Obituary of Thomas A. Furdyna

Thomas “Tom” Anthony Furdyna of Sewell, NJ, passed away surrounded by loved ones on May 26th, 2023. Tom was born in Ridley Park, PA, to parents Anthony and Dorothy Furdyna. He was raised in Delaware County and Southern New Jersey. Tom attended Vineland Regional High School and graduated in the class of 1965. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

During his Naval career he served as a second-class Navy diver, graduating first in his dive class, and was stationed in Rota, Spain. His duties included security sweeps of the Atlantic nuclear fleet. He served aboard the U.S.S. Canopus, traveled through the Panama Canal, and sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge.  In Bremerton he suffered a non-combat career-ending injury and he medically retired from the Navy. He returned to South Jersey and attended Glassboro State College.

While at Glassboro State, Tom was an Industrial Arts major and member of the Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity, where he served as president. During his time at Glassboro, he made many lifelong friendships, including meeting the love of his life, Billie. Tom graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in 1973, returned to Glassboro State as a Graduate Assistant, and graduated with a Master of Arts in Industrial Arts in 1975. The couple married on August 2nd, 1975.

Tom and his wife Billie moved to Pittsgrove Township, NJ, where they resided for the next 40 years, raising two daughters, Kristen and Kelly, and building two homes. Tom’s time in Pittsgrove was some of the happiest years of his life. He was a devoted husband and father actively involved in raising his girls, even becoming a dance and soccer Dad. He loved taking his family on vacations. He was an avid boater, fisherman, and crabber all his life. He spent many days on the Delaware Bay fishing with his brother Wayne and loved vacationing in Cape San Blas, FL.

Tom’s career in education spanned nearly 35 years, primarily at Gloucester County Institute of Technology.  Most recently he was School-to-Work Coordinator and Apprenticeship Coordinator at the Adult School. He loved being an educator and teaching his students the skills to be successful. 

During retirement, Tom and Billie loved traveling together and spending time at their bay house on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He spent many happy days being the family boat captain and fishing and crabbing the waters of the Chesapeake. Most recently, Tom and Billie moved back to Sewell, NJ. Last weekend, they celebrated from home with friends their 50th College Reunion.

Family and friends will most remember Tom for his quiet, stoic demeanor, industrious spirit, and kind heart. His lifelong love of education and imparting his wisdom to his family and friends will always be remembered and cherished. 

Beloved husband of Billie for 47 years, Devoted father to Kristen Furdyna (Patrick) and Kelly and Her husband Dave Miller. Uncle to Bill Furdyna (Donna), Greg Furdyna, and Lauren Furdyna.  Brother-in-law to Bette Furdyna, Norman and Jackie Miller, and John Ebell. Nephew and cousin to a large and loving extended Taylor-Bradley family and Furdyna - Branco family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Dorothy (nee Taylor), and treasured brother Wayne. 

Family and friends are invited to his visitation held on Friday, June 9th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at McGuinness Funeral Home 573 Egg Harbor Road, Washington Township(Sewell), NJ. Funeral Ceremony will follow at 12:00 pm at McGuinness Funeral Home. Internment with Military Honors at Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown, NJ.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Tom’s memory.