Thomas Fay passed away peacefully at home on January 13, 2025, after a long illness. He was 91 years old.

Tom was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to his parents Francis X. Fay and Margaret Thornton. He was the second of four boys. He survived polio after being confined to a wheelchair for two years. The family later moved to Rowayton, C.T. where he spent many formative years. He attended Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire, where he was MVP of his baseball, football, basketball and hockey teams.

He then joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Paris. Fireball had so much fun in France that he said he should have had to pay the army for his time spent there. After serving his country, he worked with Stew Leonard and his dad delivering milk and performing other tasks.

Tom then followed his dream to move West and landed on the strand in Manhattan Beach, C.A. He was a Manhattan Beach mailman for several years and resumed his studies at El Camino College. He later attended California State University, Long Beach where he graduated with honors and a degree in business.

Tom met his beautiful wife, Alice E. Toomey at the Pitcher House in Hermosa Beach. Their wedding day in 1964 was the happiest day of his life. They celebrated their 60th anniversary last year. The newlyweds soon welcomed sons Mike ('65), Jim ('66), and T.J. ('68) into the family.

Tom got a job with the Los Angeles County Probation Department where he worked with adults and then later adolescents. With three kids, a full-time job, and a side job delivering subpoenas, Tom continued his education at USC on the GI Bill, earning an MBA in Economics.

Tom passed up better paying jobs in the finance world so that he could continue to mentor troubled youths. He absolutely loved his job and touched many kids' lives. He got his dream job when he joined the staff at Camp Barley Flats. He had two years to guide each of his charges away from bad influences. He was able to reach most kids with concern and kindness. His coworkers said he was one of the best probation officers in the department because of his enormous heart and genuine care for the kids.

Along with his full-time job as a probation officer, Tom was also a real estate broker and invested in various real estate properties.  He worked hard but always made time for family and friends.

Becoming a grandpa to his cherished Meara Fay rounded out his retirement years. He doted on her every day as he and Alice took care of her while her parents were working. He picked her up from school, usually with a pit-stop to get an ice cream cone on the way home.

Tom loved the outdoors and took the family on many vacations including five trips across the country in their station wagon. Fireball was a self-described college basketball junkie. He enjoyed jogging. His love for ice cream never wavered. He and Alice bought a cabin in Big Bear so he could escape into "the Big Pines."

Tom (fondly called Fireball by family and friends) was always supportive of his sons' endeavors, including attending many high school games, college baseball games, softball games, and squatchin' with Bobo. He also supported his friends' kids and his kids' friends, many of whom considered him a second dad. His sons were constantly reminded by everyone how lucky they were to have him as a dad.

Fireball could hold a conversation with anyone because he was so well read and truly interested in what people had to say. Alice often said he could talk to a tree! He could have an hour-long conversation at the pump while filling his car with gas.

Tom was a man of great compassion and was happy to help anyone that needed it. His ever-loving personality and happy demeanor continued to shine, even in his final days.

Tom was preceded in death by his brothers Frank, Joe, and Jerry. He is survived by the love of his life Alice, sons Mike, Jim (Bobo), and T.J., daughter-in-law River, and granddaughter Meara, as well as many nieces and nephews.  We will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Huntington's Disease Society of America ( hdsa.org ).