Anthony "Tony" Franklin Pelle
September 19, 1965 ~ July 20, 2025
Born in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Resided in:
Marshall, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailIn the death of Anthony “Tony” Franklin Pelle, Asheville lost one of its friendliest and most kind-hearted citizens. Tony Pelle, retired car dealer and entrepreneur, died suddenly on July 20th, at the age of 59 while exploring the Galapagos Islands.
The beloved, red-headed son of Rudy and Dixie Pelle was born in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Asheville, North Carolina, in the early fall of 1965. He was raised in Fairview, along with his three sisters, to whom he was, in his early years, a terrible mischief, and in his later years a source of brotherly love—but always a wellspring of southern warmth and intoxicating laughter.
He graduated from A.C. Reynolds High School in 1983. When he went to Reynolds, he went in a lifted black Chevrolet Blazer, rigged with speakers blaring out Back in Black and a horn that played Dixie. Like his father Rudy, Tony was a consummate car salesman, and followed a career in the automotive industry. He attended Dealership School in California and later managed and owned Prestige Subaru of Asheville for many years. From his father he also inherited his amiability, boisterous good humor, and penchant for quiet and generous acts of charity.
Tony’s brand of living was marked in many ways by an exuberance of eager curiosity, kindness, and hilarity. He was an avid outdoorsman, who loved to hunt and fish in wild and interesting places. Always on the go, he had a lively appetite for all sorts of things, diverse and absurd, and like an eager picker, loved to collect antiques, toys, cars, and any sort of thing that made him or others feel good. He had a knack for collecting stories too, which only he could tell with the full flavor of redneck charm and southern humor. And of course he collected many friends along the way.
Tony Pelle also had a special way with animals, and a fondness for dogs especially. He took the friendliest care of creatures, from honeybees and chickens to alpacas, goats, and a pot-bellied pig—but every dog he ever owned was devoted to him beyond measure. Not one could bear to watch him drive away in one of his big, elaborate pickup trucks, and until the end he had a dog by his side.
Tony was preceded in death by his father, Rudy Pelle. He is survived by his mother, Dixie Pelle, sons Anthony and Austin Pelle, wife Cindi Vardiman, step-son Carter Lindsay, sisters Sheila Pelle, Sharon Pelle-McClarty, and Terri Sands, honorary sister Cricket Haake, ten nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, three great nephews, former wife and friend Dayna Pelle, and his loyal canine companion Dallas.
A Celebration of Tony’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. His family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 12:30-1:45 PM. The service will also be live streamed via the link just below the obituary text.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation. Please note in memory of Tony Pelle and make checks payable to NCWHF, 8207 Market Street, Suite P, PO Box 10743, Wilmington, NC 28404 or online at www.ncwhf.org.
Services
Celebration of Life: August 9, 2025 2:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Visitation: August 9, 2025 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
My heart is broken with the family that made me feel included. Aunt Dixie and family I know this loss is unimaginable. I love all of you beyond description. May GOD’s PEACE comfort you. LOVE ALWAYS Cricket
So sorry for this loss . My heart goes out to the family
Dear Dixie, Cindi, Dayna, Anthony and Austin,
I got to know Tony very well when I was the President and CEO of Subaru of America, Inc. Cindi and Dayna may remember me. I have very fond memories of Tony at various Subaru business meetings as well as our Chairman’s Roundtable events. I also visited Tony on a couple of occasions in Asheville. Tony was always the life of the party and a joy to be around. He had a profound effect on our business and demonstrated how being nice to people and customers is extremely good for business!! While Tony was from a small town, he built Subaru into a powerhouse and showed others from larger markets how to successfully build their businesses. Many people might consider Tony a character, which he certainly was, but he was also a man of deep character. You and your extended family have my sincerest condolences on your loss. The world could certainly use a lot more people like Tony Pelle in it!!
To all Tony’s family and other friends:
As I am sure with many of you, Tony was far more than a boss, or a friend, he was like a big brother (at least to me). He was larger than life, and the Legacy that he established and cemented will live far longer than any of us. His loss will be a huge impact to many in this area and beyond. He was truly a treasure.
I am so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing.
Much love and prayers to you all!
Tony was definitely one of a kind. His sense of humor is what I will always remember about him. He will be missed but not forgotten. I wish this world had more people like Tony Pelle. Goodbye Tony and we will meet again someday. May God be with this wonderful family.
Sending love to Pelle family. I hope the memories you share help comfort you this time. May the peace of God be with you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May God grant you the strength to get through these difficult days. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
So sorry to hear this sad news. Tony touched many people. Such a sweet kind soul. Sending prayers with love for comfort and peace.
I grew up with Tony, playing baseball for Rudy Pelle Dodge. Tony you were an awesome person and I will miss you my friend.
So sad to hear of his passing! My condolences Mrs. Pelle and family! He was such a genuine guy that I remember from EA termite/Mite days. I remember how honored I felt to inherit his helmet (had a green face mask). I remember going for a ride in his new 280Z. I asked why an automatic, it’s way faster (his memorable laugh began). What a tremendous loss for all of us! God bless you and we will meet again!
I am so sorry for the family’s loss!!! Tony was a great guy and a friend for years!!! Thoughts and Prayers for the entire family in this very difficult time!!! 🙏🙏🙏
Anthony, I am so sorry to hear of your Father’s transitioning as we Buddhists would say. I just learned of this and would love to reach out to you. Hopefully you will see this. You and your family are in my thoughts and meditations. Remember the Buddha stone I gave you. Hold it while you meditate to give you peace. Hugs my friend.
Our hearts goes out to the Pelle family. Tony was one of the nicest guys we have ever known. Always smiling and always friendly. So sorry Dixie. My heart hurts for you.
To Terri, Sharon, Dixie & the Pelle Family, may you find solace in the love, laughter and mischief that Tony brought to your lives. He will be missed. We hold you close in love and may you find comfort in a life well-lived.
So sad to hear of his passing ,Tony was a great person and friend to many!
Please accept our deepest and heartfelt condolence at this difficult time.
Wishing you the strength to face the days ahead and wonderful memories to cherish forever. May you get through this difficult time, through prayers & comfort of friends.
May God be with you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. Prayers and condolences coming your way. ❤️
Cindy, I am so very sorry to hear of your husbands passing. Sending you healing hugs and prayers
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I enjoyed getting to know and spend time with you and Tony. Tony was so excited and happy after snorkeling the first time, and it brings me comfort that he passed doing something he loved. His laughter, enthusiasm, and joy will stay with me, as will your quiet grace.
Sincerely, Rema
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. We pray you find comfort in God’s promises, knowing that He is near to the brokenhearted.With love, Matt & Danielle Gregor ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.’ – Revelation 21:4
ACR Class of ‘83.
I am deeply saddened to hear about Tony. My heart goes out to the family.
May you cherish all the fun and wonderful memories ❤️
ACR Class of ‘83
Judy and Bobby Peel