Thomas E Auer

Thomas (Tom) E. Auer, 78, of Little Egg Harbor, N.J., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, surrounded by loving family. Tom was a proud graduate of Dunellen High School (NJ), going on to serve a distinguished career in the United States Air Force. A Vietnam War veteran, and an Air Force logistics manager, he moved around the globe (Turkey, Mississippi, Alabama, Delaware, Illinois, South Dakota, and Hawaii) in support of his country, honorably retiring after 23 years at the rank of Senior MSgt. Tom was always proud of those who chose to serve as first responders or in service to our country. He began his second career at RSL in Egg Harbor, spending 20 years as a purchasing manager and building many cherished relationships.

Tom had a wicked sense of humor with an infectious, boisterous laugh, loving nothing more than to celebrate and support his friends and family. Tom never met a handyman project he didn’t tackle, could recall frame by frame action from any movie, was a diehard Dallas Cowboys’ fan (win or lose), and could often be seen at Wawa, but Cracker Barrel held his heart. He was a generous soul who would give all of himself to anyone in need and fiercely loyal to those whom he loved. During retirement, Tom spent countless hours at the Cuisine on the Green at the Atlantis Golf Club, sharing many laughs with his friends and the staff, finding peace playing hundreds of rounds on the golf course and several times nearly shooting his age. Most of all, he derived great pleasure and fulfillment from numerous visits, trips, and games with his beloved grandchildren.

Tom was predeceased by his parents John and Edith Auer, sister Carol Ann Ambrose, and brother-in-law William Barneman.

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Sharon Auer, daughters April Purtell and husband Bryan of Ashburn, Virginia, and Christina Venezia and husband Frank of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and son-in-law Frank Pocsi, Jr. and his wife Jeannie. Additionally, Thomas is survived by his sister Kathleen Barneman and brother John Auer, also of Little Egg Harbor, and grandchildren Kaitlyn, Colin, Emma, Michael, John, Christine, Frankie, Brianna, Tyler and Travis, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at Maxwell Funeral Home, 160 Mathistown Rd, Little Egg Harbor. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church, 450 Radio Rd, Little Egg Harbor. Burial to follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Park in Wrightstown, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations to be made to the American Melanoma Foundation at https://melanomafoundation.org/donate.