Richard Mabb
Richard Mabb, a longtime member of the facilities staff, died February 27, 2010, at
Saratoga Hospital.
Born January 2, 1954, in Saratoga Springs, Richard was the son of the late Earl R.
Mabb Sr. and Anna E. Haviland. Richard was a member of the Class of 1973 at Saratoga
Springs High School and served in the U.S. Army for more than a decade after graduation.
He joined the Skidmore community in February 1987 as a part-time custodian. Shortly
after, he was named a full-time custodian and later that year, a groundskeeper. In
1990, Richard became a full-time refuse driver for the transportation department,
a post he held for 15 years before retiring in October 2005.
Richard was dedicated to his work, which involved daily runs through the campus, six
or seven days a week in rain, snow, or sun to collect and dispose of trash. In addition
to his campus detail, Richard also handled refuse collection at off-campus special
events, such as the Palamountain Scholarship Benefit and the Skidmore-Saratoga Classic
Horse Show.
David Jones, a fleet mechanic in the grounds department, worked with Richard for a
number of years, both at Skidmore and occasionally at Mabb’s Garage, which Richard
operated in Middle Grove.
Jones explained that Richard’s job provided a degree of independence and autonomy
that appealed to him. In addition to refuse collection, Richard would provide regular
maintenance to the truck, which, said Jones, “was pretty much second nature.”
The joys of Richard’s life included working in his service station and his faithful
dog, Patches.
Survivors include a daughter, Christina Charbonneau of Saratoga Springs; a stepson,
Paul Clute of Elmira; former wife, Ada Clute of Saratoga Springs; a brother, David
Mabb (Charlene) of Saratoga Springs, who also is a member of the Skidmore College
grounds crew; a sister, Anna Crandall (Charles Sr.) of Saratoga Springs; and several
grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Interment was at Maplewood Cemetery in Saratoga Springs.