Thomas R.  Kitchen, Jr.
Died: Oct 20, 2013
Thomas R. Kitchen, Jr., 64, of Hackettstown, NJ, passed away surrounded by his loving family at his residence on October 20, 2013.  Born in Newton, NJ on March 19, 1949 to the late Thomas R. Kitchen, Sr., former mayor of Hackettstown, N.J. and Ruth Swintner Kitchen.

Tom has been the Superintendent of Warren County Road Dept. for the past 5 years coming from Hackettstown where he served as Superintendent of the Department of Public Works.  Prior to that, Tom worked at Intercounty Paving Co. of Hackettstown for 22 years.

Mr. Kitchen proudly served his country in Viet Nam with the U.S. Navy from '68 to '70 on the USS Leary achieving the rank of Petty Officer.

 A lifelong resident of Hackettstown, Tom was a graduate of Hackettstown High School, Class of 1967, where he played defensive tackle & offensive center on their Football team, he also  participated on the Wrestling and Track Teams. He was co-founder of the HHS Tiger Athletic Association and  founded the Tiger's Snack Bar for sporting events; he was past Chief of the Hackettstown Fire Dept. and was a member of the Vigilant Hook and Ladder Co. and  Exempt Fireman's Association; He was a member of Blueridge Post # 134,  American Legion, Hackettstown, NJ.  Lastly, he coached girls softball for over 20 years, including the Warren Co. Softball Team and The Jersey Emerald's.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Ellen (Rice) Kitchen at home, son Andrew R. Kitchen and daughter Allison Kitchen, both of Hackettstown, NJ; one sister Linda Ries of Glen Gardner, NJ.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2013, 4:00-8:00 PM at the Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Highlands Presbyterian Church, 12 Pleasant Grove Rd., Long Valley, N.J. 07853
Interment Services will take place on Friday, 10-25-13 at 11:00am, Pequest Union Cemetery, Great Meadows, N.J.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church.  Condolences may be sent to www.cochranfuneral.com.

Condolences:

Kimberly, Jessica and Sean Rice
#66
November 3rd, 2013 7:31 am
At this sad time and in days to come, hoping you and your family feel the care of others surrounding you always. I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Michael told me. You will be in our prayers.
Patsy Lavinia
#65
October 29th, 2013 2:52 pm
Ellen and family, I just heard about Tom, and, I am so so sorry. I will always remember him on snowy days - always smiling and working non-stop. God bless. Fondly, Patsy
Janet Schuren
#64
October 24th, 2013 11:58 am
Ellen, Jeannette Saporitola told me about Tom's passing, I am so, so sorry. Unfortunately I never got to know Tom very well. I have very nice memories working with you in the 70's with Bob Mundrane an Tina. Hold on to all the good memories you have with Tom. You're a good person and Our Lord will take care of you, He has with me, my Sweetheart Hank passed away last September. Love, Janet Schuren
Nancy Wolfertz Lafferty
#63
October 24th, 2013 11:29 am
Our prayers and thoughts are with Ellen and family for your loss of this precious man. I especially enjoyed catching up with Tom at our 45th high school reunion last fall. His life has blessed so many.
Joyce Ort Berninger
#62
October 24th, 2013 10:23 am
Ellen and Linda, You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. Have known both your families for many years. I know he will be missed by many people. A life well lived.
The Tim Wallace Family
#61
October 24th, 2013 6:44 am
Our sincere sympathies to the entire Kitchen family at this time of your tremendous loss. Tom was one of those people who everyone who met him liked him. He was a tremendous public servant, one who took great pride in the not only his own work but that of those that worked for him. And the public greatly benefited from that attitude. But moreso, his positive attitude affected people in all walks of life. He will be missed greatly.
Joe & Tara Lake
#60
October 23rd, 2013 9:33 pm
Mrs. Kitchen, Allison & Andrew, We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Kitchen will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Mrs. kitchen, remember the good times and kids keep your dads memory strong.
Bill Cannell
#59
October 23rd, 2013 8:59 pm
Gone but never forgotten rest now
Harold and Ann Reeves
#58
October 23rd, 2013 5:22 pm
ELLEN AND FAMILY So sorry for your loss. He will be missed. He was always a gentleman and one of the mosted loved people I ever new. Our prayers are with you.
Ed Wehmeyer
#57
October 23rd, 2013 4:32 pm
We were not put on this Earth to be served.....we were put on this Earth to SERVE OTHERS....That is exactly what Tom did for so many years! My deepest sympathy to the Kitchen Family and all Friends. I will miss Tom very much....great man!
Len and Sue Richards
#56
October 23rd, 2013 4:29 pm
It has been said, "Love so joyfully and freely given can never be taken away. It is never truly gone.” Tom gave without end. It was such a privilege to have known him most of our lives. We stand by you in your time of grieving.
Paula Mastroeni Vacca
#55
October 23rd, 2013 3:31 pm
Dear Linda and family, Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Tom.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.God Bless..
Bruce K Smith
#54
October 23rd, 2013 3:18 pm
Condolences to the entire family. Tom was always a great friend to the Hackettstown School District. He was always so easy to chat with whether talking about town sports and sports in general. He will be missed.
Greg Bailey
#53
October 23rd, 2013 2:34 pm
Ellen, Allison, Andrew and family. I am sorry for your loss. I have known Tom since 1965, and he was always there to lend a helping hand, and do what ever he could for the community. He was Great Guy, and a Gentile Giant. Tom has touched so many lives, and his memory will live on forever! God Bless you all at this time, and may Tom, Rest in Peace!
The Manhire Family
#52
October 23rd, 2013 11:58 am
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you Ellen, Allison, Andrew, and Linda. Tom was a very special man and we will never forget his wonderful smile and sense of humor. I know our Allison really enjoyed his encouragement, kindness, and great coaching skills on his softball team. He was always positive and looking for the good in everyone. So, glad he was in to see us at the office a while back and we shared a great visit. Every time we think of Tom, it will bring an automatic smile to our faces. If we can do anything for any of you, it would be our pleasure! Keeping you all in thought and prayer during this difficult time.......
Bob and Judy Sheldon and family
#51
October 23rd, 2013 10:03 am
Ellen, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Tom will be greatly missed by us and all who knew him. God seems to take the "good ones" Be at peace that he is in peace now.
Jim and Judy Dougherty
#50
October 23rd, 2013 8:47 am
Our Prayers and Sympathy to Ellen and family for their loss of one really great guy!! Remembering Hackettstown Football and Tom's unmovable presence and "Class Night" and the two Tom's (Wick) in their TuTu's!! Tom touched so many people with his kind heart and soul. Sadly missed.
Bruce Yetter
#49
October 23rd, 2013 8:29 am
So sorry to hear about Tom. My heart goes out to Ellen and family. RIP
Nancy Peer
#48
October 23rd, 2013 7:46 am
My sincere sympathy for your loss. Tom was a really nice man and,as his nurse,I spent many hours with him during his treatment. He never complained. I am thankful I came to know him and what a special person he was. Rest in peace Tom
Laurie Panarella
#47
October 23rd, 2013 7:33 am
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kaylin Brice
#46
October 23rd, 2013 7:33 am
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Kitchen was a wonderful person inside and out and will truly be missed by so many people. I have nothing but fond memories of him from playing for the summer league softball team!
Karen Arnold
#45
October 22nd, 2013 5:41 pm
Dear Ellen and family - My deepest condolences to you and your family. Tommy was such a fun-loving, wonderful person in so many ways and contributed to the Hackettstown community more than anyone could know. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Kim and AJ
#44
October 22nd, 2013 4:34 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Blessings
Dale Garlick
#43
October 22nd, 2013 3:40 pm
My deepest love and sympathy to the Kitchen family. Tom was a dear friend for over 20 years. Our parternship in the Emeralds softball team is one of the greatest memories I have. May it be that you have found eternal rest in the presence of our Lord.
Chick & Linda Dimiceli
#42
October 22nd, 2013 1:22 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ellen.Tom and I had a lot of laughs over the years.He will be missed.
The Bungert Family
#41
October 22nd, 2013 1:10 pm
Tom was a great man to work with and a great man at heart, he will be truly missed. Rest in peace as our prayers are with your family.
Bruce Yetter
#40
October 22nd, 2013 12:25 pm
My dear Ellen, I am so sorry to hear about Tom. I know too well the grief and sorrow you and your family are going through. May this help. WHISPERS FROM HEAVEN BY Al Littleton & Brenda Smith When I left this world without you I know I made you blue. Your tears fell so freely, I watched; I know this is true. While you were weeping, Days after I passed away- While all was silent within me, I saw you kneel to pray. From this wonderful place called heaven Where all my pain is gone, I send a gentle breeze to whisper, “My loved ones, please go on” The peace that I have found here Goes far beyond compare No rain, no clouds, no suffering- Just LOVE from everywhere, You need not be troubled Just stay close to GOD in prayer Someday we’ll be reunited My love, HIS love surrounds you always. EVERYWHERE:
Richard Cannell
#39
October 22nd, 2013 11:34 am
Rest in peace Tom. My wife Karen and I wish to extend our Sympathy to the Kitchen family.
Phil and Laureen Timbrell
#38
October 22nd, 2013 10:55 am
Tom was agreat friend to not only us but the community. Tom and I started and ran the fire dept.annual softball tournament for 12 years and it was a joy working with him. Friends since childhood, he will truly be missed. May he rest in peace and may you, Ellen and family, remember all the joyous times to get you through this difficult time.
Chris and Bob Saville
#37
October 22nd, 2013 10:51 am
Tom will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ellen and the family.
Jo Ann Staugaard Jones
#36
October 22nd, 2013 10:50 am
My deep condolences to Tom's family and friends; to know him was to love him. Although he and I had lost touch, he was my 'big brother' in high school, and I will never forget him, his kind spirit and gentle ways. He will remain in our hearts always.
Kathy Monahan
#35
October 22nd, 2013 10:46 am
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. My sincerest condolences to all Tom's family and friends.
Frank Wheatley
#34
October 22nd, 2013 10:32 am
As a county employee I only had the pleasure of knowing Tom for the past five years. But in that short period of time I had the privledge of being in the company of a true gentleman, co-worker and friend. Tom will be sorely missed but myself and it is with a heavy heart that I say rest in peace my friend.
The Clarke Family
#33
October 22nd, 2013 9:59 am
To the Kitchen Family - Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Tom. His passing will be a great loss to our community. Joe, Cathy, James and Joe Clarke
John and Peg Carolan
#32
October 22nd, 2013 8:55 am
Dearest Linda and Allison and family, Tom was indeed one of God's better creations. He was a kind and sweet man and know only that he is at peace with the Lord. love, John and Peg.
John C. Gray - FEMA
#31
October 22nd, 2013 8:35 am
I worked with Tom and the crew at Warren County during Hurricane Irene. Tom was one of the classiest and professional guys I have ever worked with. He will definitely be missed and I send thoughts and prayers to his family and to the rest of the road crew at Warren County.
Linda & Gary Baylor
#30
October 22nd, 2013 7:57 am
Tom will be greatly missed.
Rick Loerch
#29
October 22nd, 2013 7:49 am
God occasionally gives us gifts by putting special people on Earth and in our lives to make the world work better. Tom was one of those people. He touched many peoples lives. He made a real difference. He will be missed. May he rest in Peace.
Marvin Hopkins
#28
October 22nd, 2013 5:16 am
Please accept my condolences on your loss.
Erika Young
#27
October 21st, 2013 8:50 pm
my sincere condolences to tom's family he was a wonderful classmate and friend he will be missed
The Hunt Family
#26
October 21st, 2013 8:42 pm
Our whole family sends our deepest condolences with Tom's passing. He was a great coach and even more so a great man. We have had the honor and pleasure of his company, wisdom, and humor and while we will miss him greatly - we will remember him fondly. Brenda, John, Tina, Dana, & Cory Hunt
Joan Kiedes
#25
October 21st, 2013 8:24 pm
Linda and family...sincerest condolences to you all. Will always remember him coming to see Mrs. K in the ER and and as a guard at the school, in addition to all his other duties. Rest in peace.
Karin Schardt
#24
October 21st, 2013 8:21 pm
My thoughts & prayers are with you, Ellen & kids. Tom was a great guy. Also, a long time classmate of mine from 3rd. grade all thru high school. He will be sadly missed.
Rose Ann Murray
#23
October 21st, 2013 7:53 pm
My deepest sympathies to you, Ellen and the children. Tom was a real "Gentle"man. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. I'll always remember the picnics... May God Bless you all. Love, Rose Ann Murray
Stephanie Alessandra
#22
October 21st, 2013 7:25 pm
Ellen and Family....I spoke with Anna this evening, I am so sorry for your loss. May happy and loving memories get you through this incredibly difficult time. All of you will remain in my thoughts and prayers...
Michelle Sween
#21
October 21st, 2013 7:21 pm
On behalf of the MidState Girls Softball League, our sincerest sympathies to the Kitchen family for your loss. A wonderful coach and mentor for many young women in the softball community, Coach Kitchen will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Lynne Timlin
#20
October 21st, 2013 6:55 pm
What sad news. Tom was such a good man. Our sincere condolences to the entire Kitchen family and a big hug to you Ellen.
Neil and Dottie Kappers
#19
October 21st, 2013 6:53 pm
Ellen and family, we are so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. We aren't in town so we won't be able to be there but know that we are in spirit. Tom will be greatly missed.
John & Darlene McHugh
#18
October 21st, 2013 6:51 pm
Our prayers are with your family for the loss of a beloved family member. He was a good friend and will be missed by all. For God and Country.
Larry, Jeanne & Kate Murphy
#17
October 21st, 2013 6:48 pm
We are so very sorry for your loss. Tom will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time.
Larry, Jeanne & Kate Murphy
#16
October 21st, 2013 6:40 pm
We are so sorry for your family's loss. Tom will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
LaBadie Family
#15
October 21st, 2013 6:15 pm
Ellen, Allison & Andrew, God has received a new angel. Tom was truly a good man and well liked by many in the community. Our sincere sympathy in his untimely passing. May God look over your family in this time of need. I am blessed to know Tom and will truly miss seeing him around town. Christine Labadie & Family
Marty and judy O'Hora
#14
October 21st, 2013 5:43 pm
Our prayers and thoughts go out to Ellen and the family.Have so much respect for Tom for being a gentle giant.Wonderful man.
Michael Gundersdorf
#13
October 21st, 2013 5:25 pm
My condolences to the Kitchen family. A true gentleman and a huge part of the Hackettstown communit, his contributions will have a lasting impression. Rest in Peace.
George and Geri Stagg ( Burk/Amato)
#12
October 21st, 2013 5:23 pm
Our heartfelt Sympathy to Kitchen Family. Tom was one of the good guys...always smiling and a hard working man. Linda, my prayers to you and a big Hugg Allison, Big Hugg to you and prayers also.
susan cooke kolcz
#11
October 21st, 2013 5:21 pm
linda I'm so sorry about your brother (also your parents) I worked in xray with barbara.and to tom's wife and children I'm so sorry my heart is there with you at this time.my sister and I watch him play football he was great god bless all of you
Bob ( Moose ) Kunkel
#10
October 21st, 2013 5:19 pm
So sorry to hear of Tom's going home with the Lord. I haven't seem Tom in over 25 + years. He was a fine man back then and I am sure a great man father and husband after then. We had many great days during childhood. I enjoyed most when Tom's father would take the truck back to Hampton Lumber Yard and I went along for the ride then always stopped at Dairy Queen. I know Tom will be missed. I know the Lord has his arm around him as I write. I pray the Lord wraps his arms around his family and friends and comforts them during their loss. God Bless y'all +
Dorman and Donna Perrine
#9
October 21st, 2013 5:11 pm
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Ellen and your family. May God comfort you and guide you. God Bless.
Ethel( Kunkel) Cole
#8
October 21st, 2013 5:08 pm
My Sincere Heartfelt Sympathy to the Kitchen Family for their loss. Tom was a great guy , he will be missed by all who loved him and those of us who were his friends. Rest In Peace, Tom
The Ruby Family
#7
October 21st, 2013 4:11 pm
So sorry to hear of your loss. Summer and fall ball wouldn't have been as competitive, memorable, and fun without him. He was compassionate, fun loving, and a wonderful coach. I will miss your bear hugs, Mr. Kitchen! Rest easy...
Ron & Barbara Shaw
#6
October 21st, 2013 4:07 pm
We send our deepest sympathy and prayers to all. Tom will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless you and keep you in His care at such a sad time for all of you. Ron & Barbara Shaw
Pat Gormley
#5
October 21st, 2013 4:01 pm
Thoughts and prayers are with your family. He gave so much to the youth in Hackettstown. Ginger enjoyed coaching with him on Sunday and she always talked about him with the highest regard. He will be missed!
Paul & Robin Wallace Delray Beach, Florida
#4
October 21st, 2013 3:53 pm
Robin & I are very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. He was thankfully a gentleman and extremely strong, one night at the Miller Street Fire House I lifted Tom off the ground, Tom then proceeded to lift me over his head I weighed 230 at the time. I say this because Tom's Heart was larger and stronger than his strength. As is stated in his obituary he was someone who gave himself to his town, and as much as the Town will miss him, it pales in comparison to how much Ellen, Andrew & Allison will miss him. I pray God's comfort on you all during this time of mourning. I wish I could be there to lend a shoulder of comfort. God Bless you Paul Wallace
Jerry DiMaio, Jr.
#3
October 21st, 2013 3:48 pm
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Kitchen family. Tom was a wonderful man and a true gentleman who will be missed by many. RIP Tom.
Joy and Lester Snyder
#2
October 21st, 2013 3:22 pm
Our Sincere Sympathy to the Kitchen Family on the loss of our longtime friend. Tom will be sadly missed by us all and the entire Hackettstown community.
Sandy Snyder
#1
October 21st, 2013 2:41 pm
I am so sorry for your family's loss. Tom will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
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