The Funeral Services will be livestreamed and can be accessed by visiting the following link: https://stlukesraleigh.org/

Thomas (Tom) E. Judy of Raleigh, NC, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife Marcella and family members at his side on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at the age of 95.

Tom was born on November 17, 1927, in Akron, OH, to Clarus (Lyons) Judy and Thomas B. Judy. He spent his boyhood in Firestone Park, where he grew up in a home that included his parents and five siblings.

Tom enlisted in the Marines at 17 and served for two years at the end of WWII. Next, he graduated from John Carroll University with a degree in Industrial Engineering and began his career at Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in Akron.

Tom’s passion was solving problems. He would take challenging and complex situations and find solutions. He had an innate ability to communicate the vision to others and lead them to accomplish the goal. He quickly was identified as a superstar and was the youngest employee ever to be promoted to the management team at Firestone. His career at Firestone lead to promotions and transfers to Decatur, IL, and Indianapolis, IN.

In 1974 Converse Tennis Shoe plant in Lumberton, NC, with 3,000 employees, was on the brink of shutdown. Converse hired a placement company for a national search for an executive. Tom accepted the challenge, and within four years, it was Converse’s most profitable plant.

While in Lumberton, he also gave back to the community and served as president of the Chamber of Commerce.

In 1980 Standard Products Co. of Cleveland, OH, came calling, where he served as vice-president and board member. Tom’s biggest accomplishment was negotiating with Lee Iacocca and the newly branded Chrysler Corporation, the most profitable contract in Standard Products’ history.

On May 10, 1952, he married the love of his life, Marcella Rose Coudriet, in Akron, OH. For the next 71 years, they journeyed through life together. Tom and Marcella had a great sense of the importance of a strong faith and work ethic, which they instilled in their seven children.

More than anything else, Tom adored his family and spending time with his children and grandchildren. In 1999 he and Marcella worked with an architect to design and build a dream retirement home on Badin Lake at Uwharrie Point, NC, which has become a cherished gathering place. Tom's passions included exploring the lake in a large pontoon boat with children and grandchildren aboard.

Tom and Marcella were very active in their retirement and enjoyed lending a hand when needed. They regularly worked out together at the gym up until COVID shutdown.

In addition to his loving wife Marcella, Tom is survived by his children Timothy E. (Marsha) Judy of Charleston, SC; Jeffrey T. Judy of Washington, DC; Christopher P. (Dana) Judy of Raleigh, NC; Beth A. Judy of Riverdale Park, MD; Stephen R. Judy of Wilmington, NC; Barbara (John) Foscato of Raleigh, NC; James P. (Lora) Judy of Raleigh, NC; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert Judy (Loisemarie), brother-in-law Jeff Feeman, and sister Lois Marie Boeckman (Cliff). He is survived by his siblings Roger Judy, Joan Englehart, and Maryellen Feeman.

The Funeral will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church, 12333 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, NC at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 10th. The family will receive friends one hour prior. There will be a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory to Transitions LifeCare. https://www.transitionslifecare.org/donate/