Henry Charles Trombley, Jr., 78, of Saratoga Springs, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2009, at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born and raised in Chester, VT. Henry was a patient man with a great sense of community. He shared a passion for life and music with his wife of 51 years, Alayne Tomlinson Trombley. He graduated in 1952 from the University of Vermont with a bachelor of music degree. He served in the Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1955. Henry taught for 33 years in the Saratoga Springs City School District, retiring in 1990. He served as a secondary music teacher, music department head, and president of the teacher's union for three consecutive terms. After retiring from teaching, he served four consecutive terms for the Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education and served as president of the Board for three years. Henry was an integral member of Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church since 1958. He was very active in the music program: heading the Frobenius Organ Recital Series, producer of the Madrigal Dinners, and a member of the Chancel Choir for 44 years. He also served as treasurer of the church for 16 years. Henry served his community as an arts advocate in many capacities. He served on boards of the Saratoga Children's Chorus, Saratoga Chamber Players, Saratoga County Arts Council, and Saratoga County Music Educators Association. He participated for many years in the United Way and served one term as president. Henry and Alayne were honored in the community for their service by having the auditorium at the Maple Avenue Middle School named in their honor in April 2003. They were also honored in October 2006 by the Rotary Club for their commitment to the cultural life of the Saratoga Springs community. He was predeceased by his wife, Alayne, in May 2007. He was the proud father of four children and an inspiration to seven grandchildren. He is survived by his children, David, wife, Ann; and grandchildren, Christopher, Andrew, and Corrin of Monticello, NY; Carol (Fry), husband, Michael; and grandchildren, Meghan and Sharon of Columbus, OH; Brian and wife, Krystal of Gansevoort, NY; Eric, wife, Suzanne; and grandsons, Miles and Brayden of Gansevoort, NY; brothers and sisters, Quentin Trombley, Gene and Karen Trombley, Alice Perry, Thelma and George Puechl; and many nieces and nephews. The family will be receiving friends at 24 Elizabeth Lane on Friday, March 6, after 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2009, at the United Methodist Church of Saratoga Springs at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Greenridge Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Froebenius Organ Recital Series, c/o United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or the Saratoga Children's Chorus, c/o United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Arrangements are by Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs.
Published in The Daily Gazette Co. on 3/3/2009