It is with great sorrow we announce the sudden passing of Thomas "Tom/Tommy” William Priola on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at the age of 65. Tom is survived by the love of his life, best friend, and wife of 33 years, Tammy, of Pleasant Grove, Alabama. He leaves behind five children, Michelle (Lee), Leigh Ann (Fred), Alec (Kayley), Elise (Mark), and William (Kristin), his grandchildren, Jaye, Freddie, Toby, John Paul, and Mark Nathan, and his siblings, Linda (Warren), Mike (Maggie), Cindy, Gayla (Jeff), Patricia, and Rose Mary (Steve).
Tom was born in Birmingham, Alabama to Thelma & Michael Priola on March 4, 1954. He graduated from John Carroll Catholic High School and furthered his education in Atlanta at Bell & Howell Technical Institute. He was an electrician and craftsman known for his exceptional skills. He aspired to be like his father, who taught him electrical work beginning at a young age.
Tom's personality was larger than life. His love, sense of humor, and kindheartedness were admired by all of his family and friends. Tom had a servant's heart and spent many days of his life helping others. Tom had a special gift of making all of us feel important and was a sensational conversationalist. In addition to the tremendous love he had for his family, he enjoyed his Catholic faith, music, reading, politics, animals, and the Gulf Coast.
Tom will be missed greatly, always loved, and forever remembered.
Public visitation will be held on Thursday evening, December 12 from 5:30-7 at Ridout's Valley Chapel in Homewood. A rosary will follow at 7 pm.
On Friday morning, December 13 at 10 there will be another visitation at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, followed by a funeral mass at 11 am, and interment immediately after, also at Our Lady of Sorrows.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate
