TICONDEROGA and MORIAH, NY — Thomas David Charboneau, 55, of Moriah, N.Y. died Friday, March 15, 2013, at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital following a lengthy illness.
Tom was born on May 5, 1957, the son of the late Frederick C. and Ruth V. (DuRoss) Charboneau of Ticonderoga. He spent most of his life in Ticonderoga and was a 1976 graduate of Ticonderoga High School. In 1983, he entered the US Army and served with the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division - "The Big Red One" - at Ft. Riley, Kan. Tom was an exemplary soldier and was discharged with the rank of sergeant in 1987.
After his return to New York, Tom earned his New York State Certification as a Journeyman Machinist in 1992 through Sandy Hill Corporation. He also became certified in CNC machining and Auto CAD (computer aided drafting), and other related skills. Tom worked in the machining industry for many years and also taught machining and Auto CAD at the Mineville BOCES where he was much respected by his students. It was a job he loved.
Apart from his work he had been a church lector and mentor to recovering alcoholics. Tom also pursued outdoor activities, camping at Rogers Rock Campsite (a tradition from childhood), skeet shooting and spending time with his friends.
But his greatest achievement was becoming "Dad" to his son Adam. They enjoyed time together building lego projects, taking trips to the Great Escape, and adventure movies. Tom was thrilled when he became "Grampa" to Adam's little Eli.
Tom lived the last several years with his cherished companion Joan Strieble in Moriah, and they had a good life. Joan's selfless love and devotion to Tom sustained him throughout his illness. Tom also adored his beautiful dog, Precious, who was his gentle and faithful companion throughout.
Left to cherish good memories of Tom are his son Adam and his fiance Lily Whitford and their son Eli of Crown Point; his love, Joan Strieble of Moriah; and his siblings and spouses, Charles "Joe" and Shelley Rock of Latham; Carol Frazier of Minerva; Robert and Anne Charboneau of Ticonderoga; Deborah and Gil Smith of Chazy; and Tim and Terri Charboneau of St. Mary's, Ohio, as well as several nieces and nephews; and his former wife and Adams mother, Donna Charboneau of Hague.
Joan's children also survive him - Marty Strieble of South Glens Falls; Lisa and Dan Seymour and son Jacob of Glens Falls; and Jason and Julie Strieble and sons Jay and Jeff of Moriah.
The family wishes to thank Moriah Ambulance Squad; all the doctors and medical staffs of Glens Falls Hospital and Renal Dialysis Center; Elizabethtown Hospital Dialysis Center; the ICU and 5th floor nurses at CVPH and Dr. Sprunk for his tender and caring ways toward Tom and his family. Thanks also to all those who remembered Tom in their prayers.
At Toms request services will be private.
