Rev. Thomas N. Cerulo O.SS.T.

I met father Tom at St. Ann's Catholic Church on Greenmount Avenue. He was a caring and passionate Priest. His spirit was simply amazing. I loved hearing Father Tom preached the word of God. I wanted to visit him. I just looked him up and found out he has transcended to be with the Lord. He will spirit will always remain in my heart.

Tom, you were an exceptional friend, brother in religious life during my time with the order, and a gentle listening ear when times were tough. I kept your letters from Rome and a beautiful picture of you in habit with its fraternally affectionate words. You were a good and gracious man who stayed friends with me and my parents after I left the order. I'll never forget your kindness and love, your strength of faith and character. I only learned of your death after you were gone. You are dearly missed, Woo, and will never be forgotten.

Toutes mes affectueuses pensées,

Daniel Everitt

Father Tom was a very memorable person in our family during the mid-eighties when we lived in Marion IL. This being 8/18/23 and I just found out as I was asking about him. I'm gutted to say the least! He must have been a Saint. He married my Wife and I and baptized my oldest Son in 1985. Godspeed to one of the greatest men I have ever Known...Gary Segretario

Hace 12 Años partió a la Eternidad Divina el Rev. Thomas N. Cerulo. El Ser Humano Ejemplar, el Apóstol de Dios en Nuestros Tiempos. Siempre lo Llevamos en nuestros Corazones. Por lo Especial que Fue con Nosotros. Padre Cerulo Protégenos y Cuídanos desde el Cielo. Amen.

Father Cerulo was very special to us and my father John. His holiness and kindness is never forgotten. Rita Bruno Giovanucci

Rev. THOMAS N.CERULO
Siempre te llevaremos en nuestros corazones,y sera nuestro guia espiritual en el transcurso de la vida.
Pedro y Ligia Castelblanco.

I had the best time of growing up with Father Tom at Holy Rosary for eight years. Have always prayed for him and wondered if I could find him. I'd like to think Divine intervention happened in my finding a brochure at the USPS where I have worked for 22 years about a Cerullo ministries this March, though not the same person. Then I felt for sure Tom HAD become a priest & I would locate him. I'd like to think that he contacted me from Heaven, knowing I always carried him in my heart and prayed for him all these years. On the playground I always sought him out to be with then & felt his gentle spirit & love of God. Becoming a priest was in his heart even then. I will look for him in Heaven one day & will share that joy and laughter again. I will always keep him my prayers. What a wonderful person he became. My most sincere sympathy to his wonderful family. John, we were in the same grade for 9 years and I have prayed for you all these years, too. God Bless you all. With love, Veronica Martin 8501 E. Alameda Ave. Unit 233

This picture was taken at my mom's (Mary Hevey) birthday party, August 29, while talking to another family friend, Ms. Gracelynn.

Let us continue to share our memories of our beloved brother. Tommy belonged to all of us. Through the Communion of Saints, his spirit will continue into eternity. Tommy had a truly special way of knowing the best words or the support that helped us to walk through the daily journey of our lives. We invite you to continue to share your wonderful memories of our brother.

I have wonderful memories of Father Tom as our parish priest at St. Joseph's in Marion, Illinois. His homilies touched all who heard them, both young and old. More than 30 years later, I still remember his powerful words and the amazing way that he delivered them. He was also very supportive of the youth of our parish and all of our activities. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.

To the family of Father Tom, there are no words to make you feel the pain any less but take comfort in the fact that he was loved by so many people. I feel so lucky to be among the people who knew and loved him. He had such a calming presence and was truly a holy man who helped so many people. We were lucky to go to Staten Island to see him take his vows as Pastor. It was a very special time. A few months later four of us drove to Staten Island to spend the day with him and Father Daniel. We had a wonder time as they showed us all around the Island then off to lunch. We then stayed for 5:00 mass and in my lifetime I do not believe I will ever again experience this kind of connection with two of most blessed men of the priesthood....Father Tom Cerulo and Father Daniel Houde. It was one of the best days of my life and I will never forget it.
Until I see you again Father Tom, Rest in Peace.

Over the past 2 weeks, I have felt Tommy's spirit close by. He is providing comfort and strength to all of us as we learn to live this new life. Words can't express the depth of his loss. I pray for all of us that as we walk through each day, we bring a piece of Tommy's light and kindness to the world. Thank you so very much to everyone who have shared from your heart the difference that Tommy made in your lives. We are grateful for your love and support.

So sorry to hear about Fr. Tom. He married both of our children. He was such an out going Priest. Was sorry when he left, he was remarkable priest. We have a Daughter and her family living out East at Taunton, we visit quite often. May God Bless you and your family.

To Susan, Jack, David and Betsy: While I did not know your brother, it is so clear from all the messages that he was a remarkable person who touched so many lives in the short time he was here. He will always be your brother and you are lucky to of had him in your life. Bless you and my condolences to your mother and family during this time.. So So sorry for your loss..

I am still a member of St. Joseph in Marion, IL where Fr. Tom was at in his early days of priesthood. He guided and helped me through some difficult times I was having at the time. We were all truly blessed that Fr. Tom passed through our life even for such a short time. I was in the process of getting his email address so I could correspond with him. I'm so sorry now I waited so long. He was truly a man of God, so gentle and kind with a loving smile. My condolences to his family....God bless...Rita Dutton, Marion, IL

Truly a tremendous inspiration in my life as a young adult. He gave me a great amount of guidance and taught me through his actions what it truly meant to be a Christian and a man of God. My only regret will be that my children will not have the same opportunity to have Fr. Tom in their lives.
Jeff Manto
Bristol, Pa

Truly, a tremendous inspiration in my life. He gave me a great amount of guidance and taught me through his actions what it truly meant to be a Christian and a man of God. My only regret will be that my children will not have the same opportunity to have Fr. Tom in their lives.

What a wonderful man and a wonderful priest.

My classmate at seminary--'74-77! Friend always! Always the best. Suffering loss of you here. Knowing your dwelling there. Noble soul, praying for us now. Shock and sorrow.
Wisked away like Elijah. Love, John.

I was a Novice along with Eddie Fitzpatrick and another Tom under Father Tom Morris (1980-91 Besides Fr Tom C.'s love and kindness, I distinctly remember his laugh, as he was enjoyingly humorous at times. In loving memory
Jack Travis, Baltimore MD

Rest In Peace, Fr. Tom

Rest In Peace

My sincere condolences to Fr. Tom's family and the Trinitarian community. I remember Fr. Tom for his compassion, listening hear and inspiring humility.

Fr. Tom was a genuine and compassionate friend who practiced hospitality with everyone. My family and I will never forget his kindness to us.

Fr. Tom was my brother and friend. He supported my vocation since I entered into the Trinitarian Order. He was a wonderful brother, friendly and always thinking on others. He will be remembered deeply. My prayers for his Mom and family. Bro. Gustavo Sanchez, O.SS.T.

Dave Cerulo & Family: My sincere condolences to the Cerulo family. He sounds like an amazing person. God bless him always. We now have another angel in heaven. The Archinaco Family, Holmdel, NJ

I had the blessed opportunity to work with Fr. Tom at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel/St. Benedicta on Staten Island, NY. He was a wonderful priest and friend. I just received one of his Christmas letters last month and always looked forward to getting them each December. What a kind, caring, lovely man he was. Although I am deeply saddened at his passing, I know he was a true man of God and now sits at His right hand. Rest in peace, dear,sweet friend. I will never forget you.

I am sure I can speak for all the men of the Freedom Retreat put together by Mark and Kirk for so many years that Father Tom will be missed but not forgotten,my blessing be bestoed upon the family in there time of need.

Father Tom was always a wonderful inspiration to the Freedom Retreat that takes place at the end of Oct. every year. He will be missed.
God bless.

Yesterday was the wake and mass for Tom in Perth Amboy ... his home town. The outpouring of love and affection was amazing and comforting to my whole family. We will never get over his passing. He will always be in our hearts. We get the greatest comfort knowing he touched so many in his kind and caring ways that were "Fr.Tom". Please pray for my Mom and entire family as we all head south to Pikesville to lay him to his final resting place. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. God Bless all of you. Dave Cerulo

My condolences to friends and family of Father Tom. He was one of the brightest parts of our retreat and we will miss him.

DEAR COUSIN DOLLY,JACK,DAVID,SUSAN AND BETSY, GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. LOVE BETTY

We were so sad to hear of Fr. Tom's passing. He has always been supportive of our family and shared in many happy occassions. We will never forget how he played apart in the beginning our family. (only he knows what we mean) As well, Barry will always be greatful for his support in his younger years. He was a friend to all of us and will be greatly missed.

Dear Dolly,David,Jack,Susan & Betsy,
Our sincere condolences for your loss. We just heard of Tommy's passing. Your family is in our prayers.

You always wanted to be a priest from when we were little kids playing church in the basement on Rector St. You got to live your dream to the fullest. I will always have those memories and the ones of spending time with you in Rome when you were a "real"priest. I was so proud of you. Those memories will be with me forever. God Bless you and my deepest sympathy to the Cerulo Family.

"I will never forget Fr. Tom, he came to see me at the hospital when I was getting ready to go thru Open Heart By-pass surgery and he's words comfort me. He will be deeply missed." Louise Wittfelt ( Owings Mills, MD )

With a sad and heavy heart, the John & Josie Bruno Family send our deepest sympathy on the passing of Fr. Tom, a most outstanding, considerate,kind and dedicated person we were priviledged to know. He enriched our lives and will remain always in our hearts

Dear Dolly,Jackie,David.Susan and Betsy Just heard of Tommy's passing. Our families had many fond memories. Our prays are with you.

To the entire Cerulo family,
My sincere condolences for your loss.
I am keeping you all in my prayers.
God Bless.

Fr. Tom was the soul of hospitality at Holy Trinity Spiritual Center and his absence will be keenly felt by all who are blessed to spend time there. His love for the place, his work and the guests was infectious. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to spend time with him when I did. My deepest condolences to all those who loved him.
Shalem SGP Class of 2011

I have been a part of Mark Daley's retreats for some time and have grown to love Father Tom. My condolences to his family and friends. He will not be forgotten!

Mrs. Cerulo, Susan, Jack, David and Elizabeth:
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Tommy. I have great memories of our childhood. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Monica "Kovalsky" Pelletieri

Thank you Father Tom for everything. You will be missed.

Dear Jack and Cindy,
We are very sorry for your loss. Knowing what a wonderful person you are Jack, I am not surprised to hear how many lives your brother touched. You are in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann and Tom Lawrence

Jack & Family,

My sincere condolences for the loss of your brother. I never had the pleasure but knew of his kindness and compassion through conversations with others.

You are in my prayers.

Chris Martin

My sincere sympathy to Virginia & the Cerulo family. (I remember Rev. Thomas as a little boy when I babysat for him.) He will be truely missed by all.

You will always live in the hearts and prayers of the DAWN Retreat women. Thanks you Fr. Tom

Susan and Tom, Your brother Fr.Tom really was a wonderful person. We wish we had known him. Accept our prayers and sympathy.

I was a trustee at St. Joseph Parish in Marion, Il when Fr. Tom was sent there. He found a parish in turmoil over a problem prior to his arrival. Within a few weeks he had everyone happy and working together again. I was amazed that someone of his age with very limited experience could take command of a parish and lead it so successfully in the direction he wanted to take it. A wonderful person and a wonderful priest.

Fr. Tom (or Tommy as we called hin during our time in Holy Rosary). I clearly remember our friendship in grammar school. What fun we had. We knew at that time that you would become a priest. You are now in a beautiful place with angels welcoming you. Rest in peace my dear childhood friend
Suzanne Cicala Hurley

Father Tom was a dear friend, and we will miss him dearly. We always looked forward to his newsletters. May the Lord bless his family and may he rest in peace. sincerely Rose and Robert Blatchley

JACK AND FAMILY
JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW FR. TOM IS IN
MY PRAYERS.AND MAY THE LOVE OF FAMILY
AND FRIENDS CARRY YOU THROUGH YOUR GRIEF.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Fr Tom took care of us for retreats. Wonderful retreats...He was only on loan from God--but the time he had here made us better people...we will miss your Fr Tom but we know you have other work to do. Rest in Peace!
We truly will miss you.

We were married 26 years ago by Fr. Tom in Marion, IL. He presented us with a folded star as a gift during our wedding ceremony. We've always cherished that gift and the meaningful words he delivered at its presentation. He was such a blessing to us at that time as he has been to many others since. His presence will truly be missed. May he rest in God's peace.

Father Tom, how quickly the years have past. I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to catch up in the late 1990's after many years. We did manage to laugh about our childhood and remember all our great times growing up. Somehow I always thought we had more time to get together. I guess your final lesson to us is to remind us to make time for those that we love.

My prayers are with your family as they go through this sad time. I know you are happy with Jesus and he welcomed you with open arms. Until we meet again -

With love your dear friend
Connie Santoro-Stanley

Fr. Tom, you've been with our family through the good and the bad times, always sharing your incredible wisdom and kindness freely and easily. There are few people I've ever known that will be missed as much as we will miss you. Thank you so much for being such an important part of our lives. May Gods grace shime brightly upon you.

Vince Constantino (Yorktown, VA)

Making a happy memory of our time with Fr. Tom is so easy. His warm and cheerful smile, his ever positive outlook, and his love and dedication to our Catholic faith brings to mind a picture of him standing at the doors of the Spiritual Center welcoming Third Order members on our annual retreat. He will be missed.

Father Tom was a true and dedicated priest and religious of the Church and the Order. I had the privilege of being one of his students when I was in the Order. Over the years he always was kind and interested in what his former students were doing in this life. I was able to spend a few days on retreat at the Monastery last November and 20+ years melted away. What a time we had!
While I am so sorry and shocked that he has passed away isn't it the bottom line that he wanted to bring us all closer to heaven? Isn't that the purpose of a priest? To prepare us to do well in this life and to make us ready to enter the Father's House? That was Father Tom.
Now he has left for the Father's House and while we are pained we know that we will see him again. He would want us to be happy for him. He lived the Resurrection in his life and ministry. Well done Fr.Tom - a good a faithful priest!

NO HAY PALABRAS PARA ALIVIAR EL DOLOR DEBIDO A LA PERDIDA DE UN SER QUERIDO COMO FUE EL PADRE THOMAS CERULO.
PARA MI FUE UNA PERSONA MUY IMPORTANTE EN MI VIDA,LO RECORDARE SIEMPRE CON INMENSO AMOR.
ES AHORA QUE LA FE EN DIOS NOS HACE MAS FUERTES,MIS MAS SINCERAS CONDOLENCIAS.
PEDRO CASTELBLANCO Y FAMILIA

Tom will be sorely missed by many people across the world. I have fond and funny memories from our years as minor seminarians and postulants from 1969-1971 and through the many years we have stayed in touch. The Trinitarian community has lost a valuable member. The Cerulo family has lost a fine son, brother and uncle. We all can be sure that Tom is resting in peace now and forever!

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

I AM VERY SORRY TO HERE OF THE DEATH OF FATHER TOM HE WAS MY PASTOR AT OUR LADY OF MT CARMEL/ST BENEDICTA PARISH ON STATEN ISLAND HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY WHAT A FINE PERSON PASTOR AND PRIEST MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

Our St Matthew Men's Fellowship made our annual retreat at the Trinitarian retreat house three years in a row. Fr Tom was always gracious and accommodating. We will miss him.

My Dearest Tommy,

my memories of our childhood and years at Most Holy Rosary will stay with me forever. My heart is so heavy right now as I write this,my dear friend. I Know the angels in Heaven are singing now that you are there and that Our Lord,has welcomed you with open arms..Tom, Im praying now for your mom, Susan, Jackie,David and Betsy. You will be missed by many. In my heart Forever.....with all my love,Rosemary Alessi Santero.

You made the world a better place with your presence. You have been such an important part of our lives and a source of strenth to all of us. We will really miss you. We love you!

Fr. Tom will be remembered for his hard work, dedication, and reliability. He was a good priest and religious. He had a good sense of humor and usually had a warm smile. He was very approachable! He was a credit to the Church, to the Trinitarian Community, and to his family. His passing at age 59 is truly a loss to all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.

-Fr. Wes Lamb
St. Boniface Church
Springfield, GA

Fr. Tom's hand led me thru times of sorrow and trials--his smile gave me joy--his faith gave me strength--his life gave me meaning--I am blessed to have had him in my and my families' life.
Sue Maroscher
St. Joesph Parish
Marion

I am so sorry to learn of the death of Fr. Cerulo. My mom, Dolores Healy, worked (as the school nurse) with his sister, Susan (who vice-principal at the time), at Perth Amboy High School. When I took a group of my high school students to Italy in 1992, Fr. Tom was gracious enough to take time from his busy schedule and meet up with us at St. Peter's Square for a fun and informative day in Rome. He knew a lot of the behind the scenes information and was a pleasure to meet and spend time with. My condolences to his family at this difficult time.

Father Tom, words cant express how loved you are. You are greatly missed <3