SOUTHPORT — Thomas Michael “Tommy” Altobellis passed away Friday, March 6, 2020, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, Wilmington, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.
Tommy grew up in Wilmington. He attended New Hanover High School and Carolina Military Academy. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve with active duty aboard the USS Enterprise. In 1971, he married the love of his life, Lucy Walton, and later resumed his college education.
After graduating from UNC at Wilmington, he began his career in the grocery business with C.F. Muller Company as a sales rep in Charlotte, where he lived until his retirement from Red Gold Inc. in 2015. Tommy was a well-liked and respected professional during his long career as a regional sales manager.
Tommy loved his family, his home, boating, fishing and sports, both as a participant and as a spectator in his later years. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Southport.
Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anne Mosely Altobellis; and son, Joe Altobellis.
He is survived by his wife, Lucy Altobellis; grandson, Miles Altobellis of Charlotte; sister, Linda Altobellis of Southport; and sister-in-law, Ammy Dunlap (Edd) of Wake Forest.
The family extends special thanks to Moe Smith, Randy and Dianne Jacks, Sarah Still and Laura and Ken Braswell for their friendship, love and support.
A service to celebrate Tommy’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 12, at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends after the burial at 2643 Leader Circle, Wilmington.
Memorial donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
