Photo courtesy of Peppler Funeral Home - Allentown
Allentown, New Jersey
Feb 28, 1927 – Dec 28, 2024
Thomas J. Sullivan, 97, of Hamilton passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his family. Born in Bayonne, NJ, he grew up in Jersey City.
Predeceased by his parents, Katherine and Harold Sullivan; his brothers, Harold and Edwin; and his sister, Eleanor O’Donnell, he is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Irene Kaczor Sullivan; his five children, Arlene and her husband Emery Gerencser, Thomas Sullivan Jr., Debra and her husband Robert Vinci, Barbara and her husband Robert Recine and Brian and his wife Mary Ellen Sullivan. Thomas was a doting, loving grandfather to his nine grandchildren and his nine great grandchildren. He also leaves behind several beloved cousins, friends, and many nieces and nephews.
A US Navy veteran of WWII, Thomas served as a corpsman, caring for wounded Marines with compassion and empathy at the age of 18. He was active in his community of Evergreen and volunteered for many organizations including the Red Robin Program, the Hamilton Elks, and the Hamilton Recreation Committee. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Gregory the Great Church where he loved to sing in the choir. He was an avid reader and in his free time, he loved to read and write poetry. Above all, Thomas loved his wife and family and never knew a stranger.
Thomas’s family would like to offer a special thank you to his caregivers, Lisa, Cece, Ivy, Sandra, Brandy, Courtney, and Sara.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10am on Monday, January 6th at St. Gregory the Great Church, 4620 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Twp., NJ 08690. Entombment will be private.
Family and friends will be invited to a Celebration of Life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Samaritan Hospice at Samaritan’s Gift Processing Center, PO Box 71425, Philadelphia, PA 19176-1425 or online at www.samaritannj.org
Arrangements are under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown.
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A Joyous Day with Arlene, Eleanor, Tommy and Irene
Eileen ODonnell
January 05, 2025 | Boonton Township, NJ | Family
Sibling Devotion, Tommy and Eleanor
Eileen ODonnell
January 05, 2025 | Boonton Township, NJ | Family
Uncle Tommy epitomized the selfless virtues of the Greatest Generation with an unwavering dedication to his cherished wife and family. In his final days, the devotion he had so freely given was tenderly reciprocated by his loved ones. His poetry and delightful humor were reflections of a sensitive soul attuned to the beauty, joy and complexities of the world. A truly beautiful person himself, Uncle Tom’s kindness, grace and warmth filled the hearts of everyone he met ♥
Eileen ODonnell
January 05, 2025 | Boonton Township, NJ | Family
Condolences from the Murtha family
Mark Murtha
January 03, 2025 | Bordentown, NJ | Friend
Remembered By
Emma Lippincott
January 02, 2025 | Hamilton, NJ | Neighbor
Although I haven’t seen Tom in recent years, I got to know him very well at the Hamilton Elks. He was always very genuine and kind. My heartfelt condolences go out to Brian (Sully) and family. God bless.
Joe Fink
January 02, 2025 | Hamilton, NJ | Friend
We would like to extend our deepest condolences.
Kotulski Family
January 02, 2025
Dear Family,
It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our beloved Great Uncle Tommy. He was truly a remarkable man—intelligent, kind, and filled with a warmth that made everyone feel cherished. His love for writing and reciting poetry was a testament to his beautiful spirit, and the way he shared his words with others left a lasting impact. Uncle Tommy's pleasant and loving nature made him a joy to be around, and his gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew...
Steven Soprano
January 02, 2025 | East Hanover, NJ, NJ
