Thomas Grasselli Fowler

Thomas "Tom" Grasselli Fowler was born on April 25, 1958, in Houston, Texas. He died peacefully on July 22, 2024 at his home in Old Lyme, Connecticut with his beloved wife Liz and daughter Mary at his side.

Tom was a devoted father and husband, readily sharing laughs and (mis)adventures, curious about the wider world, steady in his pursuit of beauty and kindness, and confident in what constitutes a life well lived. Tom led the charge to move back to New York and Connecticut in 2018 after two decades in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He delighted in his deep and long-lasting friendships. Tom is remembered by all for his optimism, grace, impeccable style, and joie de vivre.

He spent a joyful youth in England, both in London and in Oare near Marlborough, and treasured his walks on the downs. Tom attended the Hill House School in London and the Summer Fields School in Oxfordshire. After moving back to the United States, he attended the Buckley School in New York, and graduated from the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey in 1976. He earned his BA in art history at Denison University, Ohio in 1980.

Tom enjoyed his career as a retail buyer, specializing in fine stationery and decorative goods. He honed his merchandising expertise at Shreve, Crump & Low in Boston, and subsequently worked at Potter & Mellon and his own store, the Writing Room, both in Cleveland.

Later, Tom transitioned to coaching youth soccer, where he made a profound impact. Tom was beloved by his athletes, coaching the Shaker Heights and Beachwood high school varsity women's teams and serving as President of the Shaker Youth Soccer Association. His love for the beautiful game, sense of humor, and ability to inspire teamwork, confidence, and healthy competitive spirit were hallmarks of his coaching career.

Throughout his life, Tom never ceded ground to the illnesses he faced, nor let them define him or limit his sense of self or desire for adventure.

Tom is survived by his wife of 36 years, Elizabeth Traynor Fowler, and their daughter, Mary Williams Grasselli Fowler Lovejoy (Donald Lovejoy) of New York. Tom also leaves behind his siblings William H. Fowler II (Deborah Branciforte Fowler), Robert S. Fowler (Constance Pierce Fowler), and Marya Fowler Muehlegger (Marty Muehlegger), along with nieces and nephews Annabel Fowler Gatto (Philip Gatto), William H. Fowler III, Robert Pierce Fowler (Kathleen Maffei Fowler), Thomas Saxton Fowler, Louisa Fowler Packham (Tanner Packham), Jenson Barry Muehlegger, Maxwell Muehlegger, Lucy Traynor Dudensing Millard, William Warring Traynor, and Emma Williams Traynor. He was predeceased by his mother, Grace Grasselli Bowman, and his father, Robert Asa Fowler.

A celebration of his life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Old Lyme. The family will also gather for a private interment at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio.