Funeral mass was celebrated Sept. 6 at Immaculate Conception Church, Secaucus, for Thomas Joseph Colavito Sr., 81. He passed away at home with his family by his side. Thomas was born in New York City to Joseph and Helen (Portada) Colavito. He resided in Secaucus since 1975, living previously in Union City. Thomas served his country with the US Navy during the Korean War. He was employed as a firefighter for 25 years with the Union City Fire Department, retiring in 1990. He was a member of the Exempt Fireman’s Board of Relief, a member of FMBA local 12, a member of the USS Hornet Society, and a member of Secaucus Veteran of Foreign War Post 3776.
Thomas was also instrumental in founding the Secaucus Recreation Ice Hockey League. He was involved as a local school bus driver and also drove the seniors escort bus for local seniors in Secaucus. Predeceasing Thomas was his brother Robert in 1977. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Florence (Donnelly) Colavito; three sons; Thomas J. Jr. of Secaucus, Raymond W. of Rutherford, and Edward (Gayle) Colavito of Pompton Lakes; his daughter; Donna M. (Anthony) Torres of Amityville, N.Y.; a brother, Joseph (Kathleen) of Waldwick; eight grandchildren, Stephen and Michael Goralczyk, Raymond, Nicholas, Michael, Anthony, Ryan Colavito, and Leah Colavito. Services arranged by the Mack Memorial Home, Secaucus.