TimesLeader.com

Thomas Michael Foytack

September 25, 2009

Thomas Michael Foytack, 56, of Perris, Calif., and formerly of Clarks Summit, died Friday, Sept. 25, at home after a valiant battle with colon cancer.

click image to enlarge

Select images available for purchase in the
Times Leader Photo Store

Born Jan. 30, 1953, in Scranton, he was the son of the late Robert William and Dolores Margaret Fuess Foytack. Before moving to Perris, he was a resident of Clarks Summit. He was a 1971 graduate of Abington Heights High School and received his associate’s degree in science from Lackawanna College. In 1985, he received a degree in electronic and electrical technology from San Diego Mesa College. He had a strong desire to learn and furthered his studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, and in 1987 he received his degree in micro computer engineering. He studied aeronautical engineering at UCLA, having received certification in 1993. He was employed by Northrop Grumman as a quality engineer working on space shuttles and high-security, classified projects. He was fortunate to work in his profession, which also was his hobby, and he had been employed by TRW. As a boy, he always had a desire to work on space projects. His life was his work. An avid reader, he also was a history enthusiast who studied various topics. He traveled extensively and enjoyed his international travel. An equestrian, he enjoyed horseback riding and activities outdoors. An animal lover, he was fond of his pets, especially his acquired stray dog, Buddy, and his two cats.

Surviving are a brother, attorney Robert G. Foytack, La Mesa, Calif.; three sisters, Ann Foytack Thomas and husband, Michael, Dalton; Jane P. Foytack-Smolko, Clarks Summit; and Beth Foytack Cahill and husband, Dan, Thousand Oaks, Calif.; special caregivers and neighbors, Kristi and Kurch Patterson, Perris; nieces and nephews; a great-nephew; aunts and cousins.

The funeral was to be Oct. 2 with Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 S. State St., Clarks Summit, to be celebrated by Monsignor James J. McGarry. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.

Arrangements from the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Memorial contributions may be made to National Colorectal Cancer Research, c/o American Cancer Society, Lackawanna Unit, 712 S. Keyser Ave., Taylor, PA 18517. For more information, directions, or to send an online condolence, visit www.jenningscalvey.com.