J. Thomas Perrine, 87, of Independence Township passed away peacefully on February 13, 2019 at home with his loving family surrounding him. Tom was born in his family home on Mountain Ave in Hackettstown on September 20, 1931 to the late Clarence (Pete) Perrine and Margaret Nunn Perrine.

He graduated from Hackettstown High School in 1948, where he played varsity football. He was employed by Williams and Hibler Lumber yard until 1952 when he went into the U.S. Army. Tom served during the Korean War with the 45^th Infantry Division as a medic. He was wounded on June 19, 1953 and received the Purple Heart Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars and the United Nations Service Medal. Tom returned from the war and started working at the U.S.  Post Office in Hackettstown in November 1954 as a postal carrier until 1971, and then as a postal clerk until November 1999. Upon retirement he then worked at Greenway Flowers from 2000 to July 2008. 

Tom was a member of the Vienna United Methodist Church and was an active member of the Cataract Hose Co. #1 in Hackettstown, joining in March 1955. He was the longest serving member in the Hackettstown Fire Department. Tom was also a member of the Hackettstown Exempt Firemen’s Association, where he served as secretary for a number of years, and a member of the Hackettstown Firemen’s Relief Association, where he served as president for a number of years. He was also a member of American Legion Blue Ridge Post #164 in Hackettstown. In addition, he was also an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 158 in Hackettstown with the late Carl Groover.

A lifelong resident of the Hackettstown area, he was inducted into the Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame, Class of 2001 for his many years of volunteerism. He received a Scout mentor pin at his grandson Jordan’s Eagle Scout ceremony for being Jordan’s mentor and father figure throughout his life. In 2004, Tom, along with many other Warren County Veterans, received the first Warren County Veterans Recognition medal awarded from the Board of Chosen Freeholders for his service to his country. Tom was also honored to be the Grand Marshal of the Hackettstown Memorial Day Parade in 2015 in addition to being the Co-Grand Marshal of the Hackettstown Fire Department Anniversary Parade in 1997.

Family was the most important thing to Tom. He loved to cookout on the grill, making great hamburgers, only plain without all the extra stuff. He used to love to swim with the grandkids in the pool and play Trouble. Memorial Day was always a big family holiday, with Tom driving along with his wingman Jordan and passengers Juli and Mary in the 1931 Seagrave firetruck as a tradition started by his dad Clarence Perrine. He enjoyed being a delegate to the NJ State Firemen’s Convention in Wildwood for many years, and also loved the annual family trip to HersheyPark and trips to see his Army buddy Wimpy up in Vermont. Tom loved to play Santa’s helper for family and friends and at Greenway Flowers.  He was his grandson Jordan’s personal cheerleader, attending countless football and baseball games, wrestling matches and cross country meets at HHS. That tradition continued as he became the best Carolina co-pilot, making many trips with Dina to UNC Chapel Hill in North Carolina to watch Jordan pitch with the Tar Heels. His favorite place was home, which he called the Wig Wam, with his faithful rescue cat Scooter.

Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bette Wildrick Perrine, who he married on February 16, 1957 in the Vienna United Methodist Church. He is also survived by his daughters, Tina Holder of Hackettstown, Dina Perrine of Hackettstown, his sons John Perrine Jr. of Hackettstown and Donald Perrine (Terry) of Benton, PA, his grandson, Jordan Perrine, of Scranton, PA and his granddaughters Mary Garey-Perrine of Wilkes-Barre, PA and Juli Garey-Perrine of Pittsburgh, PA. In addition, he is survived by his sister Marie Puco of Netcong and was predeceased by his sisters Charlotte Mueller of Belvidere, Dottie Villano of Hackettstown, and Mildred Wiles Louch of California.

The family would like to thank his extra special hospice team, especially Tracy and Jane, for their loving care. Donations in memory of Tom can be made to the Cataract Hose Co. #1 of the Hackettstown Fire Department, 110 West Moore St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 17, 2019 from 4-8 pm at Cochran Funeral Home. Funeral service will be on Monday, February 18, 2019 at 11 am at the funeral home and burial to follow at Pequest Union Cemetery.

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