Thomas Clare's Obituary
CLARE
Thomas, Joseph, quietly and joyfully united with the Lord on July 4, 2014.Born in Rutherford, NJ on January 1, 1928 to the late Anna and Arthur Clare. Beloved husband of the late Jeanne Clare for 60 years.They resided in Franklin Lakes, NJ since 1966.
Thomas was a graduate of St. Mary’s HS in Rutherford and an Air Force officer during the Korean War.He returned to NJ in 1953 and resumed employment in his father’s supermarket business with his brothers, Charles and Paul. Shortly following their dad’s retirement, the brothers became members of the Wakefern Food Corporation and in 1958 renamed their store West End Shoprite.Thomas took an active role at Wakefern, serving in many committee capacities and as a member of the Board of Directors.In 1972, he opened a second ShopRite in Oakland, NJ with brother Charles. A few years later they split their businesses and Tom focused on growing the Oakland store.
Thomas loved to travel, venturing around the world with Jeanne and their friends.He enjoyed playing golf, any type of problem-solving game or activity, music, movie watching and discussing business and economics.
Thomas is survived by his children Thomas J. Clare Jr. and his wife Kathleen, daughter Jeanne Mary and her husband Marcus Macfarlane, Robert Clare and his wife Janice, daughter Suzanne and her husband Brian Troast, Joseph Clare and his wife Claudia, Jamie Clare and his wife Lisa.Cherished grandfather of Thomas Clare III (Audrey), Michael Clare (Kate), Marcus Macfarlane, Danielle Macfarlane, Lauren Clare, James Fulmer, Kristen Wehrle, Dana Wehrle, Jennifer Wehrle, Brian Troast Jr. (Danielle), Tyler Troast (Amelia), Brittanny Troast, Luke Troast, Lillian Clare, Lawrence Clare, Rachel Okin and Arielle Okin.Thomas is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren.He was one of five children and is survived by sisters Mary and Joan and brother Paul.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, located at 1799 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne NJ 07470 on Friday, July 11 at 10:30am.Interment of ashes will follow at Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes.In lieu of flowers, donations in Thomas’ name to either The Alan T. Brown Foundation in NYC or to the Diabetes Research Institute in NYC. Arrangements by the Hennessey Heights Funeral Home, Hasbrouck Heights.
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