Thomas Walker Fry VII

Thomas Walker Fry VII of Ridgefield passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025 after a long illness. He was born August 6, 1944 to parents William Willcox Fry and Alice Kerstine Fry and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. A graduate of Lindbergh High School, he lettered in baseball, football, and swimming. Tom earned a B.S. in accounting from South East Missouri University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where he was a member of Sigma Chi. Later in life, he received an MBA from Pace University in New York City.

Tom served 4 years active duty in the US Air Force stationed at Elgin Air Force Base in Pensacola, Florida. Upon Honorable Discharge in 1970, Tom drove to NYC to begin his 42-year career in finance. Positions included:  Accountant, GTE (international); Controller, Sylvania (residing in Caracas, Venezuela); and Manufacturing Controller, Chesebrough-Ponds (territory Africa). He later served as CFO for Vasomedical, BEI Medical Systems, and CONMED Healthcare Management taking it public. Throughout, he was cited for his “hard work ethic, diligence to task, and honesty.”

A 48-year resident, Tom loved living in Ridgefield especially enjoying hosting family and friends at his Hunter Lane home. He was a coach for Ridgefield Little League and Pop Warner Football. He may be best remembered as the Game Announcer at the Ridgefield High School Hockey games in the 90’s. Tom was a parishioner of St. Mary’s, a volunteer for Friends of the Ridgefield Library, and a member of the American Legion, Post 78. In retirement, he was a member of Founders Hall and the Ridgefield Men’s Club enjoying Duplicate Bridge and Senior Men’s Golf. An American History buff, Tom enjoyed taking classes on genealogy – researching the history of the 300+ year ancestry of the Fry family in North America. Summer vacations included visiting many Civil War Battlefields and National Parks. Tom had a passion for travel having visited more than 60 countries. He so enjoyed meeting new people, learning about cultures and traditions, and especially sampling the cuisine wherever he visited. 

He leaves the love of his life and wife of 51 years, Laura, whose love and devotion knew no bounds.  He was most proud of his sons, Thomas (wife Claire) and Stephen (wife Nicole). He was the beloved GrandTom to Tommy, Amelia, Joshua, Hadley and Chase. He is survived by his sister Mary Smith Sprinkle and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Sally Kennedy.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary's Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment with US Air Force funeral honors will follow in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Ridgefield. Contributions in Mr. Fry's memory may be made to RVNA Hospice.

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