Obituary of Thomas C Fairbanks

Thomas C. Fairbanks, 77, of Gerry, passed away Monday, May 27, 2024 at Heritage Village R&SNF. Born June 25, 1946 in Jamestown. He is a son of the late Wendell and Shirley Frost Fairbanks. He was a 1964 graduate of Cassadaga Valley Central School. After high school Tom joined the US Navy. He served until he received an honorable discharge due to medical reasons. He then worked in construction, but his main career was more than 40 years as a sales/delivery person for Supreme Beverage which became Pepsi Beverages Company, Jamestown. Tom was a member of the former Gerry Free Methodist Church. He was an active member of the church choir and The Valley Quartet. He became a member of the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department in 1964. He served as Fire Chief from 1994-2003. He was also 1st and 3rd Assistant Chief, Trustee, President, Vice-President, and a member of the Fire Police. He was a faithful volunteer at the Gerry Rodeo until his health prevented him from continuing. Tom was formerly the Gerry Town Constable. He served Chautauqua County as a Lieutenant for the Hazmat Team, Fire Advisory Board, and the Fire Chiefs’ Assn. After retirement he put his love of animals into practice by volunteering at the Chautauqua County Humane Society. Tom loved to sing, participating in Holiday Cantata's throughout the county. Tom enjoyed hunting, boating, and golfing. He golfed with the Asquith Sr. Golf League. He was an avid sports follower and especially enjoyed watching his grandsons participate. Father of, Stephanie (David) Snyder and Michelle Fairbanks all of Gerry; grandfather of Jordan (Brandy Rowe) of Jamestown and Connor (Jewelee Schauman) Crabtree of Cassadaga; great-grandfather of, Lucas Crabtree, Kaiden Pace and a baby girl arriving in September; brother of David (Marsha) Fairbanks of Indian Land, SC. Also survived by stepchildren and grandchildren and nieces. Tom was quick with a joke, a story, or a big hug. If he met you once, you were a friend for life. He had a big personality and loved with a big heart. He will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation 4-7 p.m. Friday in Jordan Funeral Home, Sinclairville with funeral service 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Burial in Gerry Cemetery. Memorials to: Gerry Volunteer Fire Department or Chautauqua Humane Society. Condolences to: jordansinclairville.com