Tehachapi News

Thomas David Fiello was born on Dec. 11, 1923 in Syracuse, N.Y., the youngest of six children. From his Italian immigrant parents he learned to love God, family and country.

Tom was 18 years old and working as an usher in a downtown Syracuse theater when he heard the news report about the attack on Pearl Harbor. The next day, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and left for training after graduating from North High School. Tom served four years, seeing combat on Guadalcanal, the Russell Islands and Bouganiville. Later he served aboard the U.S.S. Nashville stationed at Shanghai.

After the war, Tom attended Loyola University of Los Angeles, graduating with a bachelor of science degree and then earning a masters degree in history at UCLA. He served with the Los Angeles Unified School District for 30 years, retiring as a principal in January of 1984. Much of his teaching and administrative service addressed the needs of at-risk children and inner-city families.

Tom is credited with developing early programs for special needs students and creating school-based community centers. Tom received a doctorate in school administration from Nova University. His doctoral thesis was commended by the American Association of Colleges and Universities as one of the 10 most outstanding in the nation for that year.

Tom was preceded in death by his son, David. He is survived by his wife, Dorie; four daughters and one son; their spouses; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marine toys for Tots Foundation (www.toysfortots.org).

Rosary was recited on Monday, May1 and a Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, May 2, at Saint Malachy Catholic Church. Wood Family Funeral Service handled the arrangements.