Thomas James Muno, Sr

Thomas J. Muno, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home on October 24, 2007 from a rare blood disease, MDS, which he fought for a year. He was born on November 10, 1944 in Chicago to Edward Carl Muno and Margaret H. Muno Pelletier who preceded him in death.

He leaves behind his wife of 40 years Sally Johnson Muno, his daughter Laura (Anthony) Albertini, his son Jeffrey Muno, two brothers Edward (Michelle) Muno, Michael (Debbie) Muno, and step brother Rene John (Linda) Pelletier, his mother in law, Betty Johnson, two brothers in law Richard (Jan) Johnson, and Joseph (Nelda) Johnson, two beloved grandsons who brought great joy and love to him, Devin and Luke Albertini, and his many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents Tom was preceded in death by his step-father, Rene Pelletier, father in law Dr. Heber W. Johnson and his son Tommy Muno, Jr.

Tom served honorably for four years in the United States Marine Corps. He was on the Wilmington Police Dept. in 1966 before returning to Chicago to serve on the Winnetka Police Force. He received an AA Degree from Kendall College in Sociology and Psychology and received certification in Forensic Science from Northwestern University in 1971. Tom and Sally moved back to Wilmington and started American Security and Investigations Systems, Inc., where he became a Private Investigator for 31 years, being one of the first licensed North Carolina Concealed Weapons and fire arms instructors. Tom was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus, where he provided leadership and motivation for fund raising and public relations activities. He coached both little league baseball and basketball for the church. In 1976, he was President of the Wilmington Jaycees and also received the Distinguished Service Award. Tom co-founded Cape Fear Legal Aid Service. In 1975-1977 he coordinated and helped to create the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Troop for Youthful Offenders. During this time, he also served on the Board of the New Hanover County Human Relations Committee. Recently, Tom had been an active member of the Cape Fear Detachment 1070, Marine Corps League where he helped with the Toys for Tots program and loved planning picnics for the members. Tom also helped with the fish fry’s that the American Legion held.

Tom was a true dreamer and touched many people with his optimistic view, wit and love for life. He wrote several stories that he hoped to publish and acted in several plays. He was a true motivator, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Friday in the chapel at St. Mark Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass will be 11:00 AM Saturday, October 27, 2007 at St. Mark Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made Lower Cape Fear Hospice or The MDS Foundation, Inc, P O Box 353, 36 Front Street, Crosswicks, NJ 08515.

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. Phone: 910.791.9099