Thomas H. Matese, Sr., 91, a lifelong resident of Williamstown, NJ, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was a lifelong resident of his beloved Williamstown, NJ. He was a proud US Army veteran of the Korean War, serving in Berlin, Germany and playing the trumpet.  Over his lifetime, Tom owned and operated several private companies, including Monroe Construction and Matese Realty. He also co-owned and operated Matese Brothers Construction along with his brother Pete.  He was a devoted and active lifelong member of St. Mary's Church / Our Lady of Peace Parish, having built the original rectory building (now the Parish offices), the convent, the school gym, the Gathering Space, as well as steadfastly volunteering his time and talents for many other parish projects. He was honored to have earned membership into Williamstown Lodge #166 F&AM, and was a former member of the Knights of Columbus Mater Christi Council #3352.  Tom was a proponent of all things Williamstown - having served as a former Building Inspector and former Director of Real Estate for Monroe Twp.  Tom was committed to doing great things in his hometown and counted amongst his cherished achievements in developing Williamstown the opportunity to build Geets' Diner and Farnelli Funeral Home, restoring the Hall Street School house and the Washington Hotel, building and donating the original Veterans Plaza Monument, among many other notable town construction projects.  Tom quietly helped folks find the perfect home or assisting with rental units.

Tom and his beloved wife Pauline M. Matese (nee Terzian) were married for 67 years and were often seen around town together, especially on coffee and hoagie runs to Wawa. He loved to cook, and was known for his crabs and spaghetti, clams and spaghetti, barbecuing, and Italian Fig Christmas cookies.  He was known for his Victory (vegetable) gardens, especially growing hot peppers to make his well known "Tom's Terrific Hot Hot Sauce".

He loved spending time with his family. Throughout the years he happily hosted parties for family and friends as the various Williamstown parades passed by his home and office.  Sunday mornings were spent drinking coffee with his sister and brother.

He was a devoted father of Angelina Matese (Mr. Leslie Tweg), Dr. Thomas Matese, Jr. (Dr. Anne) and Pauline Lyons (U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Andrew).  Tom was an especially proud and loving grandfather of Captain Mary Elizabeth (U.S. Army), 2nd Lieutenant Christina Pauline (U.S. Army), Cadet Andrew Delaney (U.S. Army), Morgan Anne, Austin Thomas and Noelle.  Dear and supportive brother of Angela Regalbuto (John), the late Peter Matese, Jr. (Anna), the late Vincent "Jimmy" Matese (the late Marie), the late Antoinette "Minnie" DeLea (the late Michael), the late Rose Mancini (the late John), the late Mary "Babe" Giannascoli (the late Peter) and the late Anna Low (the late George).

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewings on Friday, February 9th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm (8pm Masonic Service) and on Saturday from 9:30 – 10:30 am at the Farnelli Funeral Home, 504 N. Main Street, Williamstown.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am at St. Mary's Church / Our Lady of Peace Parish, S. Main Street, Williamstown.  Burial with military honors will follow in the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery "Cemetery Fund", PO Box 337, Woodbury, NJ 08096 or to the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home, 524 Northwest Blvd., Vineland, NJ 08360.