Thomas Vincent Foley

Tom was born February 21, 1934 in County Leitrim, Ireland, the son of the late John and Elizabeth (Roche) Foley. The eldest of six children, Tom was raised and educated in Co. Leitrim, and emigrated to the United States in 1960.

Tom had resided in the Sunnyside, New York area, and it was there he and his wife Mary were married in St. Rafael’s Church in 1966. They later resided in Whitestone, New York until moving to New Fairfield in 1979.

Tom was employed with Drake’s Bakeries as a route salesman for over 35 years, and was a longtime parishioner and Eucharistic Minister at Saint Edward the Confessor Church, New Fairfield. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, John A. Gildea Division 3, where he served in numerous positions such as Chairman of its Sick Committee, and former co-chairman of the Greater Danbury Irish Festival. In 1990, the division named Tom its Hibernian of the Year. Tom was also a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus McGivney Council #29, and was a longtime volunteer with the Dorothy Day Hospitality House in Danbury. He was a former member and recording secretary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 15 in Whitestone, NY.

In addition to his loving wife of nearly 47 years, Mary, Tom is survived by three children: Sean Foley of San Francisco, CA, Kevin Foley and his wife Christine of Cos Cob, CT, and Brenda Foley Ott, M.D. and her husband Greg of New Hope, PA; one sister: Bridget Keating of Whitestone, NY; three brothers: John and Michael Foley, both of England, and James Foley of Mohill, Co. Leitrim, Ireland; nephew John Keating and his wife Nicole of Wantagh, NY; four grandchildren: Maura, Brady, and Liam Ott, and Luke Foley; and grandnephews Ryan and Brendan Keating.

An Irishman to the core, Tom was also proud to be an American citizen. He was a devout Catholic, tireless worker and a devoted family man and friend, always there to lend a helping hand. A man of great empathy, he had a special place in his heart for those less fortunate and advocated for those most in need. He was an avid volunteer for the homeless, the Church and many charities. In his spare time, he also loved working outdoors and gardening. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Friday May 3rd at Saint Edward the Confessor Church, New Fairfield. Burial will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery, New Fairfield.

The family will receive friends at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury on Thursday May 2nd from 4pm through 8pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Save the Children, 54 Wilton Road, Westport, CT 06880.