Andrew Thomas Morales

Andrew Morales, 39, of Toms River, passed away on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, at home. He was born in New Brunswick and grew up in Tinton Falls. Andrew also lived for 5 years in West Seattle before moving back to Toms River in 2020. He graduated from Monmouth Regional High School in Tinton Falls in 2004.
While living in West Seattle, he worked at the Seattle Fish Market and was known for making the best Cod Cakes in the area! Earlier in his life, he was an Assistant Manager at Blockbuster Video and also a delivery driver for The Hungry Puppy.
One of his greatest accomplishments took place in 2016 when he hiked the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine over a period of 7 months... 2,198 miles! Andrew loved everything about the outdoors. In the summer, one of his great projects was raising endangered Monarch Butterflies from egg to butterfly. He planted milkweed along the entire side of his house and in the evening, he could often be found outside with his flashlight searching for Monarch eggs. This past summer, he released over 75 butterflies!
Andrew was predeceased in 2022 by his beloved father, Nicholas Morales, Jr. He is also predeceased by his grandparents, Eleanor and Thomas Gross and Maria and Nicolas Morales. Andrew is survived by his mother, Lois Gross of Toms River, his brother, Matthew Morales of Tinton Falls, and his sister, Rachel Morales. He also leaves behind his little dog, Keith and his cat, Little One. A memorial service will be held in the near future at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Neptune. The date will be announced.