Thomas-Zimmie-Obituary

Thomas Frank Zimmie

Troy, New York

Jan 24, 1939 – May 3, 2023

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BORN
January 24, 1939
DIED
May 3, 2023
LOCATION
Troy, New York

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Dr. Thomas "Tom" Zimmie, 84, of Troy, NY, passed away on May 3, 2023. Tom was born on January 24, 1939, in Dickson City, Pennsylvania, to Thomas and Stella Zimmie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Spain Zimmie, his sister and brother-in-law, Irene and Frank Zalewski, and his parents....

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Dr. Zimmie was my Project Advisor and Professor during my Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering at Rensselaer 1976-82. Always available, kind, empathetic and very understanding of his field in Soil Mechanics. He gave me translation work and kindly asked the Institute to pay for it. A great human being will always live in my memory. Love to his family always. Francisco Sada.

Just heard this sad new, a year late. Tom and I worked together decades ago, on, e.g., a project to model how levees failed when overtopped and on a project to record the local effects of hurricane Irene. He was both friendly and brilliant. Such a loss. My belated condolences to the family.

So sorry to hear of Tom´s passing. Remembered Tom as a young kid at Aunt Irene´s during the holidays. What a great guy. Our sincere condolences to all of you. Carol & Gary Hayduk

Well, Tom's not here to tell a story, so I'll tell one for him. I pulled Tommy out of a smashed up Piper Cherokee about 1/4 mile North of Poestenkill Airport one cold and nasty afternoon. He lost power on takeoff (Probably carburetor icing). I was able to force the door open, and he was sitting in his seat, conscious but stunned. I could see the fear in his eyes, so I looked him all over and forcefully said, "TOM, YOU'RE OKAY. YOU'RE ALRIGHT. YOU'RE GONNA BE JUUST FINE." He immediately...

Tom Zimmie will be dearly missed! He was my favorite professor at RPI and helped me realize my passion for geotechnical engineering. I always looked forward to his classes and will never forget the great stories he told. He made such an impact on so many in his career as a great engineer and professor. Sending my condolences to his family!

Tom was the best. He was my professor in the early 90's and we kept in touch through the decades on social media. He was one of a kind. I'm so sad to learn of his passing.

Prof. Tom Zimmie was my doctoral advisor, who eventually became a lifelong mentor and friend. His contribution to my development went beyond the usual academics. He introduced me to engineering consulting and helped me set my career priorities. He taught me to always try to see the broader perspective. He was kind and helpful - always there to brighten up the day. My sincere condolences to his family.

Zimmie was a great human. With his gift of story telling he connected with people. A great engineer, an amazing professor, a wise mentor and a kind soul. We couldn´t imagine adulthood without his influence. He shaped a generation of engineers. Thank you Professor Zimmie.

Our world is a little richer because Tom shared his life with us. He left memories and contributions that will last for years. Rest peacefully in God's hands, Tom. Ray Krizek