Obituary of Thomas J. Kokoska Sr.

Thomas J. Kokoska, 91, of Oakland, NJ died suddenly on May 23, 2017. He was a Package Design Engineer for Lederle Labs of Pearl River, retiring in 1991.  He then went on to work at Darlington Golf Course until his passing.  He was a Navy veteran of WWII, a parishioner of Most Blessed Sacrament Church of Franklin Lakes, a member of the Knights of Columbus and Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member of the Oakland Seniors, a Boy Scout leader, and a survivor of the Woodbridge Train Wreck of 1951.  Tom was raised in Helmetta, NJ, the 7th of 8 children.   He graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College, Emmitsburg, MD in 1950. A natural athlete, he was a pitcher for their baseball team.  As a senior, he lived independently, was passionate about history and sports, and embraced all that life had to offer.  A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he will be remembered for his wit, compassion, and good looks. 

Tom is predeceased by his wife Marie of 55 years (2010).  Devoted Father of Thomas Jr. of Ridgewood, NJ, and wife Joan, Robert of Cary, NC, Mary Ellen Lavin of Westwood, NJ and husband Kevin, and John of Davis, CA.  Proud grandfather of Katherine, Samuel, Thomas III, Dylan, and Jordan.  Also survived by Brother George and Sister Dolores. 

Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 Friday, May 26 at Oakland Memorial Home 330 Ramapo Valley Road Oakland, NJ.  Funeral Saturday May 27, departing the Funeral Home at 10:30 AM for an 11am Funeral Liturgy at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Franklin Lakes, NJ.  Interment following at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ.