Thomas J. Willett, 69, of Collings Lakes, NJ, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025, at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Mainland Division, with his loving family by his side.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Lisa Willett (née Levari); his children, Ethan Willett, Meryl Willett and her husband James O'Driscoll, Claudia Willett and her partner Alan Duda, Aimee-Rose Willett, and Ava DeKlerk; his brothers, Henry Willett and his wife Sally Willett, Anthony Willett and his wife Nancy Willett, Christopher Willett and his wife Sheila Willett, and David Willett; and his sisters, Isabel Colonna and her husband Joe Colonna, and Mary Jeter and her husband Bob Jeter; his grandchildren, Hayden, Anna, and Ben, and numerous nieces and nephews, and his loving in-laws. He was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Faith Willett, and his brother, Frank Willett.

Born in Mineola, NY, Tom spent the last 65 years living in South Jersey, a place he loved and called home. He graduated from Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, NJ, in the Class of 1973, and went on to serve in the United States Navy as a Quartermaster on the USS Harry E. Yarnell from 1976 to 1980.

Tom dedicated much of his professional life to advocating for workers' rights. He served as a Shop Steward, Business Agent, and Secretary-Treasurer for Teamsters Local 331 in Egg Harbor City, NJ, where he negotiated numerous contracts and stood proudly on picket lines across South Jersey. He also worked for many years as a truck driver for Warren Distributing Co. South in Blue Anchor, NJ.

A man of deep faith, Tom was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Lakes Roman Catholic Church in Collings Lakes, NJ. He was a Fourth Degree Knight and formerly served as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #8718, North American Martyrs. Tom was actively involved in the parish community. He could often be found, usually with his beloved dog, Butzer, at the church, working on maintenance projects, organizing events, or lending a hand to fellow parishioners.

A Philadelphia sports fan, Tom took great pride in his collection of Eagles jerseys and loved cheering on the Birds. He was absolutely delighted by their recent Super Bowl victory. He was a loving husband, father, and friend; a proud Deadhead; and a spirited gardener who found joy in travel, the beach, and Jersey tomatoes. His kindness, humor, and warmth left a lasting impression on everyone who met him.

"Smile, smile, smile." – Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of the Lakes Roman Catholic Church, 19 Malaga Road, Collings Lakes, NJ. Burial with military honors will follow at the Richard E. Squires Veterans Cemetery, located within Estell Manor Park in Estell Manor, New Jersey.

A viewing will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third Street, Hammonton, NJ. Additional viewing hours will be available on Saturday, June 7, from 10:00 to 10:45 A.M. at Our Lady of the Lakes Church, prior to the Mass.

Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of the Lakes Church, 19 Malaga Road, Collings Lakes, NJ 08094, or the Knights of Columbus Council #8718, 19 Malaga Road, Collings Lakes, NJ 08094