Thomas Charles Charton

Charton, Thomas Charles COLONIE Thomas Charles Charton, "Tom," age 87, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2022, at St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born on December 22, 1934, in Kearny, N.J., Tom grew up with his five loving siblings, Charlotte, John, Penney, Diane and Laura Jane. After graduating from Hastings High School, he attended Springfield College, where he excelled on the football field. Tom's college career was interrupted when he joined the U.S. Army in 1957, and after being honorably discharged in 1959, he returned to Springfield College to complete his undergraduate degree, graduating in 1961. On August 6, 1960, Tom married Carol Lockhart and they eventually settled in Colonie, where they raised their family and lived for 48 years. Tom leaves behind his wife, Carol; five children, Melissa Wierzbicki of Rotterdam, Lori Fitzsimmons (Daniel) of Delmar, Charles Charton of Colonie, Shelley (Michael) Plaske of Colonie, and Matthew (Carissa) Charton of Colonie; as well as 12 grandchildren, Justin (Kate) Charton, Johnathon Charton, Kyle Plaske, Meghan Charton, Thomas Clark, Emily Charton, Erin (David) Maywood, Devin Charton, Patrick Fitzsimmons, Madeline Charton, Nathan and Laura Charton; and two great-grandchildren, Callahan and Sophia Charton. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Laura Charton; his brother, John Charton; his daughter, Christine Charton (Janice Catel-Charton); and his son in-law, Timothy Wierzbicki. Tom was a fierce youth advocate and dedicated his professional life to improving the lives of children in New York State. While he worked for number agencies charged with the care of "at-risk" youth, he finished his career with the New York State Division for Youth, where he was regarded as a smart, knowledgeable, and hardworking caseworker. Tom was an active person who enjoyed watching and playing many sports, especially basketball and tennis (where he claims to have been undefeated). Although, his favorite pastime was cheering for any other baseball team than the hated N.Y. Yankees. He enjoyed spending time with his brother John and was always ready to celebrate a tennis victory at his favorite watering hole, The Park Inn. Tom also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren's sporting events, where he was a quiet, yet informed spectator. Tom will always be remembered for his quiet, yet strong character. As most Charton men, he was a man of few words, but when he did speak, he always provided his wisdom and humor that will be dearly missed. The Charton family would like to acknowledge the care Tom received while a resident at St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association in Tom's name.