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Obituaries
Thomas Patrick Fay
Thomas Patrick Fay of Toano, Virginia, formerly of Poquoson, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on September 24, 2024, after a prolonged struggle with vascular dementia. Born in Mesa, Arizona, on December 25, 1946, Tom was the only child of the late Thomas Francis and Helen Johnson Fay.
Tom’s childhood was spent in San Antonio, Texas. It was there that he encountered a teacher who influenced his life. Sister Cecilia instilled in Tom his love of reading and inspired him to be an educator. She taught him humility and kindness, values he embodied throughout his 77 years. When the family moved to Alexandria, Virginia, Tom enrolled in St. Mary’s School in Alexandria. He next attended Thomas Edison High School before going to the College of William and Mary. While at William and Mary, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and manager of the football team. Tom was proud that then Coach Marv Levy awarded him a full scholarship for his dependability and commitment to the team. He received a master’s degree from Old Dominion University.
From William and Mary Tom found his calling (and his wife) by joining the faculty at Poquoson High School, where he taught English and Spanish for 35 years. During those years, he coached several sports – football, basketball, and golf – and a very successful and award-winning academic bowl team. Tom’s gifted students were perennial champions on WHRO’s Tidewater Challenge and won many district, regional, and state competitions. Once retired, Tom enjoyed reading, golfing, and traveling.
Tom is survived by his wife of 53 years Bonnie Jennings Fay; his daughter and son-in-law Shannon and Scott Kamenick of Reston, Virginia; his son Michael of Las Vegas, Nevada; two adored grandsons, Quinn Kamenick and Brady Kamenick; two sisters-in-law Claudia Johnsen, of Amherst, Virginia, and Diane Berube (Marshall), of Tampa, Florida. He also leaves behind friends Brenda and Terry Frederick who sustained Tom and Bonnie throughout the dementia journey.
The family will receive friends Monday, September 30, 2024, 6:00-7.30 at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, Virginia. The funeral will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Friends of the Poquoson Public Library, 500 City Hall Avenue, Poquoson, Virginia, or to the William & Mary Football Fund, Football Excellence fund #4859, at give.wm.edu. If mailing, please address the donation to Office of University Advancement, Gift Admin., PO Box 1693, Harlan, IA 51593-1993, noting “#4859 in Memory of Thomas Patrick Fay” in the memo line.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home.
9 Comments
Tom was such a wonderful, kind and smart man. He was such a great teacher and friend to all he met. I will always remember his smile! A gentleman in all ways!
Mr. Fay was a tremendous influence to my daughter, Katie Edwards, and son, Chip Edwards, at Poquoson High School. He was the epitome of an excellent teacher. My condolences to Mrs. Fay who also an important influence in my daughter’s life.
Dear Bonnie,
I am so very sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. I wish you and your family peace.
Love,
Bev Phillips
Mrs. Fay,
I was so very sorry to hear of Mr. Fay’s passing. You both were so inspiring to your students. Many lessons to this day, I fondly remember because of educators like the both of you.
My prayers are with you and your family. May your wonderful memories bring you comfort, and may God’s blessings keep you at peace.
Most sincerely,
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I coached basketball at Mathews during the day when we ccompeted.Tom was a real gentlemen and sport. I always looked forward to seeing Tom at games as well as VHSL meetings. My sincere condolences to all members of his family.
John lanford
Mr. Fay epitomized what a true role model was supposed to be. Whether in the classroom or on the athletic field he was akways teaching. Kind, compassionate and passionate are what comes to mind when I think of him and my four years of being in his classroom, the football field and the golf course. Prayers and offerings of comfort to his family during this time of grief.
I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Fay’s passing. I enjoyed having Mr. Fay for Spanish all four years of high school. I send lots of love and hugs. I am thinking about all of you.
I’m so sorry to see this. Some of my friends and I were instrumental in getting Mr. Fay and his wife, Bonnie, to date back when they both taught at Poquoson High School. We were even invited to their wedding (and went)! Prayers for the family.
Mr. and Mrs. Fay were significant influences on my life when I attended high school in Poquoson. Their grace and style as we witnessed their friendship bloom into love and marriage were a joy. They inspired me to continue my education to finish a BA in English among other educational achievements. My very best to his family and my deepest condolences. My time in the inaugural AP class at PHS is among my fondest memories.