Thomas Eugene Calabrese

THOMAS EUGENE CALABRESE known affectionately as ‘Tom’ or ‘Tommy”, passed away on August 24, 2024 with his beloved daughter by his side at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV. He was born on August 2, 1942 to the late Ralph and Ernestine Calabrese. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dawn Day Knight Calabrese and sister, Cecelia Buckner. Tommy was a resident of Teays Valley and a pillar of the community that he so dearly loved. Tom was a real estate broker for many years in Putnam County. He was born in Clarksburg, WV and moved to Charleston as a young child and grew up on the West Side in a large Italian family. He was a Roman Catholic. He graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1960, where he was the ring leader of his best friends who was commonly referred to as ‘The Corner Gang’. Tom met his soulmate and beloved wife, Dawn Day Knight of St. Albans in 1960 and they were married for 44 years until her passing in 2010. He moved to the Teays Valley area in 1975 to help develop and design the area while working for Estil and Greenlee Realty. Later, he began to manage his own real estate firm, Marathon Realty and later ERA The Property Centre on Teays Valley Road until shortly before his retirement in 2017 from Real Estate Central. During his career in real estate, he was a member of the Putnam Country Chamber of Commerce, Putnam County Planning Commission and the Kanawha Valley Board of Realtors. He held many titles in his life, from real estate agent to James Brown impersonator, but his favorite role was being a father and grandfather. He loved nothing more than spending time with his daughter, Missy and granddaughters: Lexi and Brooke. He was always there with support, direction and encouragement for them. Tommy was beloved by so many, he never met a stranger. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. He was always ready to help anyone who needed a hand. During the past few years, even as Tommy’s health declined, he never forgot to make people smile. He cracked jokes, made silly faces and even pulled some light-hearted pranks on his friends. He was always ready to dance and listen to his favorite singer, James Brown. He had the great ability to make others smile and his sense of humor will be missed. He loved his daily lunch of grilled cheese with no crust and French fries with his sister, Joan and close friends at Tudor’s in Teays Valley. Tommy will be best remembered for his many contributions to the Putnam County Area and for his steadfast dedication to his family. He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Milam (Michael Johnston) of Hurricane, WV; grandchildren: Alexis Milam (Austin) of Dallas, TX, Brooklyn Milam of Morgantown, WV and Christopher Milam of Hurricane, WV; great nephew: John Charles Bush of Dallas, TX; brother: Rocco Calabrese (Connie) of Charleston, WV; sisters: Joan Spradling of Hurricane, WV and Debbie Tignor (Carl) of Sissonville, WV; and brother-in-law: Wayne Buckner of Baton Rouge. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, close friends and relatives A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00am at Catholic Church of the Ascension on Tuesday August 27, 2024. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Scott Depot, WV. There will be a luncheon at the church following and all are welcomed to attend. Friends may visit the family from 6:00pm until 8:00pm Monday August 26, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home Hurricane, WV. At Tom’s request, the family would like to continue his tradition of purchasing toys for children in need. If possible, please bring a toy to the funeral home on Monday and these will be distributed to local children in need in memory of Tommy. Chapman Funeral Home 3941 Teays Valley Road Hurricane, WV is honored to serve the family again.

Thomas Eugene Calabrese

August 2, 1942 - August 24, 2024