Community, faith help strengthen family of boy killed in parade
 Scott Baker/Democrat photo Matthew Shea, 12, and members of Troop 338 stand at attention during a moment of silence during the Thomas Fogerty dedication ceremony on Wednesday in South Berwick. |
Democrat Staff Writer
SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — A few days after Thomas Fogarty died while riding a float in the city's Christmas Parade, his father, Brian, stood in front of a group of community members at a candlelight vigil to say something positive would come from his family's tragic loss.
His faith has never wavered as he constantly witnesses the positive ripple effect Thomas's life and death have had on the community.
On Wednesday, about 20 local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts paid tribute to their fallen brother with a flag ceremony and the playing of Taps during an informal dedication ceremony at the home of Heidi and Jack Fogarty, Thomas's grandparents.
Thomas, who was nine at the time of his death, loved being a Cub Scout, his family said, as does little brother, Andrew. Brian Fogarty said the family received condolences from Scouts throughout the country shortly after Thomas's death.
 Scott Baker/Democrat photo 12-year-old Matthew Shea plays the bugle during the dedication ceremony for Thomas Fogerty on Wednesday in South Berwick, Maine. |
 Scott Baker/Democrat photo Stephen Shea, Matthew Shea, and Dean Mongeon from Boy Scout Troop 338 during Taps at the Thomas Fogerty dedication on Wednesday. The ceremony was held in South Berwick at the home of Thomas Fogerty's grandparents. |
Heidi Fogarty held the open house to thank the many people who have supported the family during the past nine months.
 Scott Baker/Democrat photo Thomas Fogerty's grandparents, Jack and Heidi, show 9-year-old Jacob Perry of Troop 338 the frog pond built in memory of their grandson. The ceremony was held on Wednesday in South Berwick. |
On a comfortable summer's day, children played in the Fogarty's large backyard, ate pizza and cookies and searched for frogs hiding in a newly built pond.
The frog pond, which Heidi started building with Thomas and Andrew, was built with money donated by the "Curves Ladies" of South Berwick. They also planted a butterfly bush in her grandson's memory.
"Heidi is a very hands on 'Oma' (grandmother) and we all felt we knew Thomas and Andrew," Jo Ann Beaudette, fitness instructor at Curves said. "She said Thomas loved butterflies and loved purple so we bought the biggest, most beautiful butterfly bush we could find."
Along with the bush they purchased a small statue of children holding hands in a circle.
"That is Thomas in heaven, holding hands with children all over the world," Beaudette recalled Heidi saying.
Thomas would have been starting fourth-grade at Greenland Central School this year and dad, Brian said the week leading up to the first day of school has not been easy, but the strength of the Fogerty family, the support of the community and their spiritual faith helps them get through each day.
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