One of "The Greatest Generation," Tom was born May 30, 1925 in Philadelphia, PA to Marion (Hughes) and Thomas J. Hare and returned home to our Lord on April 12th, 2021. He and his sister, Marjorie (Lindes) were raised by their stepmother, Eleanor M. Ryan after his mother passed away when Tom was two years old.

He grew up in Philadelphia and attended La Salle College Prep. Tom enlisted during World War II and proudly joined the U.S. Army after training. Tom served as a brave paratrooper in the 101st Airborne, jumping over France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Austria. After discharge he attended La Salle University graduating with a B.S. in economics.

In 1951, Tom wed Fay C. Sinibaldi, who predeceased him after 59 years of marriage. Tom and Fay raised their 3 daughters, who survive him, in Medford Lakes, N.J. It was there, and on Long Beach Island where he taught his daughters, Kathleen M. Hershey of Columbus, Indiana, Colleen E. Sweeney (Steve Widder) of Apollo Beach, FL and Christine A. Hare of Westfield, Indiana to ice skate, bait a hook, and sometimes even catch fish. His girls are grateful that he also taught them to swim, as his sailing lessons sometimes went awry. One of their greatest memories was going crabbing in Barnegat Bay and somehow at least one crab always seemed to get out of the bucket causing the whole family to panic! The girls are forever grateful that he also taught them the pride of hard work, how to use power tools and to make home repairs. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Jeffrey Hershey, Moira Hershey, T.J. Sweeney, Ian Sweeney, Brendan Sweeney, Daniel Iafrato, Robert Iafrato, Patrick Iafrato and two beautiful great grandchildren, Eleanor and Jacqueline Iafrato. Most of the grandkids have inherited his love of the water, and fishing.

After the death of his beloved wife, he moved to Florida and settled in Sun City Center, loving every day of the sun and the outdoors. Tom's greatest joys were his family, sailing, fishing or crabbing, golfing, and dancing.

He was a man of many talents, working in insurance, real estate, and as a general contractor as well as a New Jersey licensed detective. He was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City Center where he was a reader. He will always be remembered best for being the best dad and grand-pop in the world.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City Center on Monday, April 26th, 2021 at 11:00 am. Internment will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers, please offer to pay for a veteran's meal and thank them for their service.