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Thomas Bateman Obituary
Melbourne, FL - Thomas James (Tom) Bateman III, 58, of Melbourne, Florida, has gone to have lunch, laughs, and libations with his Lord and Savior. After a prolonged illness, Thomas passed away on May 19, 2020, holding hands with family.
Born in Dover, New Jersey, Thomas was raised in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, and went to Monmouth Regional High School as a proud member of the class of 1979. As a gifted performer, he was voted Best Actor of his class and performed in several productions in high school and in community theater. A true people person, Thomas spent his life working in restaurant and hospitality. After holding jobs in every aspect of the business across various regions of the United States, Thomas was a master of his trade. With a muscular handshake, a wide toothy smile, and a large voice as gravelly as any backcountry road, Thomas loved what he did, the friends he made, and the clientele he served. Rosie O'Grady's in Shrewsbury, New Jersey; The Dam Site, The Tinton Falls Inn, and Gertrude Brown's in Tinton Falls, New Jersey; Barnacle Bills in Scottsdale, Arizona; the NASCAR Café in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Meg O' Malleys and Long Doggers in Melbourne and Satellite Beach, Florida; are just some of the places he worked. He will be missed by many.
Thomas is survived by his son Christian John Bateman of Texas, parents Thomas and Jean Bateman of Red Bank, New Jersey; his sister Christine Henkel (Scott) of Wisconsin; his brother John Bateman (Stefanie) of Texas; eight nephews and nieces, and many friends and supporters.
The family, in this time of the coronavirus, asks that in lieu of flowers or donations, friends patronize their favorite restaurants, either as dine-in or take-out, and tip your servers well.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Bateman
Sponsored by Island Cremations and Funeral Home.
Christian John Bateman
January 28, 2025
I know this comes much too late, but better late than never.
My Father & I had our differences, and our relationship was rocky at times, but one thing I will always know in my heart is that he loved me & my Mother with everything that he had, even if his actions didn't always show it.
Like others have said, my Dad had such a large personality. He had the gift of the gab that I thankfully inherited, and could and would make friends with just about anyone. He loved to entertain and share his "Purple Shirt" stories as Jo & I would call them. What I'd give to hear just one more of those stories.
There is not a day that goes by that I don't wish things could have been different between Tom & I, but I know despite everything, he loved me deeply, and would be proud of the man his son has become. I continue on his legacy of hosting & entertaining friends and family, sharing stories, and bringing laughter & love wherever I go.
I love you Dad, always have, always will. Save me a Yuengling, will ya?
Faith Colquitt
June 16, 2020
He was a great guy and a great server. Had a great sense of humor and always a kind words. He will be missed by many.
Elizabeth Burlew
June 16, 2020
Tom was a very special guy with a big personality. I loved working at Meg O Malleys with him. He was a good friend. My condolences to his family.
Elizabeth Burlew
Natalie
June 2, 2020
Thomas it was nice having you as a neighbor & as a friend. You wont be forgotten. Rest In Peace❤
Rae Ann (Bruen)Martin
May 26, 2020
worked with Tom at Gertrude Browns. He made work fun and I loved having him as my friend!! He will be truly missed.
May 26, 2020
Tommy was the life of every party and his contagious smile would light up the room! He lives on in our hearts and minds.As friends and familwe need to reflect on his one of a kind personality and shared memories to keep all who enjoyed the privilege of knowing him smiling! My condolences to the family.
JWL.
Linda Howard
May 25, 2020
Rest in Peace! Tommy & I had the same birthday. I remember when we were growing up we would go the the restaurant to celebrate our birthdays! Sending prayers to the family. Linda Jane (Cataldi)Howard
Jerry
May 25, 2020
Tommy was great neighborhood friend. Seemed like yesterday I can see him skate across horse farm pond on the teeth of the figure skate blades beating everyone to the puck. A straight shooter always with a big welcome smile.
Jerry McNamara
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
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