Thomas Samuel Pappalardo, known lovingly as “Pop” to those closest to him, passed away on June 10, 2026, at Atrium Navicent Memorial Hospital in Macon, Ga. He was 70 years old, born on February 27, 1956, in Rome, Georgia, to the late Tom Mann Pappalardo and Carolyn June Pappalardo.
Tommy, as most people called him, grew up in Rome surrounded by family, friends, and a community that shaped the man he would become. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and West End Elementary before graduating from West Rome High School in 1974. During his school years, Tommy was a three-sport athlete, playing football, baseball, and basketball under the guidance of the late Coaches Nick Hyder, Charles Tarpley, and Robert Greene and Coach Larry Parker. Growing up, he was involved in numerous baseball and football leagues around Rome and won the Punt, Pass, and Kick competition many times. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts of America during his early grade school years. Tommy always credited the wonderful teachers, coaches, who helped him along the way, and he cherished the many aunts and uncles who played such an important role in his life. Tommy made many great long-lasting friends along the way.
In 1986, Tommy made the move from Rome to the Decatur area of Atlanta, where he worked at the historic East Lake Golf Club. Golf quickly became one of his great passions, and he loved getting out on the course whenever he could. He also enjoyed, and perhaps most of all, showing up to watch his nieces’ and nephews’ children play ball and wrestle. Tommy never missed a chance to be in the stands cheering them on.
Tommy never met a stranger. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome, whether through his warm conversation, his helping hands extended to neighbors in need, or his funny and sometimes “corny” jokes, as his aunts would lovingly say. He was famous for the cards he gave, always filled with the funniest humor that could brighten anyone’s day.
In 2016, Tommy moved to South Georgia to help care for his sweet mother, a testament to the kind of selfless heart he carried. Even as he dealt with health challenges over the years, Tommy was a fighter who never gave up. Even in his darkest moments, he would get out and walk, always finding someone to talk with or someone to share the Bible with.
Tommy was a man of deep and devout faith. He was of the Baptist tradition and loved going to church, where he built lasting friendships with fellow believers and pastors alike. He visited many churches throughout his life, and sharing the Gospel was not just something he did on Sundays; it was woven into the fabric of his everyday life.
He is survived by his sisters, Emily and Julia Pappalardo Gibbs, and his brothers, Mark Pappalardo and Steve Pappalardo. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Rome, Georgia, for friends and family who would like to attend. Details are currently being planned for a later date, possibly in August. Notifications will be announced on Facebook and the West Rome Alumni web page.
Go rest high on that mountain, Tom. Your work here on earth is done. We will sure miss his sweet spirit, his laughter, and the impact he left on every life he touched. Just knowing we will see him again in heaven gives us the comfort we need at this time. As the Scripture reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.