Thomas J. Pieczara, Jr.

On April 19, 2025, of Washington Twp.  Age 88.  Beloved husband of the late Catherine T. (nee Balzer.  Devoted Father of Thom (Nanci), William J. (Rosa), Lynda C. Turing (Kenneth) and Scott T. Pieczara (Lillian).  Loving grandfather of Tyler, Matthew, Brogan, Justin, Timothy, Michael, Mackenzie, Bonita, Miles and Morgan.  Proud great-grandfather of Jax, Janalyn and Johanna.

Tom Pieczara was born on September 7, 1936, to Thomas and Helen Piecara. He graduated from Camden High School in 1954 with honors and a proficiency in bookkeeping and finance. He met the love of his life, Catherine (Kay/Kathleen), at a dance in Gloucester, New Jersey, in March of 1957. Later on they worked together at Campbell Soup, in Camden, New Jersey. They were married on April 12, 1958. Joining the army in 1957, he was enrolled in and graduated from the Army’s Finance School in 1958. As an Army Reservist, Tom earned the rank of Specialist (Spec. 5, aka E-5) and was honorably discharged in 1963. He later began working for Flintkote Gypsum after earning an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Temple University. While the company changed hands and names a number of times, Tom retired from the current ownership under Georgia Pacific in 2003, having been the Production Facility Accounting Department Head. On and off over the years, Tom enjoyed bartending on weekends at local establishments including the Erlton Lounge, Someplace Else and Mama Venturas Restaurant. He also owned a commercial cleaning business for a short period of time earning him trust in the local business community.

Tom and Kay had four children and together spent much of their time supporting them in their wide range of activities from dance classes, music lessons, football practices, baseball games, and to the theater (near and far). Tom was an enthusiastic band booster for the Pennsauken High School Band organization. Tom and Kay were known for their flare for hospitality, hosting many gatherings in their home in Pennsauken; the most memorable of those events being their annual Christmas Eve open house. Tom and Kay did not know any strangers, just friends waiting to be made. As an avid bowler, Tom repeatedly won trophies and recognition for high game and high score.  He was also quite the card player and became somewhat of a pinochle aficionado. He also loved dominoes and taught all of his grandchildren how to play Mexican Train. Tom enjoyed visiting family (local, out of state and internationally), spending time on the water in Brigantine and camping together with Kay at Lake Kandle and the Winnie Wonderers. Once the family grew with the blessing of grandchildren, Tom and Kay were committed to spend as much time with them as they could taking them to church, the campground, outings and events, and attending their activities.

Tom was a believer in Jesus Christ and an active member of First Baptist Church of Merchantville serving as a trustee, and later at Vincentown Baptist Church, where he was a Deacon. Tom spent time fellowshipping with other men at a weekly prayer breakfast, attending Bible study and sharing the Gospel.

Family and friends are invited to attend his celebration of life Monday, April 28^th 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Laurel Hill Bible Church, 1260 Blackwood-Clementon Road, Clementon. Funeral Service 11:00 AM.

In honor of Tom’s life, in lieu of flowers or other acts of sympathy, we would encourage any donations to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”