Obituary of Thomas John Cassio
Thomas J. Cassio, 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family.
Born in Kenilworth, NJ to the late Vincenza and Gaetano Cassio, Tom resided in Clark before setting deep roots in South Plainfield with his wife Jeanie in 1969.
In 1961, Tom graduated from Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield. He continued his education at Rutgers Newark School of Pharmacy and played baseball during his time there. Upon graduation in 1966 he began a successful career at the former Scotch Wood Pharmacy. In 1972 he and his brother Ralph purchased Twin City Pharmacy on Park Avenue in South Plainfield. Tom operated the business until his retirement in 2007. If you walked into his store, he never forgot you. Tom loved getting to know his customers, many of whom became his friends. Twin City Pharmacy remains a family run business to this day.
In addition to owning a business, Tom was active with his four sons. He coached and managed at the South Plainfield Junior Baseball Club and Sacred Heart basketball. He was an avid Yankees and Giants fan, along with Notre Dame and Rutgers Athletics.
Tom adored spending time with his love Jeanie, his children and his grandchildren. He enjoyed many cruises and European travels. He was an avid golf player and skilled handyman. He loved getting a latte and spending hours perusing books at Barnes & Noble. Nothing pleased him more than sharing a glass of chianti or a meal with the people that he loved (unless he was eating clams or hot dogs, because Tom never shared those). He cherished the conversations he had with his family, especially recounting stories from his youth.
Mr. Cassio was a lifelong student. He loved learning and was particularly fond of history. There aren’t many topics that he couldn’t speak to. He was a wealth of knowledge and never forgot anything he read.
Tom took to everyone he met. He was empathetic, kind, fair and compassionate. When Tom asked you how your day was, he really wanted to know. He was truly interested in learning about other people. Tom earned the respect of many because he showed them respect. He gave the best hugs and even better advice. His time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and nieces will never be forgotten.
He is predeceased by his daughter in law; Mary Beth and his brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Norma.
Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Jeanie; four sons and their wives;Tommy and Siobhan, Garrett and Darlene, Greg and Jenn, Chris and Natia all of South Plainfield, and his beloved grandchildren who knew him as Grandpa Boo: Matthew, Joey, Riley, Avery, Danny, Cecelia and Ivy.
He is also survived by his nieces; Sandy Cassio and James Patti, Sue and Bill Ashnault, Sabrina and Corey Cornacchio, and many extended family members and friends.
A public visitation for those wishing to pay their respects will be held on Friday, February, 5, 2021 from 4-7 PM in the McCriskin –Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080.
Those attending are reminded that during this ongoing pandemic, according to Executive Orders and the CDC guidelines, they are required to wear a mask at all times while visiting. Please be mindful of physical distancing to the best of your ability, and minimize time spent indoors to allow everyone a chance to pay their respects. With the large crowd expected we thank you for your understanding and for taking these precautions during this difficult time.
A public funeral mass will be offered and live streamed on Saturday, February, 6, 2021 at the Church of the Sacred Heart, 149 South Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080. Those wishing to watch the mass virtually, may do at www.churchofthesacredheart.net
Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
For those wishing to leave a message of condolence or need more information, please visit his web page at www.mccriskinfuneralhome.com