Thomas Carmine Gelardi

GELARDI, Thomas Carmine. October 28, 2024. Age 92. Beloved husband of Noranda (Zorzit) Gelardi. Proud and adored father of Edie (David) Gelardi Damus, Lisa (David) Gelardi Bottesi, and Sherri (Kurt) Dettloff. Cherished grandfather of Blake, Madison, Makenzie, Bryce. Loving brother of the late Salvatore 'Chuck' (the late Laura) Gelardi. Dear brother-in-law of the late Elida (the late Larry) Ribaudo, Mary Bringas and Aurora (the late Ben) Riss. Survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Anthony and Edith Gelardi. Tom had a captivating spirit that touched the hearts of so many. He had an innate talent for deeply connecting with people. He cared, was curious, and couldn’t wait to know more about you. He remembered every detail. He asked about it the next time he saw you. He made you feel heard, understood, and special. He knew how to weave together an amazing story that left you in awe of what he knew. He was a superfan of sports, especially the Boston Celtics. He was passionate about playing handball into his late 80s. Tom’s career in the music industry spanned over 67 years. His marketing and promotional impact reverberated through the industry. From Capital Records to Tom Gelardi Promotions, he felt privileged to have spent his life helping artists. He won Billboard’s “Promo Man of the Year” award twice in the 1970s. In 2023, he won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Detroit Music Awards. He worked with countless acts throughout his career, including: The Beatles, Nancy Wilson, Heart, Bob Seger, Wayne Newton, Bobby Vinton, Grand Funk Railroad, the Beach Boys and the Four Freshmen. He considered himself very lucky to have found a job in an industry in which he completely loved. He never tired of working because to him it was not work -- it was his passion. Until February of this year, Tom was still doing what he loved: visiting accounts and promoting great music. Above everything, he loved his family. He took an interest in every aspect of his daughters’, son-in-laws’ and grandkids’ lives. You knew this because he took every opportunity to share his pride in their accomplishments. It was his wife of 61 years, however, who was the love of his life. He called her his “#1”...."his everything". He made friends everywhere he went. From coworkers, to flight attendants to strangers in the grocery store line. We find comfort in knowing Tom's legacy lives on. It is in his lessons taught by example, his love for everyone, and our memories. Visitation will be held Sunday from 3-8pm with a 7pm Rosary at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Instate will be Monday at 10am. Mass at 10:30am at St. Faustina Catholic Church, 14025 12 Mile Rd, Warren, MI 48088. Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Vincent de Paul, St. Faustina Conference. Please share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com

Thomas Carmine Gelardi

November 11, 1931 - October 28, 2024