Thomas J. Ziccarello

Thomas J. Ziccarello was born on August 5, 1933, in Whippany, NJ, to Thomas and Saveria Ziccarello. He joined his loving wife of 71 years, Marie, in heaven on June 27, 2026. He was 92 years old. Thomas was a lifelong resident of Whippany, NJ, moving to Little River, SC recently.

Thomas was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Whippany. He retired after 25 years of dedicated service as a Hanover Township Police Lieutenant. He was a Volunteer Member of the Whippany Fire Department for more than 20 years and gave selflessly to his community throughout his adult life.

Thomas is predeceased by his parents and six siblings and survived by his brother-in-law, William Nasos (Mary) and his devoted children, Tina Z. Menke, Jessica Z. Hogan (Marlo), Thomas W. Ziccarello (Roe) and Andrea Ziccarello (Mark). Thomas was the proud and loving “Papou” to 11 grandchildren, Chloe (Lucas), Rachel (Luke), Gian in heaven, Joseph (Anne), Andrew (Caitlyn), Alex, Christina in heaven, Abigail, Zachary (Susan), Kayleigh, Eleni, and 2 great grandsons, Xavier and Walter, all who were the light of his life. He was an adored uncle to many nieces and nephews, and to some, he served as a loving father figure.

Thomas was a skilled carpenter who built his beautiful home, with his own two hands, where he raised his four children with his loving wife, graciously welcoming many family and friends, hosting many family gatherings and providing comfort and respite to those in need. Although Thomas spent many dedicated hours working and serving the local community, to provide for his family, he always found time to be present for his children and grandchildren’s sports events, dance performances, theatre productions and band concerts. He was a pillar of strength and always there to help those in need.

Thomas was a charter member of the Hanover Township Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, founded on May 7th, 1957, where he served as the first treasurer and secretary. After retirement from the Hanover Twp. Police Force Thomas was part owner of G & Z Liquors in Dover, NJ. In his retirement Thomas also used his carpentry and handcraft skills to repair and build small furniture. Thomas was also well known for his personal ministry of handcrafting hundreds, perhaps thousands, of beautiful wooden crosses which he gave freely in memory of his two grandchildren in heaven, spreading symbols of peace and love throughout the country and to U.S. troops overseas. Several times his crosses were sent to communities who suffered the devastating loss of children from gun violence. Over the years, he received many heartfelt thank you notes from those moved by his generous loving gesture.

Although Thomas will be missed here on earth, his family members are comforted knowing that he has now joined his beloved wife in heaven after she passed away only 34 days before his death. Thomas always expressed his love for his family without hesitation and this example of unconditional love will be carried on by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all his nieces and nephews. This will be his everlasting legacy.

A memorial service and celebration of Thomas and Marie Ziccarello’s lives will take place on July 11th at 10:30 a.m., at The Church of the Redeemer, 36 South Street, Morristown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution, in his memory, could be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.