Thomas John Marsh

Thomas John Marsh, born on July 14, 1954, in the bustling borough of Brooklyn, New York, took his final pit stop on February 6, 2026, in Williamsburg, Virginia. At 71, he left us with a hole in our hearts, a lifetime of lessons, and more than a few of his signature one liners echoing in our memories.

Tom lived life in the fast lane - literally. As an accomplished automotive mechanic, he spent his days elbow deep in engine grease, especially when a Corvette rolled into view. But his love of engines didn't stop at the shop. Tom drag raced cars, built race cars from the ground up, and tore through the woods and sand with the Florida Trail Riders, sharing the thrill of dirt bike racing with his family and close friends. Whether on two wheels or four, he found joy in speed, precision, and the camaraderie that came with it.

Anyone who knew him understood that his gift for fixing things went far beyond vehicles. If it was broken, Tom could figure it out. If you were struggling, he could steady you. His hands were skilled, but his presence that was quiet, calm, and steady, was what truly held people together.

Tom was an extraordinary father. After the passing of his former wife, Brenda Marsh, mother of his daughter, he raised Nicole on his own with a devotion that shaped every part of her life. He was the ultimate girl dad - teaching her how to handle tools, engines, and "all the boy stuff," while also admiring her freshly done nails and sitting through fashion shows after shopping trips. He made her feel special every single day. What meant the most to Nicole was how proud he was of her: he saw her hard work, her strength, and the woman she became, and he never missed a chance to tell her. So much of who she is today is because of him.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Joan Marsh; his brother, Timothy Marsh; and his former wife, Brenda Marsh, with whom he shared many meaningful years and memories.

He leaves behind a family who adored him and will carry his humor, steadiness, and wisdom forward: his daughter, Nicole Elam, and her children, Madison "Gracie" Elam and David Elam II, who will always remember how he found joy in whatever they were doing and was always excited to go along for the ride. Also leaving behind, his sister, Bethann (Tom) Habermass, and his brother, Tad (Rhonda) Marsh, who will forever cherish the memories of growing up with him - their big brother whose quiet strength, shared adventures, and lifelong sibling stories shaped their bond for a lifetime.

His nieces and nephews: Erika Marsh, Taylor Marsh, and Jordan Marsh (children of Tad and Rhonda), along with John (Kaiti) Habermass, Margaret "Maggie" Habermass, Will Habermass, and Kathryn "Katie" Habermass (children of Bethann and Tom) will remember him fondly as "Uncle Tommy," a title he wore with pride at every family gathering.

Tom also leaves behind Jordan Clark, Nicole's sister in every way that mattered, whom he embraced with the same warmth, guidance, and protective heart he gave his own daughter. Jordan's son, Zackary "Zak" Clark, will grow up hearing stories of the grandfather figure who always had a joke ready and a tool in hand.

And he leaves behind Chelsie Craddock, Nicole's best friend, who became family over the years and shared a warm, easy bond with Tom. He appreciated the genuine connection they shared together with constant laughter and especially their love of spicy foods and hot sauce.

Tom's life was also shaped by countless friends, coworkers, neighbors, and extended family members who are not listed by name but held a special place in his heart. He had a quiet way of forming deep connections through his steady presence, his willingness to help, and the genuine care he showed to the people around him. Those relationships were an important part of his life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to his memorial fund, which will support cancer research efforts in Tom's honor helping fuel the kind of hope, resilience, and determination he carried throughout his life.

https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/in-memory-of-tom-marsh/15466/

The family invites anyone who knew Tom to leave a comment or share a favorite story, keeping his memory alive through the moments and laughter he gave so freely.