Thomas Joseph Menaldi

Thomas Joseph Menaldi, 64 years old, was born March 18, 1960. He passed away and went to heaven at his home in Big Bear City, California, on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024.
He was the son of the late Edward and Margaret Nakley Menaldi. Tommy leaves behind his brothers and sisters, Edward Menaldi, Elizabeth Moore, Arthur Menaldi, Diana Lynn Menaldi, and Marguarite Menaldi. He was predeceased by his parents, and brothers Joseph Menaldi and Dominic Menaldi.
Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Tommy was a born artist. He was praised for his drawings from the time he was able to hold a pencil in hand. He was awarded an Art scholarship in high school that was not pursued. Also, Tommy was a natural athlete. He played little league baseball, high school football and excelled at wrestling. He was lightning fast on his feet, super strong and had moves like jagger. Tragedy struck Tommy his senior year of high school where he unknowingly fell victim to a near lethal hoax in which he suffered mental impairments for the rest of his life.
Tommy left Ohio and moved to Texas at 20 years old to run one of his brother Joe's, Menaldi Pizza, shops. He was super proud of his pizza and was a fantastic cook and his store won an award for best pizza at the Westgate Mall in Abilene, TX. He also drew the iconic logo for the pizza shops.
At 26 years old, Tommy was run over by a car in El Paso, TX and his pelvis was crushed. We were told he'd never walk again and to everyone's amazement, Tommy went back to Ohio and was rehabilitated with the help of our mom and started walking again.
Tommy moved to CA in 1994, to be near his siblings and resided in Big Bear City until his passing.
Tommy was most passionate about playing his guitars. He created his own Music that was produced by his brother Art and his CD is called "World's Greatest Guitarists". His favorite hobby was fishing. He had survivor's instincts and was an excellent trapper since his early teens.
He especially loved his cat named Rex and Ohio State University football and was a huge football fan and had a natural ability to call plays ahead of time.
Tommy believed in God and was a shining light with a heart of gold to those that knew him. Although disabled himself, he was full of life, an incredible brother and would do anything for his family and friends to help them.
He was no nonsense and his genuine nature with brutal honesty is what made people drawn to him. He wore his heart on his sleeve and his simplicity was infectious. He did not let his disabilities stop him and he spread happiness wherever he went. His spirit will live in all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
The memorial and celebration of life gathering for Tommy will be held at 5600 Market St., 2nd Floor, Youngstown, Ohio 44512 on Sept. 7th (2pm - 6pm).
After I am Gone
With God, I had no fear.
Against the odds, I persevered.
My virtues were Strength, Wisdom, Faith and Love.
When I left this Earth, my spirit went to heaven above.
I was an artist in many ways.
I drew, played guitar and touched people's lives every day!
My honesty, smile and strength will live on.
My purpose was to spread happiness well after I'm gone.
~ Written for Tommy
Marguarite Menaldi, Sister
Tommy
Today the sun didn't shine, and tears filled my eyes. Your spirit went way up high.
Heaven is where you will be found against the odds you stood your ground.
You weren't a brother with money or a brother with flash. You were a brother with humility that made people laugh.
Your love you spread was contagious to many. Your heart was your strength that was ever so gently.
You gave me your time and made me shine. You took me fishing and taught me words and how to tell time.
Then tragedy struck but it wasn't your fate, you suffered greatly and discovered hate.
At the end of the day, you didn't let any of that get in your way. Against the odds, you persevered and stayed.
What you brought to this world was your own style that many could not out do in a miracle mile.
From the bus driver, grocery checker, banker and doctor everyone who knew you loved how you were true.
I didn't always understand how much you were a blessing until I grew up and experienced a world that was pressing.
I then realized how wearing your heart on your sleeve was for real and anything less was not a deal.
I was blessed to have you as my brother, and I wish I did more because you were like no other.
Seeing you suffer and helpless was not easy. You were a turbo jet that lived life sweezy.
What I know for sure is you had God in your heart, and it was your art that made you special and for me death will not part.
Always you will be a part of me, the part that the blind eye could not see.
The triumph you overcome and the fight you won will make me the person I've yet to become.
Thank you, Tommy, for being my bother you taught me to be humble and to get back up when I fumble.
I'll be with you soon and will be over the moon to see my brothers that left my heart broken and filled with gloom.
I miss you already and I will cherish our memories, and I won't forget all you have done for me. You will now be my guardian angel that will live in spirit and will forever be a branch in our family tree.
~Dedicated and written by Marguarite Menaldi for beloved brother Thomas Joseph Menaldi~
{March 18, 1960 - August 12, 2024}
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