Thomas N. Persell

Thomas N. Persell, 83, of Massillon, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, March 12, 2021. Tom was born on Christmas Eve 1937, to Margaret and Joseph Persell. A lifelong resident of Massillon, he graduated from Central Catholic High School and retired from Republic Steel in 1987. Well known as a magician, Tom performed everything from large stage shows to kids’ birthday parties. He was the head statistician for the Massillon Tiger Football Team for 30 years. He was a past member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Knights of Columbus, Greater Canton Aquatic Association, and the Circus Model Builders. He was a friend of late FOX 8 weatherman Dick Goddard and performed yearly at his Woolley Bear Festival and was responsible for bringing the Kelly-Miller Circus to Massillon for the past ten years. Of all of his passions, he was most proud of his Wilson Brothers Circus model, a 16’ x 40’ scale replica of a 1950’s-era circus, lovingly built by hand and displayed across the country at various museums and conventions. In addition to his parents, he is proceeded in death by his wife of 45 years, Mary Ann, his brother Joseph, and his sister Margaret. Tom will be missed by his loving family: daughters Carrie and Cindy, son-in-law Lee Hurst, and his pride and joy, grandsons Brayden Frascone, Lee Hurst II, and fiancée Olivia Mori, Dawson Hurst, and Gracen Hurst; along with many family members and friends. Services will be held on Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 at the Paquelet Funeral Home with his friend, Pastor Dale Smith, officiating. Friends may call from 10 AM-12 PM with services immediately following. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Those unable to attend the service may click on Facebook Live Streaming at 12 p.m. at watch the service. Continuing with COVID-19 precautions, all attending will be asked to follow proper social distancing protocol and masks are required. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s name can be made to the Aultman Compassionate Care Center or the Dick Goddard Foundation. The family would like to thank Gretchen and Karen from Aultman Hospice for their dedication and loving care of Tom over the past few months. Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory (330) 833-3222