Thomas Joseph Palguta

Thomas J. Palguta, 75, of Knoxville, TN, passed away Sunday, December 12, 2021, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Tom was born on October 4, 1946, in Cleveland, OH. He was raised and educated in Rahway, NJ, the only son of Joseph and Myrtis Palguta. He settled with his wife, Lynn, in Forked River, NJ, where they raised their two children, Stacey and Scott. He later retired to Venice, FL, and briefly lived in Knoxville, TN. Tom proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He graduated with a B.S. in Education/Political Science from Villanova University in 1970 and later received an M.A. in Educational Technology. He began his career as a New Jersey State Trooper in 1973 and later served the Monsignor Donovan High School community as a guidance counselor and Educational Technology Director. He owned many small businesses throughout his life, including a chimney sweep, aerial photography, home security and private investigations, and drug and alcohol testing. He most recently worked from his home office as a cruise travel agent. Tom was a life-long learner and quick study, reflected in his various career choices. Tom was an interesting man with varying hobbies. He turned exotic woods into elegant pens on the lathe in his garage, took breathtaking photographs, grilled the perfect steak, collected and sold memorabilia, created homemade sugar scrubs, and of course, always dabbled with modern technology. His most satisfying hobby of all, though, was supporting his children and grandchildren in pursuit of their passions. In retirement, Tom cruised extensively with his wife, Lynn, but most cherished their time together on the road, taking in the scenery of our national park system. Tom leaves to mourn his loving wife of 44 years, Lynn; daughter, Stacey Womack, and husband Rod, and their children Ashley and Hailey; son, Scott Palguta, and wife Melissa, and their children Caden and Madeline. The family will receive friends at a viewing on Sunday, December 19, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Monday, December 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ. A memorial service will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, and entombment will follow at Ocean County Memorial Park, Toms River, NJ.