Thomas “Tom” Ciccone, Sr. Obituary (1925 - 2017)

Thomas J. Ciccone Sr., 91, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, at his home in Verona, N.J. Family and friends are invited to gather at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Verona on Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 9 to 10 a.m. The Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. and interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Born and raised in Newark, N.J., Tom graduated from Barringer High School in 1943 and Rutgers University in 1950, and later received his Master's of Education from the New Jersey State Teachers College. Tom moved to Verona, N.J., in 1954. Tom served with the Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was on Iwo Jima when the flag was raised over Mount Suribachi and has been quoted many times saying, "It was the greatest display of patriotism I have ever seen." Tom also received a Purple Heart during the battle. Tom had a long career as an educator in Newark, N.J., where he taught elementary grades at Morton Street School, Cleveland Avenue School and was principal at the Bragaw Avenue School. He was also a member and former president of the Verona Boosters Club, the Verona Little League, The Verona 5th Downers and the Barringer High Alumni Association. In addition, Tom was a member of the NJEA, the Montclair YMCA, and an usher at Our Lady of the Lake Church. Tom was an avid golfer and skier and loved spending time at the track. He also enjoyed watching football and golf with his family, and teaching his grandkids how to make his famous pizza. Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Edythe (nee Boccia) Ciccone; his loving sons, William Ciccone (and his wife, Gale), Thomas J. Ciccone Jr. (and his wife, Angela), and his adoring grandchildren, Will, Lexi, Jonathan, Matthew, and Thomas J. Ciccone III. Tom was predeceased by his siblings, Armis Barone, Mae Belsante, and Anna Verniero. In lieu of flowers, donations to Verona Rescue Squad would be appreciated.