Thomas E. Telesca

August 27, 1942 - August 29, 2009

Holmdel Funeral Home

26 South Holmdel Road

Holmdel, NJ 07733

Tuesday 9/1, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Holmdel Funeral Home

26 South Holmdel Road

Holmdel, NJ 07733

Tuesday 9/1, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location Not Available

Wednesday 9/2, 9:00 am

Thomas E. Telesca of Colts Neck, NJ, died at home on August 29, 2009. Born on August 27, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY, Tom lived most of his life in New Jersey, the past thirty years in Colts Neck. He graduated from Teaneck High School in 1960 and, after graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Tom became an officer in the United States Marine Corps and served his country in Vietnam in 1967-68. For his service, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service for his actions during the Tet Offensive at Khe Sanh. After his tour of duty and eventual honorable discharge from the Corps with the rank of Captain, Tom went on to a successful thirty-year career at Johnson & Johnson, until his retirement. Loved for his easygoing manner, quick smile, and sharp wit, he was a loyal husband, brilliant father, spoiling grandfather, generous friend, avid golfer and passionate New York Giants fan. Tom is survived by Michele, his loving wife of forty-three years; his three children: Christina, Keith and Jonathan; his son-in-law Eric; his daughter-in-law Jennifer; his grandchildren Jack Gorman and Marielle Telesca; his niece and honorary grandchild Amanda Happel; his father and mother, Albert and Frances Telesca; his sister Maria Vinci and her husband Gregory; his brother Anthony; his niece Lisa and her husband Tony; and his nephew Gregory and his wife Lauren. Tom will be laid to rest at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to Cancer Research Foundation (for kidney cancer research), c/o Mary Meyer, Executive Director, 183 Main St., South Salem, NY 10590.

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Holmdel Funeral Home

26 South Holmdel Road

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Tuesday 9/1, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Holmdel Funeral Home

26 South Holmdel Road

Holmdel, NJ 07733

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Tuesday 9/1, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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Location Not Available

Wednesday 9/2, 9:00 am

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Tom attended Washington Irving Grammar school where he made everyone feel better about their day when he entered the classroom. I will always remember the handsome, fun, caring and generous Tom. It has been a privilege to know him. Hopefully you are able to find solace in knowing that he is having communion with the Saints. Dr.Eileen Winn Fenrich THS'60

To Mrs. Telesca, Keith, Christina and Jonathan - your news has traveled to Colorado and inspired me to laugh harder, love deeper, smile sweeter and hold tight to every family moment -- just as The Telesca Family has done through all these years. Every picture I have in my memory of Mr. Telesca and all of you is happy and shiny and I hope that in the months and years ahead, you can feel that way again. I am praying for all of you, that you arrive at a place where your grief is lessened and your memories warm your hearts. Much Love and Hugs!

When my son worked in Monmouth County(2001-2004) i met with Tommy several times for coffee/lunch and hours of talk. I was so happy to re-new our THS '60 friendship...he had not changed...modest, funny,kind,proud/loving of his family,loyal,genuine, and tenacious in his will to fight his cancer...a wonderful love of life, he felt he had been blessed in so many ways....yet it us who knew Tommy who are blessed/better off and hope that his many attributes pass on to those he touched,,,,my deepest sympathy to his family !

Dear John, Our prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. May God comfort you and give you his peace. We are deeply saddened for your families loss.

Dear Miclelle, John, Christina, and all of the rest of your wonderful family. Eugene and I are saddened to hear of the death of your beloved husband and father of your children and grandchildren. His life shows that he was a wonderful and courageous man. You all must be very proud of the life he lived and the good memories he has left behind. We are praying for you in this sad time. Love, Eugene and Earline PS: If you need someone to talk to or if I can be of any help or any consolation in any way, please call me. Love, Earline

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Jon, I was so sad to hear of the loss of your Dad. I know this is a difficult time and my prayers are with you and your family. Keep the memories of your Dad close to your heart and he will always be with you. Kerranne Sullivan (Old High school friend of Jon)

None finer than this man. As a boy or as a man, anyone who knew Tommy, had to love his kind, friendly, gentle way, his great sense of humor.....and of course that perpetual smile and his youthful good looks........all will remain indelible in our hearts and minds.

Just to let you know that all of you are being remembered in prayer by the SJV family.I have a lot of fond memoriesof the years you were involved with St. John Vianney.

To My Friend Jon and The Telesca Family - I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time. Mr. Telesca had a great smile and a warm personality. I always enjoyed talking with him during visits to his home. May God bless him for his service to the country, and man he was to his family.

Dear Christina, My condolences to you and your family. I never had the chance to meet your father, but he was obviously a hero for all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Cristina

Christina and Family, Sorry for your loss, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Ann and Charlie

Our prayers are with you all so you may understand God's plan in your loss and find peace. John and Joan Paquette

Tommy was a “Champion” in every aspect of life. He epitomized all the qualities that we value and aspire to in our own lives. Despite the years of separation I feel his loss, but I know the memory of how he lived his life will serve as an inspiration to me. Please accept my sympathy for your loss. Larry Sciacchetano Baton Rouge, LA September 1, 2009

I would like to pass along condolences from all of the staff and members of Woodlake Country Club. Mr. Telesca was a great man and a great member. He will be missed by all of us.

Jon, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. You and your family are in our prayers.

Dear Jon, My deepest condolence to you and your her family during this extremely difficult time. Just know your extended family will be there for you if you need us. You guys are in my prayers. Sincerely, Scott (Honz)

From one Jarhead to another Semper Fi Tommy. My sympathies to the family. Even though I have not seen you since high school I still remember that smiling face and the sparkeling personality. He was a great man. George

Christina and Family, There are no words that could possibly make this time easier for you and your loved ones. My heart goes out to you now and please know that I am thinking of you. Laura

Regretfully I will not be able to attend the services for Tommy. I will always treasure the Thanksgiving day dinners at his Mom's house in Teaneck, NJ..and the attending of his football games. My family sends our condolences and prayers to Michelle and the family.

I knew Tom as a loving and doting father who was proud of his children and their accomplishments. I had the pleasure of getting to know the family on campus visits to Notre Dame and through lengthy conversations with his daughter Christina. I felt a kinship well beyond the actual time we ever spent together. I was very sorry to hear the news. My prayers go out to everyone affected by his absence.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Having been neighbors for nearly ten years I will surely miss seeing you pass by the house. You were always easy going and smiling no matter what. Rest easy and thank you for the sacrifice you made for our country.

Dear Michelle, my heart is with you and your family. I think of you often. Love, Diane

I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep my thoughts and prayers with you and your family. Judy Cariani(colleague of Jon)

Farewell to a good man, and God's grace to his family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time...may you find peace.

I am Len Guglielmo. I first met Tom in 1992 when I was at Montefiore Med Ctr, from where Tom encouraged me to join J&J Health Care Systems when it was formed in 1997. We became friends (he always apologized to me because J&J sold the business in 2004, and he felt that he "misled" me). Quite the contrary -- it was a great experience in many ways. We played golf together in those years, but lost touch, only to be reconnected when we met at Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center where Tom was being treated. I am among those who treasure Tom Telesca, even though the years have separated us (we spoke only occasionally in the last few years). The world has lost a great human being, and his memory (kindness, smile, gentility) will remain with me always.

I am so sorry for your loss. My memories of Tom are very limited as I was only a child when you lived in California, however I remember there was always laughter in your house. I wish you strength and peace through this difficult time. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Jon and family, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ellie (friend of Jon)

Dear Jon, I am very sorry to hear about your loss and my deepest sympathy goes to you and your family. Fraternally, Gus Tambakis

Tommy and I met around 57 years ago. I have never had a better friend, or known a better man. The times we had together are too numerous to site. My heart goes out to his fabulous family. Especially to Michele, his angel of a wife, who stood by him like a true marine's wife, through thick and thin...Right to the very end.

Our deepest sympathies. We loved him very much and will miss him. We know he is with his good friend now. Love, The Ferrante's Tommy, Laura, Allison and Kacey

I never met Thomas Telesca, but as a Marine and a Vietnam veteran he is my brother. Our motto, "Semper Fidelis" is not taken lightly by Marines, and I'm sure that Thomas was a living example of it. He'll never really die. He carried our Esprit de Corps, as Marines yet to be born will carry it ... forever. God speed, my brother.

Adios Bomber - I feel fortunate having known you since high school. We had many shared experiences at Fairleigh, the Marine Corps, Notre Dame and several golf trips. You were always the heart of the gathering and you will be dearly missed by all. Say hello to Larry for me. Semper Fi.

Our deepest sympathy. Sorry we can't be there this week, but please know that you are in our thoughts as you honor a man taken far too soon. May God bless you all.

Michelle,Christine,Keith and Jonathan I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Tommy T was the best in every respect. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. I loved working, playing golf and laughing with him. I will be forever grateful that he was part of my life. Michele, Christina, Keith and Jonathan thanks for sharing Tommy T with us. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Tom Mc Mahan

To remember Tommy is to remember all the wonderful family holiday dinners he and Michele hosted.I can still see him carving the Thankgiving turkey or serving his home made lasagne he was so proud of. He was the most easy going person, with an always playful look in his eye for the youngest of the family. He was one of the shining knights of our family and will be missed more than I could express. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.