Thomas J. Vrabel, 85, of East Hanover, formerly of Union, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on January 14, 2022.

Thomas was born and raised in Union, NJ and was a distinguished graduate of Seton Hall Preparatory School and Steven's Institute of Technology in Hoboken NJ earning his degree in Engineering.  In December 1959 he joined the US Armed Forces, US Army Signal Corp stationed at Fort Bragg NC and was thereafter inducted into Special Radio Operations in the US Airborne 317th Division. Thomas proudly served his country in that capacity through December 14,1965 when he was honorably discharged. He spent a large part of his business career in the computer and data processing fields.

As a young man he enjoyed many summers on the Metedeconk River in Ocean County NJ with his boat, his family, his friends, and his convertible. He enjoyed life to the fullest. As an honorable soldier, family would always come first. He married the love of his life Lucille Barba Salzano of Maplewood NJ and became a committed and extraordinary father to her three children who he embraced as his own. He was an outstanding and much-loved grandfather and great-grandfather who would always go above and beyond for his family. He will always be remembered for his ice cream sundaes, his vodka gimlets, and dancing the merengue with his darling Lucille.

Beloved husband of 53 years to Lucille C. Vrabel.  Devoted father of Thomas Salzano, Peter Salzano and Eleanor Kramer.  Cherished grandfather of Thomas John, Dustin, Bethany, Miabelle, Arielle, Naomi, Rachel, Michael, Matthew, Daniel, Max and Nikita. Proud great-grandfather of Theodore and Emilia.  Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.  Thomas was pre-deceased by his parents Joseph & Ellen Vrabel and his sister Ellen Vrabel.

A walk-through visitation will take place at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park this Wednesday January 19th from 4-6pm.  Due to Covid concerns, visitors are asked to pay their respects and then kindly exit the building.  Please keep contact to a minimal.  Your understanding is appreciated.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, January 20th, directly at the Gate of Heaven Mausoleum in East Hanover at 11am, which includes Committal prayers, military honors and entombment.  The service will be held in the Main chapel Mausoleum building, located on the right when you enter the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Contributions can be made in his honor to:

Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Foundation, C/O Dr. Alison Grann, Radiation Oncology at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Foundation, 95 Old Short Hills Road, West Orange, NJ 07052 or contact [email protected]

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Thomas J Vrabel, please visit our Tree Store.

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City OK 73123-1718
Tel: 1-800-227-2345
Web: http://www.cancer.org/