Thomas F. Fager Obituary Sep 11, 2020 - A.K. Macagna Funeral Home

Obituary

Thomas F. Fager , of Litchfield Park, Arizona, died peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2020 at the age of 72.

Thomas was born on January 13, 1948 to the late George and Margaret (nee McCarthy) Fager. He grew up in Cliffside Park, NJ, and graduated (much to his mother's great relief) from Cliffside Park High School in 1967. Tom was an Army veteran who proudly served his country during the Vietnam War from 1968-69 as a member of the 25 ^th Infantry Division and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge. On June 4, 1969, Tom having again volunteered to be point man for the mission, was wounded in action, and became the recipient of the Purple Heart.

His experience in the Army as a combat veteran, played an important role in his life. He supported numerous veteran groups and causes such as the Vietnam Veterans of America. Additionally, he was a life member of the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club and served as President of the Arizona chapter. He also was a life member of the VFW (Post 6192). Tom was a member of the American Legion (AZ post 0100), and a proud card carrying member of the National Rifle Association. Equally important, he supported St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Anyone who knew Tom, was familiar with his intense love of cars, therefore, it was only fitting that he worked for Ford Motor Company for 30 years on the assembly line and finally in their parts department in Teterboro, NJ. Tom loved attending antique car shows and would spend hours in his garage, listening to his oldies music and tending to his many classic cars, which included a 1964 Ford Falcon, 1964 Ford Fairlane, 1966 Shelby Ford Mustang and 1980 Ford Pinto. He was also actively involved in the Fairlane Club of America.

Tom took fashion cues from no one, and his signature everyday look was a plain white T-shirt, blue jeans and a pair of white New Balance sneakers. For winter dress code or "formal wear," he would substitute in a black t-shirt. His favorite accessory was a can of Coors Light.

Thomas was a brave and loyal soldier as well as a patient and loving husband to Barbara (nee Faung). He was a devoted father to Justine Bennett (Glen) of Port Orange, FL, Thomas, Jr. of Port Orange, FL, and dedicated stepfather to Jackie Thuemmler of Austin, TX, and Jason Thuemmler of Leadville, CO. He was a troublesome younger brother to George (Joan) of Vineland, NJ. He was a proud grandfather to Christian, Zack, Ally, and Rhegan. He was a fond uncle to Lisa, Karen, Gabriel and Andrew, and finally a great friend to many. Everyone who remembers Tom is asked to celebrate his life by raising a can of Coors Light in his memory.

Rosary will be held Friday, September 25, 2020 from 4-8pm at A.K. Macagna Funeral Home, 495 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, NJ. Tom will be laid to rest at the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Thomas F. Fager to the United States Naval Academy where his grandson, Christian, is a Midshipman ( www.usna.com/give ) or the University of Central Florida baseball team where his grandson, Zack, is an athlete on the team. ( www.ucffoundation.org/baseball ).

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit our flower store.

Thomas F.

Fager

Obituary

Funeral Services

Visitation

Memorial Book

Guestbook