Obituary of Thomas Barone

Thomas Barone, 85, of Pompton Plains, formerly of West Paterson, passed away peacefully at home on August 15, 2020. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, son, and devoted Nonno.

Born in 1934 in Donnalucata, Sicily, he earned his degree in agricultural engineering before emigrating to the United States in 1955. Settling in Paterson, he worked hard in the textile industry for many years and, with his brother Joe, started their own successful garment business. In 1963, he met the love of his life, Lina (Carmela née Giardina) and they began their 56-year love story. Settling in West Paterson, they raised five loving children and enjoyed life to the fullest. Tom loved nothing more than good food, good company and, above all else, his beautiful wife and family. He loved watching tennis, enjoying great conversation over espresso with close friends, family get-togethers and Italian crossword puzzles. His beautifully landscaped yard in West Paterson drew tons of compliments and strangers would often stop to ask about his beautiful flowers. He was happiest watching his children grow up and his family grow. Tom and Lina welcomed their children’s spouses with open arms into their family, and then their 10 amazing grandchildren – their greatest joy in life – whom they adored. After retirement, Tom enjoyed spending time with friends in Atlantic City, great meals cooked by Lina, and being the best Nonno in the world. During holidays, Tom was always at the head of the table, dressed impeccably and surrounded by his adoring family. He loved a good game of poker or watching a great tennis match. He believed in simple pleasures and was a genuine, classy man whom people loved to spend time with. If you were his friend, you knew it explicitly. If he loved you, you were the luckiest. We will always miss his booming laughter and beautiful smile, but he left us with a wealth of memories to treasure.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, Philip and Carmela Barone. He is survived by his cherished wife Lina (Carmela née Giardina), his sons Philip (and Christi) Barone and Thomas (and Janine) Barone, and daughters Marina (and Robert) Sabo, Gabrielle (and Mark) Alicea, and Valerie (and Kevin) Barrows. He is also survived by grandchildren Gianna, Claudia, Alison, Jack, Mark, Matthew, Ethan, Griffin, Tommy and Mia, as well as siblings Joseph (and Lena) Barone, Giovanna (and Frank) Ottone, Maria Diou, Caroline Barone, and sister-in-law Marie (and Giovanni) Portelli. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A private funeral will be held for family. A memorial Mass and celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later time when family and friends can safely visit and comfort one another. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s name would be appreciated to:

St. Jude Children's Hospital

www.stjude.org/donate