Terence Foley

Terence J. Foley, 62, of Toms River, NJ, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025.
Terence was born on November 4, 1963 in Long Branch, NJ. In his early years, he and his family lived in Deal prior to moving to Bay Head. He attended St. Mary's Grammar School (West Allenhurst) and St. Rose High School (Belmar). He attended St. Francis College in Loretto, PA, where he met his future wife, Joan Bernard.
After graduating from college, Terence began his career as a juvenile probation officer in 1986. Over the course of the next 36 years, he worked in many divisions, ultimately ending his judicial service as Chief Probation Officer in the Ocean Vicinage before retiring in 2022. His family affectionately called him "The Chief".
Terence worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He was a man guided by a strong sense of character and an unyielding moral code. His wife and daughters were his entire world. An exceptional girl dad, he was a terrific dance dad to Bridget & "Coach T" to Erin's soccer team. He always wanted nothing but the best for his girls. He often texted them just to let them know how much he loved them and how proud he was of all their accomplishments. He would drop everything to help his girls, whether it be proofreading a resume, interview advice, car trouble or anything and everything in between. His girls often joked with him that behind his sometimes tough exterior, he was really a big softie at heart.
An avid Bruce Springsteen fan, Terence knew every word of Bruce's songs. He attended many Springsteen concerts throughout his life, often with his family, as he imparted his love for Bruce onto his wife and daughters. Terence was also a lifelong Mets and Giants fan. Even in the worst years, he supported his teams and always remained hopeful for a better season next year. His love for these teams also rubbed off on his family and they will continue to root for them in his honor.
Never one to care what others thought of him, Terence was often seen wearing his "6-pocket shorts" and well-worn t-shirts, riding around in his beat-up, old jalopy. He loved sunbathing on the beach, a good James Patterson novel, happy hour at the Sawmill for a bar pie or ordering hot wings at The Ark. He loved collecting firewood for fires in the wood burner, and his family often joked that he would have built a fire on a 90-degree day if they let him. He especially loved summer days with his family lounging by their backyard pool.
Terence also valued the friendships he made throughout the years. Some of his most enduring friendships are from his time in juvenile probation. He also was fortunate to be welcomed to the Shore 5 softball team where he formed friendships that have lasted for decades.
Most of all, Terence was known for his wicked sense of humor. Whether it was his commentary on long car rides, popular fashion trends, or just a classic dad joke with a silly pun, he always kept his family and friends laughing with his quick wit and impeccable comedic timing. Road trips were certainly an adventure, filled with his famous Dad quotes where his family would roll with laughter when he blurted out his one-liners. He made everything fun and had an incredible belly laugh that his loved ones will miss terribly.
Terence is survived by his wife of 38 years, Joan, Toms River, NJ; his daughters, Bridget of Philadelphia, PA and Erin of Saratoga Springs, NY; the family's beloved rescue pets: dogs Charley, Rosie and Jersey Girl and cats Maverick and Foley; his siblings Stephen (Betsy), Michael (Maria), Brian, Patricia Burke (Don), Jim (Cate), Joe (Kathy) and John (Teresa), as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased in death by his father Stephen J. Foley, Sr., and mother Patricia (Harriman) Foley.
A memorial mass will be held on Thursday December 18th, 2025 at St. Josephs RC Church beginning at 10 am. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to All Fur One Pet Rescue & Adoptions, 1747 Hooper Ave., Suite 11, Toms River, NJ 08753. www.allfurone.org