Thomas J. Merchant passed away peacefully on October 5, 2013 at The Van Dyke Hospice in Toms River. He was 67. Born in Kearny, he lived there most of his life before moving to Lanoka Harbor 14 years ago. It was in Lanoka Harbor where Tom really began to enjoy fishing on his boat another passion, like his love of hunting.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife , Maryann (nee Dos Santos), his beloved daughters and their husbands Kelliann and David Wilson and Allison and Kyle Sica. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren Hanna and David Wilson and Kamryn and Thomas Sica, along with his sister Mary Edmiston and her family and his brother Robert and his family. Sadly, Tom was predeceased by his beloved son Tommy, 24 years ago.
His loving wife Maryann laments; We have lost a wonderful and very special man. He was a great dad, he loved his sons in law. He was a good friend to all who knew him and will especially be missed by his best buddy Artie. Those who knew him, knew he was most content at Sunday dinner when he had all his family together. Now he is at peace and with his son, Tommy. He has joined those, whom he loved ,that have made their journey over the bridge. Rest in Peace Tommy. I will love you forever.
A beautiful service was handled privately at the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny.