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Thomas J. Comerford

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Westfield High School Fordham University Manhattan College Seton Hall University

FUNERAL HOME

Quinn Hopping Funeral Home - Livingston

145 East Mount Pleasant Ave

Livingston, New Jersey

Thomas Comerford Obituary

Thomas J. Comerford, 74, of Livingston, N.J., passed away at Garden Terrace Nursing Home, Chatham, N.J., on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. A Mass in celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, at St. Philomena's Church, 386 S. Livingston Ave., Livingston. Visitation will be held at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home of Livingston, 145 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave., on Friday, Sept. 30, from 3 to 8 p.m. Born in Newark, N.J., Tom grew up and graduated from Westfield High School in 1955. He received a BA from Seton Hall University and an MA from Manhattan College. Tom was ordained a priest from the Newark Archdiocese in 1963, and served at Sacred Heart Church, Vailsburg, and Queen Angels Church in Newark, where he was very active in civil rights causes and sought improvements in public housing. Returning to graduate school, he received a MSW in social work from Fordham University and MBA in Management from Seton Hall University. In 1976, Tom began a 25-year career with the NJ Division of Youth and Family Services where over time, he managed two district offices in Newark, as well as the East Orange District Office. In addition he served as acting assistant regional administrator for a year. After 15 years, Tom became the county service specialist for Union County. Under his leadership and direction, the Elizabethport Group and Family Center at Pioneer Homes was established in Elizabeth. This project which is believed to be the first of its kind was developed to improve the quality of life in the Port area of Elizabeth and remains active today. Tom was also an adjunct professor of social work at Seton Hall University. Before becoming ill, his active involvement at St. Philomena's Church included serving on the Parish Council, as Eucharistic minister, RCIA team, CCD teacher, and Partnership leader. He also coached local baseball, softball and basketball teams. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the NY Yankees and Giants and Seton Hall basketball teams. He enjoyed traveling, reading, golf and the theater. Upon retiring in 2001, Tom was active in the Old Guard of Livingston, serving as chaplain and would often collect bread from local merchants to bring to the soup kitchens of Newark. He was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy (Hertig) and Joseph, and two brothers, Richard and Mark. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Ellen (Walsh); a daughter, Pegeen Williams (Robert); a son, Thomas (Tracy); three grandchildren, Brynn and Thomas Comerford and Ellie Williams, all of Livingston; he is also survived by his sister, Judith Barbarito (Edward) of Pequannock. Tom was a gentleman with a great sense of humor who inspired and brought out the best in those who knew him. He will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater NJ Chapter, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, N.J. 08734 (www.alz.org), or the Stella Wright Christian Community Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Vincent Academy, 228 W. Market St., Newark, N.J. 07103.

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Published by The Star-Ledger on Sep. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Comerford

21 Entries

Vivian Westbrook

September 22, 2020

Today, I was reminded of a life well lived. Father Comerford was a priest at Queen of Angels Church where I was a student. Father Comerford was always mild mannered, pleasant and approachable. In noting the above written by Mary Jo Gauhan, I too honor the life of Father Maloney who was also a loving priest at Queen of Angels Church. We had great fellowship amount the priests during my time as a student also mentored by: Father Wilfred C. Yeo, Father Joseph A Stulb, Mgr Thomas J. Carey. Lovingly remembering all. Vivian Westbrook

Mary Jo Gaughan

September 22, 2019

Tom served with my brother, Msgr. John J. Maloney at Queen of Angels Church in Newark. Msgr. Jack as he was called passed away in 1989. They were both very hard working and dedicated Priests.

October 22, 2011

Dear Ellen, I was just copied about Tom's passing from friends who were parishoners at Sacred Heart. My memories are of the Central Ward, and the work he did on behalf of the community we served as teachers at Central. A long time ago, but I think we were all conscious of seeking, and making a "newer world." Tom's contribution to organizing tenants was a hallmark for the times. It seems there is a legacy afoot on Wall Street today. My sympathy to you and your family. Newark was richer for his work.
Jeanne Bohlen Oppel

October 8, 2011

Tom was an inspriration to many, one of which i am, in college he was always smiling and prayerful. A kinder person you would never meet.
At seminary Tom was most prayerful and in priesthood most heroic, especially in being Christlike to the people at Stella Wright homes.
My deepest sympathy to his wife and family members. God is welcoming Tom, indeed. may he rest in peace...sorry that i heard of his passing late
otherwise i would have been at his funeral. rev. gene marcone

October 3, 2011

My condolences go out to the family. John 11: 23-25.

Ms.Bennie Fields

October 1, 2011

Dear Mrs.Comerford+Family

As members of Queen of Angels Church in Newark, N.J. , we were very sorry to learn of Tom Comerford’s illness and passing . We extend our condolences and heart felt sympathies to you as we too mourn his loss. We have many happy memories of the “the good old days” of Operation Understanding when we worked together, energized by Tom’s vision and sense of rightness. He was in the forefront with other of the same persuasion striving to set in motion so many of the social, economic, housing, educational and others changes needed in urban areas such as the city of Newark. Many of these changes have come to fruition over the last 35-40 years. Thank God!
We pray for your family that God will comfort and sustain you in all of your needs; that Tom Comerford may rest in peace and be ultimately numbered in the kingdom God has prepared for his elect followers.

September 30, 2011

Tom's family should be very proud to have such a man to share his lfe with them. He was such a caring person for his community and fellow man. He was always a credit to the Division of Youth and Family Services. We should all emulate him, Richard O'Grady, Trenton, NJ.

September 30, 2011

Dear Family,

So sorry to hear about Tom. I was with Tom at Seton Hall and we were sacristans together for two years. He was wonderful to work with and a great guy. I had great admiration for him because he was so gentle and caring and had such a great sense of humor. I lost track of him after Ordination but I have a picture of him and two of his classmates at Darlington Seminary. It brings back lots of memories. I'm sure he was a great husband and father. He's now in Heaven where we will all once again be united.
I'll remember him on Saturday, October 1, at Mass. God bless and comfort you all.
Sincerely,
Fr. Henry Hemmerling, Spring Hill, Florida

Bill Gibbons

September 30, 2011

Dear Ellen-
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you lay Tom's body to rest. Tom was such a good friend throughout our years in the seminary, and afterwards as we supported each other in the work we were doing in the Newark community. During his earthly years I knew him to be kind, gentle, loving, and willing to go the extra mile. I value his friendship through our growing years and during the struggle for civil rights in the 60's and early 70's. He was a good friend. I look forward to reuniting with him when I, too, go home. May the Spirit be with you.
Bill Gibbons

vivian westbrook

September 30, 2011

Tom was such a warm, gentle, kind person. He had many visions and fulfilled them with passion. During times of racial strife in Newark, he embraced the challenge and stepped up to the plate. He blended well into the community, even occupying and apartment in Scudder Homes Project with 2 of his then peers. As a student at Queen of Angels, I never saw him angry or annoyed, and kids know how to push the buttons of the faculty and staff. Tom had a unique way of disarming people. You could not help but love him, as when you interacted with Tom, only kindness, patience and love oozed out of him. God only made "one of him" for sure. He leaves behind a massive legacy. To Tom's Beloved Family & Friends Cherish The Times Forever... Vivian Westbrook.

September 30, 2011

Helen & Don Fross

September 30, 2011

Dear Ellen, Pegeen and Tommy:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom was such a gentle and kind man and will surely be missed. I know your wonderful memories of him will give you great comfort in the days to come.

With deepest sympathy,
Helen and Don Fross

September 29, 2011

Dear Ellen and Family,

Deepest Sympathy on the loss of your husband Tom. All our love and prayers.

Sincerely,
Mary Jo, Edward Gaughan and Family of Msgr. John J. Maloney

Cecilia Moses Faulks

September 28, 2011

Dear Ellen & Family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I have many fond memories from his years at Queen of Angels. May God give your entire family strength and peace during this difficult time. Love and prayers,

Francis Michel Walsh

September 28, 2011

Dear Ellen Marie, Pegeen, and Tommy:

My prayers and condolences to you all at this moment. I am grateful for the gift of faith that enables us to await with expectation our reunion in the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Even though I am in distant Guam, I am with you in my prayers and love for all my family.

September 28, 2011

Dear Ellen and Family,
Know that you are all in my prayers, I will always cherish the fond memories of Tom, and I rejoice in knowing how he helped me to come to know and love our Lord and Savior through his gentle ways and action. I pray God's grace and mercy be with you. From the words of one of my favorite songs I can see Tom saying to us all:"I'm enjoying Jesus, just sitting at his feet. I've seen him face to face."
God Bless you All
Sharon Bohannan Massey

Paul McClatchey

September 28, 2011

Cousin Tom and I were both born in the same year and through many family visits grew up together. We went our separate ways after college but met from time to time during family events. I have always been impressed and proud of his dedication to helping others through his community work.

Ronnie Kubicka-Kemp

September 28, 2011

I have known Tom Comerford for the better part of my life. He was gentle, kind, intelligent and selfless. He fought for justice and always was a peaceful man. As a good friend to my mother, Anita Kubicka, he became a good friend to our entire family. It was a blessing to know Tom. He had a heart of gold and was a true man of God. He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched. Our sympathy goes out to Ellen, Peg, Tommy and their families during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, the Kubicka Family, Judy, Stephen, Ronnie and Anita

Trezza Family

September 28, 2011

Ellen, Pegeen and family,
Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your husband and father. He certainly was a gentle man in every sense of the word. Please know that you are in our prayers.
Sincerely, The Trezza Family

Carin Casoni-Cook

September 28, 2011

I remember him as my parish priest @ sacred heart. My mother thought the world of him and often went to Queen of Angels to volunteer when he reached out for help. May Gods Grace give his family comfort.

fjohn reinke (mc1968)

September 28, 2011

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

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