Thomas Raymond Koballa

February 6, 1925 - January 21, 2010
Thomas Raymond Koballa

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Thomas Raymond Koballa , 84, of Wilmington passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at The Commons of Brightmore. He had previously been a resident of Fayetteville, North Carolina for 35 years.

Tom was born February 6, 1925 in Palmer, Pennsylvania; he was the son of the late Michael and Anna Koballa. He served in the United State Marine Corps during World War II and after attending the University of Pittsburg, was commissioned in the United State Army where he was a Bronze Star Medal recipient during the Vietnam War. During his Army career, he completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees at North Carolina State University. He later completed his working career teaching Psychology at Fayetteville Technical Community College at the age of 65.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Dorothy A. Koballa; a brother, Emil Koballa and wife Erma of Fullerton, California; children Thomas R. Koballa, Jr. and wife Dava of Athens, GA, Donna M. Scroggins and husband Stacy of Jupiter, FL, Michael A. Koballa and wife Linda of Greensboro, NC, Dennis S. Koballa and wife Anne of Durham, NC and Patrick J. Koballa and wife Cheryl of Wrightsville Beach, NC; and 10 grandchildren, Kendal Koballa, Christopher McMillan, Matthew McMillan, Brett Scroggins, Michael Koballa, Jr., Kate Koballa, Emily Koballa, Sam Koballa, Erin Koballa and Kasey Koballa.

His family would like to express a special thank you to the doctors and staff of New Hanover Medical Group on College Road, the staff at The Commons at Brightmore and the members of Liberty Hospice.

The family will receive friends at Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service, from 1:30 – 3:00 on Saturday, January 30, 2010.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Marks Catholic Church in Wilmington or to the charity of one’s choice in his name.

Please share memories and condolences by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

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


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  • January 24, 2010
    Clark & Pam Craver says:
    Dear Dot, We are saddened to see that Tom has passed away. Our most sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have missed seeing you the last few years. Clark will be retiring (finally) on August 1, 2010 and I hope he enjoys as many years as Tom did. Our daughter Margaret now lives northwest of Chicago, IL and we see her about once a year but talk to her very often (she is 27 years old now). Again, our thoughts and prayers are with you and we remember you both with fondness..... Sincerely yours, Clark & Pam Craver

  • January 22, 2010
    Linda Brown says:
    David and I send our love to you and your family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

  • January 30, 2010
    JOE PORTER says:
    Pat, so very sorry about your father. My prayers are with you and the entire Koballa family. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!

  • January 29, 2010
    Stephanie Scroggins Myers says:
    My deepest sympathy to the family and friends. May God provide comfort for your family at this time. My prayers are with you.

  • January 28, 2010
    Barbara mcneill says:
    with our sincere and deepest condolence; you are in our prayers and continued thoughts. please call us if there's anything we can do.(H)-919-499-4240 --910-907-8824. love Barbara, B.Mcpherson, Ms. McCollough, Mary Ann, And Ms. Marsh.