On Tuesday, August 23, 2022,Thomas (Tom) Douw Fonda, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and community member, passed away after fighting cancer and other medical complications. He was born in Schenectady, New York on November 8, 1934 to Gorton Rosa and Alice Chapman Fonda. On June 15, 1957, he married the former Shirley L. Smith at the State College Presbyterian Church.
Tom met Shirley while attending Oberlin College. He graduated from there in 1956 with a degree in government and earned a Master’s of Science (MS) degree in Science Education at Syracuse University. He then attended the University of New Hampshire to earn a MS in Zoology. The couple moved to New Britain, Connecticut where their first child, Bob was born and Tom taught Science and Mathematics in the Kingswood School in West Hartford, Connecticut. A year later, the family moved to Amherst, Massachusetts where Tom taught at the Dearfield High School. But wanting to work more with helping individual students, Tom went to the University of Massachusetts and received a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Guidance. During this time, their son, Dick and daughter, Carolyn were born. Looking for a job in counseling, they moved to State College, Pennsylvania in 1966. Tom became a guidance counselor for the State College Area School District at Westerly Junior HIgh, and then the South Building of State High, where he stayed until retiring in 1993. He enjoyed a wonderful, fulfilling career working with students.
Tom had many interests and affiliations. He was a fierce tennis player, and loved to hike, camp and swim. He traveled to all of the states in the US, most of the provinces in Canada as well as Europe and Central America. During college, Tom spent a summer at a work camp in Chambon, France. He was a Life Member of the Junior Chamber International (the Jaycees) and in 1965, was awarded the William P. Dodd Memorial Award as a Gold Medal President. He enjoyed many years as a Judge of Elections for Patton Township during which time he made many acquaintances. A talented violinist, he and Shirley played in many orchestras from his college years on, including the Nittany Valley Symphony where for several years he held the position of president. In addition, he was first violinist in several string quartets. Tom and Shirley spent many summers at a music camp in Vermont, playing chamber music.
Tom was very active with the Boy Scouts of America. His scouting career began as a Cub Scout but his biggest accomplishment as a Boy Scout leader began in 1968 when he became the Cubmaster of Pack 50, then Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 50 for 10 years. Enjoying his work in scouting, he went on to be a Unit Commissioner for six years, the District Leadership Training Chairman, the District Camping Chairman and most recently, the District Advancement Chairman for over 40 years where he oversaw over one thousand Eagle Scouts. In 1983, he traveled to Philmont Scout Ranch with a local Explorer Post and then returned there in 1985 to attend the Advancement Training Course. Wood Badge trained, he taught Wood Badge to leaders at another council. Tom was the Camp Director at Seven Mountains Scout Camp during the summers of 1974 and 1975, and the Program Director the summer of 1976. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow and assisted with many district camporees, Klondike Derbies as well as being the recipient of the District Service Award and Chairman’s Award. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award in recognition of his many years of work with the Boy Scouts. Tom was also active in the local Girl Scout district.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of State College to whom he was married for 65 years. He is also survived by his three children Bob Fonda of Marion, New York, Dick and wife Kathleen Fonda of Lake Frederick,Virginia, and Carolyn and husband Matt Inman of State College, Pennsylvania, and his seven grandchildren Helen and husband Rob Vetorri, Jimmy, Tommy, and Matt Fonda, John, Michael, and Dennis Inman. His greatest joy in life was his family, enjoying their concerts, sporting events, and achievements. Summers were spent traveling to many places of interest, fossil and mineral collecting and national parks. Tom had a positive influence on a lot of other lives through his work as a guidance counselor and Boy Scout Achievement Chair. He cared very much for people and was always willing to help others.
Friends and family will be received from 2-3 PM on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St. Following will be a Celebration of Life service at 3 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead make a donation to the Juniata Valley Council, 9 Taylor Drive, Reedsville, PA 17084 or the Nittany Valley Symphony, 270 Walker Drive #102E, State College, PA 16801