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BORN
1952
DIED
2021
Thomas Lonsdale Obituary
Forked River - Thomas S. Lonsdale, 68, of Forked River, NJ passed away peacefully on Monday 5/10/21 with loved ones by his side due to his long hard fight with ALS/ Lou Gehrig's disease.
Thomas was born on 8/28/1952 in Okayama, Japan and raised in Brunswick, Maine. He graduated from Hyde School in Bath, Maine in 1971. He served in the US Navy, nuclear submarine division for 6 years and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Thomas worked at the Oyster Creek Power Plant for 31 years, from June 1980 and retired May 2011. After retirement he worked at other power plants as a contractor and retired from those jobs in Oct 2016. He was honorable, hard working, and generous. He was a loving husband and father.
Thomas loved golf, bowling, running and playing tennis at Gille Park. He loved to cheer for his favorite teams, the Boston Red Sox and the NE Patriots. Tom truly loved his many dogs and cats.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife Susan Merrill who he married on 6/2/1979 in Brunswick Maine and they spent 44 years together. He also is survived by their 3 children, Mathew Lonsdale, Forked River, Kimberly Lonsdale, Brunswick Maine, and Julia Burd and her husband Gary Lanoka Harbor NJ & one granddaughter Madeline Lonsdale. He is also survived by his brother Robert Lonsdale, Brunswick Maine. A sister Margaret Lonsdale and her husband Mark Costa Brunswick Maine. A sister Catherine Burke and husband Tim from Lee, NH. Many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents. Eileen Hagen Lonsdale and Walter.
A memorial service will be held Saturday May 22, 2021 @ 3:00 pm at the Forked River Baptist Church in Lacey Township NJ 08734. We will have a graveside burial service in Brunswick Maine. Date is unknown for that as of now. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the ALS / Lou Gehrig Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Lonsdale
Arlyne H Conley
August 27, 2025
One of the nicest people I've ever known
Dennis Gorham
May 11, 2023
Wish we could play another 18!
Aaliyah Anderson
August 10, 2021
Hey it´s Aaliyah I used to be your aide. I was trying to get in contact with you guys to see him I´m so sorry for your loss maybe we can get in contact.
Ken Wiegand
July 3, 2021
Tom & I were classmates at Hyde school. At our 40th reunion in 2011 he and I spent the weekend catching up on our respective lives. He was a true gentleman!
I am so sorry for your loss.
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Dennis Gorham
June 4, 2021
Tom was my best friend growing up and I have many great memories. He was a great guy and caring dad who loved his family so much. He will be sadly missed by all.
Your bud forever. Dennis Gorham
Bill Freeman
May 26, 2021
Tom was one funny guy and I remember him calling me up and saying - Let’s play Golf on the Base but I’ll be a little slow — I broke my ankle.
He still shot a 69
Terry Williams
May 19, 2021
Sue you are in my prayers.
Bruce & Barb Tretola
May 18, 2021
Tom & Sue have been dear friends for over 30 years, & his passing is a great loss for all of us who knew & loved him. Tom was one of the hardest working, kindest & the most generous person in every way. My heart, although sad, rejoices because his long suffering is over & he is in his Eternal Home with his Lord & Saviour, Jesus❤ Until we meet again.❤
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