Thomas P. Columbo, Sr. passed peacefully with the comfort of his family by his side on May 24, 2021. He transitioned home to be with his Savior at the Memorial Hospital Pembroke, Florida, at the age of 72.
Preceded by his beloved parents, Agnes (née Gebhardt) and Henry Columbo; and brothers Kenneth and Dennis Columbo and Jerry Thompson.
Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara Columbo (née Griffin), of over 46 years. He is lovingly remembered by his two children: Tommy Jr. and wife Christine (née Kornas) and Michael; and his best friend and furbaby Edison. Beloved by many, Tom leaves behind his brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
Tom Sr. was born on Dec. 17, 1948, in Hoboken, NJ.
He proudly served as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps. A highly decorated war hero, Tom proudly and honorably served our country in the Vietnam War.
He went on to become a detective for the Hudson County Sheriff’s Department for over 20 years and was recognized for his outstanding service to his community. Elected as president of NJ State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (P.B.A.) Local 334, he was a sworn lifetime member of The New Jersey Police Honor Legion and served before retiring in 1997.
Additionally, Tom was a member of the American Legion Post 324 in Edison, NJ and a member of AMVETS where he volunteered his time speaking with veterans returning from active service.
A Past Exulted Ruler of B.P.O.E. Metuchen Elks Lodge No. 1914, Tom also belonged to Lafayette Lodge No. 27, Free and Accepted Masons, Rahway, NJ, and was a communicant of St. Andrew Catholic Church, Avenel, NJ.
He moved to Avenel, NJ, in 1990 with his loving wife and two sons where he split his time between New Jersey and winters in Florida.
One of his passions was playing Texas Hold’Em Poker and would often find him “playing with water” in the backyard and cherished every moment with his family! He enjoyed traveling to the serenity of Florida, including cruising the Caribbean Islands, and exploring foreign places such as: The Vatican and Sistine Chapel in Italy, Pyramids of Egypt, Mountains of Spain, Castles of Germany and making the love of his life, Barbara, smile every day.
A man of unwavering confidence and integrity, his life touched so many. He was the one you’d turn to if you needed a voice of reason or a reality check about what truly matters. He was one of God’s angels that taught us to always make peace. He will never be forgotten and is forever in our hearts!
We will love you, always!
The viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Costello-Koyen Funeral Home, 399 Avenel St., Avenel, NJ. A Special Mass will be held honoring his life and service as a veteran on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 244 Avenel St., Avenel, where he will then be laid to rest at 2:30 p.m. at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veteran Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Rd, Wrightstown, NJ 08562.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in honor of Tom to Wounded Warriors Family Support at https://donate.wwfs.org/?campaign=338234
or Angel Paws in Colonia at www.angelpaws.org/donating.htm
or the Woodbridge Animal Shelter at www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/259/Donations