Obituary of Thomas M. Van Lare, Jr.

Thomas M Van Lare, Jr., of Woodbury, New Jersey. 

Thomas M. Van Lare, Jr., age 54, passed away at home peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Thursday Oct 28, 2021. Tom courageously fought against pancreatic cancer for 20 months until the Lord called him home. Tom is survived by his wife of 26 years, Jeanette, his children; Rachael and Marissa, his mother and step-father; Patricia and John Montgomery, his sister; Sharon Caldwell, his half-sister; Jennifer Nightingale, his step-brother; John Montgomery and many loving in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of long-time friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas M. Van Lare Sr.
  Tom was born in Upstate New York but spent most of his childhood growing up in Woodbury. He loved sports and excelled at most he tried. He had many wonderful memories playing multiple sports with his friends both in the neighborhood and in high school. He eventually attended Rutgers University in Camden. This is the time that he met the love of his life, Jeanette. Soon after graduating they married and had their daughters. One of Tom's biggest goals in life, and proudest accomplishments, was providing for his family. He supported Jeanette as she homeschooled their two girls through high school, both of whom have gone on to receive college degrees.
  Tom's career revolved around the swimming pool industry. While in high school he installed pools and after college he worked in the retail end of the business for over 15 years. After this he moved to the manufacturing end of the industry where he continued to excel, including winning the Zodiac Pool System's Circle of Champions Sales Excellence Award in 2016. In 2015 and 2016 he was President of the Board for Penn-Jersey Pool and Spa Association. In 2019 he landed his dream job with Pentair as a Territory Sales Manager. The support and friendships provided by his bosses and co-workers there has been amazing. He truly loved his job. His only regret was that he couldn't have given them more years of service before his diagnosis.
  Tom was a dedicated homeschool Dad who rarely, if ever, missed any of Rachael or Marissa's events. He contributed countless hours volunteering wherever needed. This included being a parade car driver, set builder dad, softball coach and even line cook for robotics team fundraisers. Spending time with his family was so important to him. Playing board games, the Wii, swimming, riding bikes, going on camping trips- if Tom had spare time he spent it with his girls.
 Another huge part of Tom's life was the mission group, Erin's Gift of Hope. He, Jeanette, and the girls took 3 mission trips together with Erin's Gift. These trips were life changing and the fact that he could take them with his family was priceless. They will forever be grateful to their Erin's Gift family.
  Tom gave his life to Jesus Christ in 2002 and was baptized with Jeanette in 2006. For the last several years he attended Calvary Chapel of Gloucester County with his family and one of his most treasured memories was watching both his daughters getting baptized at a church picnic in 2018. Tom was his family's leader, protector, and provider. The void he leaves in everyone's lives is huge. Tom will be missed beyond words, but they are eternally grateful for the love they shared.
 
Farewell Tribute
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Monday, November 8th from 9:00AM to 11:30AM in the Calvary Chapel of Gloucester County 5360 Rt. 42 (North Black Horse Pike) Turnersville, NJ 08012.  Funeral Service will begin at 11:30am.  Interment to follow in the Wenonah Cemetery Wenonah, NJ.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Calvary Chapel of Gloucester County Mission Trips Fund Calvary Plaza 5360 Rt 42N Turnersville, NJ 08012 https://www.cc-gc.org.
 
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