Charles Denison Thompson III

Thompson, Charles Denison III
ALPLAUS - Charles "Charlie" Denison Thompson III of Alplaus, N.Y., was a multi-faceted man, whose life cannot be summed up by "Born on May 4, 1940, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., and died on August 3, 2025, in Schenectady N.Y." Charlie grew up in Charleston, W.Va., and sometimes liked to claim he was a simple West Virginia Hick, but that description falls short of the interesting, brilliant man he was. His parents, Carl and Helen Thompson, instilled a lifelong love of music and learning in their son that lasted his entire life. Most people knew Charlie as a man of honesty and integrity, with impeccable manners and a propensity for sending out "Thank You" cards.
Beyond his formal education at Oberlin College (B.S.), American University (M.S. and Ph.D.), Rice University (post doc. work), and the U.S. Army, Charlie continued to be curious about the world and think in nontraditional directions. He tackled projects and problems with diligence and intensity, a trait his colleagues recognized during his 35 years at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, as a researcher and manager.
Charlie settled in Alplaus in 1976. In 1982, he met Shawna Lambert, and they FINALLY married in 1992. Like many scientists, Charlie sometimes took a long time to make decisions! Charlie and Shawna did not have children, but were lucky to have shared their lives with Leo, "the Best Dog Ever," and Bella, "the Other Best Dog Ever." The Thompsons enjoyed spending time at their camp in the Adirondacks and traveling together. They explored many interesting places around the world before they became popular tourist destinations. Several of their trips were concert tours around Europe, with Charlie playing French Horn for various orchestras.
Charlie first took up French Horn while at Rice University. Mostly self-taught, he relished the discipline of practice, and the challenge of learning a new piece and playing it correctly. It was much more than the joy of music for him. He played with the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra for 42 years, the Guilderland Town Band for 50 years, the Music Company Orchestra for 30+ years, and various other local groups, for a total of 122 years of volunteer French Horn playing!
Charlie will be remembered by his devoted wife Shawna; and Bella; his mother-in-law, Dolores Lambert; brothers-in-law, Eric Lambert (Susan) and Scott Lambert (Lisa); sisters-in-law, Lauren Lambert and Kerri Lambert; and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., Glenville. A time for reflection will begin immediately at 12 p.m., at the funeral home.
Burial with military honors will be bestowed at 2:30 p.m., on Thursday, at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guilderland Town Band, c/o Kathleen Ehlinger: Band Director, 20 Glynn St., Albany, N.Y. 12203, Schenectady Saratoga Symphony Orchestra, 432 State St., Schenectady N.Y. 12305, or the Music Company Orchestra by visiting mcomusic.org
For online condolences, please visit glenvillefuneralhome.com