Thomas N. Fuelling

July 18, 1933 - April 27, 2024 Thomas Norbert Fuelling passed away at the age of ninety after a hospitalization with family members by his side, including Sherry, his loving wife of more than 65 years.
Tom was born and raised in Woodburn, Indiana and after high school moved to Southern California. He attended Pasadena City College and then joined the Naval Reserve, where he served for two years before enrolling at the University of Southern California. He studied Marketing and was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity before graduating in 1958.
His career began with Lawry's Foods, Inc. where he started selling Seasoned Salt and over the years travelled the world and rose through the ranks to lead the Company's sales and marketing organization. In 1988, he became President and during his tenure led the transition from a family-owned company of "co-workers" to a subsidiary of Unilever before retiring in 1997 after 40 years.
Tom enjoyed playing golf, fly-fishing, and traveling with friends. He was an avid USC Trojan football supporter and past president of Cardinal & Gold. He was an active board advisor to Lawry's Restaurants and a member of the California Club and Annandale Golf Club. He also volunteered with several charitable organizations, including Swim with Mike, where he was named as Volunteer of the Year in 2015.
In 1970, Tom and Sherry settled in Arcadia and raised their three children – Tom, Rob, and Katie. Despite a busy work schedule, Tom always made time for his family and organized outdoor vacations that featured hiking, camping, boating and skiing in Utah and the Sierras. His favorite spot to spend time was Mammoth Lakes, where he and Sherry bought a second home in 1979 and hosted many memorable family gatherings.
In 1998, Tom and Sherry moved to Laguna Beach and spent the last 25 years enjoying the proximity to the beach and developing new friendships in the Shaw's Cove community. Tom stayed in close touch with his grandchildren, who called him Papa and was their number one fan - driving many miles to watch their sporting events and extracurricular activities.
Tom is predeceased by his parents, Norbert and Betty Fuelling, his sister Sheila Mayer and grandson Patrick Lynch. He is survived by his wife Sherry, his three children and their spouses - Tom and Susan Fuelling, Rob and Annette Fuelling, and Katie and Kevin Lynch - and his seven surviving grandchildren – Kaitlin and Meghan Fuelling, Robbie, Mike and Dan Fuelling, and Jack and Ellie Lynch.