Obituary of Thomas Harold Vanderbeck Sr.

In Loving Memory of Thomas Harold Vanderbeck Sr.

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Thomas Harold Vanderbeck Sr., who entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 after a short battle with cancer.

Born on May 31, 1952, to Harold and Lenora, Thomas was raised in North Haledon and attended Manchester High School, where he excelled in track and field.

Following high school he was drafted to serve in the military during the time of the Vietnam War and completed six years of honorable service stateside in the military police. Once discharged he transitioned to a career in law enforcement as a police officer in Glen Rock, NJ. After eight years on the force, he pursued his passion for the outdoors, founding Vanderbeck Tree Service in 1984—a business he poured his heart into until his final day.

On September 3, 1973, Thomas met the love of his life, Ruth, with whom he shared nearly 50 wonderful years. Together, they built a loving family, raising four children—Noelle, Karin, Thomas Jr., and Benjamin. He was also a devoted grandfather to eight cherished grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Oakland Memorial Home on Monday, March 17, from 6 PM to 8 PM.

A second visitation will take place on Tuesday, March 18, at 9 AM at Hawthorne Gospel Church, 2000 Route 208, Hawthorne, NJ, followed by a funeral service at 10 AM.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed by Hawthorne Gospel Church.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom's name to Hawthorne Gospel Church, would be appreciated.