Thomas F Dutter

Thomas F. Dutter, 63, a longtime resident of Maplewood, New Jersey, passed away on December 29, 2025.
Born on March 2, 1962, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Tom was the son of Marie A. (Tierney) Dutter and the late Robert T. Dutter. He was a graduate of Columbia High School in Maplewood, where he proudly played on the varsity baseball team as well as local American Legion teams during the summers. An accomplished and dedicated young man, Tom also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, a distinction he carried with pride throughout his life.
Following high school, Tom attended Pfeiffer College in North Carolina, where he continued his love of baseball as a member of the team. His ability to fix and build just about anything evolved into a long and successful career as a general contractor. Renowned for his craftsmanship, Tom worked with some of the area's most prestigious home builders, most notably Atkins Builders and Westfield Construction, overseeing the construction of luxury homes throughout the region. His contracting skills extended to a vast array of pro bono work for family, friends, neighbors, and friends of friends. Tom was always willing to lend a helping hand-often aided by his pickup trucks-to get the jobs, no matter how big or dirty, done.
Tom was a dyed-in-the-wool Baltimore Orioles fan. He was also a loyal supporter of the New Jersey Devils and Seton Hall University basketball. He also enjoyed playing softball in local leagues and cherished summers spent on Long Beach Island with an extended family of close friends, several of whom date back to grade school. Those friends are the epitome of the famous closing line in Stand By Me: "I never had any friends like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?"
Tom is survived by his loving mother, Marie A. Dutter (Tierney); his brother, Gregory Dutter, and his wife, Kathy Passero; his cherished nieces and nephews, Darby Dutter, Jake Federico, Lisa Federico, Julie Federico, Robert Federico, Kensey Stewart, and Kody Phipps; and his dear friend Joan Antokol. He is also survived by three great nieces. He was predeceased by his father, Robert T. Dutter; his brother, John C. Dutter; and his sister, Alison Federico-Thomas.
A memorial service will be held at Saint Stephen's Cemetery & The Chapel at Short Hills in Millburn, New Jersey, January 9, at 11:30 a.m.