Thomas A. Thomas, 80, Stuart, FL. (formerly of Brielle, NJ) passed away on February 11, 2022 after a long illness.  Tom was born in 1941 at his home in Redford Township, Michigan. Tom and Marne (Gregory) were married in 1966 in York, PA and enjoyed a long and loving marriage of more than 55 years.

Tom graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Urban Planning (1963) and went on to earn his master's degree in City and Regional Planning (1973).  Tom became a licensed professional planner in 1972 and for the next 50 years he would make countless contributions to the planning profession and the communities he served, but not before he served his country. Tom served as a first lieutenant in the Army during the Vietnam conflict (1966-1969). While stationed in Bremerhaven, West Germany, he was a transportation planner and assisted with military transportation efforts throughout Europe and into the United States.

Tom was a charter member of both the American Planning Association and American Institute of Certified Planners.  His professional planning experience included the University of Arkansas Community Planning Division (1963-1964); Buchart-Horn Planning Division, York, PA (1964-1966); Herbert H. Smith Associates Planning Consultants, West Trenton, NJ (1969-1973); Director of Ocean County Planning Board (1973-1977); President of Townplan Associates and Planning Division Director of T&M Associates (1977-2002); and founder of Thomas Planning Associates in 2002.

During Tom's long career as a planning consultant, he prepared master plans, zoning ordinances, natural resource inventories and many other special planning studies in more than 120 municipalities in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Arkansas.

Tom was a member of the New Jersey Planning Officials (NJPO) for more than 30 years; charter member of the New Jersey Information Technology Council; past member of the New Jersey County Planners Association, Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, Southern New Jersey Development Council, Ocean County United Way and other boards and agencies.  He served on advisory committees for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and other state agencies.  Tom served as an instructor for the Rutgers University Extension Program and Ocean County College, adjunct professor at Stockton University, and instructor for the New Jersey Planning Officials.

Despite all the accomplishments in his professional life his greatest love was of family, and especially enjoyed seeing and spending time with his grandchildren.  Tom had a keen intellect on a variety of subjects, had a lighthearted sense of humor and an indomitable spirit.  He thrived on telling stories, researching, and writing historic accounts, and socializing with family and friends.  During his life and especially retirement Tom enjoyed golf with family and friends and was a member of Stuart Yacht and Country Club, Stuart, FL., and past member of Manasquan River Golf Club, Brielle, NJ.  Tom was also a former member and served on the vestry of Christ Episcopal Church Toms River and All Saints Church, Bay Head, NJ. Tom was generous with his time, talent and treasures helping people and organizations reflective of his faith.

He is survived by his loving wife Marne (Stuart, FL), son Andrew and wife Susan (Bauerfeind) of Brielle, NJ son Duncan and wife Eimear (O'Neill) of Dacula, GA, and four grandchildren.  He is survived by brother Joseph, wife Suzanne (Michigan), sister Mary (Michigan), sister Kay and husband Kim Bene (Utah). He is predeceased by his brother Robert, mother Anastasia and father Joseph, all of Michigan.

A memorial service will be celebrated at All Saints Church Bay Head, 500 Lake Avenue, Bay Head, NJ on June 4, 2022. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to All Saints Church, Bay Head.

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