Thomas J. Reck

Thomas Joseph Reck departed this world peacefully, surrounded by family on August 10, 2021. He was born in Dublin, Ireland on December 29, 1926 to Barbara (Abby) and David Reck who predeceased him. He was also sadly predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Thelma (nee McGinley) Reck in February 2017 and his son, David Joseph Reck in April 2017; his sister, Bridget Neville in June 2007; and his nephew and Godson, Richard Neville in July 2019.

He is survived by his devoted daughter, Miriam (Pat) Salvemini, of Ringwood, his sons, Francis (Diane) Reck of Leland, NC and Thomas (Denise) Reck of Elmwood Park; grandchildren, Michelle (Nick) Colucci, Douglas (Cally) Salvemini, Jillian Reck, Meaghan Reck and Kathleen Reck; great-grandchildren, Nico, Russell and Leo Colucci. He is also survived by his sister, Rita Devlin of Dublin, Ireland; nieces and nephews and their children in Ireland. He was the last surviving In-Law of the McGinley family in Ireland.

Tom and Thelma brought their young family of two children to America in February 1960. They resided in various locations in Paterson since then. Two American born sons joined the family. Tom initially gained employment with Anaconda Aluminum, Fair Lawn and then at Mercury Printing Ink, Paterson before becoming the Chauffer for the Bishops of Paterson. As a devout Catholic it was his honor to serve Bishops Navagh, Casey and Rodimer. When he lived in Dublin, Ireland he was the Staff Major of the City of Dublin James Connelly Pipers Band. He also was the recipient of the Benemerenti Medal from Pope John Paul, II.

He devoted his life to the education of his children, especially his beloved son, David who was born with Downs Syndrome. He loved his grandchildren with all his heart and enjoyed having fun with them. He was especially touched by his Sunday visits with Meaghan and Kathleen, and was over the moon when his great-grandson, Nico arrived. He treasured visit by his grandchildren especially throughout the pandemic. Family in Ireland eagerly awaited his visits and his nieces Veronica and Anne in particular kept in phone communication regularly.

Tom spent the last few months of his life in the Heritage Manor Rehabilitation unit of the Christian Health Care Center, Wyckoff, NJ. He was loved and respected by all who worked with him. The family would like to thank the nurses and special aides who went out of their way to visit him even when not assigned to his care; and for the unwavering dedication and determination of the physical therapists. He loved you all.

The family is grateful for the priests who visited him over the past year in his home and elsewhere to offer moral comfort and the sacraments of Communion and Anointing.

Friends may call on Friday from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton, NJ. Funeral service Saturday 9:15 am at the Funeral Home. Mass 10:00 am St. Philip The Apostle R.C. Church, Clifton. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Paterson. In Lieu of Flowers memorial contributions may be made to Ringwood Hunger Walk, 145 Carltondale Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456 or to Passaic County Elks Adult Training Center, 600 US 46, Clifton, NJ 07011.

Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com for online condolences to the family on the Tribute Wall section of the obituary.

A virtual funeral mass by St. Philip the Apostle RC Church will be offered on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10:00 am and can be viewed by clicking on the following link https://youtu.be/dcs2ClIMz6s

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