Thadeus Faherty

Thadeus "Tad" was born January 8, 1948, in Tacoma, Washington, to Bonnie and "Slim" Faherty. He grew up in Washington attending Catholic elementary and middle schools. While attending Bellarmine Prep High School he discovered his talent and affection for singing as a member of the Bellarmine Glee Club.

Upon graduation in 1966, he enrolled at Seattle University. After two years of accounting classes, Tad decided to pursue a career in "broadcasting technology," so he attended Tacoma Vocational-Technical Institute. Securing a FCC 1st Class Radiotelevision License set in motion his occupations at radio and TV stations. Tad's first job was as a DJ at KREL in Corona, CA and his second one was as Chief Engineer at KJST in the Palm Springs area. In the mid 1970's he made his way to the Central Valley where he worked for TV stations and in Cable Television. On May 6, 1983, Tad went to work for KVPT - Valley Public Television, "Channel 18" and instantly felt at home. His passion for KVPT and the Central Valley was evident in his tireless participation in telethons, charity events and community projects. He met and married his forever love, Ann Freuler, in 1985. Tad worked for KVPT until 2009 when his cancer surgery and treatments prevented him from continuing his 26-plus-year career at Valley Public Television.

He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He sang with their choir for many years and truly enjoyed his involvement with the group. Tad was an avid reader - the comics were always a must. He loved computers, electronics, technology and television, hence his passion for "Channel 18". He could also fix just about anything, from household mishaps to car repairs.

The family would like to thank the staff of Kaiser Permanente in both Fresno and Roseville, California, for their exceptional and loving care. A very special "thank you" to his oncologist, Dr. Hoa Le.

Tad is survived by his loving wife, Ann, of Fresno; his daughter Jennifer and Omar Singh, of Ashburn, Virginia; his daughter Tammy and Ron O'Rourke, of Nampa, Idaho; his grandchildren, Omar Singh, Nathaniel O'Rourke, Aden Singh, Zachary O'Rourke, and Isabella Singh. All of the grandchildren affectionately called him "T-Pa." Also surviving are his wonderful loving mother Bonnie Faherty, of Edgewood, Washington; his sister Shareen and Dave Michlitsch, of Puyallup, Washington; his brother Terry and Colleen Faherty, of Edgewood Washington; his sister Teresa and Bob Logsdon, of Hooper, Washington; his sister Marci Wilson, of Edgewood, Washington; his father-in-law, Chuck Freuler, of Fresno; his mother-in-law, Marianna Freuler, of Fresno; his brother-in-laws, Bill and Mike Freuler, both of Fresno; his sister-in-law Susan Freuler, of Clovis; and many loving nephews, nieces, special friends, and his cat, Jeanie.

A Memorial Service will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society.