Mr. Thomas J. Blalock

Mr. Thomas J. Blalock, of Pittsfield, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, shortly after his 78th birthday. Born in Phillipsburg, NJ, on January 31, 1945, the son of the late James and Jane Bowers Blalock, he graduated from Wilson Borough High School in Easton, PA, with the class of 1962. Tom earned his BS in Electrical Engineering in 1966 from Lafayette College, and would later, in 1970, obtain a Master’s degree in Power Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In his earlier career, Tom held various positions throughout General Electric in Pittsfield. He worked as a Development Engineer in their High Voltage Laboratory, a (Computer) Systems Engineer in the Power Transformer Department, and a Test Engineer in the Large Transformer Operation. Tom also worked at Berkshire Community College in their theater department as an instructor and as technical director. Taking an early retirement in the late 1990’s after his position at BCC, he periodically assisted local theater groups with lighting and backstage rigging activities. His close friendship with the late Robert Boland beginning in the mid 1970’s resulted in his involvement in theater and love of theater lighting. He worked very closely with Mr. Boland to promote the restoration of the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, and in particular the documentation of the 1912 stage switchboard, which was ultimately restored and displayed in the theatre lobby. Tom had a particular fondness for research, especially early twentieth century electric power installations and equipment (“Industrial Archaeology”). He had over 20 articles dealing with early electric power published in the “Power and Energy Magazine”, as well as a 5-part series on the electrical power system of Bethlehem Steel in Bethlehem PA published in the “Industry Applications Magazine” both electrical engineering trade magazines. He also authored a self-published book on the History of GE Large Power Transformer Plant at Pittsfield MA. Tom is survived by his siblings, Nancy Bowman-Blalock (Roger), Robert Blalock (Winnie), and Susan Blalock, as well as one niece and two nephews. Tom was also blessed with 9 great nieces and nephews. Funeral Notice: Calling hours for Mr. Thomas J. Blalock will be Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 11 am to 1 pm at the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home in Pittsfield, 220 East Street, Pittsfield MA 01201. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Berkshire Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund in care of the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home.

Mr. Thomas J. Blalock

January 31, 1945 - February 21, 2023