Posted on Jul 29, 2003

Thomas A. Racht Jr.

The College is mourning the passing
of Thomas Racht Jr., a member of our Facilities Services Department, who died on
Tuesday, July 22, after a battle with Crohn's Disease. He was 44.

Racht had been with the
College since 1986, most recently as the building maintainer for the Reamer Center, the Yulman Theater, the
Arts buildings, North College, and Richmond Hall.

In his career at Union he had worked in cleaning,
grounds, and building maintenance.

“Tom's service to the campus
community can be best remembered in his pleasant nature and hard work, which
has affected all those who came in contact with him during his many years on
campus,” said President Roger Hull. “We will all miss Tom's warm personality
and friendly smile.”

A graduate of Linton High School, Racht was a Section II
wrestling champion and a member of the section's All-Star football team. He was
a member of the Rotterdam Elks Lodge 2157 and an avid Adirondack outdoorsman.

Survivors include his
mother, Claire Relyea; stepfather, Robert Relyea; a sister, Debra Curran and
her husband, Daniel (an electrician with Union's Facilities Services); and
a brother, Timothy. His father, Thomas Racht Sr., died in 1974.

Interment was in Memory's
Garden, Colonie.

Memorial contributions may
be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc., 4 Normanskill Boulevard, Delmar, NY  12054.