Robert Thorsland

Altamont- Robert S. Thorsland, 77 passed away at St. Peter's Hospital, on Monday May 22, 2006 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Lansingburgh, he was the son of the late David E. and Bertha Thorsland. Bob graduated from Lansingburgh High School in 1945. He enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in Occupied Japan in 1946. After his return he went on and received his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (R.P.I.). Bob was a longtime employee of New York State working for the Office of General Services and later the Dept. of Health until his retirement in 1986. During his tenure with the State, Bob had received numerous accommodations from Governor Carey and other Government officials. He was very proud of his involvement in the design of the heating and ventilation systems for the World Trade Center. After retirement Bob enjoyed extensive world traveling. Bob also loved outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing and was an avid golfer. He was a master model ship builder, often giving them away to a number of his family members and friends. Bob was a longtime member of the Colonie Elks Lodge. Bob is predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children Ruth (Pollay) Thorsland and his second wife Mary (Palombi) Thorsland. Bob's family would like to extend a special thank you to the Doctors, nurses and staff at St. Peter's Hospital, especially the Oncology Dept., for all their care and support.
Bob is survived by his two sons, Mark E. Thorsland of Albany and Craig R. Thorsland and wife Gayle of Rotterdam. He is survived by his brother David Thorsland and wife Esther of Colonie. He is also survived by his beloved sweetheart Helen F. Coyne of Albany; three stepchildren, Mary Theresa Neary, Edward Shea and James Shea and five step-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.). Calling Hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Peter's Hospital Foundation C/O St. Peter's Cancer Care Center 319 S. Manning Blvd. Suite 309, Albany, NY 12208 in memory of Robert S. Thorsland. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to www.newcomerfamily.com.