Obituary of Thomas Channell

Thomas (Tom) Channell, 75, passed away unexpectedly on November 2, 2023, at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. Tom was most recently residing in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. He was born in Northampton Massachusetts on August 19, 1948.  Tom was the son of the late Edmund and Elsie (Ginnette) Channell. 

Tom attended Northampton Central School, but moved with his parents to Gloversville where he graduated with the class of 1967.  After high school, he studied at Fulton Montgomery Community College and worked for Rite Aid Pharmacy.  Tom’s 50 year career in the window and door industry began at Kasson and Keller in Fonda, NY and culminated with a thirty year tenure as the top regional sales manager for Chelsea Building Products (Pittsburgh, PA). Tom’s knowledge, expertise and professionalism were known throughout the industry.  

On October 7th, 1972 Tom married Bonnie Van Alstine in Ft. Plain, NY.  They spent the next 51 years raising two daughters, cherishing relationships with family and friends, traveling the world, enjoying 17 years at their camp on Sacandaga Lake and never missing an opening day at Saratoga Race Track.  

Tom lived most of his life in the Fonda-Fultonville area where he was a member of the Johnstown  Moose Lodge #1185 and the Concordia Club; a charter member of the Fonda-Fultonville  Lions Club; a Mason of the Hamilton Lodge No. 79 (Ft. Plain, NY)  in which he rose to the level of a Shriner.  Tom loved fishing, enjoyed golf, was an avid Mets & Jets fan,  and always looked forward to the annual Black Friday poker game with his family and friends. 

Tom is survived by his daughters Stacy (Grant) Wilder of Lansing, NY and their children Caleb Thomas  and Abby Grace;   Kari Channell of England, UK and her daughter Kindra Elsie. Additionally, Tom is survived by his siblings:  Floyd (Bob) Channell of Sammonsville, NY; Donna Caron of Florence, MA; Linda (Ronald) Punska of Hatfield, MA and Scott (Tracy) Channell of Hatfield, MA.  Numerous nieces and nephews will fondly remember Uncle Tom. 

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his sister Karen Soucy and sister in-law Laura Gaida Channell.

At Tom’s request, there will be no formal services. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.  In lieu of flowers or donations, gather your memories of Tom, hold up a Budweiser in his honor and send along a toast of good cheer.