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Thomas E "Tom" Fuerst

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Thomas Fuerst Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 6, 2023.

Thomas "Tom" E. Fuerst, 78, of Sarasota, FL, passed away on November 5, 2023. He was born on May 15, 1945, in Rochester, New York. Tom was a tough and fierce individual, known for his sharp wit and mentorship. He was a proud member of the West Webster Fire Department and served on the City of Sarasota Police Complaint advisory board. Tom's favorite phrase was "go big or go home."

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, his daughter Kate (Steve) Ralg, his grandchildren Jane and Ben, and his son Timothy Hartnett. He is also survived by many brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Marie Fuerst.

Tom attended McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester, NY, and later pursued higher education at St. Michael's College of the University of Toronto. He was an active member of St. Martha Church, where he worshipped.

In his free time, Tom enjoyed various hobbies including photography, Seaward CrossFit, gardening, reading, and spending time with good friends over good food and wine.

Viewing for Tom will be held on November 13th from 6-8 pm at Toale Brothers, located at 40 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL. A Funeral Mass will take place on November 14th at 10 am at St. Martha Church, located at 200 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL. A memorial service will be held in West Webster, New York, in the spring, where Tom will be interred.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to either McQuaid Jesuit High School Scholarship Fund, 1800 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14618, or All Faiths Food Bank, 8171 Blaikie Ct, Sarasota, FL 34230.

Toale Brothers Funeral Home in Sarasota, FL, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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

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Recent Activity

November 13, 2023

Dick Dinino posted to the memorial.

November 13, 2023

Mike Bestor posted to the memorial.

November 13, 2023

Pattie & Peter Gebauer posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Dick Dinino

November 13, 2023

Tom was a fierce competitor on the varsity football team as a center and I played next to him very many years at guard and I recently saw him at an event and we shared memories.
Just a fine person and it was my pleasure to know him
Dick Dinino `63

Mike Bestor

November 13, 2023

Dear Mary;
Jerry McCCabe sent me the link to this site. I am so sorry to see that Tom passed away. I think I only saw him once or twice since we graduated from McQuaid but I remember him well. Mouse was a great friend during our High School years even though I was only his back-up at Center on the football team. I am betting that you have lots of wonderfull memories and that those memories will help you every day. Sincerely,
Mike Bestor
Golden, Colorado
[email protected]

Pattie & Peter Gebauer

November 13, 2023

Dear Mary,
Our hearts are heavy today, knowing that Tom is no longer with us.

He was our inspiration and chief motivator when we joined CrossFit and remained a friend, introducing us to you as we enjoyed music and tales of orchids together.

We wish you much comfort, knowing you must be surrounded by loyal friends and colleagues here in Sarasota.

We send loving hugs to you, Mary! ❤

Lisa Entz

November 6, 2023

I don't have a first memory but I have a last of him before he and Mary moved to Florida. Tom and I had just bought our first house and he called us over to his house a mile or so away. (My husband Tom and myself had served with Tom in the West Webster Fire Department together). Imagine our surprise when he and Mary so generously offered up their beautiful outdoor patio set. We were speechless and grateful but that was Tom. He would give you the shirt off of his back. We were so sorry to see them move but after they had we knew he was very happy with his final retirement and travels with his beloved Mary. He was the best of the best in our fire department and I speak for everyone when I say heaven gained an angel of the greatest kind. Rest in peace Tom. We'll take it from here. Lisa Entz