It's been nearly two months without my father and every day that passes becomes more surreal. I miss him, and I miss the memories. Thinking of you today more than ever. Love you dad 

I remember meeting Tommy after we moved  in across the street    He came over to our swing set and asked who my teacher was.  After that he became a friend and dependable neighbor.   One time my sisters and I thought we heard a noise in the basement.  My parents were out so we got Tommy who bravely searched our house with a butter knife.  I last saw Tommy several years ago on Easter.  We briefly caught up and I remember thinking how happy he was.  He will be truly missed.  My condolences to his wife and kids and the entire Tarullo family. 

Tommy was a very special member of our extended family of cousins. He worked for me in the relocation industry and was very respected by our clients and also his peers. He will be extremely missed and always remembered for his willingness to help others if called upon. I was personally proud to be his God-mother. He was one of the "good guys" and I will miss him! Rest in Peace, Tommy

I met Tommy when I was 11 years old when we moved across the street. He along with his three siblings became like a second family to the Brennan family.  I can say without hesitation that he was the one of the most genuine, compassionate and pretty much most awesome humans I have ever known. I am blessed and privileged to have known Tommy and to have called him my friend.  God bless his beautiful wife and children.  

The first time Tom met our (Jenn's) extended family was Easter at our parent's house.  He was coming over for dessert.
Our father thought we needed to know who had the largest head (The Grand Melon) in the family.  Tom walked in as we were using a tape measure to gather the information.  
He stuck around.
We then all knew he was a keeper.
(I was reminded of this memory by our Aunt Joyce)
------
Tom was my best audience at family events, my partner in coffee and early risings on family vacations, and a willing ear for my wacky dating stories. 

I will miss him terribly.  

I have so many fond memories of Tommy growing up on Oak Ridge Road.  It feels like just yesterday that I saw him playing basketball with my girls  in the driveway or throwing the football with my husband in the front yard.  Years later, it was wonderful to see that he never outgrew his charm and inherent kindness. He had that same great smile and was always in a good mood and offering to help.  Tommy was a loving father, husband, son and friend and will be dearly missed.  

Putting the loss of Tommy and my memories into words is an impossible undertaking. The first 20 years of my life Tommy lived down the street from me, in Belleville and then in Caldwell.  He was like the little brother I never had. We grew up spending summers together as an assembly of 8 kids at the beach, usually renting a house together and then eventually our families owning a house together.   Nobody loved the beach as much as Tommy, even though ironically he hated the sand as a little kid and always wore socks.   While some may disagree,  Tommy was the best body surfer in the family! He always had a smile on his face  and a laugh ready to go.  He will be missed beyond words and remembered warmheartdly.   I feel grateful and privileged Tommy was in my life.

Jen, Georgia, and TJ,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family.... We hope you find some peace in knowing how loved and special Tommy was to so many people.
Please take care of each other during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Tracy Knudson Kessel and family

You often hear people stricken with an illness called heroes and I’m not sure that’s always true.  I guess I’ve never been sure what a hero actually is.  But anyone who has spent time with my cousin Tommy this past year witnessed something remarkable and inspiring.  Bearing relentless pain and an increasingly uncertain future, he carried on with class, grace and not the slightest hint of complaint, self pity, or anger.  So much so that I had moments of doubt that his condition was that serious after all.  But then we’d here the truth from Jenn and know that the situation was terrible and we were in fact in the presence of a real hero.  I once read that the human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it, and my little cousin demonstrated that to me and I couldn’t be prouder to say he is family.  Pain didn’t define Tommy, it refined him.  I’m not sure I would be so brave if I were in his shoes.  Perhaps someday when I am, I will remember his example and it will give me strength and consolation, like heroes do.

Tommy has always had a calm and relaxed demeanor, very easy to be around.  He is one of the least pretentious and non-judgmental person you could meet.  Everyone thinks they’re a nice person I suppose, but I’m sure everyone would agree that Tommy is usually the nicest guy in the room.  And in the end you can’t say anything better about a person.  It’s not for nothing that he convinced a beautiful and dynamic person like Jenn to marry him. They raised two intelligent and kind young adults, both of them nearly always smiling and laughing,  just like their parents.  I’ve always loved spending time with Tommy’s family and I always will. 


My sincere condolences to the Tarullo family. I first met Tom ("Tommy" as I knew him) in 1980 when my family moved to Caldwell. He was one of my first friends at Jefferson School, and in the Cedars neighborhood. We spent many days skateboarding in the neighborhood, and just generally hanging out. In fact, I can still remember his phone number at Oak Ridge Place in Caldwell (226-8120).  We lost touch over the years, but the fond memories of our youth remain with me. Rest in peace old friend.

I met Tom in 2020 landscaping and worked with him everyday over the summer where he taught me all he knew about landscaping as well as life in general. He told me stories, taught me lessons, always had something funny to say, and treated me as an equal even though he had more experience and was older than me. He really helped me learn how to work and take care of what’s important in life like family and friends. Thank you Turk. 

OBITUARY

Thomas J. Tarullo

16 February, 1971 – 6 March, 2023

Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home

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