Thomas Joseph Fay was born in Liverpool, Lancashire, England on 28 September 1881 and was baptised in St Vincent de Paul Church on 9 October that same year.
He was the son of Andrew Fay (1854-1914), a general labourer and later warehouse porter, and Mary McDonough (1854-1934). His father was Liverpudlian and his mother was Irish by birth; the couple had married in Our Lady of Reconciliation Church on 8 September 1878.
Thomas had five known siblings: William Andrew (b. 1879), Margaret Ann (b. 1883), Andrew (b. 1887), James (b. 1888) and Mary (b. 1892).
In the months prior to his birth Thomas' family were recorded on the 1881 census living at House 5, Court 3, Cookson Street, Liverpool. Thomas first appears on the 1891 census, then living with his family at 10 New Henderson Street, Toxteth Park. Perhaps already at sea by the time of the 1901 census, Thomas was absent.
Thomas was married in Southampton in the second half of 1909 to Frances Amelia West (b. 1884 in Southampton). The couple welcomed their first child Andrew George, by the close of the year on 27 October, and a second child, Daniel William, was born on 15 January 1912.
The family appear on the 1911 census living at 31 Stanford Street, St Mary, Southampton, save for Thomas who is likely at sea.
When he signed-on to the Titanic, on 6 April 1912, Thomas gave his address as 31 Stanford Street, (Southampton). His last ship had been the Orotava. As a greaser he received monthly wages of £6, 10s.
Fay died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified. He is remembered on the family gravestone in Liverpool Roman Catholic Cemetery, Litherland.
His wife and children later benefitted from the Titanic Relief Fund.
Thomas' widow Frances was remarried in 1916 to Thomas Rock and had another child, Thomas Joseph (1916-1970) before the close of the year. What became of Frances' second husband is not clear but he may have been killed in action in Belgium. Frances was remarried in 1920 to Harry Pinder and had a further five children, all daughters: Eileen, Frances, twins Kitty and Nellie, and Stella. Frances remained in Southampton for the rest of her life and died in 1965 aged 81.
His son Andrew was married in Southampton in 1935 to Ruby May Blundell (1910-1994) and had one son and one daughter. He died in Southampton in 1988.
His son Daniel was married in Southampton in 1933 to Winifred Adelaide Thomas (1912-1984) and raised a family in Southampton before settling in Salisbury, Wiltshire where he died in 1980.
Comment and discuss
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Hi Thomas Fay worked in the engine room, does anyone know of any photos of this man. Also is he named on any of the memorials? I cannot find any images which have the names listed close up so that you can read them. regards gina
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From Brian Ticehurst's comprehensive book, I see Thomas Joseph Fay is remembered on a stone in the Roman Catholic cemetery at Litherland, Liverpool. Maybe the Liverpool press had a photo in 1912, but it's a long shot.
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A photo of Mr. Fay appeared in the Daily Sketch, 22 April 1912. It was reprinted in both "Titanic: Triumph and Tragedy" by John Eaton and Charles Haas and "The Titanic Disaster as Reported in the British National Press April-July 1912" by Dave Bryceson.
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Was the picture of Thomas Fay in the first or second edition of "Titanic: Triumph and Tragedy" by John Eaton and Charles Haas? I have a second edition copy and cannot find the picture in question. Can anyone help? gina
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I have the 2nd edition. There's a small photo on page 78 captioned 'F.Fay, greaser'.
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Hi Bob Is it possible for you to send me a scan. It turns out my copy has got pages 76,77,78,79 missing. My local library will be pleased when i tell them about it. regards gina
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Hello Gina, May I ask what is your connection with the family of F. Fay? I am fortunate to live within walking distance from the present day family. There're about mile from my home address here in Hampshire. A.W.
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Hi Andrew My stepfather's dad was James Fay b.1918 in Toxteth Park. His father was James Fay b.1888 also Toxteth Park. Thomas Fay was the brother of James senior. There was also another brother, William Andrew and a sister Margaret Ann. Their father was Andrew Fay. This is one of the families i am researching on my family tree. regards Gina
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Evening Gina, Sorry I didn't return much earlier. In that case, I will try and make contact with this Fay who is also searching his family tree. They live about a mile from me here in West Wellow Hampshire. A.W.
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Hi Gina Thomas Fay was my grandfather, I have only just found out that he had brothers and a sister. Andrew and Daniel William were his sons. My father was Daniel William the youngest brother. I live in Australia and would love to receive any information you have of any other family. I would be happy to give you what information I have.
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Hello Derek, Welcome aboard. Please note that Gina has not accessed the board since July 9, so she may or may not see your message. But, you can send her a message through her profile by clicking on her name.
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Hello Derek. You contacted me by phone sometime ago and gave me two email addresses that didn't work!!!! Please respond to this message. All the best Neil Fay
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