I just found out about Tom, all I can say during the time in Kings Kids when our paths crossed, when we worked together and after I left it all and the letter you wrote  where you kindly, lovingly and with  no coating your thoughts , just saying it as you saw it meant a lot, I still have that “epistle”. I was looking you up to contact you and found out you were gone. I hope you knew how much I appreciated you the whole time we worked together and the friend you were to me.  Thank you , it’s with a sad and heavy heart I type these words out.  My  condolence to the family, ,Tom was a character with true love for others.

Miss our weekly lunches at the Brick Wall in AP. Miss you.  
Pro

I am sorry I am just reading this.  I played with Tom at OCC.  We had such a great time together. We learned from each other.  Those times were precious. He was a fantastic human being.  My condolences.  Chris Blaszka

Tom - I miss you and our phone conversations so very much.

You spend have your life making friends and the other half getting rid of them.  Tom is a friend I never wanted to outlive. 
Tommy made me a better person Such a cliche. But its true. He was a great listener who did not offer advice unless asked.
We had our differences. Tom was a devout Christian minister and i am an agnostic. 
So we didn’t see eye to eye on certain things. 
When we were in high school, He accused me of stealing his girlfriend, and I told him I was only borrowing her. 
But when it came to loyalty Tom defended our friendship 
Once a friend of his when finding out i was an atheist kept inviting me to join him in a prayer session. I was perplexed but which Tom quickly stepped in and told the well meaning acquaintance that i was his friend and to respect my beliefs. 
Believe it or not, I never knew Toms political beliefs until just last year. I always assumed he was a liberal given his line of work and the deep conversations we had over the past decade. 
When he explained that it was all about the unborn child, it all made sense and I, like him, respected his beliefs. Our differences in Politics never infected or was mentioned again. 
Tom survived so many tragedies in the past 3 years. often with a wicked sense of humor.
When we were putting to together our 50th HS Reunion, he would often call me to ask if so and so had sent in their check for Reunion. Invariably the person he’d ask about had been dead for 20 years and when I begin to explain that, Tom would burst out laughing. He’d do it every time. 

Glen Burtnik said Tom was the best advertisement for a Christian that he ever knew. 
When asked if he had a good luck life, a man answered “Ask me after I die.” 
Right now, after having a friend like Tommy in my life, I’m feeling pretty lucky.

One of my favorite older cousins, he was always kind and caring, funny and happy

I was honored to have reconnected with Tommy at our 50th high school reunion. I never knew he was such a talented person. Condolences to his family and may his soul RIP. 

We were down at Jim, Bobby, and Ron’s place on a wonderful summertime day, I had finally gotten my 1953 Scott Atwater running on a little dinghy. Low and behold down the creek came Tom, and he paddled over for a spell. 
A great afternoon ensued, and Tom asked to borrow the little boat to go to his house and back, on his voyage back this great picture was taken. Looking back at it now, that day means so much more than ever. Tom has touched so many people, and he was a great man. 
The lord needed his help up yonder. His spirit will forever be in our hearts, and lives on in everything he created and touched.



Tom Giglio! Tom Giglio! Tom Giglio! I first heard the name Tom Giglio while a client at the Market Street Mission. He was the Program Director at MSM and had recently been in a terrible surfing accident and his recovery was still hanging in the balance. We all prayed for him daily and I heard wonderful story after story about this bigger than life person who I hadn’t yet met.
Some months later Tom returned to us probably too early in his recovery process but that was the kind of man he was. He couldn’t wait to get back on the horse. He missed his love of working, his mission, his life’s purpose at the Market Street Mission. 
I met Tom for the first time in the lobby of the Market Street Mission. I introduced myself and he threw his arms around me in a still weak but loving hug. I knew instantly I had made a true friend. Shortly after I was honored to be asked to serve along side him as worship leader at Pottersville Church. Over the next 3 years our friendship continued to grow with love and respect for one another. We broke bread many times together and enjoyed conversations about life, music, film, work and of course our love for God. I love and miss you Tom Giglio and you’ll remain in my heart and memory until we meet again in paradise.

Everyone of his brothers and sisters I spoke with told me we were lucky to get an extra 3 years after Tommy’s accident, but having seen him survive. I just thought he was bulletproof. I thought he and I would be side-by-side in a nursing home together 20 years from now. Of course we wouldn’t know who each of us were. 

When asked if he had a good luck life, a man answered “Ask me after I die.” 
Right now, after having a friend like Tommy in my life, I’m feeling pretty lucky. 

You spend have your life making friends and the other half getting rid of them.  Tom is a friend I never wanted to outlive. 
Tommy made me a better person Such a cliche. But its true. He was a great listener who did not offer advice unless asked.

We had our differences. Tom was a devout Christian minister and i am an agnostic. 

So we didn’t see eye to eye on certain things. 

When we were in high school, He accused me of stealing his girlfriend, and I told him I was only borrowing her. 
But when it came to loyalty Tom defended our friendship 

Once a friend of his when finding out i was an atheist kept inviting me to join him in a prayer session. I was perplexed but which Tom quickly stepped in and told the well meaning acquaintance that i was his friend and to respect my beliefs. 

Glen Burtnik said Tom was the best advertisement for a Christian that he ever knew. 

When I first met Tom 54 years ago in 1968 as a ninth grader At Linwood Jr. High. He was just this skinny blonde haired ball of energy bounding through the hallways he seemed to know everyone. I on the other hand had arrived At Linwood after 9 years of Catholic scho Lipp.  ool, uncomfortable in the clothes my mom had bought at Great Eastern or Two Guys or EJ Korvettes, after wearing a parochial school uniform since I was 6.  I would sit in the back of my homeroom hoping to blend into the chalk board. 
Tom on the other hand was just so spirited and seemed to have all these friends and all the answers. He was elected home room president, …I found out years later that 1968 was also Toms first year in in public school having just finished 9 years at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic grammar school. 

Tom Giglio was my first(4th grade) and last(senior year) basketball coach. That St.Francis CYO team though was the most I ever enjoyed playing sports. A lot of that was because of him. He took a bunch of misfits and made us a team while at the same time teaching us to become men. He always made me feel like I belonged and I’ll never forget it. 

Coach Giglio was such a great leader and role model to all of us LBI kids. I’ll never forget all the good times and him keeping us all going in the right direction in life!

"So now I can walk in Your presence, O Lord,
in your Lifegiving Light."     Psalm 56:13

Dear Daniel, Jonathan, Timothy,Jesse and families
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father.  I hope you have comfort in knowing that he is with your mom again without all the worldly stresses. I always enjoyed Bible discussions with Pastor Tom.  May he rest in joyful peace with his Heavenly Father.
Terri

I was really saddened to hear of Tommy's passing. Although it has been decades since I've seen him, I remember him speaking out NBYF and being in his home in Beach Haven.  I remember his warm personality and strength of character. 


I met Tom at Manahawkin Baptist Church. He was always saying amen during the message. I thought he was a little strange until we were on a retreat with our church andI got to spend some time with him.
We started to play some basketball together and then I went through some hard times. Tom immediately jumped into my life. If I was feeling down he was always available.
Tom, you we indeed a true and blessed friend
Joe Tuttle

My heart goes out to the family, I will have you in my prayers God bless you and keep you. Sandra Rataczak

I worked with Tom as his assistant in Pottersville,NJ. He was a kind and loving man. He had so much energy and such a great spirit! I remember him starting the Pottersville cafe at the church. What a wonderful experience that was every month. I also remember how much Tom cared for other people. He went out of his way to help others. He will be sorely missed.
My condolences to his loving family. 
Fondly,
Nancy Campbell 

   I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of "Tommy." That's how I knew him growing up in the  Farrington Park Section of North Brunswick. I remember playing all types of sports at the park, in all types of weather. What great fun we had. Tommy was younger but always determind to compete. Great childhood memories.
  In reading Tommy's obituary, I see what a wonderful, successful and caring man he grew to be. I know how proud the entire Giglio Family must be of him. God bless all.

Sincerely.
Bob Paolo

I did not know Tommy. I read his story online and was truly touched. Seems like he was a great man. My prayers to the family. I hope folks will say this about me when I'm gone.

Thom and Jeanne were such a blessing to us in Franklin.  We miss them and are so thankful for all the ways they poured into their "Twenty-Somethings." ❤️

Thank you Tom for all you did for me and my kiddos, will miss you  very much!

Uncle Tommy, I have so many great memories with you. A man who was kind, generous, smart, caring, witty and a light of Christ. I will be missing you. 

May the Giglio family find peace as they cope with Tom's passing.  

When Tom was called to be the Pastor of the Pottersville Reformed Church in New Jersey, my husband was in the hospital suffering from advanced Parkinson's Disease.  I will be forever grateful for the hope  and comfort Tom gave to Jans  during  his final days.

My heart goes out to the family and especially to his sons.  They have had so much to bear in a short time. You have my heartfelt condolences.

12/27/22
It is with great sadness to hear about the passing of Tom.  
We send our condolences to you his family. 
Tom was a hard worker and loved his home here in West Creek. 

With sadness  Anna and Bill McNally
Your neighbor at 254 


Tom, my brother in christ and my friend. I will miss you dearly. Your presence in my life was not by accident. You were put there by the master planner. It was because of him we were in each other's lives and for that I am truly grateful. I will miss our talks and our laughs. I will miss your wisdom. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me and help me when I needed it. I'm expecting to show up to work on Tues and see you there but I'm not and that makes me sad. But I know you are home in paradise. My condolences to your beautiful family. Rest in the fathers loving arms. Take care mbic. 

HE SHADED THE SUN FROM SOO MANY AN EYE
LATER BECAME THE AWNING GUY

FOR MANY A YEAR HE SHIELDED YOUR FACE FROM THE RAYS

HE DID THIS A LONG TIME OVER 15,000 DAYS

HIS WORK WAS METICULOUS HE WENT THE EXTRA MILE

HE WAS A SIMPLE MAN WHO WORE A SUBTLE SMILE

BEACH SAND AND THE SURF HE CHERISHED EACH DAY

I BELIEVE IT WAS THE LORD WHO TOOK HIM AWAY

YOUR MISSION WORK RESULTS SUCCESS YOU CANT HIDE

THE GOOD LORD TEXT YOU…. COME SIT BY MY SIDE

YOU WOKE TO THE SUNRISE TOOK PICS EVERYDAY

YOU SENT SOME TO ME WHAT MORE CAN I SAY

HE NEVER TOOK ONE MORE LIKE TEN OR FIFTEEN

SUNRISE AND SUNSETS LIKE YOUVE NEVER SEEN

HE ENJOYED A HOT COFFEE THEN QUICK GRAB A PADDLE

HE SAT IN THAT KAYAK LIKE A COMBOY ON A SADDLE

I DISTINCTLY REMEMBER FIRST TIME HE WENT BY

I YELLED GOOD MORNING TO THIS MYSTERY GUY

I OFFERED HIM A WATER HE REPLIED MAYBE LATER

I WISHED HIM WELL BUT SAID WATCH OUT FOR THE GATOR

IT DIDNT TAKE LONG FOR OUR FRIENDSHIP TO GROW

HE SAID HE STOP BACK HE HAD AN AWNING TO SEW

WE EXCHANGED NUMBERS CIGAR AND A BEER

THOSE MOMENTS NOW CHERISHED TO MY HEART I HOLD DEAR

LIKE I SAID BEFORE ILL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE

THAT YOU CAN COUNT ON LIKE LOW AND HIGH TIDE

A POEM FOR MY FRIEND
BY JHC 12-25-2022

     I first met Tom in kindergarten at Maple Meade elementary school in North Brunswick.  Our life time relationship took off in high school and strengthened through the years with surfing and skiing adventures.  My wife and I joined Tom and  Jeanne as he was one of the Pastors for New River Fellowship in Franklin, Tennessee.  A hard working diligent man of faith who never lacked enthusiasm and that classic smile of acceptance.
     We never missed a weekend bike ride through the hills of Tennessee.  He always was a man of encouragement and will be greatly missed.
Dudley Porter



To ALL who knew and Loved Tom as l have. My deepest condolences to his children and as l said, to ALL. I have been thinking, praying and waiting to find a special moment to share. But after 15 years, l can't find any one specific moment to talk of. 
Every moment with Tom was special. He was a friend, Brother in Christ, mentor and even my supervisor for a season with The Market Street Mission.
One thing l know is l loved Tom and Tom loved me. I guess that is the most special thing l can say. I will miss him greatly, but l know l will be with him again.
In Him,
Reverend Harry M Luther

I'm sorry to hear of Pastor Tom's passing.  My condolences to his family.  Sincerely, Ed and Ida Mae Schmidt, Pottersville, NJ

Shocked to hear of Tom's passing. 
I'm comforted by knowing that Tom has heard already from his Savior . . . "well done, good and faithful servant." 

Rev. David Taylor,      Delaware-Raritan Classis



Tom was a special friend. He led his church with spirit and love. I thoroughly enjoyed our interactions and his warm, evangelical spirit. He joins beloved family members in Jesus' nearer presence, and I pray for comfort for his beloved left  behind.

Our sympathies and love to Tom’s family.  We have such wonderful memories going way back to St. Francis basket ball.  The world has lost a wonderful man. May he Rest In Peace❤️ 

Precious in the sight of the Lord
    is the death of his faithful servants.
 Truly I am your servant, Lord;
    I serve you just as my mother did;
    you have freed me from my chains.

Psalm 116:15-16 

So sorry to hear of Tom's sudden and unexpected passing.  Although it's been many years since he and I had spent any significant time together, I'll always cherish the memories I have of working shoulder-to-shoulder with him on various jobsites on LBI, countless hours playing basketball with him at Stafford Intermediate, or just hanging out with him and his family at their house in Beach Haven.  Always there with a kind word, insightful comment, or timely advice, Tom was an excellent role model to me and everyone fortunate enough to know him.  I know his wise counsel, generous hospitality, and pastoral care touched many souls along the way.  Rest in peace my friend, business associate, and brother-in-Christ.

My sincere condolences to the Giglio family.

Larry Vitaliano

Last photo at breakfast this fall when his fraternity brother, Mike Silance came in for a visit….you will be missed Tommy! 

Pastor Raphael, your brother Thomas lived a wonderful life and is going to be dearly missed by everybody.

Dear Giglio family and friends, 
I am so sad to hear of Tommy’s passing.  I lived in his neighborhood and knew him from the neighborhood park (Farmington Lake) as well as in school.  Although I haven’t seen him in many many years, I am sure he continued to be an intelligent, giving and sincere person throughout his life. 
Condolences to all that were part of his world.
Lisa Kless


Diane, Richie, Tommy and Peter were all babysitters for the Cecere boys in North Brunswick. Sal and Dad were great friends sharing time at the racetrack and other things. One time shortly after our parents left the house to go out in one car, Tommy loaded us kids up in my Father's other car, 1960 something Pontiac Tempest. He drove us to a section of Farrington Lake to go fishing and catch frogs. Pretty sure he didn't have permission with the 'don't tell anyone' look on his face. Couldn't swear that he had driver's license either. Tommy also helped me get started in my own Awning business in the area that I lived in but it never took off. God Bless the Giglio family. If there is a service, I will go if it's local enough. Dad wants to go too. Take care, be well.
                                                  Stephen Cecere

We were so saddened to hear about Pastor Tom’s passing. He was such a loving, welcoming, giving person who we were so grateful to have met and to have had in our lives- he was our Pastor and friend- we will miss him dearly.   
Pastor Tom rode his bike to our home within days of us moving to Pottersville - and welcomed us to the church. Within a few years he dedicated our son, Philip Bruce (Philly).  Over the last few weeks Philly and our daughter Selah started mention Pastor Tom in their nightly prayers...and we were all looking forward to having him come over in the new year to see all the changes we finally finished making to the house.    We are still in shock that he is no longer on earth with us -  and cannot imagine how the Giglio family is feeling right now.  Our prayers are with you, Giglio family - for peace and comfort. 
Love, The Pesce family

 I just wanted to say how sorry I am about Tommy. He was such a good man who suffered too much tragedy in his life. We just got finished serving on our class reunion committee together and it was so nice spending time with him again. What a kind and thoughtful soul. May he Rest In Eternal Peace ☮️.  Gary Bowne

So sorry about Tom. He was a great man.  My condolences to his family.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers 

I am glad I met him again. at our high school reunion. RIP my dear classmate. 

Lydia Zakrewsky Barbely

Tom was a great friend from the Market Street  (Morristown) and Jersey Shore (Asbury Park) Rescue Missions.  He brought the men to Ocean Grove twice every summer.  Our sincerest condolences and God's blessings to the entire Giglio Family.

To hear of Tom’s passing was very shocking and heartfelt. Initially Tom was just a neighbor. He quickly became a dear friend to not only me but my cousins Bobby and Ron. 

He was larger than life. If he had a quarter he would give you .15 cents. You could always count on Tom. A considerate and genuine man. In the two short years I knew Tom, I grew to enjoy his company more and more. I’ll always remember his subtle smile. We shared both sunrise and sunset pictures via text message. Although Westecunk Creek will never be the same. The fond memories of Tom passing in his beloved kayak will always remain. 

Please know he was very close and dear to our hearts. Daniel, Jonathan, Tim and Liz, may the dear Lord give you strength to make it through such a terrible loss. Your father was truly an amazing human being. 

To my dear friend Tom, know one day we will kayak again on the other side brother. Rest in Peace now. God bless you. 

I simply cannot believe this . Tom would kayak past us all summer at 228 Dock Rd, and we became great friends. My brother Bob, Jim and I truly loved this man.  He was a straight shooter and a man with a huge heart.  Tom would do anything for anyone, for sure. We will miss him like a brother. I had the opportunity to work with him for a short time and could see how  much of a perfectionist he was. He will be missed beyond words.   

Ron Marquis 

Tom was a faithful friend, family man, businessman, and Christ-follower. His humor and wit were quick and uplifting. He was a godly example and an inspiration. 

Love and prayers to all of the Giglio family.

Tommy, say hello to grandma..

Thomas R. Giglio

Such a great soul he was.
My prayers and sympathy for the boys and family. 
I and am very sad right now to have heard of my close friend and brother's passing. I know this grief will pass but for now I'm missing him so much. He was more to me than I can explain. I'll just say that I am confident that he is at rest in the realm of our Heavenly Father. I know that because of the faith Tom shared with me throughout all the decades I was blessed to know Him.



So sad to hear of Mr. Giglio's passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.  We are thinking of you all.  
Sincerely, The Bednarek Family

OBITUARY

Thomas Giglio

June 22, 1954 – December 16, 2022

Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home

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