Tom will be missed by many, especially the Wilmington Cancer Moms fishing team. Tom was a dock neighbor, many long conversations about life and fishing. I told him I put together a group of moms who have or had children with cancer and the fight they were in or been through. We wanted to fish the Realin 4 Research tournament in Morehead. Before I finished the sentence Tom was on board and bringing his boat to Morehead and starting something with these moms that would become more than just a fishing trip, but something that got them through hard times and looked forward to year after year. Captain Tom made it happen, and never asked for anything in return but the smiles and joy he saw on their faces for that weekend. He fished that tournament with those moms every year till he moved away to Florida. Tom’s legacy is a great one, but for me it was those weekends in May with those moms that that made him bigger than life. Thank you Tom and Leah for being amazing human beings and always putting others first. I’m sure he has Gods ear and is telling one of his fish tales and all of Heaven is listing, Hemingway has his competition now. Peace and love brother. Mindy and I will miss you in the Hood❤️

I met Tom and Leah when Leah was my boss at ASSU in Savannah. Tom shared Leah with us on those days she stayed with us when we both worked at UNCP.
My fondest memory was at Tom and Leah’s beach house when they entertained 5 of us in an impromptu sleepover

I first met Tommy when he & Leah were dating, so many years ago.  Tommy defined a “larger than life” persona and talked in plain English.  But after several decades, he seemed to soften a bit and could, with me, reflect and sometimes philosophize on a deep level. He & I talked and laughed about this: Not that Tommy had much choice, but I loved the freedom he gave his wife & daughters to pursue their  dreams…. and how truly and earnestly proud he was of each.  
Rest In Peace Tommy,
John

Tommy was the kind of person you instantly connected with. He had a great sense of humor and a remarkable insight to life. He was one of a kind and I know will be greatly missed. Our hearts are broken for Leah and her daughters.  Time will heal the pain while his memory will linger a lifetime.  With love always , Carole and Mark

Leah and family, It's difficult to know what to say just now...except that you're thought of in sympathy and friendship. We know your heart aches for what you all have loved and lost. Gently wrap yourselves in the wonderful memories of your special Tom and hold each other close.

When "The Captain" moved to Kure beach he was looking for crew to fish with. An employee of the local tackle shop introduced us. That began a genuine friendship and started a fishing group that included Bob, Bruce, Tony +++. Our trips were full of good food, drink and irreverent ball busting. He was a tough Captain barking orders from the bridge but we loved it. So many great memories. Captain you will be missed.

The day we caught this fish was a day to remember. We left the Montauk dock early.  The sea was rolling but I thought nothing of it.
     You see I was totally smitten with Tom’s little sister Cathy. We just started dating. She was stunning, still is. Sitting down below with my burrito and newspaper, while everyone else was on the top deck, things started to go wrong. I got sick, providing lots of laughs. I spent the day sleeping on the bow, while my new girlfriend whooped it up with the boys.
     Then a strike of lightning and there it was, Moby Dick on the line. The Captain, Mr Big Brother Tom took over. He was awesome, up on the bridge barking out orders, the great one was on the hook. Kenny, first mate and fisherman extraordinaire got strapped in and the epic battle began.
     Well that was the day that legends were born. But things only got worse for me. When Kenny finally brought Moby to the starboard side I was handed the gaff and believe it or not, because fish stories often get embellished, I struck Moby with the wrong end of the gaff and a brand new barrage of laughter erupted.
      To this day Kenny, may his soul rest in peace, would never let me live it down. It was his and Tom’s day. They certainly earned it. Every legend needs a fall guy and Kenny would never let me forget who that was.
     But Tom never mentioned it. He was above the ordinary. A soul brother of the open sea and the fish that dwell below it. He was a Waterman. We had a mutual respect for each other. We became very close, especially during Covid, when we spoke weekly on the phone trying to get some government money. 
     Yet, believe it or not, we spoke about so much more than money. We spoke about soul searching, gut wrenching, self doubt and regrets. We spoke about legacy, mistakes we made with both ends of the gaff. Mistakes only we could take responsibility for. 
     He was a good man, we were brothers. I loved him and looked up to him and miss him dearly!

I always loved running into Tom in the neighborhood.  From the first day I met him and that mega smile of his, we bonded over my dog, Hank, and his beloved Monty, playing in the yard.  I loved his stories, his words of wisdom on work and life, and I will really miss hearing, “Mare, here’s what you need to do…”  Tom had a genuine heart and a zest for life.    I like to imagine he is enjoying a cool breeze on his boat, sailing into heaven.   It was a privilege to call you our friend.  We will miss you!

- Mary

I am sure going to miss meeting you out in the street everyday and our conversations that we had together. Sometimes a long story when we had time and I mean long.  Always entertaining! Going to miss seeing you Tom. I will always remember our last conversation together and you were a great neighbor. Penny Santacroce

My memory of my friend and neighbor Tom was always about living life to the fullest and onto the next adventure.   His love of his family, the sea and life were always first and he wasn’t shy in telling you.  I will miss our conversations, his stories and our friendship.  Fair winds and following seas my friend.

I was hoping yesterday was a dream when receiving the text from Logan that Tom was gone.
I feel the need to write something about him since attending mass tomorrow will not be an option for me. 
How I met Tom: He called me one day asking a work-related question, and I just thought, here's another New Yorker that just moved here...... Before we hung up, he said "hey, heard you liked fishing, come by the house sometime" and of course, curiosity got to me, and so the next time I saw the garage door open, I stopped.
Since then, we've spent many hours, sitting on the dock, fishing, and on the phone together throughout the last 15 years. He was one of the first people to call regarding something boat or engine related. Most recently he helped me locate a couple of engines on the west coast for repowering my charter boat, and then was my most significant sounding board over the last 4 month process. He always answered the phone, would always listen but only after you told him "Tom, I need you to let me finish what I'm saying." Fatherly advice for life and work was top notch. He'd also ask me what my Dad would have said, which seemed very intuitive to me. He'd often say to me in person and over messages and emails - "don't make the mistakes I made, make sure you don't work your life away. Spend time with your girls, or they will create a life without you." Always made sure to call me a redneck and a few other colorful names.
I was lucky enough to make the Bahamas trip last year with Tom and Larry. It was not an ideal for me to leave for a week at the time, and I remember thinking that the opportunity may not come to hang out with Tom for a week of fishing ever again, and so I went anyways. Those will be forever memories and am very thankful for them.
Tuesday morning, I was heading offshore, and called Tom at 5:28am, glad we were able to chat that last time.
Very sorry for your loss. He was one of the good ones.

Big Tom loved to talk! He loved sharing stories about his past in NY and sharing how proud he was of all of his kids and grandkids. He was one of the most genuine people I have every met and I will miss speaking to him dearly! After that he would go on to tell me what all he needed done to the boats! He loved his boats and was meticulous about every detail and only wanted the best! He was our most favorite customer of all time and will be greatly missed!  Our most sincerest condolences -Jim and Chrissy with JM Marine.

Loved fishing and spending time with my friend.

Although we shared Tom‘s love of the ocean and fishing, we also shared a true friendship which has continued on even after he moved to Florida. Tom was a very thoughtful, kind, generous person who would give you “the shirt off his back”.  He also graciously hosted our daughter’s wedding on his beautiful boat The Seahorse IV… that will be a memory we will cherish forever.  And if any of you knew Tom well you also knew “the Almighty Monty “ Tom’s beloved dog that never left his side. And I promise you that Monty is at your side this very moment. Tom touched everyone in our family in many ways. His warm smile and his oh so funny laugh will truly be missed. Bruce will dearly miss your weekly phone calls and laughs. 
So we will see you later buddy. 
Rest in peace 
Love Nancy, Bruce, and the entire Dober family.

We first met Tom when he lived in Kure Beach North Carolina. Had many get togethers and fishing trips. The picture is one of Tom's best experiences fishing in North Carolina. After Tom moved to Flagler Beach we had the pleasure of being invited to stay in his home on our way to Marathon. Tom was a generous and thoughtful friend, we will miss him.

With much love ❤️ I send my condolences. Tom was so loved by all of us neighbors and we loved his story telling. He will be missed. Prayers for the family for peace in your hearts. 

Love, 

Gina Seneca 
Neighbor

Fishing in montauk 
On Charles boat 
Love the Etzel family 
Miss you and love you

Logan, my heart is so heavy with sorrow in the loss of your Father.  It is never easy to say good-bye to a parent, but know he will live forever in your heart and in your stories of him.
My deepest sympathy to you and your loving family.

Gisele Kates
TCU Athletics

Tom was a truly remarkable man, overflowing with love and kindness. He always had a hot meal to share or a cold drink for me. He loved Leah’s food and would call me to tell me what was on the menu this weekend. He always found time to lend a hand with my projects, often teasing me with playful remarks like, “you’re useless,” but his warm smile and familiar tone made it impossible not to appreciate him. I will miss Tom deeply; he felt like family to me. He treated both me and my family with such warmth and generosity.

I will always cherish the messages he sent me of Tripp and Thomas playing baseball, and his proud remarks about how amazing those “men” are. Tom was a devoted family man who cherished Leah, Logan, Kendel, Thomas, Tripp  and all of his loved ones dearly. He was straightforward and honest, never hesitating to share his thoughts. I remember him joking with me, “You know, Rob, I don’t think it’s the workers you hire that mess up; I think it’s you.” We’d share a laugh, and he’d insist, “No, really, it’s you!” 

My family is heartbroken by Tom’s passing, but we are eternally grateful for the time we had with him. He will be lovingly remembered in the “Spike” house and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. I love you Tom and I am going to miss you !

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Thomas Joseph Fiorentino

16 décembre 1949 – 21 mai 2025

Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home & Flagler Memorial Gardens

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