Thomas James Sealey

Thomas James Sealey (aka Tom, Tommy), dedicated Husband, Father, and Papa, passed away at his home on September 1, 2023, after a short yearlong battle with cancer.

His friends and family are invited to share happy memories and celebrate Tom’s life as a strong, caring, and loving man to all who were a part of his life. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, September 18 at Goglin Funeral Home, Yankton.

Tom was born on May 23, 1971, in San Jose, CA. He moved to Vermillion, SD when he was a child, and lived there until he graduated from Vermillion High School in 1990. Later that year, he welcomed his first child.  He had three sons with his first wife: Tylor (1990), Alexander (1992), and Zachary (1993.) 

In 1994, Tom met the love of his life, his wife, Angela. Together, until the day he passed away, they shared 29 years together. The love they had for each other was unbreakable. During this time, Tom and Angie welcomed two children: Dylan (1996) and Alyssa (1998).   

Tom was self-employed as a painting contractor, and ran a successful business, Tom’s Specialty Painting.  There was nobody who was more determined, devoted, and passionate about his work than Tom. He prided himself on the work he did, as nobody was a super-painter like Tom. He was unique because he could do it all, start to finish. His strong mindset of work ethic, values and customer service was demonstrated with every job or contract he obtained. In 2016, Tom expanded to the Black Hills of SD, in addition to obtaining work in the eastern side of SD. He continued to run his business, up until he physically could no longer. He dedicated his entire life to providing for his family. 

Tom was one to rarely take a day off from work, but when he did, you would find him spending time with his family, or at home watching sports, (especially football). Tom had a huge love for football and was a die-hard Oakland Raiders fan, now the Las Vegas Raiders. 

After raising his five children, he became a grandpa to many grandchildren, where he obtained the name, “Papa.” Being a Papa came easy to Tom since he was such a funny guy and full of life.  He could make any of his grandkids laugh by being goofy in his deep, booming voice. Papa Tom was always the go-to person if they ever wanted a sweet treat.

Tom was one who people were naturally drawn to. He was admired by all for his honesty, wisdom, and realism demeaner, and outlook on life. He left an impact and positive impression on us all. We are honored and blessed to have had Tom as a part of our lives, for as long as he lived. We will cherish and hold on to the memories we have of him, close to our hearts. 

Tom is survived by his wife, Angie Haarsager-Sealey; his children:  Tylor Sealey (and family), Alex Sealey (and family) Zachary Sealey (and family), Dylan Sealey (and family), and Ayssa Sealey (and family); his sister, Sunshine Sealey and brother, Danny Sealey; his mother, Julie Blakeman, and his parents-in-law, Dudley, and Mary Haarsager.