Thomas Joseph Barilla

Thomas (Tom) Joseph Barilla, 77, of Lakewood, NJ passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus surrounded by his family. He and his wife, Linda J. (Goodsell) Barilla were married for 48 years in January. Born in Lehighton, PA he is survived by his wife, his children Todd (“Poogie”), Brad (“Beauregard”), Keith (“Grizz”) and his wife Jaime (Marino), and Holly (“Smoochie”); grandchildren Gavin (4) and Amelia (3) and their dog Scooter (known lovingly to Tom as “Charlie”), his “puss cat” Xena and “bestest pal” Zelda. Tom is also survived by his two sisters, Sandra (“Sandi”) Bury and Mary (“Mickey”) Buhl. Tom is predeceased by his father Joseph, mother Helen, sisters Joanne (Joanie) Barilla and Genevieve (Jeanie) Deubler, and his “floppy dog” Smokey.

Tom is a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force where he worked as an aircraft mechanic. He worked for HB Fuller Company as a truck driver and shipping manager until he retired. He was an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting with his late cousin Ted, fishing, and working on his car. Tom had an uncanny ability to keep cars running, including his beloved “Oscar”, a 1994 Ford F-150 that is still going strong. Tom was a diehard Steelers fan who loved telling jokes and stories about his time growing up and driving his 18-wheeler up and down the East Coast. He loved NASCAR, as well as going to the Wall Township Speedway. He coached baseball for many years, long after his sons stopped playing. Tom was a jack of all trades and was always willing help others in need. There is no shortage of entertainment from VHS tapes, which Tom filmed during many family vacations.

There are no events planned, as Tom did not wish to have any services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at http://giftfunds.stjude.org/TomBarilla.