"I have very early memories of both Benjy and Tom (brothers). I babysitted the boys. They were energetic and just loved to eat ice cream. BIG bowls of it. I came across this obituary quite by accident and was shocked to hear of his death. "
In loving memory of
Thomas R. Cola
August 20, 1957 - April 17, 2020
Thomas R. Cola, on April 17, 2020, of Haddonfield. Age 62.
Beloved son of Mafalda (nee Ciampoli) and the late Benjamin Cola. Devoted brother of Benjamin Cola (Lee), Laura Cola (Eric Sbar), and Gary Cola. Loving uncle of Benjamin and Joshua Cola, Rachel Sbar, and great uncle of Samuel and Madeline. Also survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Tom will always be remembered as a kind and gentle person. His good nature touched the lives of others in a positive and profound way.
Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington VA 22203 or by visiting: https://donate.nami.org/give/197406/#!/donation/checkout?utm_source=globalNav&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=DonationTracking&c_src=WEBDG
Tributes
"Our Nephew Tom was a combination of a sweet personality, great smile and quiet manner. He was a friend and ally to our son Tom and a partner in all the pranks they enjoyed together (and there were many). Tom was also very popular with the young girls in our neighborhood and so very kind to our daughter Regina. --- Uncle Guy's special memories are more recent. He and Tom spent time together on long car rides with short conversations. A trip to Atlantic City included a stroll on the Boardwalk and walking to the very top of the highest and longest pier in Atlantic City. Uncle Guy and Tom had a light lunch and Guy could see that Tom was enjoying the view of the distant ocean and beach. It was a beautiful sunny day and one that Uncle Guy will always remember. Tommy was a very special nephew and cousin. "
"It was always so exciting when Cousin Tom would come to our home for a visit. For my brother and I his arrival was synonymous with fun and adventure. Tom was so very kind. I have many warm childhood memories when he included me in the ?older kids? activities. Like the time he taught me how to slide down our staircase steps on a piece of card board, having water ice while sitting on the front door step together. ?There you are. the breath of dawn. May you shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand?...On Eagle?s Wings"
"Especially in my youth , I have fabulous cousin memories! Spending time with Tom and our families for meals and socializing in South Jersey and South Philly! I remember Tom having a quiet ,peaceful , gentle soul and a sincere smile. He was a mechanical wiz especially with automobiles. Love never fails and Tom and his family are an example of love ,to all of us. "
"I imagine in most people?s lives there are certain happy, vivid, memories that come back to them frequently and bring a smile. I have memories like this of the times that Tom and I spent together in our younger teen years. Whether it was the times we slept over at each other?s house or family gatherings at Castle Ave we were always out scheming some mischief or adventure and making it happen. Riding the Broad Street subway from end to end, figuring out ?creative? uses for Estes rocket kits and determining what happens if you get a kite and fishing rod and let out 2,000+ feet of line in the middle of South Philly. There were warm summer afternoons where we rode bikes endlessly from Haddonfield to Clementon Lake Park and another where we took in the view from an empty press box at the old JFK stadium, just us an 105,000 empty seats. When I think of my cousin and remember these times it makes me feel young again and makes me smile. Tom, thank you for the memories. "
"Although it had been many years since I saw my cousin Tommy, I will always be fond of our times we had together. He was the sweetest, kindest soul. Gentle with his ways and words he was certainly thought of over the years and held deep in our hearts. Uncle Victor I am sure was there with open arms along with your dad, our grandmother. Rest easy Tommy. "
"Dear Tom , You are loved and will be missed.I enjoyed your enthusiasm and zest for life! Thanks for your help at Rutgers when we needed a DJ. Will remember visits at Grand mom's and how my Dad was enamored by your many mechanical skills. Love cousin Helen "
"I will always remember my Uncle Tom as one of the kindest and most caring people I ever met. If anyone ever needed help with anything my Uncle Tom was there. Not only was he kind to people but he was kind to animals too. I always enjoyed Spending time with him and his dog sparky. He was also a talented mechanic. I remember on numerous occasions my mom having Car troubles and Uncle Tom would come over and get us going again. He was awesome! And will always be someone that I look up to. "
"I will always remember my dear nephew Tom as a kind and gentle person. Tom gladly helped anyone however he could including using his amazing talent with mechanics. I knew and liked Tom so much for the way he interacted with others with respect and humility. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life including chatting with friends, going to the seashore, and lending a helping hand to anyone who asked. Tom helped family members and others with any kind of car problem. Tom was very adept at analyzing and diagnosing a problem and fixing it. Tom never hesitated to help me when I needed assistance with a small business. He was kind to his dog and kind to animals. I have fond memories of Tom coming to Grandmom's house and playing and laughing along with his cousins and uncles and with everyone having such a good time together. Grandmom had a special place in her heart for Tom and so did I. My deep sympathy is extended to my dear and loving sister Mafalda and Gary, Ben, and Laura. Tom was a decent and good person with a generous heart. Life for me will not be the same knowing Tom is not in it. I will miss Tom as will all those whose life he touched. Anthony Ciampoli"
"Tom we will miss you. You taught us all so much about who we are as human beings and about what is important. Thanks for those challenging life lessons. I would undoubtedly be a very different person had you not been in my life. I am grateful to you my Buddha Brother. Your loving sister, Laura"
"My cousin Tommy was one of the most kindness, gentle person I knew. He'll be missed and never forgotten. I was about 10 years old when "energy crisis" hit when everyone had to stay in line for an hour or so waiting to have your car's gas tank filled. He and my father, his Uncle Victor would have discussions about it with insightfulness my father appreciated. Tommy was multi-talented, but one of which I'll never forget. He took the time outside of his full-time auto mechanic job to rebuild the engine of our family's station wagon. My father was facing a large bill for the work from the car repair shop and he did not have it. The car was also used in the family business for deliveries. Tommy step right up and used what seemed to be a natural talent and helped his uncle out. I'll never forget how impressed my dad was and how much he appreciated what his nephew did for him. "