Thomas P. Darcy Jr.
January 24, 1957 - January 26, 2020
Obituary
FITCHBURG-Thomas P. Darcy Jr. died on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, at home with his family, after living three years and eight months with Stage 4 pancreatic adenocarcinoma. He was born in Massapequa, NY, to Thomas and Nora (Kelly) Darcy on Jan. 24, 1957. Thomas was a graduate of St. Pius X Preparatory Seminary (1975), SUNY Maritime College (1979) and Drake University (1997). Upon graduation from SUNY Maritime, he served as a U.S. Naval officer on vessels such as the U.S.S. John A. Moore, U.S.S. Duncan, and the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. He then served as a paramilitary officer with the CIA from 1984-1993, with assignments across the world, including time at a major U.S. Embassy. Following the CIA, he continued as an intelligence professional, both as an active duty and reserve U.S. Naval officer at United States Strategic Command in Omaha, NE. He retired as a Commander from the U.S Naval Reserve in 2003.
A Fitchburg resident, Tom served two terms as an Alderman, worked on the city’s Park Commission, and was chairman of the Fitchburg Police and Fire Commission. In 2003, Tom helped establish the Madison Edgewood/West High School Boys lacrosse team and coached the team until 2011.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Teresa (Paulsen); sons, James (Jessica), Joseph (Faydra), John and Chris; daughter, Rheanna; mother, Nora Darcy; sister, Erin Messina; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and sisters and brothers-in-law. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH AT ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, 1905 West Beltline Highway, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, with Monsignor Thomas Baxter presiding. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. “Fair winds and following seas.”
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tom’s name to the UW Carbone Center, Edgewood High School, Good Shepherd Parish, or Agrace HospiceCare.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Rd.
(608) 442-5002
Events
Visitation
Sat Feb 1, 2020 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at the St. Joseph Church (Madison) • 1905 W. Beltline Hwy., Madison, WI
Mass of Christian Burial
Sat Feb 1, 2020 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at the St. Joseph Church (Madison) • 1905 W. Beltline Hwy., Madison, WI
Photos
Memories
PD
Peg Darcy
Other •
The world has lost a great man. We miss you.
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Robert
Other •
Tom was a great friend and classmate. We shared great experiences with the Maritime College Eagle Scout Fraternity, this picture shows Tom helping at the Scoutorama in 1979. We served on the USS Fletcher together when Tom needed sea time. I visited Tom in Helsinki Finland and again in Wisconsin . Tom was always so proud of his children and of his boys making Eagle Scout. I am going to miss his humor and his dedication and service to our nation. Fair winds and following seas until we meet again for a beer! Sincerely Bob Borowski
KE
kenneth emmerich
Other •
Fond Memories with Tom at Florida Sea Base with the Boy Scouts in 2002
KC
Kacy Craig
Other •
Sending our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Know you are in our prayers at this very difficult time. Love, Nick, Kacy, Sydney & Ben
DB
Donald Burr
Other •
Peggy, Caleb, Aaron and I want to express our sincere sympathy to you all at this time of loss. We certainly have many fond memories of Tom. He was a true servant leader and devoted to public service. We live in Metro DC (Silver Spring, MD) and would be honored to attend his interment at Arlington National Cemetery. Please let us know when arrangements have been made. May our gracious and merciful Lord surround you all with His love and comfort during this time of sorrow. God Bless.
MK
Michael D. Klein
Other •
Tom was a class mate of mine and I remember the day we became MUGs. That warm summer morning lined up in the Quadrangle for a hazing. He smiled and whispered “we got this”. May you suffer no more and until we meet again there is a clear sky ahead…