Thomas Jackson Obituary, Death – At the age of 89, Thomas Lawrence Jackson, who resided in Old Bridge, New Jersey, passed away at the Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, New Jersey, on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Tom Jackson was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 11th, 1932. His parents were Thomas Jackson and Elizabeth (Dooley) Jackson. He served his country throughout the Korean War in the United States Navy from 1952 until 1957, and he felt a deep sense of pride for having done so. After moving back to the United States, he attended college to acquire a degree in electronics, began working at New York Telephone, and got married to Betty Gillespie.
They had been residents of Brooklyn up to the time of their move to Old Bridge in 1968. In addition to being a member of the Knights of Columbus, Tom served as a Eucharistic Minister and an usher at St. Ambrose Church. As an umpire for many years, you could also find him on the softball field or behind home plate. He was a familiar face. All of this was accomplished by him while he was working a full-time job at New Jersey Bell and raising a family of six.
After 38 years of service, Tom retired from NJ Bell in 1995, which gave him the opportunity to become more involved in the VFW. He currently holds the positions of Senior Vice Commander in Memorial Post 9468 and Chaplain in Post 7508. While handing out poppies over Memorial Day weekend and visiting neighborhood schools for Veterans Day, he found it quite enjoyable to engage in conversation with passersby in front of stores like Acme and Wawa. Because he retired, he was able to devote more time to softball, which was his actual passion.
Tom is known for being a founding member of the Middlesex County Over-60 and Over-70 softball leagues. He also served as Secretary for those leagues for a number of years. He kept playing far into his 80s and was constantly trying to get in a few swings whenever he could. He played until he was well into his 80s. Tom loved everything about softball, the New York Mets, his 1988 Ford Bronco (nicknamed “Dad’s Dream”), doing the crossword puzzle in the New York Daily News, calling people on their birthdays, and loving his fellow veterans. However, Tom’s love for his family was the most important thing in his life.
On Friday, November 25, 2022, visitation will be conducted from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Old Bridge Funeral Home, which is located at 2350 CR 516 in Old Bridge, New Jersey 08857.