Thomas "Tommy" Thayer

THAYER, THOMAS "TOMMY", 61, - of Vineland, passed away on August 19, 2008 due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on August 8, 2008. He was born to the late Lloyd and Gladys Thayer in Jacksonville, Florida where he spent his childhood. There he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He also attended Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville and later transferred to St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, MD, graduating in 1964. He met his college sweetheart Edie (Colla) at Belmont Abbey College in 1968 where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He then earned his Master's Degree in Business Administration at Glassboro State College. On June 26, 1970 Tom and Edie were married in Vineland. There he was an elementary school teacher at Reber School and later became the assistant superintendent and board secretary for the Vineland Board of Education. He retired in 1999 after 28 years of service. At the time of his death he served as pastoral assistant to Father "Pete" at St. Padre Pio Parish and was a Parishioner, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Business Administrator and Webmaster. Tom was extremely proud and compassionate about his work for the parish. Tom was previously a member of the U.S. National Guard. He was also an avid Florida Gators fan. He was a tremendous cook and also enjoyed running, golf, tennis, his Harley Davidson and listening to all kinds of music. He was a master of computer technology, family genealogy and NY Times crossword puzzles. Tom currently enjoyed caring for "His Boys", Beau and Roux (Newfoundland Dogs). Most importantly, Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great friend to all that knew him. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Edith Thayer of Vineland, his daughter Christina and husband, Joel "JD" Yesenosky of Mercerville, daughter Kimberly Thayer of Hamilton Square, brother and wife, Patrick and Paula Thayer of Annapolis, MD, grandchildren Kyla and Tommy Yesenosky, Mother-in-law, Mary (Toffenetti) Colla of Vineland, nephew and niece, Andrew and Karina Thayer and niece Mary and husband Kenny Laino. He was predeceased by his sisters, Marsha and Anna Thayer, and his nephew, Timothy Thayer. A church visitation will be held on Sunday from 6 pm to 8 pm and again on Monday from 9 am to 10:15 am followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 10:30 am at St. Padre Pio Parish at Our Lady Of Pompeii Church, 4680 Dante Avenue, Vineland. Interment will be private. Arrangements are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, 08360 Memorial donations in Tom's memory may be made to St. Mary's Building Fund, 4680 Dante Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08361-6810 To send online condolences please visit our website at RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com