Thomas Largey

Thomas Patrick Largey, 92, of Sea Bright, NJ, passed away July 17, 2024, peacefully, at Riverview Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born on March 19, 1932 in Elmhurst, Long Island to the late Tom and Mary Largey.
Tom was the eldest child along with four siblings. The family lived in Astoria, Queens during his youngest years, during which time his dad owned a successful trucking business. He and his brother Bob often went on the more exciting delivery jobs, the best of which was delivering the circus. When Tom was eight, the family moved to the Jersey Shore, settling across the street from his Grandmother in East Keansburg, and attending St. Ann's School in Keansburg. He had an adventure filled childhood, some of which included running across the summer cottage rooftops, and climbing to the top of the Ocean Avenue School to retrieve the balls with his brother Bob. He learned the value of hard work when he was very young by picking strawberries on McMahon Farm for a dollar a day. He learned to drive a car at the age of twelve, often helping his dad out when needed. He went onto Red Bank Catholic High School, very much enjoying his time there - playing baseball, but excelling at football. During the first couple summers, he parked cars at the Keansburg Boardwalk, collecting 10¢ a car. He was well loved for his honesty, as he was the only attendant to submit all the proceeds to the lot owner (minus enough for a hot dog and a drink.) When he was a bit older, his other high school summers were spent driving the "taxi" from the ferry to the boardwalk - collecting 25¢ a fare. His early love for driving resulted in many "racing" escapades involving his dad's Packard - one of which resulted in a visit from the Middletown PD.
He graduated from RBC in 1950, borrowed $300 from his Grandmother to use as a down payment on a new Dodge, used it as a taxi at the Boardwalk, and paid her back after the 4th of July weekend. That fall, he spent with his dad as a longshoreman, loading ammunition at Earle. He loved that job for the excitement, and the pay ($6.50 an hour because of the danger.) In 1951 he joined the Air Force with three of his buddies. He completed Basic Training in Geneva, New York, and continued on to the Air Force's Phone Company school in Cheyenne Wyoming. From there he did stints at Craig AFB in Selma, Alabama, Takotna, Alaska (to watch the Russians,) and McChord AFB in Tacoma Washington. He made his Fourth Stripe (Staff Sergeant) at NCO School. As his service was winding down, his Colonel got him an offer to be able to attend Butler University in Indiana to play football - he declined, in order to get back to New Jersey. As he always stated, it was the best decision he ever made, as he met the love of his life Joan and remained happily married for 65 years until her death in March, 2023. He began his 30-year career at Fort Monmouth and started their family with the arrival of their first son Thomas, Jr., followed by their twin boys, Patrick and John, and then Brian, and then finally, their girl - Linda. After coming home from work, Tom learned how to build houses on the side, and built up a small family rental business. Throughout his time at the "Fort" he received numerous awards for his inventive ideas which saved the Army untold monies. He received two patents for his ideas, one of which was the "automobile check" on calls dialed (think "dial 9" to get a dial tone.)
All of Tom's adventures and experiences (skiing, sailing, building) was nothing in comparison for the love and pride for his wife Joan, and his children, Tom, Pat, John, Brian and Linda. There was nothing he wouldn't do for any of them. He was rewarded in kind with devotion, love, and caring till his dying day. Last but not least, he was beyond rewarded for his good, kind, life to be blessed with (as he often would say) the two best grandsons in the world (Nate and Zach, and of course his wonderful son-in-law Gregory Whitehead.) There wasn't a day that would go by that he and Joan did not see them, or at minimum talk to them, culminating in their nightly goodnight prayers. Tom and Joan were overjoyed at their good fortune to have lived as long as they did, so that they could enjoy watching them grow, and share in their sporting events, many vacations, and most especially when the boys got to altar serve together. Tom was also proud and thankful for the addition of Brian's wife and children - Kathleen, Rick, Caecilia, and Gwenyth into the family. Above all else however, was his love for God, and the Blessed Mother. He firmly believed that his life was so wonderful because of the Blessed Mother's grace. After the death of Joan, his heart was broken, and he carried on the best he could until he was called back home to her. He promised he would be looking out for us from Heaven - until we meet again.
Tom is survived by his children, and grandchildren, as well as his brothers' Richard & (Nona,) Joseph & (Janice,) his sister-in-law Marlene Wisniewski & (Rich,) and numerous loving nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Patricia (Largey) Crawford & (Robert,) his brother Robert & (Eileen,) and his sister-in-law Dolly Eskesen.
Visitation for Tom will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 from 5-8 pm at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown, NJ.
A Funeral Liturgy will be offered on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 10:00 am at Saint Mary, Mother of God Church, 19 Cherry Tree Farm Rd, Middletown, NJ.
Burial will follow at Holmdel Cemetery, 900 Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733