Obituary of Thomas J. Scerbo, Sr.

Thomas J. Scerbo, Sr. passed away on Monday, February 20th at the NJ Firemans Home, Boonton, NJ. He shared 83 years of service, music and love. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 27th at 10:00 am at St. Christopher’s Church, 1050 Littleton Road, Parsippany, NJ. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ. Family, friends and firemen may visit on Sunday, February 26th from 2-6 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville. Donations in his name may be made to the good work of the Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Dept. by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org. Thomas was born in Morristown to the late Frank and Adelaide Scerbo. His father served as a Judge in Morristown for many years, paving the way for Thomas’ years of service to his own community. Tom earned his BA in criminal justice from Muhlenberg College and worked as a probation officer in Morris County, retiring as Principle in 1992. He was a volunteer Fireman in Mt. Tabor for over 50 years, dedicating his time and talents to this community. His service with both the Fire Dept. and Morris County Corrections kept him busy with numerous organizations through the years. He was a talented musician who played bass harmonica with a number of bands traveling the country, most recently with “The Society Boys”. His favorite job and proudest achievements were his family. Tom was a devoted husband, loving father and proud Grandpa to three. His legacy of commitment to family and community is surely something to be admired. Predeceased by his wife Maria (nee Faccia) and his brother Frank Scerbo Jr., he leaves happy memories to his daughter and son in law Stephanie and John Iacopelli; his son Thomas J. Scerbo Jr.; his grandchildren Nicholas, Michael and Maria Iacopelli; his dear brother Richard (Edith) Scerbo and many more dear relatives, friends and acquaintances. "Joining the fire department gave me a lot of satisfaction, knowing that you're serving the community." "Every time the siren went off, people depended on you. You begin to get a realistic sense of what it's really like to be a helping person." " My main reason to do what I did was to help the community." "I'm very happy I did and would never hesitate to encourage anyone from going into the fire department."