Thomas Joseph Colloton III

1945 - 2021

Colloton, Thomas Joseph III ALBANY A proud man of vision, courage, and achievement, Thomas J. Colloton III peacefully entered into eternal life on February 3, 2021, at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, following a brief illness. A lifelong resident of the Capital Region, Tom was born on June 4, 1945, in Albany. He was the eldest son of the late Elizabeth J. Garry and Thomas Joseph Colloton Jr. Tom attended St. John's Academy in Rensselaer, and then joined the U.S. Navy in 1962. He proudly served in the Vietnam War from 1965-1966 aboard the attack aircraft carrier USS Independence. Tom was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Tom was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the U.S. Navy Memorial, the USO, and a proud supporter of Tunnel to Towers, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Returning home from war in 1966, Tom went to work for the E.W. Tompkins Co. in Albany, where he was employed for over 53 years. Hired by Harry Tompkins Sr., Tom began his long career as an apprentice, working his way up to become partner and president of the company. In 1980, he married his best friend and soulmate, Donna Montanye; they were married for over 40 years. He was the beloved father of BG Kimberly Colloton Krulc (Mike) of Alexandria, Va., Jamie Colloton Deitz (Frank) of Delmar, Col. Patrick T. Colloton (Erin) of Tampa, Fla., Courtney Colloton Belluzzi (Tom) of Pleasantville, Ashley Colloton Loescher (Erik) of Kalamazoo, Mich., Capt. Joan Colloton Dalo (John) of Allendale, N.J., and the late Katherine J. Colloton. He was the proud grandfather of Stanley, Tyler, Nicholas, Elizabeth, Thomas IV, Annaliese, Reed, Leif, and Baby D. He was the brother of Garry Colloton Sr. (Cindy), and the late Michael and Peter Colloton. Tom is also survived by his aunt Rosemary Conway (Bob); several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. The things in life that Tom was most proud of and valued the highest, were his family whom he loved more than anything else in the world, his career spanning well over half a century at the company he had brought so much success to, and the many bonds and friendships he had forged along the way. Tom especially loved spending well-deserved down time at his vacation home on the beautiful Halifax River in Daytona Beach, Fla. He enjoyed leisure games of golf laughing with old friends, following NASCAR, watching boats and barges navigate the N.Y.S. Canal System Flight of Locks, and savoring a juicy steak while sipping scotch and soda with a twist! Tom was a hard-working, honest, and humble man who lived a noble life. To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die. Anchors away our beloved, the journey continues. Set sail on the sea of God's marvelous grace, with warm gentle breezes and wide-open space. Refreshed in his goodness with peace from above, surrounded by blessings of mercy and love. Services will be private with full military honors to be held in the Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Remembrances in Tom's name to the Wounded Warrior Project are appreciated; woundedwarriorproject.org