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Thomas Fitz-Simon Obituary

FITZ-SIMON, THOMAS A. of Cranston, died on Friday August 29, 2014. He was the beloved husband of Zita M. (Ferreira) Fitz-Simon and the late Katherine A. (O'Connell) Fitz-Simon. Born in Brockton, Massachusetts, he was the son of John A. and Flora C. (Barnes) Fitz-Simon; he has been a resident of Cranston for the past 70 years. He graduated from Cranston High School in 1953 and Johnson and Wales University in 1958. He was an Army Veteran. Tom retired from RIPTA having previously worked for the Tara Hotels, State of Rhode Island, Bureau of Family Support, the Attorney General Department and Campanella & Cardi Construction Company. He and his family also owned and operated Fitz-Simon's Pub on Pontiac Avenue in Cranston. Through the years, Tom dedicated his time to various political and civic organizations. He was a Cranston City Council person (Ward 6 and Ward 2) and a Rhode Island State Representative in District 28. He was a member of the Cranston Democratic City Committee, State Representative Committee, and the State Central Committee. He was a founder and charter member of the Budlong League; in 1998 the Garden City field was dedicated in his honor. He was inducted into the Cranston Hall of Fame in 2002 and served on its Board of Directors. He was on the Board of Directors of the Cranston Veterans Memorial Scholarship Fund and a member of the Department of Community Development, Chairperson of the Block Grant Board. In 2006, he co-founded the Cranston High Schools Men's Alumni monthly luncheon. Tom received the Johnson and Wales Annual Fund Volunteer Award for 1999 and 2000. Besides his wife, he is survived by his son Thomas Fitz-Simon Jr. of New York, three daughters Katherine Jordan of Arizona, Jill McBride of Cranston and Susan Fitz-Simon of Texas. He was the brother of James Fitz-Simon, Jerrold Fitz-Simon, Judith Moretti and Joyce Townsend. He was also the father of the late Thomas Fitz-Simon and brother of the late John A. Fitz-Simon Jr. He also leaves two grandchildren John W. Avizinis Jr. and Nicole K. Avizinis and two great-granddaughters Victoria and Ava Avizinis. The funeral will be held on Thursday at 8:30am from The Butterfield Chapel 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Matthew Church in Cranston. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 3:00-7:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cranston National Budlong League C/O Robert DeCosta Jr. 179 Sweetbriar Drive Cranston, RI 02920. Online condolences at THEBUTTERFIELDHOME.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal on Sep. 2, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Fitz-Simon

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Brenden Everett

June 27, 2024

Please tell me if the Thomas fitz-simon jr lived in pompano bch Florida and Deerfield bch Florida,, I´m mike Rizzo from Massachusetts and pompano and Deerfield florida,,if he´s the same Thomas? I miss my friend and I would like to know what happened to him,, its been about 30 years,,, please respond 7204369951 ty

Rick Walsh

August 27, 2023

Always in my memory! He did so much for the Cranston community and positively impacted my future as a youngster!

Thomas

July 25, 2023

Rest in Peace, Dad...May God Bless You..
Love, Thomas

September 8, 2014

Our family knew Tom from way back. He was good and kind, honest and hard working. Our condolences. Gerry Larrivee

September 7, 2014

Kathy and Jill I am so sorry for your loss.
Donna and Gregg Roy

Randy Larrivee

September 6, 2014

Both my dad and I worked with Tom at Campanella. While my dad and Tom had opposite opinions on politics they had the utmost respect for each other as people. Although we only worked together for two and one half years starting in 1971 The lessons that I learned from Tom about family, faith and fair play continue to govern my life today. Thanks Tom.

Earl Hersey

September 5, 2014

To All The Fitz-Simon'es
Tommy always had a smile and a handshake for everyone. A quiet man with a thoughtful demenor. Always a kind word and an inquiry about the rest of your family. I liked Tommy and all his family. He never did give me those boxing lessons he promised me tho. God Bless you Tom and all of your loved ones. Earl Hersey Doric Day School

Rick Anderson

September 5, 2014

I remember him from the days of Dolan Drug. RIP Tom

Francis J. Darigan Jr.

September 4, 2014

My sincere sympathy to The Fitz-Simon Family on the death of Tom. He was a great person, community leader and a kind and wonderful man. He will long be remembered and is in my thoughts and prayers

September 3, 2014

Dear Zita and family,
Our deepest condolences for your family. Tom was an outstanding man and fought a hard battle. We have so many great memories with your family. He will truly be missed.

Love always, The Keenan Family

Joe McGovern

September 3, 2014

The Fitz-Simon Family
My prayers are with you in your time of loss and sorrow.God Bless !

September 3, 2014

Jill & family, I am so sorry about your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy Pagliarini-Izzo

September 3, 2014

Our deepest sympathies to the Fitz-Simon Family. Enjoyed talking with him at the CHS"53"reunion.
Sorry for your loss, Lew Howland and Family

margaret Motola

September 3, 2014

Kathy. Jill .Susie. So sad to read about your Dad. my deepest condolences to all of you. So many good memories on Mapleton St. Your Mom and Dad were the most wonderful neighbors any one could have, and all you kids grew up together.
Im sure you remember 'Caesar' the dog who used to join you playing in the yard… Allen and Chi Chi join me in our deepest sympathy to you all … Our prayers and hearts are with you.. God Bless… Magi Motola, Warwick, R.I.

September 3, 2014

Dear Zita and family,

We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was such a good man and was always willing to help anyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.

Jackie and David Hersey

roger cabral

September 3, 2014

My deepest sympathy Tom was a great guy and a good friend we will miss him at the club.

Ana Isabel dos Reis-Couto

September 3, 2014

My sincere and deep felt condolences. It is with great pride that I say I knew Tom. He was a wonderful person and leaves a great legacy and friends behind.

To the family, I hope that you know that my prayers are with you at this difficult time. There are no words that can ever comfort the pain that your're going through, but hope that our prayers will give you courage during this difficult time.

I already miss him.

Fil Barros

September 3, 2014

Zita - Our deepest condolences to you and your family!!!

Fil & Bob Barros

Robert R. Bushee, Sr. & Barbara A. Wilson

September 2, 2014

To the Fitz-Simon & Ferreira Families & Friends, our deepest sympathy on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for the family. RIPTA retirees,

Margaret Maloney Harris

September 2, 2014

Zita & Family
You have been and still are in my thoughts and prayers. We all have many great memories to sustain us of a wonderful man.
Peace & Love my friend
Margaret

Jackie Martin

September 2, 2014

Zita and family, I am so sorry for your lost.May all the wonderful memories get all of this though this very differcult time.

September 2, 2014

Our condolences to the family.Tom was a responsible and good person.
May his soul rest in peace.

Elaine & Frank Viafora.

Jennifer and Gary Cipalone

September 2, 2014

Dear Jill and Family,

We are very sorry for your loss.

John O'Leary

September 2, 2014

Zita & family:
Ann and I send our condolences on the passing of Tom. We are so sorry for your loss. He left a wonderful legacy in his family and community. May happy memories help to carry you through this sad time. Peace be with you.

Mark Small's Dental Office

September 2, 2014

Zita and Family,
Please accept our most heartfelt condolence on the passing of Tom. We will surely miss kind heart.

Patricia King

September 2, 2014

Zita and family, I'm so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Gerry and I had wonderful times with him. He was a good one.You're in my prayers. Pat Leahy King

September 2, 2014

Fitz-Simon Family,

My sincere condolences on the passing of Tom. A true gentleman.

Rick Walsh

September 2, 2014

Dear Zita and family~We are saddened to hear of Tom's passing. John and I have so many great memories of you and Tom. We are so sorry for your loss.
John and Shirley Moretti

Len Maloney

September 2, 2014

Zita and family,

Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Tom.

Len, Elaine, and Katie Maloney

jerry prendergast RISP-Ret

September 2, 2014

My sincere condolences to the Fitz-Simon Family,
Remember many a spirited discussion and many more laughs at the Pub, during the good O'le years.
May the prayers of family and friends comfort you at this time of loss.

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500 Pontiac Ave, Cranston, RI 02910

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