Thomas L. Fenton, co-founder of infomercial firm Synchronal Inc., died June 22 at his home in Easton, CT, due to complications from cancer. He was 61.
Fenton was a founding member of the National Infomercial Marketing Association, the precursor to the Electronic Retailing Association. He sold his interest in Synchronal in 1992 and became an independent marketing consultant.
He was born in Chicago and educated at the University of Chicago and the Art Center School of Design in Los Angeles. Fenton served as an officer in the U.S. Army Signal Corps photo unit at Fort Greely, AK, and afterward moved to New York to pursue a career as a television producer. After working at several advertising agencies, he became executive vice president and director of broadcast production at Doyle Dane Bernbach.
Fenton is survived by his wife, Dana; two brothers, Timothy of Norwalk, CT, and Robert of Kansas City, MO; two sons, Thomas of Easton, CT, and Stephen Dirhold of Marion, NC; a daughter, Juliana; and one grandson.
Memorial contributions may be made to Jesse Lee United Methodist Church, 25 Flat Rock Road, Easton, CT 06612.
