Scott Thomas Fenton, 62, our beloved, passed from this life at his home Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Alan and Barbara Weinstein Fenton; older brother, Eric Fenton; and his brother-in-law, Thomas Barnes.
He was born May 22, 1955, in Greenville, S.C., but actually grew up in New York. The family moved to Rockville Centre, N.Y., in 1967, when Scott was just beginning junior high. It was there that he met his future wife and the love of his life, Kathy Barnes. Scott and Kathy married in 1981, but knew each other for 50 years.
In 1979, Scott enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After boot camp in San Diego, he was transferred to active duty on the USS Valdez, stationed in Newport, R.I. While in the Navy, he participated in a NATO cruise, and also a cruise to the Indian Ocean. Throughout his time in the Navy, he was an STG (sonar tech surface), learning many valuable skills he would use for the rest of his life.
Unfortunately, Scott’s long history of serious medical problems began during his time in the U.S. Navy and he was medically discharged in 1984. Over the years, he was a two-time transplant recipient. Ultimately, the VA declared him to be a 100% service-disabled veteran.
After the U.S. Navy, Scott had a long career in civilian shipboard electronics contracting in the shipyards of the Norfolk, Va., area; first as an employee, but eventually owning three such businesses himself. In his retirement, he was a consultant to Boon’s Car Saloon, the auto repair shop in Norfolk, Va., owned by his son.
Scott was the ultimate devoted family man. Despite often working 80 hours a week, every other moment of his life was spent with his wife and three kids. He strongly felt family was everything, encouraging his children to stay close as they grew older, and to keep that family unit strong. All three children and their families live close by in Virginia Beach. His happiest moments were always those spent with his family, often “noodle floating” in the pool at his home or on the waters surrounding Virginia Beach.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Kathryn (Barnes) Fenton; daughters, Barbara Dennis, and her husband, Jeremy, and Sarah Harris, and her husband, Stephen; son, Scott Fenton; sister, Wallyce Fricke, and her husband, William; grandchildren, Katelyn Steide and Wesley Harris; step-grandchildren, Dylan and Conner Dennis; two nieces, Michelle McLoughlin and Jill Fricke; and nephew, Brett Fricke. Also surviving are two of his beloved canine “babies,” Daisy and Jasmine, as well as a multitude of wonderful friends.
A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, Sept. 2, at Community United Methodist Church, 1072 Old Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in his memory be made to UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) or LifeNet Health Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family at hollomon-brown.com.
