Thomas J. Ferguson, 86, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2017 at his home in Tustin, CA. with his loving wife Lois by his side. Tommie “Fergie” was born July 2, 1930 to Tom and Vera (Corliss) Ferguson in Boston, MA.

Tommie first met Lois “Petey” Ferguson at Milwaukee County Stadium in 1955, and married her 3 years later on October 25th, 1958. Their marriage has exemplified unconditional love for 58 years.

 Fergie’s baseball career has extended over half a century.  In 1945, at age 15, he began shining shoes at the Red Sox clubhouse, and worked with the Boston Braves as a ball boy in the following year. He was called into the Army in 1952 and saw combat in the Korean War.  Upon discharge from the military in 1954, he worked his way through the Milwaukee Braves organization, holding both visiting and home clubhouse manager positions. Fergie accepted an offer from Gene Autry’s Los Angeles Angels, where he held the distinction as the youngest traveling secretary in the majors at age 31 in 1961. He returned to Milwaukee in 1970 as the Brewer’s Vice President, and remained there until 1983. The last 13 years of his career were spent scouting for the Phillies, where he enjoyed spending his time at college and high school ball fields “looking for treasures in the rough, not finished products”.   

Although baseball created many memorable experiences, what truly meant the most to Fergie were the people, and the friendships made throughout his lifetime. Many people recall Fergie’s larger than life personality, his love for dogs, cigars and story-telling skills that could fill a room with laughter. Despite these, what he will truly be remembered most for is his generosity. Always wanting to put a smile on someone’s face or provide an opportunity that they may never otherwise experience, Fergie made sure everyone he met walked away with something- whether it be a funny story to share, a great piece of advice, a shirt, autographed baseball, tickets to a ballgame or some vacation time at his beloved home on Cape Cod. 

He is survived by his two daughters, Kerry Adam and her husband Willie, Bonnie Goldstein and her husband Mitch, his 7 grandchildren: Sam, Katie, Daniel, Anna, Connor, Joe and Brendan, his cousins Corliss Ann Sullivan, Craig Corliss, Billy Corliss, his nephew Robert Dillon and niece Sara (Dillon)Schmeltzer.

Memorial Mass for Tom will be held February 3, 2017 at 11:00 am at St. Cecilia’s Church, 1301 Sycamore Ave, Tustin, CA 92780.  His urn will be buried at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA at a future date.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made on his behalf to the VA Health Care Services, Att: Volunteer Service Dept., 5901 E. 7th St, Long Beach, CA 90822 (M/C 03-135) and/or O.C. Animal Care, 561 The City Drive South, Orange, CA. 92868

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