Thomas Francis Phibbs Jr.

Thomas Francis Phibbs Jr., 91, a lifelong resident of Wynantskill, NY, passed away peacefully after a short illness on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Born in Troy, New York, to the late Mary (Butler) and Thomas F. Phibbs Sr. on December 14, 1934. Tom was a proud graduate of LaSalle Institute, Troy, NY, Class of 1952. After high school, he worked at the Albany Felt Company as a laborer. Tom enlisted in the New York Army National Guard on 1 April 1954. He went on active duty from 1957-1959 wherein he was with the Armed Forces Police in Washington, DC. Tom returned to New York State and held various positions and attended military education and senior warrant officer courses. In 1973, Tom was appointed Shop Chief of OMS #16 of the 727th Maintenance Shop in Schenectady, NY. His final and most proud promotion was to Chief Warrant Officer 4. Tom served with distinction until December 31, 1994. Following his military career, Tom worked part-time with his son, Tom, at Phibbs General Contracting.

In his younger years, Tom enjoyed snowmobiling with his family and friends. He was the founder of the North Greenbush Snowmobile Club and the club’s first President.

In 1981, Tom and Mary bought their first Honda motorcycle and drove it to Colorado Springs, CO to visit Kathy. After that trip, that is when they decided to enjoy their retirement and start to travel the USA on those two wheels. They rode their Honda Gold Wing motorcycle to every State in the US except for Hawaii (Alaska twice pulling a small pop up camper) and to all of the Canadian provinces and territories. They also camped in their pop up camper at Fish Creek Ponds in Saranac Lake with their family. They were actively involved in the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, American Motorcycle Association and the Lakeland Fireballs in Florida.

Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Mary (Wait) Phibbs. He is survived by his three children: Kathryn (Marty) Andrews of Averill Park; Thomas (Colleen) Phibbs of Troy; and Karen (Jim) Ferritto of Largo, FL. His legacy continues through his four grandchildren: Thomas (Lauren) Phibbs, Ryan (Kathryn Pawlak) Phibbs, Samantha (Eric) Patch, and Tyler (Kendra) Andrews; five great-grandchildren: Rook Patch, Jovie Andrews, Shepard, Iris, and Maren Phibbs and his step-grandchildren: Carl Ferritto, Jacqueline Ashley, and Jaime Lynn Ferritto, all of whom brought immense joy to his life.

Tom is also survived by his brother, Jay (Clara) Phibbs; his sister-in-law, Edith (Wait) Lovell; and many nieces and nephews. Thomas was predeceased by his sister, Maureen Kosko and brother-in-law Joseph Kosko; brothers-in-law Leon (Anne), John (Marjorie), and Bernard (Edith Lovell) Wait.

Tom will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, unwavering faith and the genuine gentleman he was throughout his life.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his Home Care Aides: Carol, Katie and Anita and the staff of Van Rensselaer Manor - especially those on Unit 3A - for their exceptional care, compassion, and professionalism.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Tom’s calling hours on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10:00-11:45AM at Sacred Heart Church, 310 Spring Ave, Troy, NY 12180. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12PM, with the Rite of Committal with full military honors at Evergreen Cemetery, 413 Main Avenue, Wynantskill.

The family welcomes donations to Steve Caporizzo’s Pet Connection, c/o WTEN News 10 ABC, 341 Northern Boulevard, Albany, NY 12204 in lieu of flowers. At the present time, there is a Go Fund Me page set up and all proceeds will go to Lisa and Steve’s Pet Connection. https://gofund.me/d17086d56