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Thomas Zimmie Obituary
TROY - Dr. Thomas "Tom" Zimmie, 84, of Troy, passed away on May 3, 2023.
Tom was born on January 24, 1939, in Dickson City, Penn., 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.
Tom was a man of many talents and interests. He was funny, unbiased, kind, calm, and brilliant. He had a passion for civil engineering and was known for his work in soil mechanics. He graduated from Bridgeport Central High School in Bridgeport, Conn., in 1957. Tom went on to graduate from Worcester Polytechnical Institute in 1961 with a degree in civil engineering.
He completed his ROTC commitment in Heidelberg, Germany, as a 2nd lieutenant from 1962 to 1964. Tom then served in the Army from 1964 to 1968, which included airborne training at Ft. Bennington, Ga. After his military service, Tom worked for Union Carbide, Linde Division, in Tonawanda, N.Y., from 1964 to 1967. In the fall of 1973, he began his teaching career at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he was a Professor of Civil Engineering until his retirement in 2021.
Tom had many hobbies, including spending time with family, traveling the world, and being an aviation enthusiast. He was also a licensed pilot and loved astronomy. He was an avid member of the Bailey Mountain Rod and Gun Club and enjoyed telling a joke. One of his greatest joys in life was sitting on the beach in Cape Cod, surrounded by his family.
Tom is survived by his son, David T. Zimmie (Stacey) of Troy; his daughter, Aimee A. Smith (Daryl) of Cambridge, N.Y.; his son, James S. Braden (Amy) of Austin, Texas; and eight grandchildren, David, Tyler, and Zachary Zimmie, Delaney, Max, and Trey Smith, and Kyle and Trevor Braden. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A family memorial and celebration of life will be held in the fall.
In lieu of flowers, a fund has been created to endow the ASCE Student Chapter at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Tom Zimmie's name. Contributions can be made at https://giving.rpi.edu/support-for-the-civil-asce-student-chapter/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Zimmie
Francisco Sada
May 16, 2024
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.
W Randolph Franklin
April 19, 2024
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.
Carol Hayduk
July 27, 2023
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
Michael Sewell
May 23, 2023
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 looked relieved, so I said, "Come on buddy, we're gonna get you out of here." I unbuckled him, helped him out, and put him in my truck to warm up.
The left wing was torn off of the aircraft, and the fuel was pouring out, and running down a ditch alongside the road, underneath the snow. I looked down the hill, and a guy was standing at the intersection below us, smoking a cigarette. I hollered down, "HEY!!! YOU!!! PUT THAT CIGARETTE OUT!!!" He put it out, ground it into the snow with his foot, and hollered back, "WHO ARE YOU?" So I yelled back, "Who are YOU?!?!" He answered, "Fire Department."
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Erika Stewart
May 22, 2023
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!
Hector Eugui
May 18, 2023
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.
Anirban De
May 16, 2023
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.
Damon and Sonia Reigles
May 13, 2023
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.
Ray Krizek
May 12, 2023
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
Adel (Tony) Saada
May 11, 2023
Rest in peace old friend. You helped us at Case Western Reserve bring to the research and practicing community what is now known as "The Case Data Base". Each of the near 2500 visit/download in 90 countries says thank you.
Tony Saada
Catherine Knauer
May 11, 2023
My sincere condolences to the family. The Knauer's
Karen Lynch
May 11, 2023
My condolences to the family. Professor Zimmie was one of a kind.
Curt Breneman
May 11, 2023
I always enjoyed speaking with Tom about all topics, but especially about his flying experiences! He will be missed.
Robert Hansen
May 11, 2023
I got to know Tom when I started mentoring the senior CAPSTONE program at RPI. We shared a lot of stories and laughs and I totally respected him. He is irreplaceable. Many condolences to his family and RPI colleagues ;and ,rest assured the knowledge he passed on to his students will be used for decades.
Robin A. Kemper
May 11, 2023
Tom will be greatly missed by the RPI, ASCE, and civil engineering community. I was lucky to get to know Tom not only when I was a student, but as a practicing engineer. We were able to catch up through the years at RPI and ASCE events. Tom was one of the most dedicated individuals I have ever known.
Melissa McKenna Miguel
May 10, 2023
He was my professor back in the mid 90s. I pursued both a BS and an MS in geotechnical engineering because of him. He made a difference. Great guy. RIP
Chris Letchford
May 10, 2023
A remarkable man, a great colleague, teacher, mentor, and all-round fun person. He was one of a kind!
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