Thomas Morden Older, M.D.

LOUDONVILLE – Thomas Morden Older, M.D. passed away at Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York on August 13, 2024 at the age of 90. Born in Cuba, New York, he was the son of the late Laurence Older, M.D. and Mrs. Nell (Reese) Older. He was pre-deceased by his brother Laurence Older, Jr.

He is survived by his wife Anne Gillett Older, sister Ellen Smith, brother Richard Older, daughters Shannon and Jennifer, sons David (Chantal) and Eric (Caroline), and 10 grandchildren.

After high school in Cuba, New York, Dr. Older was educated at the University of

Rochester (1956) and Cornell Medical School (1960), where he received The Good Physician Award, awarded to a member of the graduating class who, by vote of the class, best exemplifies the intangible qualities of “the Good Physician.” He trained as a surgical resident at the Roosevelt Hospital (now Mount Sinai West) in New York City and as a cardiothoracic surgeon at Albany Medical Center. Dr. Older performed the first coronary artery operation in Albany at Albany Medical Center, established cardiac surgery practices at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany and Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, and also practiced at VA Albany.

Dr. Older was an admirer of English and Italian gardening and enlisted the expertise of influential English landscape designer John Brookes to design the gardens for two of his homes in the Albany area. A gifted surgeon, he was also an avid woodworker; one of his most ambitious projects was to dismantle a 4,000-piece 1929 Skinner pipe organ at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Albany and reinstall it in his home at 7 Englewood Place near Washington Park. In addition to playing the organ and piano, he loved listening to classical music and was a frequent attendee of performances at the Metropolitan Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, and many musical venues in the Albany area. He was a trustee of the Fort Orange Club, an elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church, and a trustee of the Washington Park Conservancy. In his youth, he enjoyed competitive racing of Lightning Class sailboats. After visiting all 50 states on summer trips with his parents, he toured Europe in 1956, where he met his future wife Anne who was 16 at the time.

As a physician and a father, he was known for his exacting standards, strong work ethic, high integrity, and sense of humor.

A celebration of his life is scheduled for Monday, August 19th at 1:30pm at the Cathedral of All Saints at 62 South Swan Street, Albany, New York, followed by a reception at the Fort Orange Club at 110 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York. Parking for the service and reception is available at the Fort Orange Club.  

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.