Thomas J. Lacioppa

Thomas "Tom" Lacioppa Sr., a man who lived life with the zest of a fastball and the charm of a curveball, left this world on September 13, 2025, in Pittsgrove, NJ, after complications from Alzheimer's. Born on May 3, 1939, in Vineland, NJ, Tom's innings were full of love, laughter, and a few stolen bases.

Before Tom took his final lap around the bases, he shared 30 wonderful years with his late wife, Gloria (Swydersky) Lacioppa, who was undoubtedly waiting to catch him at home plate. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary Lacioppa.

Tom's legacy is carried on by his loving children: Lisa Anderson, Laurie Licciardello, and Thomas Lacioppa, Jr. (partner-Danielle Peterson). His grandchildren, Louis (Krista) Mavroff, Jeana (Anthony) Maccarone, Katie, Emily, and Sophia Licciardello, Navy Sonar Tech Submarine 2nd Class Thomas Lacioppa III, and Susanna Lacioppa. Along with his great-grandchildren, Logan, Kendall, Kelsey, and Adriana, who will all miss his playful teasing. Tom's sisters, Annette Lacioppa and Lorraine (Bernard) Connell, along with an extended bullpen of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends that will no doubt miss his uncanny ability to make everyone laugh.

Before Alzheimer's threw him a curveball, Tom found companionship with Diana Carman and her family. A graduate of Vineland High School, Class of '57, Tom was a star athlete, later celebrated in the Vineland HS Football and Baseball Hall of Fame. His skills on the field were so legendary that the Phillies scouted him, but Tom declined due to the demands of the farm.

As a vegetable farmer, in the earlier days, he supplied Campbell Soup Co. with tomatoes that were as ripe and robust as his sense of humor. After hanging up his farming cleats, he joined Lee Rain Irrigation.

Tom was a pillar of the community, serving on the Glassboro Farm Labor Board of Directors, joining the NJ Farm Bureau, and becoming a Lifetime Member of Willow Grove Volunteer Fire Company where he served as a Lieutenant and 1st Asst. Chief, and even juggled the books as Treasurer and Financial Advisor for purchases and assets.

Tom's faith was as strong as his handshake, and his heart was as big as his bellowing laugh. His generosity knew no bounds, always leaving with a "if you need anything, call me." An avid sports fan and golfer, Tom also loved the thrill of casinos, shared with his beloved Gloria. His fire company involvement and driving that fire tanker truck in parades were among his favorite pastimes, along with dancing at a good party. And who could forget his signature moves to the Y.M.C.A.?

In 1994, Tom lived every baseball fan's dream at Phillies Dreamweek in Clearwater, FL. There, he proved he still had "a glove like a vacuum cleaner" and could hit "the ball to the fence." He was loving, funny, and generous, and his absence leaves a hole in our lineup that can never be filled.

So here's to Tom Lacioppa Sr., a man who never struck out in the game of life. His spirit will forever be rounding the bases in the hearts of those who loved him. Play ball, Tom, play ball.

Family and friends will be received from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Monday September 22, 2025 and again from 9:00am until 10:30am followed by a funeral service at 10:30am on Tuesday September 23, 2025 at DeMarco – Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 S. Lincoln Ave. Vineland, NJ 08361. Burial will follow at Willow Grove Methodist Cemetery, 1845 Parvin Mill Rd, Elmer, NJ 08318

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/nj) or the Willow Grove Fire Company (https://willowgrovefd.com/)