Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Thomas Gennarelli Obituary
THOMAS G. GENNARELLI
AGE: 61 CALIFON
Thomas G. Gennarelli, 61, of Califon, NJ, formerly of Iselin, NJ, passed away Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010 at Haven Hospice at JFK Medical Center, Edison, with his loving family by his side. Born in Newark, he lived in Iselin and Colonia before moving to Califon 11 years ago. He was a Marine veteran serving during the Vietnam Era. He served on the Woodbridge Police Department for a total of 27 years and held the position of Police Lieutenant for the last 12 years, prior to that he served with the Franklin Twp. Police Department for 10 years. He was recognized in the Law Enforcement community as a member of the 200 club and also a member of the Honor Legion.
He is predeceased by his father, Leo Gennarelli. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Paula (nee: Petardi) of Califon; son and daughter-in-law, Thomas G. Gennarelli, Jr. and his wife, Ligaya of Manasquan, NJ; daughter, Erika Gennarelli of Califon; mother, Annette (nee: Riccio) Gennarelli of Iselin; brother and sister-in-law, Kevin Gennarelli and his wife, Susan of Savannah, GA.; sister and brother-in-law, Lisa Eisenhardt and her husband, Kenneth of Bloomingdale, NJ. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren, Luca and Tess.
Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at 10:30 AM at St. James RC Church, Woodbridge. Family and friends are to meet at the church. Entombment will be held at St. Gertrude's Cemetery, Colonia. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Gosselin Funeral Home, 660 New Dover Road, Edison. In lieu of flowers, family request donations in his loving memory to Haven Hospice, c/o-The JFK Medical Center Foundation, 65 James Street, Edison, NJ 08820. Condolences to the family may be sent to [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Gennarelli
Phil D.
August 31, 2023
Always thinking of you!
Donna Estok
October 14, 2019
Tom, I cannot believe it's 10 years Rich lost a best friend. One he looked up to with trust & integrity. You are missed & thought about often. Your quiet way, that smile and a little bit of devil in your eye!Thank you for the friendship we had. WPD is not the same without you. Till we meet again in Heaven Tom; I'm sure you will have some building going on waiting for Rich!
Steve Sexton
October 19, 2018
It's nearly 8 years since you've passed Tom and still the memories of our escapades in the black and white bring a smile to my face. Common sense, compassion, and a sense of humor. The three most important attributes a cop can possess. You, my friend, exemplified them all. Though the pain of your loss has become manageable, the fondest of memories live on strong. Look forward to seeing you soon. Any White Castle assignments in Heaven? Didn't think so.
Robin Duesterdick Brickman
November 21, 2010
I was so sorry to hear from Kurt and Rich Woods of Tom's passing. He was a kind man, a good neighbor and a great friend to my cousin, Rich Woods, on many occasions when Rich didn't have many friends in Woodbridge P.D. My prayers are with his wife and family, and his sister Lisa, who sat next to me in band, and laughed with me, for many, many years.
Richard Scamorza
November 13, 2010
Dear Paula & Family- our deepest sympathy for our loss of Thomas. This is for all the great football, and stickball games the gang of Libby Ln, Kiva St, & Forest St. had, a great neighborhood filled with memories. Richard Scamorza & JoAnn Scalone Scamorza (Jupiter,FL)
Walter @ Kathy Wolff
November 12, 2010
Let there be fond memories in pictures, mementos, and favorite stories of Tom both funny and sad.
Tom was great to know and work with in the JAB Unit.
May warm memories surround the Gennarelli family.
Miss you Tom !
Judi Scannell
November 10, 2010
Tom and Gaya - I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you and your entire family.
November 10, 2010
Dearest Paula and Family, I am sadden by your loss. Our prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. Jennifer and Andrew Hart (Flemington, NJ)
Deborah, Steve & Stephen Roberts
November 10, 2010
Dear Paula and family,
I have no words to express the sadness I feel in my heart over the loss of Thomas.
My fondest childhood memories are those famous Florida vacations, birthday and holiday celebrations we shared as kids growing up. He was the best cousin and friend. I will miss that great smile and mischievous laughter.
Rest in Peace Thomas, I love you.
Dee & Rick Vaccarella
November 10, 2010
Dear Paula,
Our deepest sympathy with the loss of your husband, Tom.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dave & Lois Wapelhorst
November 10, 2010
Lisa, Ken, Kenny and Patrick, Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this very difficult time. We pray for your mom. Please accept our condolences and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave, Lois, David and Joey
Mina Mistry
November 10, 2010
Paula & family,
So sad to hear the news.
Please accept my condolences and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Mina
Jodie Yu
November 10, 2010
Dearest Paula,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
April Brinson-Carrano
November 10, 2010
Dear Generalli Family:
We just found out today about your loss.
Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.
With our love and sympathy,
April Carrano and your Friends at Ferrero USA, Inc.
Sandra D'Angelo
November 10, 2010
Dear Paula
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gennarelli family at this difficult time.
November 10, 2010
As friends of Lisa and Kenny we would like to express our deepest sympathy to all of you in Generalli family. We are very sorry to learn of the loss of your husband, dad, brother and uncle. May the memories you shared bring you comfort in your time of sadness. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless. Lance, Anne, Elizabeth and Olivia De Muro
Steve Perrine
November 10, 2010
Words can not express the deep respect, admiration and love I had for this good man. I was honored to work with him at Franklin P.D. , fortunate to his mentoring, and truly Blessed by his friendship. As a believer in the Lord Jesus, this is not a goodbye, I will see him later. Praying for HIS comfort for your family, and Tommy's friends. He will be missed.
Michelle Landa Tully
November 10, 2010
Paula,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort.
Terry Smith
November 10, 2010
Dear Paula.
I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your husband. May you and your loved ones find comfort in the loving memories of the times you spent with him. God Bless you and your family.
Jan Karlbon
November 10, 2010
I'll always remember Tom as a person who was always so pleasant and cheerful. Even when you could sense he was having a tough day, he always managed a smile. He was truly a man with great integrity. Rest in peace Tom
Rudy Modeszto
November 10, 2010
Tom: I will miss our friendship, your quick wit and ever present smile. My condolences to Paula and the family. Hope to continue and share some more laughs on the other side. Tom Gennarelli, E.O.T., November 7, 2010. R.I.P, my friend.
November 9, 2010
i am a childhood friend of thomas. kevin may remember me and i will always remember thomas as the big brother and a good friend. we lived down the street from the gennarellis'.sorry for your loss. sam sessa
Frank Sutphen
November 9, 2010
Paula, Mrs. Gennarelli & family, My deepest sympathies and condolences to all of you in this time of loss. Tom was a GREAT guy ! Even on a tough day, he wore a smile. His quiet tone made Tom someone everyone turned to. Our faith tells us that he is now at peace and out of pain with our Lord. May that and all the fondest memories of Tom comfort you in the days to come. God Bless you all !
Charles and Amy McDevitt
November 9, 2010
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered “come here to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
November 9, 2010
Dear Paula
Our DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU and YOUR FAMILY on the passing of your beloved husband Tom.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at the dificult time.
Grace and Thaddeus Praski, South River, NJ
William Wolff
November 9, 2010
Gennarelli Family,
Tom was one of the good guys. He will be surely missed by everyone.
William Wolff WPD(retired) Port St. Lucie, Florida
Thomas Rizzo
November 9, 2010
Much too soon to go. Tom was truly one of the good guys.
Rest now my brother,your shift is over.
Rachel Downey
November 9, 2010
Dearest Paula and family,
My deepest condolenses for your loss. May God bless you and your family through this difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
November 9, 2010
Dear Paula,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Tom's passing. Although it has been many years, we have very fond memories of the friendships Jillian and Eric shared with Erika and Tom Jr. We will always remember Tom and how special he was to everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Jeanne and Ken Jensen
November 9, 2010
Paula,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sean Fitzmorris
Patti Fehervari
November 9, 2010
Fondly remember Tommy and my husband Dave being friends while at Franklin P.D. so many years ago. My warmest and kindest thoughts are with Tom's family. God's love and grace will be with you during this time. Heaven has a new bright star.
November 9, 2010
Paula,
So shocked to see this today. I am sure you had a wonderful life with Tom all these years. Hold fast to the memories and know that he is in the Lord's hands. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Nancy Gordon(National Starch)
Mevanice Evans
November 9, 2010
Dear Paula,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God continue to shine his light on you all.
Melvanice Evans
Donna Estok
November 9, 2010
Tom, you touched many people especially Rich and I - you will be missed. I can only say now you are at peace. I will always remember your smile.
November 9, 2010
Paula and Family,
I would like to express my sincere sadness and sympathies during this very difficult time.
My thoughts are with you.
Leanne Ciotola
Dave and Michele Johns
November 9, 2010
May god bless you and your family at this time. We were deeply saddened to hear of Tom's passing. His smile and laugh will always be remembered, he always knew how to brighten a day. He was a good man and truly will be missed. Our prayers to you and your family!
November 9, 2010
Dear Paula and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Sally Busher
November 9, 2010
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Gennarelli family at this time of loss. May you find comfort in knowing your loved one is now at peace." Hollis Darby, Piscataway, NJ
November 9, 2010
Dear Paula and family,
It is with great sadness that I learned of Tom's passing. My deepest sympathy at this time. I hope family and friends will give you strength and comfort.
Sincerely,
Marie Nonnemacher
Frank & Sally Sutton
November 9, 2010
May God bless your family, Tommy, as you have been a blessing to them. Your friendship and the fine life you have lived is a blessing to all who knew you.
JOE SEUBERT
November 9, 2010
TO TOM'S FAMILY, I SEND MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON YOUR LOSS. I WORKED WITH TOM A LITTLE BEFORE I RETIRED FROM WPD IN 91'. HE WAS A GOOD MAN AND WAS A BENEFIT TO WPD AND THE PEOPLE OF WOODBRIDGE TWSP. HE WILL BE MISSED.
Buzz Lorincz
November 9, 2010
I served with Tom for 10 yrs at Franklin PD he was the best
Linda Vena
November 9, 2010
Tommy, you will be greatly missed.
My prayers are with your family.
Rest in peace.
Rudy Modeszto
November 9, 2010
Tom, you were a great friend and an outstanding co-worker. I, as well as legions of others, will miss your quick wit and ever present smile. My condolances to Paula, your children, Mom and others who had the pleasure to know you and be a part of your life. See ya' on the other side, my friend.
Showing 1 - 44 of 44 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Gennarelli's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Gennarelli
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Gennarelli's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
