Obituary of Donald Joseph Tobin

Donald Joseph Tobin, 81 of Woodlake Road, Guilderland, passed away with dignity on Tuesday evening, September 13, 2011 at Albany Memorial Hospital with his daughters by his side. He died after a short illness with colon cancer. Donald was born in Albany, NY on May 30, 1930 to the late John and Deliah Bridget Kelley Tobin both from County Cork, Ireland. He spent most of his childhood in Wells, NY where he gained a great appreciation for the mountains that he loved. He was educated at CBA, Siena College and was also a Pre-Med student. Donald served in the United States Navy from 1950 to 1953 as a Navy Corpsman at Tripler Army Hospital in Hawaii. For 32 years he served with the Albany City Police Department where he was a detective and known as "Bigfoot" to his peers. Donald was a very loving and giving person and was always a gentleman. He was lovingly referred to as "Pop Pop". One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed doing crossword puzzels and watching the Game Show Network and especially enjoying his favorite show Match Game. Donald was married to Dorothy Nagengast for 55 years until her death on Septmber 8, 2009. They where married at Our Lady of Angels Church in Albany, NY on November 10, 1953. He is survived by his children: Raymond (Susan) Tobin of Charlotte, SC, Donna Maylath of Slingerlands, NY, James (Sandra) Tobin of Naples, FL, and Kathleen (Corey) Nellis of Fonda, NY; grandchildren: Kimberly Davis, Jeremy Maylath, Jeffrey (Crystal) Davis, Carly and Emily Littlejohn; great grandchildren: Anthony, Carissa and Madison Davis. Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144.