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Thomas Fugette
1942 - 2025
Thomas Fugette, son of Ann (Lapotka) Fugette, was born in Kenosha on September 11, 1942. He attended public schools and graduated from Mary D. Bradford in 1961. A bachelor's degree was earned through Carthage College in 1967, master's degree through the College of Racine in 1973 and Ph.D. through Marquette University in 1981.
Tom worked for the Kenosha Unified School District from 1967 until 2000, seven years as an English/Psychology teacher and 25 years as a school psychologist. He was also a licensed psychologist and, in addition to consulting work, spent over 30 years conducting psychological evaluations for Wisconsin's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Tom enjoyed spending time at his cottage on Armour Lake in Presque Isle, WI and condo on the Jupiter Inlet in Jupiter FL. He valued friendships, cherished family and loved life.
He played football, earning All State and All American honors in high school and All American honors at Carthage College. He signed with the New York Giants as a free agent running back in 1967 but was let go just prior to his first game when diagnosed with a heart condition.
Tom is preceded in death by his mother Ann Fugette, brother Terry Fugette and daughter Sarah Fugette. Surviving are sons Jeffrey (Erika) Fugette of Racine and Joshua Fugette of Kenosha together with grandsons Kyron and Callen Fugette of Racine and Orion Fugette of Kenosha.
No formal funeral service is planned, but those who knew Tom & wish to pay their respects or share memories about him can join us from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, February 8, at the Sunnyside Club, 7517 22nd Avenue, Kenosha.
James (Jim) Pierce
Many of us knew Tom as a classmate and enjoyed his friendship. Some of us also knew him as a teammate as we played football 2-3 years with him. He was a leader on the football field, and was a leader as our Class President all three years. In many ways Tom was the face of a very successful graduating class. One thing I remember about him was the care and concern he demonstrated for his bother Terry. Tom made sure Terry was always included when there was a special activity, including graduation at Washington Bowl. Now they are together, and I'm sure are still talking about their years at Bradford. We have lost way too many members of the Class of '61. I am glad that many have attended of our renuions over the years, and also keep up to date on our website. If you haven't please do! Rest in Peace Tom. Condolences to his family.
Betty Huettner (Braden)
Tom was just a good guy. He was well liked by so many, who now mourn his passing. He definitely will be remembered. Sending condolences to his family.
Karen Ostlund
I was deeply saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. As the president of our class of 1961, Tom’s leadership, kindness, and character made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His athleticism, warmth, and unwavering sense of integrity were truly inspiring, and he exemplified what it means to be a remarkable person.
Tom’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May your memories of Tom bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Gary Hillesland
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My first reaction was Oh No, please tell me it isn't so.
it's always a gut punch when a notification of another classmate dies, but this one feels especially hard.
Tom was a legend. Athlete, student and leader.
goodbye good guy.
Ray Roedel
I didn't know Tom well but good enought that I admired him in school and later in life for his accomplishments..I read a quote by ? recently that read " The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living" I will always remember the classmates I knew at Bradford. RIP Tom
Peter Gentile
Even though Tom and I had talked about his illness when he first began feeling ill and we talked frequently it was still a shock when Suzette let me know. Tom was always strong both physically and mentally, a positive individual who impacted many throughout his career. You will be missed my friend.
Corrine Lutter (Martin)
I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was always friendly and fun. He certainly did a lot for our classSending my condolences to his family.
Henry Hartnek
I'm so very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a friend and a leader. As class president he was certainly a leader. My sincere condolences to his family. Rest in peace Tom. You will be missed my friend.
Rita Martino (Ginocchio)
What a special guy was Tom Fugette. Our class president for all three years at Bradford and all around outstanding athlete. My interaction with Tom during those three years was absolutely zero but I admired and respected, the cornerstone of our graduating class. He was quite the football hero as well as prom King with Queen JoAnn Valeo, reigning over the festivities, looking every bit the regal pair. But over time, information about Tom and his disabled brother Terry surfaced; Tom looked after Terry with a special brotherly bond, including him whenever possible and taking care of his personal needs on his school lunch breaks. That, for no other reason alone, I love Tom Fugette. I only have recent, one on one memories of Tom, mostly when preparing venues for our class reunions. Tom gave me his cell phone number at an ice breaker to call if I needed any helpat the Country Club the following day. Thank God he did because I became so lost driving there that next morning (so typical of me) that I saw I94 looming in the distance an knew I had overshot the KCC ! I called Tom and told him I was hopelessly lost. Tom figured out what road I was on, turned me around and stayed on the line with me until I was pulling up to the club. Almost simultaneously Tom showed up and lent his hand until all was finished for the reunion taking place just a few hours later.
I still have Tom's phone number in my cell phone directory, but I also still have Jack Sieberts', Bernie Covelli's, Rosaline Scola, Linda Veale, "Chickie LaMacchia, my good and long time friend, Cassie Sartor, etc. They remain there for no apparent reason except I'm like an ostrich with my head in the sand, not wanting to say a final "good-bye". Once in awhile while scrolling thru the directory, their name pops up as a reminder, they were once here, with us and part of my personal life. It always makes me smile !
From the comments made here and from heresay from friends who knew Tom far better than I ever did, he wore a veneer to cover the parts of his life that wasnt always roses. His journey had its ups and downs, like most of ours does but it can be said of Tom in its finality, he was well respected, liked and for the most part, he left an unmatched legacy of a life well lived.
Tom, you were one of the big guns in our years at Mary Bradford and like the other missing cogs in the wheel, the road ahead is a little more rocky without you. But for as long as we are still able to, you will be talked
about and fondly remembered in conversations at future reunions, "the leader of our pack"! RIP ♡
James Roy
Tom, was a classmate, teammate and friend. He was an outstanding athlete who played on the footall and track teams. He won many honors in football. He always made sure his brother Terry was included in just about everything. Our class is starting to get smaller now. My condolences to the Fugette family, Rest in Peace my friend.