Remembering Deacon Tom Fox
With sorrow, yet with confidence in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Archdiocese of Denver mourns the passing of Deacon Thomas “Tom” Michael Fox, who entered eternal life on July 25, 2026, at the age of 85. Following a lengthy battle with lung cancer, he died surrounded by his loving family.
Deacon Fox was born on April 2, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to Thomas Lawrence Fox and Mary Curtin Fox. He was baptized on April 27, 1941, at St. John Berchmans Parish in Detroit and confirmed on June 1, 1950, at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish.
Responding generously to Christ’s call to serve, Fox was ordained to the diaconate on June 12, 2004, by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput. He began his diaconal ministry at Our Lady of the Mountains Parish in Estes Park, serving the parish community through the proclamation of the Gospel, service at the altar and works of charity.
In 2007, Deacon Fox and his wife, Dee, relocated to Payson, Arizona, where he continued serving at St. Philip the Apostle and Holy Nativity parishes. Although he retired from active parish ministry in 2017, his commitment to evangelization continued well beyond retirement.
Together, Deacon Fox and Dee founded and hosted the Catholic Vitamins podcast for approximately 14 years. Describing the truths and spiritual practices of the Catholic faith as “vitamins” that nourish the gift of faith received at Baptism, they welcomed bishops, priests, religious sisters, deacons, theologians, authors, musicians and other Catholic witnesses to help listeners deepen their relationship with Christ and his Church. Their ministry extended well beyond their local parish, bringing the Good News to listeners through hundreds of faith-filled conversations.
Deacon Fox also co-founded a Catholic radio station in Payson and managed it for 10 years, using his communications experience and gifts to spread the Gospel throughout the community.
His life also bore witness to God’s healing grace. Speaking candidly about his journey of recovery and participation in Alcoholics Anonymous, Deacon Fox described it as “the beginning of re-establishing an important, strong and emotional reconnection with my Higher Power.” His personal experience of weakness, grace and renewal undoubtedly enriched the compassion with which he accompanied and served others.
Deacon Fox and Dee shared 58 years of marriage before her death in 2023. Their marriage, family life and many years of shared evangelization offered a beautiful witness to the complementary vocations of marriage and ordained ministry.
He is survived by his four children, John, Barb, Michael and Mary, as well as their families.
Funeral rites for Deacon Tom were celebrated August 3-4, 2026, in Payson, concluding with the Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Nativity Parish.
“Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Deacon Tom personally, the witness of his life speaks clearly. His faithful service at the altar, his devotion to his family and his creative use of radio and podcasting to proclaim the Gospel reflect the heart of a deacon: bringing Christ the Servant to others wherever they may be found. The Archdiocese of Denver remains grateful for his years of ministry and commends him with confidence to the loving mercy of God,” said Deacon Ernest Martinez, archdiocesan director of deacons.
The Archdiocese of Denver gives thanks to God for Deacon Fox’s life, his faithful diaconal ministry and the many people who encountered Christ through his preaching, broadcasting and personal witness. We continue to hold his children, grandchildren and all his loved ones in prayer.
