Carl Joseph Thome

Naples - Carl Joseph Thome

17 May 1942-4 December 2025



Carl Joseph Thome, 83, of Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on 4th December 2025. Born in Elyria, Ohio, on 17th May 1942, Carl spent his early childhood in Green Bay, Wisconsin, before returning to Elyria where he attended St. Mary's Catholic Grade School and graduated from Elyria Catholic High School in 1960 where not even the nuns could prevent him from writing left-handed-an early sign that Carl would steadfastly follow his own path through life.



Carl was proud to serve his country as a US Navy Corpsman from 1960 to 1966 during the Vietnam Era. His years of military service held deep meaning for him throughout his life and he often shared his experiences with pride and gratitude.



After serving his country, Carl followed his passion for photography. He studied under Master Photographer Rudy Mott and attended the Winona School of Photography. He owned and operated Fotographix in Elyria, was the regional manager for Harmon Photo on Naples' 5th Avenue (1973-1979), was the head photographer for Trane, Inc. (1980-1984) in La Crosse, Wisconsin, worked at William C. Minarich Photography in Naples (1984-1986), and was a member of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP).



In 1987, Carl established Carl J. Thome Photography, Inc. in downtown Naples. For more than 30 years, he documented the growth of Naples and Collier County, providing services to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples Community Hospital, the Naples Philharmonic, Saint Ann School, and innumerable others. Even in retirement, Carl continued to keep pace with the latest technological trends in photography, never ceasing to learn new processes and techniques with the latest cameras and software.



Carl's professional career was matched by his community involvement and zest for life. He both sponsored and coached Little League Baseball, was an active member of the Naples Gulfshore Rotary Club, and was proud to be recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He loved driving his red 1969 Corvette Stingray with the T-tops removed, bass fishing with friends and family, and at one point owned and piloted his own Cessna aircraft. In his later years, Carl spent many an outing at trivia nights with friends. When at home, his faithful feline friend, Charlie, could always be found at his side.



Throughout his life, Carl worked many jobs-from caddying and farming to serving as a pharmacy technician-always bringing the same dedication and curiosity to every role. An avid reader of military history, Carl also found inspiration in his favorite authors and the lessons of resilience he carried through many health challenges.



Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Helen Thome (nee Horvath), and his sister, Margery Ann Thome. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marlee Thome (nee Rhodehamel), his three children Wende Malik (nee Thome), Matthew Thome, Janine Gates, and five grandchildren. Known for his sharp eye, quick wit, off-kilter humor, and truly one-of-a-kind handwriting, Carl's memory will live on through the many lives he touched, his artistry, and his unwavering optimism.



Services will be held at Fuller Funeral Home 1625 Pine Ridge Rd. (North Naples location) on 17th February 2026 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you wear fashion socks-Carl's favorite fashion accessory-in his memory. To send notes of sympathy and comfort to Carl's family please visit his tribute page at www.fullernaples.com