Obituary of Thomas F. Hodge, Jr.

Thomas Francis Hodge, Jr. went home to Heaven to be with his wife and daughter on Monday, February 14, 2022 in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side. He had shared nearly 90 years of unconditional love, a sharp wit, priceless wisdom, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Born and raised in Union City to the late Thomas and Margaret Hodge, he and his sister grew up as close siblings overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Tom graduated from Union City High School, class of 1951. Immediately after graduation he became a member of the International Longshoremen's Association Union in NYC. He apprenticed and worked as a planning clerk, drawing the blueprints of cargo ships, recording their tonnage and balancing out the payloads. In 1952, Tom was drafted into the US Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. Once returning home, he returned to the docks, and was employed with them until retirement in 1997. He married his soulmate and best friend, Sarah Rita Croghan, in 1955 and from that day forward, they were devoted to each other. They settled down in Denville after their early family years in Woodridge. That is where they remained until 2012 when they relocated to Cedar Crest Senior Living in Pompton Plains.

Tommy was a hard worker and always provided for his family. Each summer he headed to his boyhood summer home with his family in Betterton, MD on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Continuing the tradition that was passed down from his mother and father, he ensured his children would have the same experience that he did as a boy. The legacy that he continued afforded his children magical summers with loving cousins in a beautiful place. Tom was a man of his generation, tough and resilient; however deep inside, he had a heart of gold. He knew that sacrifice was essential in order to love and took care of his wife when she was struck with health issues for over 15 years. He was playful and fun and never met a stranger. He found great joy in making others laugh! He was authentic and genuine and loved deeply. Our Patriarch will be sorely missed and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Although we are deeply saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his beloved wife, Rita, his adored daughter, Alicia, his parents, and other family that went before him.

He leaves only joyful memories to his loving children, Thomas Hodge III, Bethann Pickett and her husband James, and Meghan Hodge and her husband Bryan Lawson; his caring son-in-law, Nicholas Saribalis; his treasured grandchildren, Stephen Saribalis and his husband Mikey Day, Joanna Rita Saribalis, Kenneth Ryan Pickett, Sarah Elizabeth Pickett, Catherine Grace Pickett, Ella Ryan Lawson, and Jack Thomas Lawson; his cherished sister, Alicia Sullivan; his dear cousin, Lucille DeBellis and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 26th at 10 am at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville. Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery. Relatives and friends are welcome to visit with his family on Friday, February 25th from 5 – 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Tom’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please light a candle, leave a condolence, and share your favorite memory of Tom here to continue to celebrate the incredible life he bestowed upon us.

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