FAILMEZGER--Commander Victor 'Tory', USN Retired, (74), of Warren County, Virginia, passed away on July 2, 2021. Born in New Brunswick, NJ in 1947, to Victor Failmezger and Mary Elizabeth Welch. Survived by his wife, Patricia, son Christian and daughter Victoria Matthews two grandsons, and by his sister, Stephanie Partilla. He graduated from East Brunswick High School class of 1965 and from Southern Methodist University in 1969 with a History degree. Subject to the US Military Draft, he enlisted in the US Navy. Retiring from the Navy after 22 years, he had a decorated career in Naval Intelligence with duty stations in Italy, Japan, Germany, and was awarded eight Defense personal decorations. Retiring from civilian life he moved to Warren County, VA, served as Planning Commissioner and supervised a reproduction of Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest home. Commander Failmezger authored six books. Most notably was American Knights, and Rome, City in Terror, the Nazi Occupation 1943-1944, with Osprey Publications. Commander Victor 'Tory' Failmezger, USN Retired will be buried at Arlington Cemetery.

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Published by New York Times on Jul. 22, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for VICTOR FAILMEZGER

10 Entries

Tom Harvey

July 17, 2023

Tory was most of all a kind and humbled man. He never tried to outdo anyone, but always contributed significantly to anything he was engaged with.

He was a tender person who cared for all. He loved his wife Patty deeply and his children most of all.

He was always a joy to be with. We did many projects together and he always made things better.

He helped arrange the building of a huge dining room table where our big family often gathered for meals. I see him at the table often with his big smile. He´s in a wonderful place where good men go.

Ron & Dee Artim

February 25, 2022

We just learned of Tory´s passing and send our condolences to you and your family. It was a privilege and honor to serve with him in VA 56 and we have nothing but the fondest memories of our service together. We´d like to let you know that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for the repose of his sole by Rev Kenneth Gill on March 9, 2022 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Solomons, MD.

Charles Purvis

January 21, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of Tory's passing. You have my utmost heartfelt sympathy. I became a friend when I did an internet search on the 601st and we exchanged info on what we knew about that unit, in which my father served in Company B, the same one his uncle Tommy Welch was in. Tory's books helped me considerably in tracing my father's WWII service. God Bless him.

Fred Bullock

August 20, 2021

I first met Tory in Naples, Italy in 1969 as a British Army corporal and he USN in NATO AFSOUTH and became firm friends through our shared interest of history of the Graeco-Roman world, so abundant in Naples and its environs. I was there to stand next to Tory on the occasion of his marriage to Patty in 1971. However, soon thereafter, as is the way of the military, our Italian tours both ended and Tory went in to achieve great things as his obituary so elequently lays out. We lost touch for some 47 years or so, until the modern wonder of the Internet brought us back together again. On one of their numerous trips to Italy, researching for his new book 'Rome', Tory and Patty came over to Greece, where I now live and we finally met up again! So good, the memory of which resonates with me still! Since then, we have stayed in frequient touch via email and 'phone, and I feel honoured to have received a copy of his excellent tome, 'Rome, City in Terror'. I was deaply saddened to have learned of the passing of Tory, a man who I am proud to have called my friend. My heartfelt condolences go out to Patty and her family.
Vale Tory.

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Tom Harvey

August 17, 2021

Pat. Pam and I were so sad to hear that Tory had died. What a terrific guy.

I thought to honor his memory I would listen to his audiobook on Rome occupation. I´m thoroughly enjoying it.

Debra J Siksay

July 26, 2021

Tory was a kind man, who always had a story to share, as well as being a good listener. Often at the gym he would stop, we would chat and laugh often, I will miss seeing his smiling face and humor. My condolences to Patricia, Christian, Rachael, and the entire family.

Mike Markowitz

July 24, 2021

Tory was a most gracious host for our Ancient Numismatic Society of Washington annual picnics, and I cherished his friendship. May his memory be a blessing.

Larry Askins

July 21, 2021

Dear Patricia, Giulia and I have very fond memories of meeting Tory when he visited us in Berlin. He even gave us our own very special tour of the Permagon museum in East Berlin. And of course when we visited Munich - you both made us feel right at home. I'm sorry we lost touch. Tory was a very special guy and one of the most unique men i've ever met. Keeping you in our prayers. God Bless.

Patricia Goode

July 20, 2021

Dear Patricia & Family-I hope the Cherished Memories you hold closest to your Heart, bring you Comfort & Peace.
I'm sorry for your loss.

Ann Arena

July 20, 2021

Tory's passing greatly saddens me. He always had a smile and offered great conversations, I will indeed miss him but I know he and Fred will have alot to talk about. RIP

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