Thomas Joseph Colleary, Jr. | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Thomas Joseph Colleary, Jr., accomplished sales executive, lover of great golf courses, Cadillac's, crossword puzzles and ice cream sandwiches, passed away at 81 years of age on Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

    Tom and loving wife Nanci, dedicated to one another for close to 39 years shared a partnership that was truly unique. They were longtime residents of West Dover, Vermont and Whitestone, New York.

    Tom grew up in Cambridge, Mass with his beloved parents, Thomas J Colleary Sr. and mother Catherine Neary (both deceased). A veteran of the Korean War, Tom attended College and pursued a career in publishing. He rose rapidly in the ranks of his company, as there was no more natural salesman born to this world. As Vice President and National Sales Manager at Prentice Hall Publishing, Tom traveled the country extensively.

    Tom adored his youngest girl, Lauren Chisholm and her family, husband Mark and dear grandchildren Amber and Sean. Many happy days were spent around a fire, in Mt. Snow Vermont, eating pizza and visiting Adam 's farm. Tom is preceded in death by talented and eldest daughter, Dawn (Dawnee) Colleary and survived by two sons, TJ Colleary and David Colleary.

    As life is rarely simple, Tom also gained two wonderful stepdaughters, Laurine Ryan Perry and Christine Harland, whom he loved very much. He will be missed greatly by their husbands Alan and Robert, who spent many years around the dinner table discussing politics. It seemed even at that small table, consensus was hard to find.

    Tom is survived by his two brothers Jim and Peter Colleary and their wonderful families. Who will ever forget the liar's poker games at the beach? He loved his brothers and talked fondly of childhood summers spent in Ottawa with his favorite cousin Moy.

    After moving to North Carolina last year, Tom had great hopes of playing golf and enjoying a wonderful life at Cypress Landing, but that was not to be. Tom did have opportunity to spend time with granddaughter Madison Harland. Grandma as their chauffeur, they would enjoy long rides home from school, sharing yogurt, and knowing looks, when the GPS would insist grandma was going the wrong way.

    A great dog lover, Tom only came to appreciate cats after he met Nanci. He leaves behind his dear Benji (Benjamin), his handsome tuxedo cat, who will miss sharing evening ice cream cups and playing long games of fetch.

    We will all miss Tom.

    A memorial service will held at a later date in Vermont

    Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

    Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com