Thomas A. Welch

With deep love and profound sadness, we share the passing of Thomas Alfred Francis Welch, Jr. who left this world on Friday, November 7, 2025. He will be remembered for his boundless compassion, radiant spirit, and the warmth that he brought into every room.
Thomas, also known as Tom, Tommy, and Mr. Welch to all. Tommy was born at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ. Thomas had a gift of caring - not just for family and friends, but for anyone in need of comfort or kindness. He kept a prayer list close to his heart, lifting up those he loved and even those who simply needed a bit of light. His faith and empathy touched countless lives.
He attended Atlantic Highlands Elementary, Meridian Academy in Colts Neck and Port Monmouth, High Road School in East Brunswick, Alpha School in Lakewood and Jackson, and Henry Hudson Regional High School in Highlands, NJ where he graduated and received his diploma. He went on to Brookdale College and later obtained his Home Health Aid Certificate.
Tom joined the Boy Scout Troop 454 in Freehold NJ, a Special Needs Troop under Chris Huhes, where he became a member of the Order of the Arrow and achieved Brotherhood. He then attained the rank of Eagle in December of 2013. Afterwards, he worked with a new troop 926 out of St. Martha's Church in Ocean Twp. NJ. He later joined Troop 47 in Middletown NJ under Ed Semple who was his original Eagle Advisor. Finally, he joined Troop 22 in Navesink NJ as an Assistant Scout Master.
In Troop 22, Tom was an Eagle Advisor and coached 10 boys to become Eagle Scouts. He taught 10 merit badges, many which were Eagle required, and was the OA Troop Advisor.
Tommy's life was not a straight road. He worked hard for all his accomplishments. Many doors closed him out, but he took it in stride and prayed to make things work.
Tommy followed in his father's footsteps and became a member of the Knights of Columbus. First in the Vincent T Lombardi Council # 6552, and became a 4th Degree Knight. He then went over to the Long Branch Council # 335 before finally moving to the Rev. Joseph J Donnelly Council # 11660 in Highlands, NJ.
Tommy worked his way up through the ranks. At the Council level, he was a Warden and on different committees. In the 4th Degree, Tom became a Pilot, the Captain, and finally the Faithful Navigator of the Bishop McFaul Assembly #646 and was so proud.
Tommy loved sports and played both Softball and Bowling with the Special Olympics. He loved the NJ Devils where he had Season Passes for the past 8 years. He also loved the Yankees and Giants.
He was a very special young man who had a tremendous faith in God. His passions were Faith, Family, the Scouts, Knights, Sports, animals, and Special Need children. When his cousin, Larry McKeon passed away, he left 2 young boys, LJ & Kaden McKeon, Tommy stepped up to help mentor them and encourage them with Scouting, Sports, School and Religious Education. One of his brightest moments was becoming the Godfather to Charles Andrew Faler. Although Tommy was a cousin, his cousin's children were considered nephews to Tommy: LJ (Lawrence) McKeon III, Jack Faler, Kaden McKeon, Charles Faler, and later taking on Dan DeLisi's two twins, Damian and Aurora DeLisi.
Thomas had a wonderful, quirky sense of humor - even in awkward moments, he would find a way to make everyone smile. His laughter was contagious, his heart enormous, and his love for animals unwavering, whether two-legged or four legged, every being found a friend in him.
He leaves behind his parents, Louise Siwiec (Ambrosio) Welch and Thomas Alfred Welch, Sr, a sister, Michele Ann Ambrosio Mullins and brother-in-law, Curtis Mullins, his paternal Aunt Ann Welch Dimaira, Uncle Kevin Welch and Mary Keenan Welch, cousins, Angelo Melillo, Jr., Elizabeth Welch Crye, Brad Crye and their son Declan Crye, Matthew Welch and Megan Perry and their son Gregory Welch, Liam Welch and Beth, Peter Dimaira, Jennifer Dimaira, Charles Faler, Kathleen McKeon, and Dan DeLisi.
Predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Mary and Jacob Siwiec, Anna and Anthony Ambrosio, his paternal grandparents, Bernard and Clair Welch, maternal Aunt Irene Siwiec Melillo and Uncle Angelo Melillo, paternal Uncle Frank Dimaira, and cousin Lawrence McKeon Jr.
Friends and relatives may pay their respects Saturday, November 15 from 7-9 pm and Sunday, November 16 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Rd., Middletown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, November 17 at 10 am at St. Agnes RC Church, 103 Center Ave., Atlantic Highlands. Interment will follow at St. James Cemetery, Woodbridge.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Boy Scout Troop 22, PO Box 341, Navesink, NJ 07752,
The Rev. Joseph J Donnelly Knights of Columbus # 11660
OLPH-St. Agnes Parish, 103 Center Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall St, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Barn for the Poorest of the Poor, 49 Kanes Ln, Middletown, NJ 07748