Thomas J. Hanlon

Thomas Joseph Hanlon, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Southern Ocean Medical Center on October 21, after a short illness. He was 81. Born in 1940 to Thomas and Margaret (Flanagan) and raised in Summit, New Jersey, Tom married Barbara (Clark) in 1961 and lived in Chatham, and worked in finance and data processing first at Beneficial Finance Corporation and then Tecknit USA. After raising their family, they moved to Surf City in 1982, where Tom became a successful real estate agent, and later worked in surveillance operations at the Taj Mahal Casino before retiring. Tom was a member of the Chatham Heavy Rescue Squad, the Morris County Militia Fife & Drum Corp, and the Knights of Columbus.
Tom was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching sports with his son and grandsons, particularly the Mets, Rangers, Notre Dame football and NASCAR. He also enjoyed tracing his Irish ancestry with his daughter, even discovering that he was related to one of his oldest friends! He loved to talk to people and made many friends through antiquing with Barbara on LBI, could fix anything, and was always generous with his time when his family or neighbors needed a hand.
He is survived by Barbara, his loving wife of 60 years, his daughter Kathleen and her husband Chris Sotiro of Flanders, his son Thomas Jr and his wife Elisa of Manahawkin, his granddaughter Ashton Sotiro, and grandsons Christopher and John Sotiro, as well as brother- and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews. We will all miss the twinkle in his eye and his sense of humor!
Cremation was private. A memorial service/celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in Tom's name may be made to the Surf City Fire Department.
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