Thomas Michael Fee
June 27, 1934 ~ December 26, 2022
Resided in:
South Portland, Maine
SOUTH PORTLAND--Thomas M Fee, 88, of South Portland, died Monday December 26th due to complications of pneumonia.
He was born in Batavia, New York on June 27th, 1934. He was one of 7 children born to Frank J. and Ruth Beecher Fee. He grew up in Batavia and graduated from Batavia High School. In 1951, Tom began his young adult life in the military, serving first, 4 years in the U.S. Coast Guard stationed in South Portland aboard the Cutter “Cook Inlet (WHEC 384).” Among the Cutter’s many missions were North Atlantic ice berg patrols and interdiction, staying weeks out to sea at a time. Tom reenlisted, this time in the Air Force for another 4 years, involved in administrative Coast Watch Protection among other duties.
During his time in South Portland he went to a dance and met his future wife Doris “Dottie” Fischer. They married in 1952 and settled in South Portland and Cape Elizabeth and raised 5 children. After the military he began a new career working for the Top Value Stamp Company. For 19 years he held several positions, eventually Regional Vice President. In 1975, Tom and Dottie started a commercial real-estate and marketing company. For 30 years, they sold many properties, and later worked very closely consulting with two Northeast trucking companies, Sanborn’s, and A.P.A. At the age of 73, he went back to school and received a degree from Southern Maine Community College. Shortly thereafter he was hired by the school, teaching for 10 years as an adjunct business and marketing professor helping many young adults become successful.
In his free time, for many years, Tom was an avid pilot, logging many flight hours and achieving his private and instrument ratings. He was a former Kiwanis Club President, and he was also very active in the Catholic Church, doing fundraising and teaching CCD. What brought Tom the most joy was spending time with his family and their Shih Tzu’s, and especially his grand children and great grand children. He was blessed later in his life with twin grandsons Dylan and Liam “The Bubbas”.
Tom was predeceased by his daughter, Sherry Fee Swinburne
He is survived by his wife, Dottie; his Children, James and Shay Fee of Scarborough, Kathy and Eric Jesseman of Scarborough, Tracey Hall and Anthony Schwartz of Windham, Thomas J. and Allison Fee of Merrimack N.H ; his brother, David and Mary Fee of Leroy, New York; his grandchildren, Honey, Katie, Molly, Erica, Ashley, Nathan, Liam and Dylan and great-grandchildren, Josh, Sophie, Landon, Stevie and Silas.
Visitation will be at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic Church on Tuesday January 3 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring and compassionate staff at Mercy Hospital.
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It was such a pleasure having Tom next door to us. A very kind man. Always made sure our plants and trees had plenty of water to drink. We will miss his, “hello neighbor”. Rest easy our dear friend.
Eric, Cathy, Erica and Ashley, so sorry for your loss. I know the pain of losing someone close. It almost doesn’t seem real. Cherish the memories. It will comfort as time goes. Love from Rob and Diane Huggard.
Elliott family has such fond memories of Tom. Our summers at Plummerville were full of family, fun and laughter. Our condolences to the Fee family.
Joanne Elliott
Remembering Mr. Fee as the fun loving parent with the cheerful smile, of my special childhood friend, his daughter Kathy. I was always glad to see the Fee family arrive at Plummerville “across the cove”! Many happy memories were made of enjoying lake activities on Panther Pond. Especially remember the year Mr. Fee took us up in a Cessna for a plane ride. What fortunate kids we were to have these experiences!
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Fee, the Jesseman family and the Fee families at this difficult time.
My condolences to the Fee Family! I met Tom while teaching and working at SMCC. He was an excellent Business Professor and I recommended him to many students! He was a wonderful person with a great personality and sence of humor! I regret not staying in touch after leaving the college! I will treasure the memories of our conversations! God bless Tom and his family! He will truly be missed but not forgotten!
Sending my condolences to Dottie and family. We all shared some wonderful memories of fun times at Panther Pond. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lois
Sending my sincere condolences to Dottie and family. We share many wonderful memories of fun times at Panther Pond. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom was a good man and a wonderful instructor at SMCC. We fondly refer to him as the “ godfather of marketing” my condolences to his family.
Just want to send our condolences to Doris and sons and daughters, grand and great grandchildren. Even though many miles apart, we share your sorrow over the loss of our beloved brother. Love you all
Kathy(Katie) and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your dads passing.He was such a good man. He was so likable and pleasant to talk with. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. If you need anything please let us know.
Maryellen and Mark Montpelier
A TRUE friend. A great humorist who could keep you smiling. Tom, if you can hear me up there, thank you for being my friend.
Tom and I attended the USCG boot camp together in Cape May, NJ in 1950. On a visit to Portland we reconnected our friendship in 2002, and have been close friends with Tom and Dottie ever since.
Tom was a great story teller, I can still hear him chuckeling as he told his stories.
My deepest condolences to the Fee family on Tom’s passing. Every time I cruise by Plummerville I think back to the wonderful summers there with Tom and his family, and the Fourth of July activities he and others would put together for all of us to enjoy. I’m praying God comforts all of the Fee family in this time of great loss.
Gone but not forgotten. Blessed he met and spent time with The Bubbas
I got to know Tom when he was a Marketing consultant to Sanborn’s Motor Express and I was Director of Sales. Tom was knowledgeable and easy to work with. He enjoyed flying with me in my 172.
A good man and will be missed.