Around 50 people celebrated Christmas in July on July 21 when co-workers in Town Hall threw a Christmas-themed surprise party for Thomas Fitting, who will retire after more than 30 years.

Fitting was the director of maintenance at the building; he had announced his upcoming retirement in the winter. Assistant Town Clerk Ashley Unitas noted that Fitting is well known as “Mr. Christmas,” so she, Town Clerk Sharon Uricchio, and custodian John O’Connell decided to plan a Christmas-themed retirement party for him.

“It was a creative way to send him off,” said Unitas.

The party took place in the Rose Room at Town Hall and was decked out in lights, Santa Claus decorations, and 15 small Christmas trees. Guests were asked to don Christmas-themed attire, as well.

Getting Fitting to the party required telling a few white lies, and the assistance of his family. O’Connell said that Fitting’s family took him to the Town Hall and said they were going to see the Kidz Konnection production of Oliver Twist. Instead, they brought him to the Rose Room where people were hiding to shout surprise. (A video of the moment can be seen on the Town Clerk’s Office Facebook page.) O’Connell said Fitting was surprised.

“It was a great night,” said O’Connell, who worked with Fitting for 27 years.

Fitting was given several gifts at his party. The biggest gift, literally, was a Christmas tree that will be planted behind Town Hall and soon bear a plaque dedicating the tree to Fitting. David Townsend presented Fitting with a painting of the town at Christmas time, and First Selectman Bruce Farmer proclaimed July 21st as a day of retirement celebration. Fitting was also given a board that had been signed by well-wishers and “not just Town Hall people,” said O’Connell.

While O’Connell said Fitting “always said he didn’t want a party,” he said he could tell Fitting appreciated the gesture.

“We had a really great time,” he said.