Thomas E. Telesca

(Asbury Park Press)

THOMAS E. TELESCA
AGE: 67 COLTS NECK
Thomas E. Telesca, 67, of Colts Neck, NJ, died at home on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. Born on August 27, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY, Tom lived most of his life in New Jersey, the past thirty years in Colts Neck. He graduated from Teaneck High School in 1960 and, after graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Tom became an officer in the United States Marine Corps and served his country in Vietnam in 1967-68. For his service, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service for his actions during the Tet Offensive at Khe Sanh. After his tour of duty and eventual honorable discharge from the Corps with the rank of Captain, Tom went on to a successful thirty-year career at Johnson & Johnson, until his retirement. Loved for his easygoing manner, quick smile, and sharp wit, he was a loyal husband, brilliant father, spoiling grandfather, generous friend, avid golfer and passionate New York Giants fan.
Tom is survived by Michele, his loving wife of forty-three years; his three children, Christina, Keith and Jonathan; his son-in-law, Eric; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer; his grandchildren, Jack Gorman and Marielle Telesca; his niece and honorary grandchild, Amanda Happel; his father and mother, Albert and Frances Telesca; his sister, Maria Vinci and her husband Gregory; his brother, Anthony; his niece, Lisa and her husband Tony; and his nephew, Gregory and his wife Lauren.
Viewing will be held on September 1, 2009, 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733 (732-946-3322). Funeral services will be held on September 2, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722. Tom will be laid to rest at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's memory to Cancer Research Foundation (for kidney cancer research), c/o Mary Meyer, Executive Director, 183 Main St., South Salem, NY 10590. For directions or to send an online condolence please visit www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.