8 bells: Tom Selfridge

[Spencer Raggio]

I spent a great many hours in a great many boats with Tom, competing in events on Lake George, all along the east coast, San Francisco, St. Maarten. He was a great competitor, a tireless advocate for the sport, and a great friend. He is sorely missed.

Here’s the Times Union obit:

Selfridge, Grant Thomas

SARASOTA, Fla. - Grant Thomas "Tom" Selfridge passed away on February 10, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, at his home in Sarasota, Fla. He was born on June 2, 1947, to John and Jane Denzel Selfridge in Cleveland, Ohio.

Tom was a lifelong athlete, leader, and community builder, whose impact reached far beyond the playing field. Tom attended Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, Ohio, where he was a three-sport star, excelling in football, basketball, and track. He was later inducted into the school's Sports Hall of Fame. Tom went on to attend the University of Cincinnati on a football scholarship, and received his Bachelor of Business Administration. Tom also received his MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y.

Tom began his professional career with the Swagelok Company in Cleveland, Ohio. Tom was President of Albany Valve and Fitting Co., which he established in 1973 in Schenectady, N.Y., as an exclusive Swagelok Company distributor. Tom worked there until his retirement in 2013. Tom's leadership and work ethic left a lasting mark on colleagues and the industry alike.

While accomplished professionally, Tom's true passion was rugby. He rose to compete at the national level with the US national rugby union team, known as the US Eagles. Over his remarkable career, Tom played 732 matches across 19 states and 10 countries, captaining local clubs and helping grow the sport he loved. Tom created Windhover Park in Rexford, N.Y., which hosted numerous major US rugby events, and became a gathering place for athletes and fans alike. In 2014, Tom was inducted into the US Rugby Hall of Fame.

Tom was deeply committed to his community, and gave back by serving on numerous boards, including Junior Achievement, 15 Love, the Rotary Club of Schenectady, the UAlbany Foundation, and the Fort Orange Club among others.

Outside of work and rugby, Tom found great joy sailing on Lake George, where he raced his J/22, and was a devoted member and past Commodore of the Lake George Club. Time on the water, surrounded by friends and family, was among his favorite pastimes.

Tom is survived by his beloved spouse, Kerry Selfridge; their daughter, Emily; stepsons, Nick and Jack Prestigiacomo; and daughters, Heidi D'Andraia (son-in-law Vincent), Wendy Clark, Megan Selfridge; and son, Thomas Selfridge. Tom was blessed with 12 grandchildren, Eddie, Grant, Emma, Bryce, Matthew, Piper, Nicholas, Hailey, Alana, Michael, Rocco, and Ava.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Jane Selfridge; and his brothers, John and Andrew.

Tom will be remembered for his strength, leadership, competitive spirit, and deep loyalty to those he loved. He carried himself with confidence, fierce determination, and a generosity that extended far beyond what most ever saw. Whether on the rugby pitch, in the boardroom, on the deck of a sailboat, or gathered around a table with family, Tom showed up fully with intensity, humor, and heart.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring in Upstate N.Y.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union on Feb. 22, 2026.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesunion-albany/name/grant-selfridge-obituary?id=60846436

[Andrew Brodie]

Thank you Spencer.

Andrew Brodie

Owner / GM

3578 Lake Shore Dr.

Lake George, NY 12845
P: 518-668-2862 X.103
www.yankeeboat.com

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[Cathryn Olsen]

Thanks so much Spencer. Tom was certainly one of those pivotal, memorable people in our sailing history on Lake George.

He will be missed by all.

Cathryn

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[Unstoppable Tracy]

Hi everyone,

Sending lots of love and so many positive thoughts to all of you missing Tom. My heart goes out to you all and Tomez family ..hugs 

Best regards,

Unstoppable Tracy

437-774-9222

Www.UnstoppableTracy.com

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