Thomas E. Critelli

July 19, 1926 - April 30, 2022

Thomas Edward Critelli July 19, 1926 - April 30, 2022 Some people are just easy to like. They’re easy to like because they are kind, genuine and affable. They’re easy to like because they’re generous not only with their resources but also with their time and their spirit. They’re easy to like because they have been a success and never felt the need to be showy about it. They’re easy to like because of their values, their integrity, and their courage. They’re easy to like because they tell you like it is with no B.S. They’re easy to like because they love unconditionally. And they’re easy to like simply because they’re a joy to be around. Thomas Edward Critelli, who passed away on April 30, 2022, after 95 well-lived years that had a profound impact on everyone he knew, was one of those people. Easy to like. Easy to talk to. Easy to love. Tom was born on July 19, 1926, in Jersey City, NJ. A man of great character and courage, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II. As a member of the U.S. Naval Construction Battalions (the Seabees), he spent several years helping to rebuild Pearl Harbor after the attack. This love of country and commitment to service continued long after the war, leading him to spend 20 years as a proud member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. On November 8, 1959, he married the love of his life, Bernice, beginning a 62-year marriage that produced three children, seven grandchildren, hundreds of joyful family gatherings, countless cherished friendships and an estimated 1,700 trips to Atlantic City. A successful and respected business owner, Tom owned and operated a Sunoco Station in Jersey City from 1960 – 1990, becoming an active and beloved member of the community. A volunteer with the Jersey City Moose Lodge, he rose through the organization’s ranks to become a Governor and eventually a Pilgrim, the organization’s highest honor in the country. Always generous with his time and resources, Tom also spent many years volunteering with the Ocean County Cancer Society and Caregivers of Ocean County, driving patients to their healthcare appointments. He was a member of St. Luke Roman Catholic Church in Toms River and well into his 90s could be found swimming laps in his community pool and biking at the gym to keep his body, mind and spirit strong. It goes without saying that Tom loved his family. He loved family gatherings – big or small. (Who are we kidding, they were always big.) And whether you were his child, his grandchild, his brother-in-law, his second cousin on his mother’s side, his third cousin on his father’s side, a cherished employee, a fishing buddy, his nephew’s college roommate, or his daughter-in-law’s brother’s girlfriend, the warmth with which he welcomed you into a conversation, or into his home, told you that you were part of his family. Tom’s other loves included the New York Yankees (who won 26 of their 27 World Series titles during his lifetime), the New York Football Giants (for whom he was a season-ticket holder for many years) and fishing. Boy, did he love fishing. He loved the challenge of the sport, the smell of the sea air, and the freedom of being on the open water. But what he loved most about fishing was the precious gift it gave him – the gift of time spent with those he loved. Time with his children, with his grandchildren, with his nieces, nephews and cousins, and with his dear friends. It’s no wonder that this city boy decided to retire to a house on the water in Toms River. Tom is survived by his wife: Bernice (nee Briamonte) Critelli; his children and their spouses, Thomas and Mary Critelli, Carol and John D’Oriano, and Donna and Ed Carannante; his grandchildren, Thomas and Chelsea Critelli, Carianne D’Oriano, Danielle Critelli, Gina D’Oriano, Anthony Critelli, EJ Carannante, and Michael Carannante; and a list of loving family and friends that goes on for days. He is predeceased by his parents, Assunta and Tomasso Critelli; and his siblings, Josephine and Ed Graziano, Mary Sarno, Vito and Mary Critelli, Viola and Joseph Cassidy, Vincent and Marilyn Critelli, and Anthony and Mitzie Critelli, Vincent and Irene Ruggiero, Caroline and Joe Campichiaro, and John and Marion Ruggiero. Visiting will be Tuesday 4:00pm until 8:00pm at the Silverton Memorial Funeral Home 2482 Church Road, Toms River, NJ A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday 10:30am at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church 1674 Old Freehold Road, Toms River, NJ Entombment will follow t Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: Holisticare Hospice 1268 Route 37 West, NJ 08755 732-731-8100