardening and tending his fruit trees, traveling including river cruises, the Adirondacks, and frequent visits to his native Ireland along with attending the Schenectady Symphony,” his family wrote in a tribute.  

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Thomas P. Snowdon is survived by his wife, Ellen (née Brennan) Snowdon whom he married on Dec. 26, 1970; by his children, Deirdre Delaney and her husband, Darren, of Schenectady, Eoin Snowdon of Rochester, and Elaine Genz and her husband, Christopher, of Schenectady; and by his two grandchildren, Norah and Eamon Delaney.

He is also survived by his siblings, Ted Snowdon and his wife, Josie, Eva Bergin and her husband, Paddy, Gertrude Ryan and her husband, Phil, and Raymond Snowdon and his wife, Beatrice, and by his sister-in-law, Carmel Snowdon, along with multiple nieces and nephews.

His son, Brian P.N. Snowdon, died before him, on Aug. 26, 2010 and a brother, Harold Snowdon, also died before him, on Aug. 29, 2018.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, at the Langan Funeral Home at 327 Main Street in Schoharie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 1, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church at 1735 Alexander Road in Delanson. Interment will follow in the Gallupville Rural Cemetery.

Mourners may leave condolences online at www.langanfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Town of Wright Lions Club, Post Office Box 42, Gallupville, NY 12073 or to the Regional Food Bank, 965 Albany Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.