Thomas Eugene Besozzi, passed away, Friday, February 27, 2026. He was born in Dennison, Ohio on August 24, 1944.
Tom Besozzi lived a full life, leaving a legacy of accomplishments and a large, loving family behind. He was raised in Wainwright, Ohio, by Serafino and Mary (Lupi) Besozzi. He was the third of four children. His older siblings, Francie and Gloria (Sister Serafino), preceded him in death. He is survived by his youngest sister, Theresa Clacko (Hank).
Tom was active at Immaculate Conception High School (Class of 1962), competing in football, basketball, and baseball. He then graduated with his master’s degree from Kent State University and became a speech and language pathologist with many certificates, specializing in stuttering and swallowing. He worked with stroke patients and could often be seen in local hospitals helping with recovery. Early in life, he was an entrepreneur, starting Bes-Mont Speech and Hearing and then Canton Trading Company. He lived most of his life in North Canton, Ohio, where he raised four children: Melissa Carlson (Tom), Karen Limbacher (Chris), Brandon Besozzi (Kimmy), and Bryan Besozzi (Morgan).
While Tom was a successful businessman, his priority was family and community. He spent countless hours as a volunteer, making a difference where he lived. He served as President of the Canton Jaycees and then President of the Ohio Jaycees, known to his peers as “Buzz.” He later worked as a JCI Senator and enjoyed electing leaders who would continue their great work.
When his kids began playing sports for North Canton Hoover High School, you could find Tom at the courts or fields cheering. He then brought his leadership skills to the North Canton Little League, where he worked to grow the organization and modernize its facilities. He continued to volunteer with them for the rest of his life.
When Tom wasn’t working or volunteering, he was with his family either traveling or hosting pool parties. One of his greatest joys was traveling with family to Orange Lake Resort in Florida. Those trips became treasured traditions, filled with sunshine, laughter, and the kind of memories that stay with family forever. In addition to his children, he is survived by two stepchildren, Shawn Green (Cristen) and Steve Green. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Melanie, Katie, Sam, Zach, Nate, Emilee, Evan, Austin, and Anthony, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Please join his family in a celebration of his life. The family will greet guests at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home and Crematory in New Philadelphia on Sunday March 8, 2026, from 2pm-4pm. A Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in New Philadelphia on Monday March 9, 2026, at 10am. Burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in New Philadelphia.
Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory
116 Second Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
www.geibfuneral.com
Geib Funeral Service
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
Geib Pet Crematory
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Eugene Besozzi, please visit our flower store.