Thomas Joseph Demick

Thomas Joseph Demick, 71, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on April 2, 2025.

Thomas was born in Johnson City, New York, on December 12, 1953, to the late Edward Demick and Genevieve Orzol.

Along with his parents, Thomas is preceded in death by his brother, Michael Demick.

He is survived by his four brothers—Robert, Edward, Christopher, and David—his two sisters, Patricia and Diane; his children, John, Phillip, and Jessica; and his four wonderful grandchildren.

A funeral Mass/memorial service will be held at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Concord, NC, on Thursday, April 24, at 11:00 AM. Thomas’s ashes will be interred at St. James Catholic Cemetery immediately following the Mass.

Thomas was one of the eldest of eight children, born on what the Demick family affectionately called “the Funny Farm” in Johnson City, NY. From a young age, Thomas displayed a natural talent as a handyman, developing skills in car mechanics and carpentry. He was known for taking apart engines with his brother and figuring out how to put them back together—often in his bedroom. He enjoyed hunting, caring for farm animals, and sharing laughs and pranks with his siblings.

He went on to attend UNC-Charlotte and was proud to be the first in his family to earn a degree in electrical engineering. Following his time at IBM, he pursued a master’s degree in engineering management, also at UNC-Charlotte. With that, he founded Six Sigma Construction, where he built multiple beautiful, high-end homes in the Charlotte area before enjoying an early retirement.

Thomas loved gunsmithing, as well as skeet and trap shooting with his family. He was known as a happy, lighthearted soul with an endless supply of “dad jokes.”

Thomas was a true fighter—known as “the cat with nine lives.” After being diagnosed with anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid, he was told he had just two years to live. But after aggressive radiation therapy and a thyroidectomy at Duke University Hospital, he went on to survive an astounding 32 years. He also overcame a stroke and other serious health challenges. Through all of it, his strength, faith, and determination never wavered, and he was able to live independently until his final days—just as he wished.

Many heartfelt thanks go to Donald Higgins, a longtime friend who helped care for Thomas in his final years. Thank you to Khiem, Frank, and Quay who also helped him through the years.

Rest well, Dad. You finally found the “new brain” you always joked about. May God and His holy angels wrap you in their arms.