Mr Thomas J Waters Jr.

Thomas J. Waters Jr., 74, passed away on July 15, 2017 after a brief battle with an illness. He is the beloved father to Thomas J Waters III, Michael Waters and his wife Lisa, Gary Waters and his wife Jennifer,and Dawn VanOrden. He is survived by his siblings Joan Alpert and her husband George, Geraldine Waters and Bernadette Sablom. He is also the loving grandfather to seven grandchildren and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Thomas is predeceased by his parents, Thomas J Waters Sr and Mildred Haines-Waters, his sister Terry Fletcher, his brothers-in-law Edwin Fletcher and Louis Sablom, and his nephew Gary Fletcher.

Thomas served in the US Navy. Upon his retirement from the Navy, he served the city of Newark faithfully as a Sergeant with the Newark Police force for 27 years. Thomas received many awards and commendations for his service. Originally from Newark, Thomas also lived in Irvington, Union and most recently Forked River. He was an active member of the Newark Fraternal Order of Police, the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Lodge. Thomas loved completing DIY projects around the house and fixing things, especially motors on cars, trucks, boats and tractors. As a single father and the patriarch of his family, Thomas’ ability knew no limits. The successes of his 4 children are an example of his fortitude, selflessness and unconditional love.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 20 at McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Ave, Union from 4-8pm. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, July 21 at St Michael’s Church, 1212 Kelly St., Union at 10:15am followed by a burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover.