Thomas Lee Channell, 73, long time resident of Allamuchy, NJ, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Hackettstown Medical Center. He battled with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia for 15 years and he fought brilliantly to the end.
Tom was born in Elizabeth, NJ to Bernard Edward & Henrietta Charlotte Channell and was raised in Rahway, NJ. As a child he loved playing Little League baseball and pitched a “no-hitter’ in 1965. He also had fond memories of summers spent in Baltimore, MD with grandparents & extended family.
After graduating from Rahway High School he enlisted and served our country in the Air Force from 1969-1972. He rose to the level of Staff Sergeant. He was trained as a Flight Medic & flew in 101 combat missions with The 903rd Aeromed Evac Squadron in Vietnam 1971-1972. In January 1972 he received his Air Medal and in May 1972 he received his Oakleaf Cluster medal. Both were for “Meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight”. He was proud to have served and whenever anyone thanked him for his service he would answer “It was my honor”.
Eventually his USAF medic background led him to pursue a career as a Respiratory Therapist. This was a profession he was well suited for and he excelled in it for 45 years, the majority of which was at Dover General Hospital & the Saint Clare’s Health System both Denville & Dover campuses. While at Dover General he met & married his “bride” of 41 years, Linda. He retired in April 2016.
Tom was passionate about many things; sports, food, music. For many years he played in multiple softball leagues as a first baseman. He enjoyed playing golf & fishing and was a die-hard NY Rangers hockey fan as well as a NY METS fan. He was a loyal fan rooting for his teams through thick & thin. Tom called himself a “foodie”, he loved everything about food …eating it, cooking, talking about it , even grocery shopping.
Tom was a kindhearted, gentle man and beloved. He was a loving husband to Linda and a proud & loving father to son, Sean and daughter, Charlotte. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Nancy Butterfield, nephew, Justin Webb, nieces, Shannon Webb and Olivia Berg.
There will be a memorial celebration of life at a future date.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org) or Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org).
For those wishing to leave online condolences, please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com
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Dale DuVal Thomas says
May 10, 2024 at 10:35 pmI will always have such fond memories of Tom both as a coworker and friend. His upbeat personality, words of encouragement and dedication to his profession were exemplary. And , of course, we shared a connection with our love for Old English Sheepdogs. Tom, you will be missed! I bet you’ll be the MVP on Heaven’s softball team ❤️
Lynn (Jurcisin) Brodsky says
May 11, 2024 at 1:10 amMy deepest condolences to Linda, their children, and to all who loved him.
I worked with Tom for nearly 15 years in the RT dept at DGH – when you spend that much time with someone for that long; they become like family.
Sending a good thought up to you Tom, wherever you may be. I’m so glad the universe saw fit for our paths to cross. I can only hope they’ll cross again.
Greg Yocum says
May 15, 2024 at 2:45 amMy deepest condolences to Linda, Sean, Charlotte, and all the family loved ones. I was very saddened to hear of Tom’s passing.
I hold so many great memories of Tom and the many years we shared playing softball for Dover General.
I will always cherish the memory of the time we spent watching the Mets beat the Astros in Game 6 of the 86 NLCS, rubbing Maggie’s belly for luck.
Carmina Agnello says
May 15, 2024 at 3:12 pmI first met Tom at St. Clares in Dover. He was my preceptor,.so you know I learned from the very best. I will always remember our shifts together and appreciate the knowledge that he shared with me. We had lots of conversations and many laughs. Tom had a terrific sense of humor! My deepest condolences, Linda,Sean and Charlotte. May you know how much he loved you and how proudly he spoke of his family. Carmina
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