F. Tobin Obituary

F.X. Tobin

1942 - 2014 PITTSFIELD F.X. Tobin, 71, passed away on June 6, 2014, in Mesa, Ariz. The artist-at-large was surrounded by his family, friends and music. He was born in Pittsfield on Oct. 16, 1942, the oldest of seven children to the late Frank and Mary Tobin. F.X. studied painting and drawing at the Boy's Club in his home town and was a graduate of St. Joseph's High School. He studied portraiture with William Schultz who led F.X. to the Vesper-George School of Art, Boston, where he was trained in the basic tools of the artist craft. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, he obtained his Master's of Fine Arts Degree in Painting and Drawing, at Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz. A talented fine and commercial artist, F.X. resided in Tempe until his passing. He painted commercially in Los Angeles and Arizona for over 30 years. His abilities ranged from classical, surrealist, to large murals and sculpture design. He most recently worked as an art history professor at Collins College in Tempe. A loving husband of 32 years, an amazing father and a fantastic brother and uncle, F.X will be greatly missed by his family and countless friends he met along the way. His creativity will live on in all of us - his humor, his laugh and his enthusiasm were infectious. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Tobin of Tempe; his two daughters, Jesse Tobin of Pittsfield and Margo Tobin of Tempe; his sister Mary Downing and husband, Jack Downing; his sister, Bernadette Clay and husband, Mike Clay; his brother, Bill Tobin and wife, Eileen Tobin; his brother, Jay Tobin and wife, Lois Tobin; his brother, Ben Tobin and wife, Beth Tobin; his brother, Chris Tobin and wife, Nancy Carson, and his wonderful nieces and nephews. Art was a passion for F.X. Tobin and working on art was his life-long labor. F.X.'s body of work will be celebrated with a month-long showing in July at the Lichtenstein Center for Arts at 28 Renne Ave in Pittsfield. There will be a public opening reception with the artist's family on Thursday, July 3, 2014, from 5 to 8 p.m. FUNERAL NOTICE: A Memorial Service for Mr. F.X. Tobin will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2014, at 10 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Mausoleum in St. Joseph Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. A reception will immediately follow at Bill Tobin's, 261 Gale Ave. in Pittsfield. Please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com to leave condolences and remembrances.



Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Jun. 25, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
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I just today heard of your loss. I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear this news. My thoughts, heart and prayers are with you all.

Jacquelyn Sessa

January 23, 2015

My heartfelt sympathy to all of my cousins on the loss of F.X. I won't be returning to Pittsfield until the end of August and won't be able to see the art show or attend the memorial. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers

Toni Triceri

July 2, 2014

We are unable to attend the services for F.X. but we wanted to let you know how deeply sorry we are for your loss. We knew how special he was to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob and Sue Lefaive

June 27, 2014

I'm saddened by the passing of FX . He was a very good and decent man. I like to recall the early days with his vibrant personality and loyal friendship.He was one of a kind.
My condolence and support to his family .
Faisal Ali. Pittsfield, MA.

June 27, 2014

I am devastated...a great friend and warm human being has left the stage...to paint curtains in the hallway of the lord....RIP, brother.

jim martin

June 27, 2014

f.x. was a fabulous artist. he did murals for my int. design co. that were amazing. he was the one who painted all the scenes at "new york,new york" in las vegas . what a loss to his family and the world . maureen healy woodburn mesa, az.

maureen healy woodburn

June 26, 2014

Woodstock and F.X. Both part of a fond memory and legacy.

Bill Gates

June 26, 2014

Dave & Jay,
I am sorry to hear about your brother who leaves quite a rich legacy. I hope you and your families have enjoyed his time on earth and cherish his memory.

Jeffrey Kemp

June 26, 2014

I lost a great friend, so sad for your loss.

Jack Benson

June 25, 2014

Sorry to hear of your brothers passing. He was quite a guy!

Barbara Arpante

June 25, 2014

Sorry to hear of your brothers passing. He was quite a guy!

June 25, 2014

Rest in peace dear friend, remembering all the great times we had growing up.

John Polidoro

June 25, 2014

jay and brothers and sisters.so sad to hear of f.x.'s passing.i know how close your family is.a sad day in the Berkshires.

artie pero

June 25, 2014

F.X. was such a great friend...when I was growing up he was an inspiration to me. I will never forget his lasting words of wisdom: "pump iron..pump art"

June 25, 2014

I was so sorry to read about FX this morning. I have, as you all have, just lost a part of my childhood.

Ed Shepardson

June 25, 2014

We are sorry to hear about F X's passing,he such a talented artist and a lot of fun to be around.We have many great memories of parties at the Tobin house and elsewhere with him.He leaves a big void in many lives.Our condolences to the Tobin family.

Court and Jan Olds

June 25, 2014

Recalling the wonderful contributions FX made to the Pittsfield 4th of July parade with his friends and family. "American Fantasy" and "Captain America"-great memories and a great talent.Rest in peace.

Judy Collins (Gleason)

June 25, 2014

I have not seen Fran for a very long time. He was a friend of mine when we were young and in Pittsfield. We graduated together. sorry for your lose

Bernie (Dizzy) Desautels

June 25, 2014

Jesse:
So sorry about your dad. Your family is in my thoughts.

Caryn Wendling

June 25, 2014

Iknew FX when we were kids at Onota Lake. He was always fun to be around so I'm not surprised he was so well-loved. He will be missed. My sympathy to all of his family. From one of the "Kelly Kids"

Sheila Kelly Strack

June 25, 2014

F.X. will be truly missed by friends and family. The art show will be a wonderful tribute to his talent. God Bless.

Jim Karalun

June 25, 2014

With deepest sympathy on the loss of such a talented and wonderful individual.

Ken & Patty Rivers

June 25, 2014

Thank you for being my Big brother.

Ben Tobin

June 25, 2014

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