L. Thomas Spontak

L. Thomas Spontak, age 76, passed away on Sunday October 30, 2022 at RWJ University Hospital in Somerville, NJ.  

Tom was born on January 10, 1946 in Pittsburgh, PA and moved to Green Brook, NJ where he graduated from Dunellen High School in 1963. After graduation Tom went to school in Miami, FL where he met his future wife, Patricia Terry. They married and moved back to Dunellen where they raised their three kids - Lance, Carrie and Heather. Tom was well know around town and could often be found at the Columbia Park tennis courts where he created and managed a very popular annual tennis tournament for area residents. Prior to his retirement, Tom spent his career in the finance/lending industry, many of those years as a finance manager for American General in South Plainfield, NJ where he would note one of his finest accomplishments was introducing his brother to his future wife.

Better known as Tom, T, Tbone, Dad, Pop or Poppy to his friends and family, Tom was an avid outdoorsman who loved his time on the river and in the mountains, especially with his family. He passed his love of the outdoors down to his brother, kids and grandchildren, with hunting/fishing trips to ‘the farm’, the Delaware River and the Catskills the backdrop for many family gatherings and memories.  His legendary annual family vacations to LBI were treasured by all. He loved his fishing trips to the Keys with his son Lance and his annual fishing trip on Block Island, RI with his grandsons Quinn, Blaize and Chase and son in laws Troy and Harold.

His love of music fueled many late night family dance parties and fireside gatherings with plenty of loud (and bad) singing. He also loved to read, play golf, and watch sports. He could often be seen in his favorite University of Miami or Dallas Cowboys gear and could often be heard ‘supporting’ his teams from rooms away. 

His brother, best friend and lifelong side kick, Duke, was among his most important and cherished relationships. He valued his many friendships throughout his life but none more than his life long friend Billy “Ben” Stransky, who shared his love of the outdoors, movies and fireworks. 

Most of all, Tom will be remembered for his spirit. His energy, sense of humor and love of life was infectious, fueling others to want to be around him. He was fun, genuine and caring. Everyone he leaves behind is grateful for the great memories that will remain with us. 

Tom’s memory will live on through his children Lance and his partner Gail, Carrie and her husband Troy, Heather and her husband Harold and his seven grandchildren Ashley, Ryan, Bailey, Hannah, Quinn, Blaize and Chase, great grandson Calvin and nieces and nephews Michael, Allison and Daniel. He is survived by his siblings Douglas “Duke” Spontak and sister in law Theresa, and Carol Spontak. He is pre-deceased by his parents Lawrence and Geraldine Spontak.

The family will be holding a private celebration of life in the weeks ahead. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to The Raptor Trust at 1390 White Bridge Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 or online at theraptortrust.org 
 

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