Thomas Francis “Tom” Marchisello | Eastern NC Now

    Mr. Thomas Francis "Tom" Marchisello, age 74, a resident of Chocowinity, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, surrounded by his family.

    A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington, NC. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 12:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Louisburg, NC.

    Tom was born on September 6, 1951, in Haddonfield, NJ, to the late Frank Cipriano Marchisello, Sr., and the late Rhoda Goff Marchisello. He grew up in Haddonfield before moving to North Carolina, where he graduated as a member of the very first graduating class of Sanderson High School in 1969. He later attended Wake Technical Community College, then known as The W.W. Holding Industrial Education Center.

    Throughout his career, Tom was known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and hands-on ingenuity. He served as General Manager and Vice President at Hunt General Tire Company in Raleigh, NC; owned and managed Buffalo Tire Company in Raleigh and surrounding areas; and later worked as a real estate appraiser with Reilly and Associates.

    On December 5, 1992, Tom married the love of his life, Holly Waddell, now Holly Marchisello. Fourteen years ago, the couple made their home in Chocowinity, where Tom found great joy living close to the water. He was a proud member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and worked part-time on the docks with the City of Washington-anything that kept him close to boats and the boating community he loved.

    Tom's passions were many: boats, motorcycles, animals, yard work, and any opportunity to build, fix, or tinker. A true real-life MacGyver, he could repair just about anything and took pride in making things work better than he found them.

    Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Holly; his daughters, Laura Marchisello Johnson and husband Josh of Clayton, NC, and Amy Rebecca Marchisello of Raleigh; his brother, Frank Marchisello, Jr. and wife Brandy of Greensboro, NC; his sisters, Terry Marchisello Shattuck and husband Dan of Kenly, and Margaret "Peggy" Pardue and husband Eddie of Wake Forest, NC; and three cherished grandchildren: Thomas A. Johnson, Joseph M. Johnson, and Gabriel D. Johnson.

    In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beaufort County Humane Society, P.O. Box 33, Washington, NC 27889.

    Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.paulfuneralhome.com.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve Tom's family.