Obituary - Thomas Joseph Albanese

Thomas Joseph Albanese, age 62, of Henrico, Va., passed on to his heavenly home on December 15, 2022. He was the son of V. Carolyn Albanese, of Pen Argyl, Pa., and the late MSGT. Robert Albanese Sr. Tom leaves behind his loving wife, Melissa “Missy”; his daughter, Jenna (and Jordan); and son, Thomas Jr. (and Shiny); along with their mother, Peggy; and two grandchildren, Ayla and Ryan. Grateful for their lives with Tom are his sister, Wendy (and Brian) Douglas of Southport, N.C.; and his brother, Robert Albanese Jr. of Center Valley, Pa. Tom's brother, William "Billy," passed away in 1984 at the age of 22. Those who will miss Tom include his mother-in-law, Meredith Caskie; his brother-in-law, Chip Lowman (and Debbie); and Missy's stepson, Henry (and Sallie) Shackelford; and their children, Summer and Seth. Tom was also very close to his father-in-law, Eddie Lowman, who passed away in February 2022. Tom leaves behind so many friends and a large family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom was loved by all. He was born in 1960, in Ft. Hood, Texas, where his career-Army father, Robert Sr., served for four years. Tom's formative years also included three years in Germany, before returning to the United States and later attending Warren Hills Regional High School, in Washington, N.J. Tom began his career at the age of 16 at Stew's Auto Body in Washington and over the next 25 years, honed his skills at Smith Motors, J & D Auto Body and Mike's Auto Body, all in Washington, N.J. In the year 2000, he moved south to Virginia, continuing his expertise in auto body at Richmond Ford for 20 years and then most recently at Caliber Collision. He was an industrious worker all of his life and thoroughly enjoyed his chosen profession, taking pride in everything he did. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and motorcyclist. Tom loved exploring the country in their RV, with Missy and their two family dogs, Divot and Dusty. They traveled up and down the east coast, seeing friends along the way and enjoying visits with family at coastal campgrounds. He was active with his children in their hobbies, with Jenna's love of horses, and with Thomas's love of cars and the automotive sport 'drifting.' Tom also treasured precious time with his grandchildren, Ayla and Ryan, as well as with his stepgrandchildren, Summer and Seth. He loved kicking back with his family and friends, giving his barbeque grill a good workout and sharing his famous chicken wings. Time spent with Tom was always easy and relaxing, and he will be dearly missed by everyone that knew and loved him. A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Friday, January 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bliley's Central Funeral Home, 3801 Augusta Avenue, Richmond, Va., with sharing memories at 6 p.m. Please, no flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: Thomas Chapel United Methodist Church, 1313 Cartersville Rd., Cartersville, Va. 23027, or to the charity of your choice.