Thomas R. Pignatora

Thomas Robert Pignatora passed away peacefully on November 27, 2021 at the age of 98. Born on November 2, 1923 in Newark, New Jersey, Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Rose (Hilliard) and Frank Pignatora, his first wife Ida (Trimarco, mother of Marilyn), brothers William and George, and sisters Catherine Cedola, Rose Fenney, Elizabeth Solinski and Mary Tenreiro.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Catherine, daughter Marilyn Suszko (Joseph), grandchildren Joseph (Nicky) and Lori Epp (Michael), grandchildren Austin, Riley and Josi, and sisters Ann and Ellen Swider. He was also loved by his many nieces and nephews.

Thomas was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army until his honorable discharge in 1946. Thereafter, Thomas worked as a longshoreman at Port Newark until his retirement, and relocated from Belleville to Toms River with his wife. A long time Jitterbug enthusiast, Thomas and Catherine could be found every May in Florida, meeting up with friends, sitting by the pool, enjoying the ocean waves or dancing on a cruise ship headed for an island adventure. Once home, Thomas and Catherine used the summer months to soak up the sun and chat with longtime friends at the pool in Holiday Heights.

Visitation will be from 10:00-11:30 am at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Road, Toms River, NJ, on Friday, December 3, 2021 followed by a 12 pm Funeral Mass at St. Maximillian Kolbe Church, 130 Saint Maximillian Lane, Toms River, NJ. Gravesite services will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity in Thomas' name.