Thomas James Green, Sr., of Gibbstown, NJ, passed away on Monday, November 4th, 2024, at the age of 76.

Born to the late Richard and Sophie (nee Holmes) Green on February 29th, 1948, in Camden, NJ. Thomas is the beloved brother of Peggy (Ray) Williams of Gibbstown, Barbara Magee of South Carolina, and Richard Green Jr. of Texas. Growing up, Tom attended West Deptford High School and was immediately drafted into the United States Army 101st Airborne to fight for his country during the Vietnam Conflict. The Army gave Tom the structure and discipline at a young age to grow into the strong man he was determined to be. He finished his first tour, coming home to New Jersey where he was reunited with his childhood love, the late Donna (nee Rutherford). Donna and Tom had known each other in grade school before Donna moved to Pennsylvania, and like fate, she came back to New Jersey, reuniting with her childhood crush. Tom and Donna married in 1969, spending a loving 50 years together before Donna's passing in 2019. The newly married couple spent as much time together as they could, until three weeks later when Tom was deployed for his second tour of duty. Tom and Donna welcomed their two loving children, the late Thomas (Jennifer) Green Jr., and Sheree (Pae) Matelyan. Tom loved being a father, he loved spending as much time with his kids as he could. As a family, they often went camping to Cherry Stone in Virginia, went crabbing, and genuinely enjoyed spending time with one another. 

Tom's world became a little bit brighter when he became the beloved grandfather of Joseph (Elise) Matelyan, Natalie (Pat) Matelyan, Nathan Green, and Katie Green, as well as the proud great-grandfather of Owen and Theo. Tom loved having his family all together, in the summer he would make a big batch of his famous shrimp boil or crabs. For Tom's favorite holiday, Halloween, he & Donna started a tradition of making cotton candy, popcorn, and snow cones to hand out to trick or treaters that the family carries on to this day. If his family needed help around the house or watching the grandkids, Tom was the first to offer. His compassion extended to his family and friends; he would give you the shirt off of his back if he could. His compassion also extended to his furry friends, as he could be found feeding the squirrels and bluejays in his front yard. Tom was a staple at the local Verchio's Produce Market where he picked up his many bags of peanuts, or at Heim's in Gloucester City to pick up goodies for his VFW Post 5579 - Gibbstown. Tom is the previous Post Commander, and proudly worked as the bar manager for the VFW. When he was not there, he would be spending time at his Wildwood beach house, often found at the pool bar. 

Tom will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and friends for his honest to a fault personality, love for his family, and bravery while defending our country. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Tom's name to his VFW Post 5579 - Gibbstown.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Tom's viewing on Saturday, November 9th, 2024, from 9am - 11am, located at McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ, 08096. Words of Remembrance will follow immediately at 11am. Tom will be reunited with his love, Donna, at Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery immediately following the ceremony.