Staff
Thomas Joseph (Tom) Angioletti passed away on March 7, 2025, in Coronado, California at age 82.
Born on May 12, 1942, in New York City, Tom grew up loving the Yankees and Sunday sauce prepared by his mom. He met his bride of 59 years, Barbara, at the local sock-hop and wooed her with his doo wop curls and letterman’s sweater. At All Hallows High School, Tom played baseball and managed to get Cs. They still let him into college.
Joining the DEA gave Tom the opportunity to kick down doors and explore Italy, Washington, DC and San Diego with his family. His enjoyment in mentoring young agents led to teaching at Fullerton College and coaching softball after retirement. Coaching was his passion and he counted Sweetwater Valley Little League (Go Bulldogs!) and San Diego CIF titles among his many accomplishments.
As a father, Tom was always there whether cheering on from the sidelines when things were going well or offering a consoling hug and kiss when they weren’t. To his grandkids, “Nonno” was magical, somehow making a Hershey kiss appear from behind your ear. They will pass on his bedtime stories involving undercover cops busting the bad guys to the next generation.
Alzheimer’s slowed Tom down a little, but his competitive nature remained and he routinely stomped all comers in backyard ping pong battles. He also continued to enjoy walking his rescue greyhounds and riding a tandem bike around Coronado with the love of his life, Barbara.
Tom’s faith was an important part of his life and he did his best to make it to church every Sunday. On vacations, to the chagrin of his family, Tom always managed to find the one Catholic church in the area. Tom was a devoted parishioner at Sacred Heart Church for 30 years and faked singing the lyrics to many a hymn … though it is not clear if this ever came up in confession.
He is survived by Barbara; his children TJ (Katie), Michael, Chris (Katie Cramer) and Tara (Matt Jones); grandchildren Mia, Nick and Nico; and sisters Marie, Donna and Debbi.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 655 C Avenue in Coronado, California. A reception will follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tom’s name to the San Diego Food Bank (sandiegofoodbank.org).
Submitted by the family
We will miss Tom dearly. He was the ideal family man, was so loving to all, and had a wonderful sense of humor. We are so thankful that we got to be part of his incredible life. We are thinking of the Angioletti family and send our condolences to them. We love Tom and the rest of the Angioletti family very much. With much love, Brian, Pinky, and Keya.
As a young agent with the DEA in National City, CA., I met ASAC T. Angioletti. I remember being intrigued by his style, his manner of dress and just the fact that he was an Italian guy from New York, although he was gentile, reserved, and well spoken.
He was definitely old school and one of the good guys because he never forgot what it was like to be an agent!
May God welcome him in his loving arms for a life well lived
I don’t really reply too many things since I’m pretty private, but I have to comment on how I feel about Barbara and Tom. Barbara is a first cousin and Tom was a newly married to her. I just recently lost my mother at the age of 9and I distinctly remember Tom taking his time encouraging me to play football and baseball in his backyard in NJ. I will never forget their kindness to me and my family that Barbara and Tom gave. Love you, Paul
Tom and I met coaching against each other in high school softball. We were both fierce competitors with mutual respect and love for each other. What he did for so many can never be measured. I’ll see you amigo on the other side.
Good agent and excellent person. Met him in NYFD in the 70’s.
RIP
Skip
Good agent and excellent person. Met him in NYFD in the 70’s.
Tommy and I worked together in DEA/BNDD NYC in the late 60s and early 70s. I recall working undercover with him around Christmas and stopping in Church a few blocks from 90 Church so he could attend Mass. Although we have not seen each other in possibly 5 decades, I so fondly remember Barbara and him. As a matter of fact, a few weeks ago I came across a photo taken at his house during a barbeque. I was wearing a chef’s hat. A sweet man for sure. May he rest in peace.
Rita and I wish Barbara and her family sincere condolences.
My favorite boss
A wonderful time in our life was having the Angioletti’s as neighbors in Burke, VA. They are an amazing family; and Tommy was a special person who you enjoyed spending time with, whether commuting into DC or running the Marine Corps Marathon. Tommy and Barbara were the first to visit when our daughters were born; and wonderful godparents to Elizabeth. Blessed to have known you, Tommy. RIP.
A wonderful time in our life was having the Angioletti’s as neighbors in Burke, VA. They are an amazing family; and Tommy was a special person who you enjoyed spending time with, whether commuting into DC or running the Marine Corps Marathon. Tommy and Barbara were the first to visit when our daughters were born; and wonderful godparents to Elizabeth. Blesses to have known you, Tommy. RIP.
Tom was my boss in Italy with DEA in the 1980s. He not only was a great boss but a wonderful person, a gentleman who was loved and respected by all. My sincere condolences to Barbara and his entire family.