Obituary of Thomas Paul Francis

Thomas Paul Francis  “Fat Tommy” sadly passed away on July 24, 2025 very suddenly and unexpectedly. His loss is a shock to many individuals. Mostly due to one pure fact- his heart was larger than life and his generosity never went unnoticed. 

Fat Tommy grew up in Iselin, New Jersey. He was the youngest of six boys to his parents, Frank and Eva Francis. From a young age, hardship was not unfamiliar to Tom but even in the hardest of times, Tommy found a resilience and strength that defined him for the rest of his life.  He came from a modest beginning, but his innate grit, determination, and an unshakable belief in the power of hard work created a path for him to build his life piece by piece, overcoming adversity at every turn with nothing but his own hands and a vision.

From a young age, Tommy was gifted with a go-getter mindset and was determined to make something of his life from the ground up. He was “the man with a plan” and would do anything to be successful. Whether it was running a Christmas Tree farm, potato chip route, hotdog truck, a pizzeria, mobile car detailing, stock brokering, and many other business endeavors, his business plans were endless. He would talk about them to anyone who would listen. He made success out of nothing but just an ingenious thought that came to his brain. His proudest accomplishment of them all was becoming a devoted husband, parent, and grandparent.

He met his wife Phyllis at the Malibu Night Club, and four years after meeting they were married on November 16, 1991. Phyllis and Tom were married for 34 years, and together for 38 years. He loved his wife with every fiber of his being and often referred to her as “My Bride”. Their love was the perfect example of true love and sticking by one another’s side no matter what because Phyllis and Tom knew that the foundation of their strength was the love that they shared. Their unwavering commitment to one another and to their children kept them grounded. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and an unbreakable sense of togetherness. 

Together, they had four beautiful children Carissa, Thomas Jr., Elaina, and Adrianna, who were a reflection of the strength and resilience of their parents' bond.  Together they instilled a “family first” mentality, while also teaching their children that family was not always blood. This was reflected in the number of very close friends Tom held, that became extended parts of their close-knit family, as well as becoming undeniably close to his son-in-law Peter’s and future son-in-law Michael’s families. Tom inspired his children in many ways and taught them no goal was out of reach and that the impossible can be made possible. He taught his children that no matter what you face with life, you come forward with passion and strength because there is always a solution to even the most difficult of problems. Tom never backed down from a challenge, all the way up until his final moments. Over the last 4 years, Tom often was not seen without his most beloved family member, his granddaughter Giavanna Aricola, who became the apple of his eye. He did anything to put a smile on her face. 

Fat Tommy was also known as a coach, father figure, mentor, and friend to many. He was a man filled with so much life. He was well-known for his generosity and opening up his house with open arms to anyone who was looking to come in. He created a home environment for many that was come as you are and stay as long as you want. He was happiest when surrounded by those who loved him and he loved in return. 

After his family, Tom loved all things sports and movies. You would often find him on his couch or in his bedroom watching the sporting event of the season (especially if he had a bet on it), a retro television show/ movie, or the Sopranos. He was blessed with very loyal friends who he would spend hours on the phone with at any time of the day. More recently, he enjoyed going to the shore home that he dreamed of owning. 

In his most recent and successful business venture, he became dedicated to helping individuals who came from a similar background as him with one major goal - to help individuals who were in times of need. And that, he truly did. Even if someone had nothing, he encouraged them that there is light in darkness. He created an unfathomable impact on those lives he was able to help, as well. 

Tommy is survived by his wife Phyllis Francis, his daughter Carissa Aricola, his son-in-law Peter Aricola, his granddaughter Giavanna Aricola, his son Thomas Francis Jr., his daughter Elaina Francis,  his daughter  Adrianna Francis, his future son-in-law Michael Makismik, his mother-in-law Marie Baranello, his brother George Francis and his wife Pam, his brother John Francis and his wife Christine, his brother-in-law Joe Baranello and his husband Aleks Milovanovic, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is predeceased by many beloved family members including his parents Frank and Eva Francis, his father-in-law Joe Baranello, his nephew George Francis, Jr., and his 3 brothers. 

SALUTE TO THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND - CHIN DON!

A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10:30 AM Funeral Mass on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township. Entombment will follow in Marlboro Memorial Cemetery, 361 Route 79, Morganville. For those who desire, memorial contributions in Tommy's name may be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, 1384 Perrineville Road, Monroe, NJ 08831. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages for the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.