Thomas J. Middleton, Jr. Branchburg, NJ

Thomas J. "Tom" Middleton, beloved father and grandfather, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at the age of 82. Tom was born in Orange, NJ and grew up in South Orange. He was a decades long Branchburg resident who became a staple in his community, as an active member of his church and through his volunteer service.

In his youth, Tom attended St. Benedict's High School in Newark where he was a gifted athlete and hard-working student. He was offered a contract to play professional baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers right out of high school but declined the offer to further his education. He went on to graduate from St. Bonaventure University in 1963.

While at St. Bonaventure he was in ROTC and upon graduation, he went on to serve our country in the Marine Corps as an officer from 1963-1967. After serving in the military, he attended Seton Hall University where he earned a MBA.

During his time at St. Bonaventure, Tom set many baseball records and was eventually inducted into their baseball hall of fame. He accumulated many friends that kept in touch over the years. They would get together every year in Saratoga, NY. Tom also met his future wife, Maureen, during his freshman year and they got married in 1965. They were married for 52 wonderful years.

Tom worked at Ingersoll Rand Company in Phillipsburg, NJ for over 25 years as a Vice President of Materials Management. He also was a Vice President of Hamilton Watch and Clock company in Lancaster PA for 5 years. He was a true entrepreneur and started a number of businesses including ERA Classic Living Real Estate Company where he and his wife Maureen managed over 70 associates.

Tom was a communicant at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church in Three Bridges, NJ. He was a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Knights of Columbus. He would often deliver the Eucharist to those unable to attend mass in person. His joyful, honest demeanor brought smiles to every person he met and he had the gift to lift people up no matter the circumstance.

Tom had a love for Florida and going to the beach in Avalon, NJ. He enjoyed partaking in all of his children/grandchildren's sporting events. Most importantly, Tom enjoyed spending quality time with his family especially his grandchildren no matter the occasion. He was a very positive, smart, caring, funny person and will be missed greatly by anyone who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maureen Middleton (2016), his son, Thomas J. Middleton III, his parents, Esther and Thomas J. Middleton, Sr., and his sister, Mary Ellen Fontaine.

Surviving are his two loving sons, Peter and wife Lisa Middleton of Neshanic Station, NJ; Michael and wife Paula of Branchburg, NJ; his brother, Dr. John Middleton and wife Joann of South Orange, NJ; his sister, Anne and husband Donald McKeown of Cherry Hill, NJ; five cherished grandchildren, Amanda, Julia, Alex, Kayla and husband Luke Gosik, and Austin, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Monday, July 8, 2024 from 3-7pm at the Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 Rt. 202 South, Branchburg, NJ 08876.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - National Organization for Rare Disorders (rarediseases.org)

Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 10:30am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Three Bridges, NJ. Inurnment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ.

Please copy and paste link in the search bar to livestream the mass on Saturday, July 13, 2024 for Thomas

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