Thomas A. Camilli, 92, of Pleasant Prairie, devoted father, husband and friend, passed peacefully into Eternity on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha following a valiant and courageous battle against numerous illnesses, surrounded by the love and devotion of his family at his bedside. Tom lived an extraordinary life and left an indelible impression on all those fortunate to have known him.

Born on July 31, 1934, to Santi and Antonia (Lappa) Camilli, Tom was a proud lifelong resident of Kenosha. He was educated in Kenosha schools and graduated from Kenosha High School, now known as Mary D. Bradford High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and, after being honorably discharged, began his civilian career working for the City of Kenosha. For most of his working life, Tom was a successful and highly regarded salesman for soda and liquor distributors throughout southeastern Wisconsin. He spent many years with Metropolitan Liquor, where his gift for conversation, extraordinary people skills and charisma, and his genuine ability to make friends wherever he went served him well in his business.

But Tom's greatest accomplishment was never found in the work he did. His greatest accomplishment was in the family he created and loved so completely. On April 25, 1965, Tom married the love of his life, Roseann Scola, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Kenosha. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, faith, and family. They were blessed with four beautiful children-Antonette, Christine, Thomas Jr. and Julie. Tom devoted himself wholeheartedly to giving them a good life, free from worry and distress.

Family was Tom's purpose. It was all that mattered. There was nothing he would not do for his family or the people he loved. Through life's triumphs and its deepest hardships and difficulties, he remained a steady and ever-present source of strength, courage, protection, and love. He lived completely by the principles that directed his life: take care of your family, be generous, stand by and protect the people you love, and never forget to enjoy life along the way. And Tom certainly knew how to enjoy life. He loved people. He loved a good party, good food, good drinks, good laughs, a celebration, a holiday, and a good time. He could walk into any room and somehow make it feel more alive. His charisma, warmth, and larger-than-life personality drew people to him. He had a remarkable ability to turn acquaintances into friends and friends into family. His zest for life was contagious, and many knew of his fierce competitiveness on the handball courts of the old Kenosha Youth Foundation (KYF) as well.

To those who knew and loved him, Tom was sometimes simply known as "The Legend." And that was not an exaggeration. He was the kind of person people remembered, the kind whose stories would be told again and again, and whose absence would be felt long after he was gone. Tom did not merely pass through people's lives; he left a mark on them.

Following Roseann's passing in 2006, Tom was blessed to find love and companionship again when he married Angeline (Fabiano) Hall. Angeline sadly preceded him in death in 2021. Tom leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and who will carry his memory with them for the rest of their lives. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted and grief-stricken children, Antonette (Jeffrey) Zellmer, Christine (David) Gomez, Thomas (Kristine) Camilli, Jr., and Julie (Thomas) Fortmann; and his beloved grandchildren, Kristina, Nicholas, Vincent, Brianna, Domenic, and Matthew. He cherished the many friendships he made throughout his life, including those at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, the Italian American Club, and the Alpine Club, as well as the lifelong bonds he shared with some of his dearest childhood friends, Frank Alia, Peter Martin, Donnie Andreoli, the late Louis Cicchini, Alfonso "Al" Amadio and John Morehouse, and so many others whose friendship brought him joy and companionship throughout the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Bernice (Robert) Orchard and Katherine (Tom) Cardinalli; his brother, Thomas, who died in infancy; his beloved grandson, Steven C. Besch; and his spouses, Roseann and later Angeline. He is survived by his sister, Josephine (the late Albert) Covelli of Warren, Ohio.

Tom's family will miss him in all the places where he once made life bigger and brighter. They will miss his voice, his stories, his humor, his advice, his laughter, and the unmistakable presence that could make an ordinary day feel like something worth celebrating. Indeed, every day was a celebration. They will miss him around the holiday table, during family gatherings, at birthday parties and Sunday dinners, during Packer games, and in all those quiet moments when they instinctively wish they could pick up the phone and just hear him say hello.

There is no replacing a man like Tom. He was a product of a unique and special generation. He was from a time and a culture that exists no more. He had guts, grit and determination that was unmatched. There is only gratitude for having been loved by him. He led with kindness, loved without condition, lived with courage, and left a legacy of warmth in every heart he touched. His family and friends will carry him with them not only in their memories, but in the love that will never leave them. Tom may have passed from this life, but the legend of Thomas A. Camilli will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Rest peacefully, Dad. You were loved more than you can imagine, and you will be missed more than you can know. May Christ now envelope you in the warm embrace that you gave to all of us throughout our lives.

Entombment will be held privately in All Saints Mausoleum.

Thank you to all who knew Tom and considered him a friend.