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Thomas Azzolini Obituary
THOMAS PAUL AZZOLINI
TOMS RIVER
Thomas Paul Azzolini, of Toms River, passed on Sunday July 19, 2009 at home. Born in Hoboken, New Jersey on November 25, 1942. He attended and graduated from Jersey City State College in 1964, earning a teaching degree. He later earned two Masters Degrees in Reading and Administration. He moved to the Toms River area in 1970 and began teaching in the public schools as a reading specialist. He became an Assistant Principal at High School North in 1975, Assistant Principal at High School East in 1988 and later became Principal of High School South in 1997. He was involved in many community activities and a member of many educational committees (President of the Principals Supervisory Association). He loved boating, fishing, and was a doting grandfather. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
He is predeceased by his parents, Thomas Paul Azzolini and Loretta Guider. He is survived by his wife, Arlene (Rossi), of 40 years; daughter, Jennifer Gomsak and husband Brian of Charlotte, North Carolina; son, Thomas of Hermosa Beach, California, and two grandchildren, Matthew(8), and Molly(5). He has three brothers, James (wife Elaine), Richard (wife Robin), and Gary (wife Karen). He had many nephews and nieces. He was a dedicated family man and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visiting will be Tuesday 2-6 pm at the Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, 2482 Church Rd, Toms River. Funeral Mass Wednesday St Joseph RC Church, Toms River. Entombment Ocean County Memorial Park, Toms River. Donations in his memory can be made to the American Heart Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Azzolini
Ralph Menweg
July 14, 2025
I still think of Tom many times and all our friends from school and all of the good times we had at parties. He was taken way too soon and I´m sorry for the loss to his family.
Ralph Menweg
July 14, 2024
Tom was a friend from work. He was a great guy who loved life, his family, and his friends. We spent numerous times on the golf course, at gatherings even at his home. He was ALWAYS a friend to me, and helped me with my career in many ways unnoticed by most. I was so saddened when I heard of his passing, and being far away in Arizona at the time made it hard to not come and grieve with everyone. I think of him still today whenever I speak about work and the other friends that have passed including Keith McCloud, my absolute best friend in and out of work. I miss all of you that never got the chance to enjoy the golden years of your lives. Rest in peace, and thoughts to family who miss him (them) the most.
Ralph Menweg
July 14, 2022
Tom and I became friends first though work but it was a great friendship over many years. I am still very sad for his family and all of his friends. Tom was not done with life and it will always sadden me that he is gone. He will never be forgotten.
Ralph Menweg
July 15, 2021
Tom was always a friend to me for my whole career at TRN. We had many fun times with the education "gang", but one thing I'll remember the most is how Tom always had time to be there for me whenever I needed something. Ok, golf, and a beer too, but ALWAYS there. I miss him... I hope he's playing some golf with Keith on the great links above.
Jim Swift
August 17, 2009
I'm saddened to find out today of the Azzolini's family's loss. Mr Azzolini was an excellent role model for students, and I attended H.S North w/ Jennifer. My prayers go out to the Azzolini family for their monumental loss. Find peace in the fact that you were able to spend as much time as you did w/ a great man, father and husband. God Bless
Melisa Walters-Serrenho
July 31, 2009
Azzolini Family,
I'm shocked to hear of your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Tom was a wonderful man and brought alot to the education system in Toms River. I will miss seeing him on your boat rides down the lagoon and your long walks around the neighborhood.
In our thoughts and prayers,
Melisa (Walters) and Dean Serrenho
Irene Hartmann
July 25, 2009
My sincerest condolences on the loss of Tommy, who was one of the best educators ever in the Toms River system. He was at North when I taught there and later at East, where he was dependable and supportive and had a great laugh.
Stacy
July 25, 2009
Prayers and Blessings to the family and friends.. Mr Azzolini was at HS North when I was a student
Bill Brotherston
July 24, 2009
A great man, a great family. He will be sorely missed.
Angela Scardaville
July 24, 2009
Azzolini Family,
Jim,Victoria (Arsulowicz) Krezonis, told me the news about your brother, Tom. Needless to say,I was shocked and saddened by it. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I will keep you, your family, his wife and his children in my prayers and thoughts.
Cheryl Arrowood
July 23, 2009
Tom & family....I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved your dad and how difficult these days will be. Surround yourself with his memory and know how proud he was of you. Love you lots. Your friend ~ Cheryl
ANTHONY MAZZA
July 23, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Nicole Neusch
July 23, 2009
Mr. Azzolini changed my life when he allowed me to re enroll in Toms River East at 19 years old in 1996. I put that man through a lot, but he never gave up on me. I remember the first time I talked back to him because I didn't want to be in remedial math, and realized very quickly the huge error I had made. He proceeded to get my immature tush in gear. Even after driving him crazy, he got me through my second attempt at senior year and I graduated at 20 years old on the A/B Honor Roll. Without him, I would not be the person I am today and my heart goes out to all of you, especially his lovely family. Thank you for letting me be a part of the beautiful service yesterday. I know in my heart he is watching over all of you. He was an amazing man who made this world a little bit better and I will never forget him for believing in me.
elli terry
July 22, 2009
Arlene and family,
I will truly miss seeing the two of you walking up and down Aldo Drive together. I've lived here for 30+ years and always thought of you as the lovebirds walking down the street. My prayers will be with you and your family during this difficult time.
Rick and Elli Terry
July 22, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Azzolini family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
~Christina and David Murphy
Lisa Cimino
July 21, 2009
The Azzolini Family, I am so sorry for your loss...it has been many years since I saw your Dad Jen but he was a wonderful man. I just learned of his passing and my heart and prayers go out to you and your entire family. Although I have not see all of you in years...you were a very special friend (my very first at Loyola) and your family will always have a special place in my life. Thinking of all of you. With love and prayers,
Lisa DiGiulio Cimino
Michele Garrison-Steele
July 21, 2009
He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many
Natalie (Criscione) Carusillo
July 21, 2009
Mr. Azzolini was one of my favorite teachers at Intermediate School (there was no East or West back then). My favorite memory was that he started the day writing the Daily News' Jumble Puzzle on the board to keep us occupied while he read the paper. I would have the problem solved by the time he sat down and he never did get to read the paper. To this day, I think of him whenever I do a Jumble puzzle and smile at the memory. My condolences to his family.
Kori (Dawkins) Hogeboom
July 21, 2009
I was so sad to hear of Mr. Azzolini's passing. I have some wonderful memories of him during my TRN high school days...and it's very obvious from the other messages that he was liked by anyone who met him, and will be remembered by all who knew him. My deepest condolences to the Azzolini family.
July 21, 2009
Although I only worked with Jimmy, I did meet Tom on a few occasions. Wishing healing to your heart and peace to your spirit now and in the days to come. With deepest sympathy,
Marilyn (D'Ambola) Lago
Jim and Cheryl (Polhemus) Killeen
July 21, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to your family. My husband, Jim, and I both attended HS North and I personally owe him a great deal helping me get through high school. He had so much patience and I will never forget his sense of humor. With nothing but the fondest memories!
Kira Baccari
July 21, 2009
The Azzolini Family,
He was a wonderful man: loving husband, honorable father; loyal brother and adoring grandfather. I am honored to have known him, to have shared with him smiles and laughter, and was reminded that family was and will always be number one.
You will remain constant in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathies.
July 21, 2009
My deepest sympathy to his family. I also spent quite a bit of time with him, in his office, but it was deserved. He was a fair guy, like someone else said here. One day, I got sent to the office for my sending a friend a note during a test. And when I got there, for some reason, I think because it's a nervous habit, when he gave me detention, I laughed. I laughed my way all the way up to 6 months detention! To this day, my family and I still laugh about that. Half way thru that incident, Mr. Azzolini was laughing too. Very sad. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Lisa Chinery
Steve O'Neill
July 21, 2009
My sincerest condolences to Arlene and the 'kids'. Jimmy, I'm saddened to hear about your brother Tommy's passing. I remember some very good times with you and Tommy! He was here a long (but not long enough) time, I hope that's some consolation.
July 21, 2009
I was fortunate to know Mr. Azzolini as both a student and later,as a beginning teacher. He was always friendly and supportive. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Shelley (Finkelstein) Bromberg
Joe Guider
July 21, 2009
Arlene and all the family,
There are so many memories that I have of my cousin Tom. The central theme in all of them is his unmatched enthusiasm for life and family. Tom added much happiness to all of our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joe Kohl
July 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers for Tom and his family. Pete's brother Joe
July 20, 2009
He kept us all in line!
Gary, my prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Deanna (Ball) Buccella
1985 HS North
Joe Discenza
July 20, 2009
Tom was a great guy and very supportive to me when I was a teacher in his school. Rest in Peace. My prayers for him and his family
July 20, 2009
A memory worth sharing; I loved my cousin Tom. He was the consummate teacher. When I was just l0 years old, he asked me, "you still believe in Santa, right?". Yes, tom. "Lynn, you're l0, come with me". "Ok , I want you to look at that passageway, (where Santa would apparently come in), now Lynn, could a fat man in a red suit actually pass through there?" Oh, maybe not! "Lynn, it's time you understood how things work". Oh! Ok, then. "Thanks Tom" ( I think). Yes,,, he helped me to grow up , THEN , and again and again. Will miss him for the rest of my life. Lynn Bradley Baletti
Kathleen Reilly
July 20, 2009
Mr. Azzolini was a supportive, enthusiastic man. I was fortunate to know him as Principal at TR South, and I especially remember him being very helpful and encouraging my senior year (2000) as I navigated the college application/scholarship process. A really wonderful man. My condolences to his friends and family.
Marisa McGinnity
July 20, 2009
Dear Arlene and Family,
My deepest sympathy to all. I have cherished memories of Tom and all of you. Please take care and know that now he is your Special Angel!
Love,
Marisa
Barbara Romano
July 20, 2009
Tom will be missed here in the office. He used to kid around with the staff and was always willing to get on the scale when I had to weigh him without too much screaming and yelling. And he always had a smile on his face.
My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Henry Muller
July 20, 2009
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We were in Holy Family together. Regards, Hank Muller
July 20, 2009
To the Azzolini Family,
We are so sad to hear of Mr. Azzolini's passing. We can not believe it. Joe & I will always remember the times with him at TRN. We will truly miss his smiling face as you both would be passing our house. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Love Cheryl & Joe DiGuglielmo & family
July 20, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the untimely death of Tom. We will always remember our days at Toms River North and the kind ways he treated each individual student. May he rest in peace. The Cilli Family (Lisa, Gil, Gina and Nick and parents)
Philip Grassia
July 20, 2009
Arlene, Jennifer and Tommy: Regina and I were very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. His picture says it all - larger than life with a big smile. He will be missed by all and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jay and Regina Grassia
July 20, 2009
Dear Arlene & Family. We are extremely saddened and shocked to hear about Tom. He and I were always friends through my 20 years at TR North. We shared many good times at your home, and with Keith, two of my very best friends. We were all "family" and always will be...
Kris and Ralph Menweg
Bullhead City, Arizona
christopher hand
July 20, 2009
wow mr. azzolini, a name from my past i'll never forget. being a less than stellar student ofourse i had the pleasure of spending alot of time with him in highschool, aswell with his brother at int. east. although i got what was coming, he was always a fair man, and kept me in school alot longer than i should have been. and he was very nice to my mother who also spent alot of time in his office. i have nothing but pleasent memories and thoughts.my best regards to has family. Chris Hand TRHSN 1985.
July 20, 2009
To Tom's FAMILY. Thinking of you. Muss
Mike & Lonell Klina
July 20, 2009
Gentle thoughts during these difficult times.
Kelly Moore
July 20, 2009
Mr Azzolini, I have the fondest memories of you! You wrote in my yearbook "to the thorn in my side" you had the biggest heart and were truly a great man, you will be missed!
Devo
July 20, 2009
Sitting on the deck with Uncle Tom and conversing over a glass of red wine was more educational then any school. Although you will be sorely missed; lessons, laughs, and memories will last forever. Your soul will be present in all of us. Thank you!
-Devo
Andrea Viggiano
July 20, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a dynamic and warm presence during his years at High School South, and we wished for him many, many more years of happy retirement. We will miss him.
Jeanne Racaniello
July 20, 2009
Mr. Azzolini,
You will live forever in our hearts. Our deepest sympathies to your family.
Janice, Jean, Julie, Jamie and Jeff Yost
Patrick Pezzicola
July 20, 2009
Dear Arlene and Family,
We are very saddened to hear about Tom's death. For him there was no suffering, but for you a tragic shock.We will be remembering all of you in the days and weeks to come as you do your best to cope with your loss.
Love, Gail and Pat Pezzicola
Jennifer Shields-D'Apolito
July 20, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Azzolini's passing. I remember years ago when we lived on Aldo Dr., he was always so friendly with a smile or a wave.
God Bless.
Kevin & Jennifer Azzolini
July 20, 2009
You will always live in our hearts and prayers. We miss you so much already, the void is tremendous.
With love,
July 20, 2009
Sharky and I could not sleep. We are thinking of you. Woody
Louis Garibaldi
July 20, 2009
Dear Arlene & Family. The Toms River
community has lost another great person. Noreen and I offer our condolences to you and the Azzolini
Family. I will always remember the good times with Tommy at North and also HS East. He will be Keith, Pete
and Bill. Looks like a great day for
golf in the heavens. May you always have good memories of Tommy. Love, Lou & Noreen
Jeff Schroeder
July 20, 2009
I'm very saddened to learn of Tom's passing. Although I have not seen Tom in many, many years we enjoy alot of laughs together as life guards in Bay Head. I am sure he would agree that they were some of his best summers and mine. God bless you Tommy. Jeff Schroeder
Janis Tulp
July 20, 2009
Gary and I are very sorry for your loss. Tom always meant business and I will cherish the great memories I have of working with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Audrey Rosenberg
July 20, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Tom will be missed by so many. We were all so lucky to have him as a part of our lives.
My prayers are with you.
JUSTINE JABLONSKI-SIMISTER
July 20, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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