Fox, Thomas H. Sr.

SELKIRK- Thomas Henry Fox Sr., age 89 of Selkirk, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, January 20, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born on April 10, 1933, to William C. and Anne E. (Bensinger) in Albany. He is survived by his children: Thomas Jr. (Barbara), Joseph (Michele), Jane Conway (Joseph), Timothy (Chantal); grandchildren Henry (Carla), Alex, Sydney Ferrigan, Victor (Lein), Spencer Ferrigan, Shelby Ferrigan and Austin; great grandchild Scarlet Fox; and sisters Marcia (Wayne) Spaulding and Linda Fox. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as longtime family friend, Joan Staples and sister-in-law Maria Fox.Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years Jane E. Tangora Fox; and his siblings: Helen (James) Curry, William Jr., Leonard, John (Verna) Fox and Mary (Jack) Lansing.

Tom grew up in the South End of Albany and worked in the family business, Fox’s Live Bait. During high school he was an accomplished athlete, and became a talented swimmer and basketball player. After high school Tom worked for Charlie Buchman (his mentor), a large developer in Albany - Tom was his cabinet maker. They went on to build several apartment units and houses in Albany. Tom eventually broke out on his own, building his own real estate and business empire in Albany. Tom opened his own firm with his brother-in-law and friends, and later expanded to include his sons and their friend, Tom Keppler. He and his wife worked side-by-side in the real estate industry until their golden years. Tom was a skilled craftsman and master carpenter. During the renovations of St. John’s - St. Anne’s Church in Albany’s South End, he was able to transform the reclaimed pews into many fine pieces of furniture that the family enjoys to this day. They also owned a few grocery stores — including a store in Averill Park and Jane’s Variety on Second Avenue, which they ran for over 32 years. Tom and his wife were avid antique and memorabilia collectors. Tom acquired almost every item of Coca-Cola memorabilia, even a classic car. He also collected coins and “pep pins” – the “Felix” pin was one of his prized possessions. He is known for having the best barn sales – selling his collections brought him joy, knowing that other collectors could enjoy the same passion. Tom (or Papa, as his grandchildren referred to him) had a thirst for knowledge, and he instilled that love of knowledge and learning in his grandchildren. He also shared with them a deep appreciation of Albany’s history, as well as the history of his own family. He loved passing time watching documentaries about American history, natural science, and space exploration and the wonders of our universe. He also loved old western shows (Gunsmoke), so much so that his daughter bought him a cowboy hat and promised him a horse. Tom and his wife were always extraordinarily generous, and their philanthropic efforts strengthened many local charities, and touched and improved the lives of countless individuals and their families. Tom loved life, and he had a wonderful (and sometimes mischievous) sense of humor that endeared him to everyone. He was also a man of great strength, dignity and wisdom, and he was a warm, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend.

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Community Hospice, 310 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208