Fernand Arthur Thomassy III

Colonel (Ret.) Fernand Thomassy, US Army Chemical Corps, passed away on June 15, 2025, at 87 in The Villages, Florida where he has resided for the past 21 years. Born in Washington, PA, and raised in McDonald, PA Fernand's life was characterized by service, scholarship, and leadership.

He earned a BS in Chemistry at University of Pittsburgh, followed by an MS in Physical Chemistry from Penn State University. He furthered his military education at elite institutions: the Army Air Defense School, Paratrooper and Jumpmaster Schools, Command & General Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (War College).

Over a distinguished 28½ year career, Colonel Thomassy held a range of pivotal leadership positions, including Division Chemical Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division, Commander of the US Army Toxic and Hazardous Materials Agency (USATHAMA) at Edgewood Arsenal, MD, as well as Commander & Assistant Commandant for the US Army Chemical Corps Center and School. While serving in Vietnam, he commanded the 570th Repair Parts Co. and served as S 3, 277th Maintenance Battalion. In South Korea, he served as XO Army Assistance officer to the South Korean Army and Commander of the 227th Maintenance Battalion. Through his exemplary military service, he earned two Legions of Merit—awarded for exceptionally meritorious service in key command roles and a Bronze Star for heroic or meritorious service in a combat zone, among other commendations. After retiring from active duty, Colonel Thomassy continued work in international consulting with Tradeways Ltd. and served as Assistant Project Manager for Westinghouse - constructing and operating the Chemical Demilitarization Facility that destroyed the Anniston Army Depot Chemical Stockpile.

Colonel Thomassy embodied a life of honor, intellect, and leadership. He had a big personality, cherished his family, loved telling stories, and enjoyed his time on the golf course & fishing. His larger-than-life presence will be missed by many.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan (Asti); their three sons – Fernand, Michael and David; his sister, Marion Thomassy Root; and five grandchildren: Virginia, Christian, Alyssa, Haley and Olivia.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation, http://t2t.org. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life at Dignity Memorial Life Celebration Center, 7134 Powell Road, Wildwood, FL 34785 at 11am on Saturday, July 12, 2025.