Thomas Nash Sturges

Thomas Nash Sturges, age 85, of Fairfield, husband of Jean Ames Sturges, died Monday, March 10, 2014, in the Carolton Chronic and Convalescent Hospital, a few hundred yards from his childhood home on Sturges Road and from Mill River, where he often told stories of playing ice hockey and fishing as a boy. Mr. Sturges grew up in Fairfield, graduating from Roger Sherman Elementary School, in its original location on what is now the site of the town gazebo, and Roger Ludlowe High School, in its original location, now Tomlinson Middle School. Mr. Sturges received a bachelor's degree from Brown University. He served three years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and later attended the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School for graduate work on the G.I. Bill. His 28-year career with General Electric took him from Lynn, MA., to Philadelphia, to Richland, WA, to Rockville, MD., and in 1972 brought him back to Fairfield, where he resided until his death. During those 41 years in Fairfield, Tom participated in many area service organizations and those devoted to his varied personal interests. An active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, he served on its vestry, on the church's Property Committee, and as a Trinity representative on the Parish Court Senior Housing Board. He served as Treasurer and President of Connecticut Classic Arts; a volunteer for Operation Hope; Nutmeg District Chairman of Advancement for the Boy Scouts of America; a board member of Trout Unlimited; and Treasurer and board member of A.T.T.I.C. (Antique Tools & Trades in Connecticut). He was an enthusiastic amateur marine and landscape artist, an avid golfer and fisherman, and a fanatical collector of antique tools, with an endless supply of old-tool histories and anecdotes for anyone with a few hours to spend listening. In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Richard Ames Sturges (Devon Payne) of University Park, MD; a daughter, Betsy L. Sturges of Fairfield; one brother, James Bawden Sturges (Jere) of Greensburg, IN; two grandchildren, Hannah Payne Sturges and Harrison Ames Sturges; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at eleven a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Operation Hope of Fairfield, 636 Old Post Road, or Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport.