Thomas J. Fox

AUSTINTOWN-Thomas J. Fox, 86, of Wilcox Rd in Austintown, passed away at 3 AM Monday, August 21, 2006 in Austintown Woods Nursing Center. Thomas was born on March 1, 1920 in Syracuse, NY the son of the late Clinton E. and Anna (Poters) Fox. Thomas was a self employed landscaper and owned and operated for many years the Fox Landscape Developing Co. Previous to that Thomas worked for many years at Duncan Landscape. Thomas was a veteran of the United States Army having served overseas during World War II. Thomas entered active duty on October 15, 1940 and served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. During his service, Thomas was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and was awarded the Purple Heart on April 8 1945. Thomas was discharged from the United States Army as Staff Sergeant on June 29, 1945. Thomas was a member of St. Christine Catholic Church and enjoyed playing pool, cards, watching sports on television, and had a passion and enjoyment for landscaping. Thomas married the former E. Louise Baker on March 17, 1947 and she preceded him in death on May 31, 1990. Thomas then married the former Caroline (Riccutti) Keish on November 30, 1991 and they were married for 11 years until her passing in April of 2003 Thomas is survived by his two sons Gilbert “Gil” (Karen) of Boardman, and Wayne (Mary) of Medina; three stepchildren Darlene Deak, Rod (Dana) Keish, and Gary (Sue) Keish; two grandchildren Bethany and Drew Fox; and four step grandchildren Kathy Keish, Brooke Deak, Amanda Keish, and Tyler Keish. Besides his parents and spouses, Thomas was preceded in death by a sister Ruth Collar and two brothers Clinton Fox and Gilbert Fox who was killed in the service. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM Friday, August 25, 2006 in St. Christine Catholic Church with Msgr. David W. Rhodes officiating, preceded by closing prayers at 9:30 AM in the Lane Funeral Home Austintown Chapel. Calling hours will be offered from 5 until 7 PM Thursday in the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will take place in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars.