Thomas D. Younkins

Thomas D. Younkins, 85, passed away on Sunday November 19, 2017. Born in Pittsburgh, PA on August 30, 1932, he was the son of the late Leona and James A. Younkins Jr. He was predeceased by his brother James A.Younkins III. Tom was raised in Mt. Lebanon, PA. He graduated with high honors from Mt. Lebanon High School in 1950. He earned a BS with honors in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University in 1954. He was a letterman on the varsity track teams of both schools. He was a member of five honorary societies and the Phi Gamma Delta Social Fraternity at Penn State. Tom worked for the General Electric Co. for 38 years, retiring in 1992. He graduated from GE’s 3-year Advanced Engineering Program in 1957. At Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory he led a group contributing to the design and development of the AIG nuclear reactor, two of which powered each of all ten Nimitz class American aircraft carriers, built from 1968 to 2006. He also was a Senior Consulting Engineer for the Power Systems Engineering Department where he worked on several contracts that developed advanced technology for the Tokyo Electric Power Company. During his career at GE Tom also taught graduate nuclear engineering as an adjunct professor at Union College for 19 years. After retiring Tom tutored at Guilderland High School and also with Literacy Volunteers of America teaching English as a second language. He enjoyed sailing, skiing, music appreciation and reading — especially history. He was a passionate, lifelong learner. Tom was predeceased by his wife Marlene Wells Younkins in 1989. They were married in 1957 and were the proud parents of three children. He is survived by his wife Ellen Clark Younkins who he married in 1992 and his children Karen Kana (Daniel) of Bedford NH, Dana Musciano (Frank) Portland ME, Glenn Younkins of State College PA and his grandchildren Bryan Kana, Christine Kana Fetter, Gregory Kana, Brett Kana, Nicholas Musciano, Cara Musciano, John Musciano, Lindsey Younkins, and Mark Younkins. Calling hours and funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 No. Allen St., Albany, NY. Visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com to leave a message for the family.

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Thomas D. Younkins

August 30, 1932 - November 19, 2017