Tom was born in Endicott, NY to John and Mary Anne (Walsh) Chism. He graduated from Needham Broughton High School in Raleigh, NC in 1976 before graduating with a criminal justice degree from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. His professional career spanned both the financial services and manufacturing industries, most recently as logistics coordinator with Toshiba.
Known for his unique sense of humor, Tom loved many activities including golf, when he once shot a hole- in- one, surf fishing, cooking, bourbon and dogs. Above all he loved his family and his life-long friends who were a constant source of joy and inspiration, never wavering in their support and camaraderie when he needed it most.
Wanting never to be a burden, Tom’s endearing stubbornness and stoic bravery allowed him to live independently through the last stages of his battle. A devoted and loving son, brother, uncle and friend, Tom is survived by his mother Mary Anne (Walsh) Chism; brother Jack Chism; sisters Anne (Chism) Becker, Laura Chism and Ellen (Chism) Crawford (and spouse Jim); nieces and nephews Carlin (Becker) Maine (and spouse Travis), Patrick Crawford (and spouse Lauren and son Aiden), Matthew Becker, Jeffrey Crawford and Katie Crawford.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, John and his older brother, Keith.
The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, September 13th at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, followed by a Funeral Liturgy of the Word at 11:00 am.
The family would like to thank the Duke ALS Clinic and all who loved and supported Tom. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please raise your glass to family and friendship.
Memorial contributions can be made to Duke University ALS Gift Fund in support of ALS research. Checks can be made payable to Duke University with Tom’s name in the memo section. Duke Health Development, Attn: Whitney Martin, 300 West Morgan Street, Suite 1200, Durham, NC 27701.
Online donations can be made via the online giving link: https://www.gifts.duke.edu/dukehealth?designation=3916783. Memorial contributions can also be made to: The ALS Association North Carolina Chapter, 4 N Blount Street, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27601. Online donations can be made via the online giving link: AlsNCDonate.org
Services provided by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.
