Thomas R. Haberbush

Thomas R. Haberbush, 83, passed away Friday, May 29, 2015 at home with the support of his family after a brief battle with cancer.

Tom was born May 22, 1932, a son of the late Walter A. Haberbush and Adelaide (Gallagher) Haberbush.

Tom was raised and resided in Niskayuna. He was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady. In 1951 he enlisted in the Navy and served in the Korean War. He completed aviation school and became a control tower operator before his honorable discharge in 1955. He attended Pennsylvania Military College (PMC) where he earned a BS, and later attended University at Albany where he achieved two Masters Degrees.

Tom spent the majority of his career as a school teacher. His fondest teaching years were spent during the 1960's at the East Nassau School District where he remained in contact with several former students through April of this year.

Tom was an active member with the NYS Teachers Association, Elks, American Legion, Capital District Soap Box Derby, and the Historic Committee at Proctors.

Survivors include his children, Adelaide Haberbush-Pultorak, Rebecca Haberbush, Shayne Herbeck, Stephanie Herbeck-van Buren and two grandchildren, Dylan and Sydney van Buren.

Tom truly relished family and the friends he made over the years. Those who knew him will miss his unique personality and charisma, gentle positive nature, love of stylish hats, and most of all – his sense of humor.

Funeral Service will be on Friday, June 5, 2015 at 10:00 am at the First Reformed Church of Schenectady, 8 N Church St., Schenectady, NY 12305. Calling hours will be Thursday, June 4, 2015 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie. Interment will follow the service in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Thomas R. Haberbush to the Capital District Soap Box Derby, 3 Providence St., Albany, NY 12203-3609.