February 21, 1931 – April 4, 2018
Thomas B Bright, 87, of Juno Beach, Florida passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 4, 2018 at his home, in the company of his children.
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Mr. Bright was the first of four children born to Frank and Martha Bright. After proudly graduating Linden High School in 1948, he enlisted in the US Navy. He proudly served on the Submarine U.S.S. Flying Fish during the Korean War.
He worked as a Corrections Officer at the New Jersey State Prison before becoming a Police Officer for the City of Linden, NJ, in December of 1955. He was a decorated police officer and rose to the rank of Detective-Lieutenant. He was an active member of the International Narcotics Enforcement Officer Association, the New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association. He was also President of Union County Juvenile Officers Association and President of Linden Local No. 42, PBA. He was also Chairman of Union County Narcotic Advisory Commission and an administrative member of the Linden Police Athletic League.
After retiring from the Linden Police Department in 1987, he continued to work as a Financial Advisor for Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company, retiring in 1996. He relocated to Juno Beach, Florida, with his wife, Violet Joan, in 2008. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of Juno Ocean Club.
He was a communicant of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Palm Beach Gardens and member of the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Bright was predeceased by the love of his life of 59 years, Violet Joan Bright, with whom he had three children. He was also predeceased by his brother Frank.
He is survived by his loving children, Carleen Newman of Jupiter, FL, Thomas Bright, Jr. and his wife, Cynthia Kierner, of Fairfax Station, VA., Christine Bright of Stuart, FL; 6 grandchildren Kelsey Skidd , Jesse Newman, Zachary Bright, Anders Bright, Jessica Cathcart and Brittany Burke; 6 great-grandchildren, Azelie, Maximus, Patrick, Declan, Lucas and William. He is also survived by his brother Burman Bright and sister Martha Edwards.
Mr. Bright was deeply loved and appreciated by many people. He was a very generous and religious man. He generously supported a number of charities and parishes. He always had time to chat and give support to anyone who needed help. His support, guidance, and love will be deeply missed but will be forever in our hearts.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to the Visitation on Tuesday, April 10, from 5pm until 7pm at Howard-Quattlebaum Funeral Home, 754 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408.
The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church at 9:45am on Wednesday April 11 followed by internment at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth at 12:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to St. Mary Catholic Church, 1200 East Main St., Pahokee, FL 33476, would be appreciated.
