Thomas Louis Joseph Lombardi

Thomas Louis Lombardi, 86, of Southport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026. A man larger than life in presence and purpose, Tom devoted his life to serving his family, his community, and anyone who needed a steady hand and an honest word.

Born July 22, 1939, in Mt. Vernon, NY, to Vincent and Teresa Lombardi (née Buccione), Tom grew up learning the values that defined him: work hard, help others, keep your word, and put family first. As a boy, he worked alongside his father in bricklaying, started a bicycle repair business at age ten, and later earned money Simonizing cars—early signs of a lifelong builder and problem-solver.

After graduating high school, Tom joined the United States Air Force, serving as a jet mechanic and crew chief. The experience sharpened his discipline, precision, and sense of responsibility.

On August 5, 1961, Tom married the love of his life, Marie Gravel, in Springfield, Massachusetts. They shared 64 years of marriage, partnership, and unwavering devotion to family. Together, they built a home defined by warmth, humor, routines, and open doors—one where dinner mattered, holidays were full, and needs were met before they were spoken.

Tom was a builder by nature. He worked in construction throughout his career. He served as General Manager and Vice President of Peckham Industries and later as General Manager of Roccie’s Asphalt Paving, while also helping small, family-owned construction businesses grow into stable, successful companies.

Slowing down was never in Tom’s vocabulary. During retirement in Southport, his legacy became woven into the fabric of the town. He volunteered extensively with the Beautification Committee, the Community Garden, Up Your Arts, Dosher Memorial Hospital and its fundraising efforts, served as President of his homeowners association, and continued sculpting, woodworking, and creating. Physical reminders of his service remain throughout Southport, including the Whittler’s Bench at the waterfront, the Community Garden, and numerous beautification projects. Tom wanted to help shape a town visitors could be delighted to enter—and residents proud to call home.

At home, Tom showed love through action: baking, building what was needed, encouraging others, and always finding a way to help. He valued organization, kept meticulous routines, paid bills early, and took seriously his role as husband and provider. Feeding his beloved cat, Maggie, was a non-negotiable part of his daily rhythm. And yes—he famously believed butter belonged in the refrigerator, a position he would happily defend with a grin.

One moment captured Tom perfectly: after learning he had lost a re-election bid as Southport Alderman, he took about sixty seconds to accept the outcome, recalibrate, and move forward. By the next morning, he had already mapped out new ways to serve. Service was who he was.

Tom Lombardi was not a man of slogans. He was a man of action—of doing, building, fixing, and showing up. His life stands as a reminder that serving others, especially those less fortunate, is not just a duty, but a purpose.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Marie Lombardi; his children, Tom Lombardi (Silvana) of Atlanta and Michelle Henry (Michael) of Southport; his former daughter-in-law, Patti Lombardi, who remained a beloved part of the family; and by their niece, Suzy Burgess, whom Tom and Marie raised as their own. He is also survived by his brother, Vincent Lombardi (Ronnie) of Florida; his grandchildren, Andrew (Jenna), Nicholas, Caleb (Rachel), Lydia, Alyssa, and Peyton; three great-grandchildren; and his cherished “fur baby,” Maggie. He also leaves behind loved ones for whom he and his wife served as trusted mentors and surrogate parents, forming deep bonds of trust and care that remain a living part of his legacy.

The Funeral Mass will be held at Noon on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southport. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Southport Community Center, 223 E. Bay Street, Southport, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dosher Memorial Hospital Foundation in Southport or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the kind, caring, and professional medical staff at Dosher Memorial Hospital and Liberty HomeCare & Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.