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Thomas Jennings Obituary
Phoenix, AZ - Thomas Jennings died surrounded by the love of his family on January 26, 2021 at his home in Phoenix, AZ. Tom (also known as TJ, Jennings, Peaches and Twister) was well known and loved by many and lived a rich and rewarding life.
He was the son of the late Thomas and Helen Jennings, born in Dover, NJ on February 14, 1947 and lived in Mine Hill, NJ for over 50 years. He attended Morris Catholic High School and Wesley College in Dover, DE where is excelled in football, baseball and fun. Tom proudly graduated from Seton Hall University with a degree in Criminology.
Tom married his college sweetheart, Bettie, in 1970 and they were happily married until Bettie's passing in 2003. They have two amazing children, Megan and Mark, which they adored. Tom was active in his community and proudly served as a police officer for the Borough of Wharton, NJ until his retirement. He was very involved in youth sports and enjoyed being a Dare Officer in Wharton's elementary school. One of his greatest passions was coaching the Wharton Hornet midget football team.
Tom's outgoing personality drew people to him. He was known for his stories and no matter where he went someone was shouting out a hello to him. His very patient family knew to leave extra time in every outing for him to "shake hands and kiss babies" before they could make their exit. Spending time with friends was very important to him. He cherished the time spent with lifelong friends from high school and college, friends made through work and sports, his Myrtle Beach Golf Gang, and morning conversations at the diner.
Tom was fortunate to find love again and married his second wife Dawn in 2010. They lived in Phoenix, AZ near her loving children Valerie, Nicci, and Kelsey. He enjoyed the warm sunny days spent in Arizona and mentioned often that he did not miss raking leaves or shoveling snow. He spent his days exploring the area, swimming in his pool and taking long walks with his dog.
Tom is survived and missed terribly by his children Megan Beam (Kevin), Mark Jennings (Pamela), his sister Joan Wainwright, his wife Dawn Jennings, his step children Valerie Lahavich (Tyler O'Neill), Nicci Alexander (Bradly), and Kelsey Lahavich (Cody Reyher), his 7 grandchildren Jenna, Jace, Julia, Hayley, Austin, Olivia, and Cadence and his nephews and niece.
A memorial and celebration of his life will be planned when it is safe to do so and Covid restrictions have been lifted.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Jennings
Pat Pisorchik
January 24, 2022
You are in a better place. Continue RIP
Tommy.
Steven Mooney
July 13, 2021
Very sad to hear this Mr Jennings was my coach he drove me to football practice he liked to chew Red Man chewing tobacco back then (late 70's) he left a great impression on me and alot of great memories. he had a big heart and he was very understanding as a police officer ill never forget him he's in gods arms for sure! S.Mooney Mine Hill NJ
charlie
April 17, 2021
Tommy RIP brother you were a Great man
Jerry Bernotas
February 15, 2021
The MAN! I’ll miss him very much. RIP BROTHER!
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Charlie
February 6, 2021
Tommy was a Great guy and friend RIP Brother
Shirley Reynolds
February 6, 2021
My deceased husband Bill (hacksaw) Reynolds adored t.j.
Our sincere sympathy to his family. What a great individual.
From the Reynolds family
Bayley Ellard football rival
February 5, 2021
Tom was there when Morris Catholic started their football program. He’s classmates know how good was and all Morris Catholic students and past alumni should remember he was “THE TEAM” back in day.
Dolores Spies
February 2, 2021
It is with sadness I read of Thomas' death.
I remember him as a kind and gentle person, along with high school memories.
May he rest in peace and happiness.
Pat Pisorchik
February 2, 2021
I’m so very sorry to hear this sad news. You have been a special person to the people of Wharton. I am very thankful for the interest you have taken
especially in the children. You gave them someone to look up to.
RIP Tommy - Pat Pisorchik.
John Green
February 2, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Charles F. Canfield Jr
February 1, 2021
We were very sad to hear of Mr. Jenning's passing........I remember him playing softball on the Mine Hill/Wharton PD team with my father and seeing him around Mine Hill, whether it be at baseball game, or the police station. Just a kind and decent man. My condolences to his family.
john cashen
February 1, 2021
Tommy, you were one heck of a running back, Morris Catholic's Paul Hornung.
Never forget your constant smile and kind demeaner. RIP
John Cashen
Mike Vazquez
February 1, 2021
Rest In Peace, Mr. Jennings. You were a great football coach and we will miss you.
Marie Cubero Fragomeni
February 1, 2021
Losing another classmate is sad but I’m sure Tom has already organized a “ flag football game” with other MC ers. God speed Tom.
Tony Ippolito
February 1, 2021
Tom was an excellent athlete and more importantly a wonderful individual. His positive personality, which saw him through personal tragedy, will be a significant part of his legacy.
Dan Stierch
January 31, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Greg Elio
January 31, 2021
I knew Tom growing up in Mine Hill and grammer school. Always smiling. He was a good friend.
Thomas Jones
January 31, 2021
Tom was one of the finest police officers in Wharton. He cared about those he served and loved and did it with distinction and compassion for all. Rest in Peace Tom .
Alex Narcise
January 31, 2021
A dear friend since high school. A lot of sports and good times together. You will be missed. RIP Tommy
Tom Burdge
January 31, 2021
So sad to hear of Tommy's passing. We have been reconnected via the phone for 4 years. Tommy and I grew up together in Mine Hill. He and I would get in some mischief together growing up. Many Jersey Shore memories. Keep his memories in your heart for he will always be there. R.I.P my friend.
Paula Mizzoni-Bisceglia
January 31, 2021
Very saddened to learn about Tommy. A better friend and policeman you’ll never find. Always good to my sons and all the children in Wharton. RIP Tommy - you will live on in our hearts.
kevin Derk
January 31, 2021
Tom was good man! So sorry to hear this. God bless him.
Jessica Cristaldi-Huck
January 31, 2021
I’m so saddened to hear this about Tommy Jennings passing away, he definitely left a founding mark on my life when I first moved to Wharton. I still remember him being my DARE officer and the countless of memories I made with him over the 7 years I lived in Wharton. I remember one joke we played on my step dad (since him and TJ) were close friends. We thought we would get their other friend Bonnie involved in it too since she owned a boutique store on the corner of main and fern avenue. I walked into her store and acted in stealing a beanie baby (when those things were super popular, and by the way I never did steal it). And then Tommy came into the store and took me out of the store to bring me back to my house. And soon there later we drove down to the house and Tommy rang my doorbell and my mom answered the door and she saw me with him and Tommy said Diane I hate to tell you but I caught Jessica stealing a beanie baby from Bonnie’s, and if you could have seen my mom’s face she was about to kill me. And then the joke was on her since it was an April’s joke intended for my step dad but he was working. Needless to say that I had so many fun memories with Tommy. And many learning the criminal justice system because of him. I will miss you Tommy, thank you so much for the gift of being a good friend and mentor to me.
Ron Dunster Mine Hill. Mt Olive PD Ret.
January 30, 2021
I saw the obit and said oh my God. Then I smiled and remembered fishing Rockaway River, Wharton Water Works ; Working our spare weekends off at Bryant's Furniture. Good times fun times. Rest in Peace
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