On November 27, 2022, Thomas McPartland, of Park Ridge, formerly of Leonia, passed away one day shy of his 63rd birthday at home with his loving family, after courageously battling metastatic melanoma and other serious medical conditions which were a result of this cancer. He is survived by his adoring wife of 19 years, Dawn (Thumudo), son James, siblings Kenny (Betsy) of Leonia, NJ, Mike (Fran) of Tuckerton, NJ, and Kelly of Tacoma, Washington, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Tom is predeceased by his parents Eleanor and Edward and oldest brother Edward Jr.
Tom was always up for fun and an adventure be it following his brother out west and getting a job working for the forest service, bungee jumping off the Binghamton, parasailing in Captiva, riding his 1968 BSA motorcycle (Captain Morgan), or catching waves at the Jersey shore.
As cliché as it sounds, anyone who knew Tom loved him. He never had a bad word to say, always rooted for the underdog, and had a smile that would light up his beautiful blue eyes. He never hesitated to help anyone who needed a hand, even stopping on the side of the road after a family outing when he came upon a fatal accident one summer.
He was a hard worker and the proud business owner of Northeastern Autoglass for over 20 years before his health made it too difficult continue. However, Tom was always proudest of his son and family. He could always be found cheering James on at one sporting event after another, whether it be soccer, basketball, football, or baseball. Even when there wasn’t an organized game, the two of them could be found in the backyard throwing around a baseball, kicking a soccer ball or shooting hoops. They often would have hours of late night conversations when they both found it hard to sleep, especially these last few months.
He loved to tell stories about growing up in Leonia with his immediate family and cousins under one roof. Whether it be raking the rocks in front of the house, hopping the freight train that passed through town, family parties in the basement, vacations with family down the shore, camping at Otter Lake or visits to Keansburg family was always an important part of Tom’s life.
Tom’s passing will leave a hole in all our hearts, but we are all blessed and better having known him and being able to call him our father, husband, brother, cousin, uncle or friend.
The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, on Thursday, December 1 from 4-8p and a Mass celebrating Tom’s life will be held at Our Lady of Mercy R.C. Church in Park Ridge, on Friday, December 2 at 11am.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations in Tom’s memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, mskcc.org or The Tri-Boro Food Pantry, https://www.triborofoodpantry.org/.
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