Thomas Robert Ficklin, Jr., affectionately known as Tom was born on July 10, 1949, to Thomas Robert Ficklin Sr. and Emily (Snell) Ficklin in Pittsburgh, PA.
Tom attended elementary through eighth grade in Pittsburgh, PA. In ninth grade, he was accepted to the Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, CT by way of the A Better Chance (ABC) Program. Following his years at Choate, Tom continued to Academic Paths, which led him to Bucknell University for his undergraduate degree in Political Science. Upon graduating from Bucknell, he continued his education at the Yale University Divinity School.
What do we say about “the Tom Ficklin” that the multitude of people he has encountered throughout the community over the years would not have seen or have the gift of experiencing.
That he was a private, quiet man whose greatest joy was his family. That he valued having a soulmate that knew and understood all the components of Tom Ficklin that only a soulmate would be capable of understanding and loving. The Tom Ficklin that did everything in a “different” way. He loved differently, he spoke differently, and he lived in an organic and different manner that was authentic to who he was.
Left to cherish Tom’s “stroke of genius” and his majestic legacy is his wife and soulmate, Julia Ficklin (also known as Sweets), son Toma O. Brown (Kendra), grandsons Lamar Coburn and Toma O. Brown Jr., great grand-daughters Zyia Reese Coburn and Solvi Rain Brown. In addition, he also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
The Honorable Alderman Tom Ficklin will be forever missed, but all the lessons he instilled in us will forever be embedded in our hearts.
A Memorial service to celebrate Tom Ficklin’s life and legacy will be held Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Battell Chapel, 400 College St., New Haven. There will be no repast held following the service.
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My condolences 💐 to tom’s wife & family… Tom u will be truly missed and thank u 😊 for alway’s posting Leonaya Awesome track meets as being the number hurdler in the state of ct. rest peacefully in heaven 😇 🙏🏾 Angel
My condolences to Tom’s family. I wish you comfort and the peace of God through Christ Jesus our Savior.
Tom you will Truly be missed 🙏🏾
MY Condolences To Tom’s Family And Tom May You R.I.P.🕊️
I never met him in life, but looked forward to, enjoyed and was informed by his FB posts. My family was particularly touched when he posted about my late mother when she was honored by YDS.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
May he rest in power and peace in the Realm of the Ancestors.
Our community has lost a man who words alone can not describe his impact. Tom Ficklin was a treasure. Julia and family you have my condolences.
Jackie Bracey
Tom has captured pieces of the stories of countless people and organizations. His work and love for the community will truly be missed. To Julia and family, thanks for sharing him with all of us! Rest in peace!
Tom,
One of the most Civic person that I know. He was a caring Man,always looking out for others. Definitely a servant for his community. He loved serving others without looking for anything in return. The 28th Ward is losing the Best Alder Person of my time.
Julia my prayers are sent up for you in your time of healing. Deb and I are sending Blessings to you.
Julia you have my sincerest condolences and I wish I could be there, however I am away and unable to attend. You and the family have my sincerest condolences. Tom was a good friend for over 30 years. He was a great man, quiet to a point, but outspoken on issues that were important to the community. His kindness and love for others will be missed, but his works will go on forever.. May you find comfort in knowing he will be sorely missed. May God bless you and may Tom rest in eternal peace🙏🏽💔🙏🏽
Our sincere condolences to the family. Keeping you all in our prayers. Tom will surely be missed. God bless this family🙏🏿🙏🏿♥️⚘️
Tom will forever be remembered as a trailblazer, a champion, and especially to me a Big Brother. Tom would call to check on me, ask how I am doing, how is the family and then conveniently assign me a task. He would never leave the conversation without sharing his wisdom. He lived the life he preached about. He was truly authentic! He will be forever missed but never forgotten.
Rest in peace my brother.
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 10:07 am est
To The Family, Friends and Ward 28 Residents of the Honorable Alder Thomas Robert Ficklin, Jr. Whom I met years ago and He was a respectful, trust worthy and knowledgeable friend of mine. I learned of His sudden passing per a news flash on WTNH Channel 8. One of Tom’s assets was His precise and detailed eyes when He took your photographs at the different functions He had attended. I used to tease Him as to why He would take my pictures and I was not a person who smiled. He used to tell me I had different expressions and therefore I was never the same, which was a perfect quality to have. He had concerns about everything that could and did affect His Family, Friends and the Community He represented – Ward 28 Beaver Hills, New Haven, CT. My Sympathy on Tom’s passing, He will be deeply missed.
Ms. Cheryl M. Atkinson
Hamden/New Haven, CT
Tom was a gentle soul who was admired by all. May he find peace! My deepest condolences to Mrs. Flicklin.
Marilyn Chalmers
My condolences to the family.
I extend my condolences to Julia Ficklin and the family members for Tom. The New Haven community was proud of our brother, Tom. Being a black photographer for the community and staff at the New Haven Register and the Inner-City news. My family business received the Inner-City news from the day it was published. He was our local historian at a time when the newspapers were not favorable to the black community. I admired his spirit, his energy and was proud of him. Rest in Peace. Well done, Brother Tom.
Monica Hammie Richardson
New Haven, CT
Our very own “Village Griot,” Tom Ficklin, has earned his wings.
Tom was revered for he added immeasurable value to his communities, his family, and his constituents with his unassuming nature, quick wit and probing mind.
Tom forced us to question our assumptions and to think. He asked the hard questions in a mellow, non-combative way. Simply put Tom Ficklin was a giant among men.
On behalf of the former L. Mayes Scholarship Fund Committee of the Connecticut Chapter of Community NETwork, we bid our “Village Griot” goodbye and salute his unwavering commitment to betterment, authenticity and accountability.
Rest in POWER, Mr. Tom R. Ficklin, our treasured “Village Griot.”
Tom was my big brother, mentor, friend, and colleague. His penchant for the educational and mental health of the people in his community and circle was his driving force. I am forever grateful that God put him in my village. His legacy will live on ❤️🩹.
First, to the Ficklin Family, our hearts go out to you during your time of bereavement. You shared him with us as he shared his gifts with our community.
Second, to Alder Ficklin thank you for all of the support you gave to the NHFD. You will be missed.
Rest in peace.
John Alston, NHFD
My most heartfelt condolences to the Ficklin family.
Tom was a friend, life guide, teacher and information warrior.
Every conversation with Tom was an opportunity to learn and share in a constantly evolving pattern.
HIs grasp of history and the weaving of concepts to illuminate his points was a joy to experience.
Peace.