Thomas Waivada

Thomas Joseph Waivada, 79, of Lakewood, formerly from Florham Park and Point Pleasant Beach, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on April 15. 2022. 

An accomplished entrepreneur with decades of business success and athletic achievement, Tom was born and raised in Newark, NJ where he attended West Side High School.  He was drafted into the Chicago Cubs organization out of high school after lettering in 3 sports and pursued his dream as a professional baseball player. After 5 years, he entered the business world with successful tenures working as a Conductor for the Penn Central RR and teaching Physical Education and coaching in the Sussex County Catholic School System. He then bought his first business Cordes Liquors, located on Broad Street in Bloomfield, where it was a pillar in the business community for over 25 years. From there he moved on to a new challenge and grew the successful commercial printing business, Rovegno & Alvino.  He ended his entrepreneurial career owning Jan’s Laundromat in Point Pleasant, one of the few to survive Hurricane Sandy and continued serving the community during this challenging time.

He was street smart, savvy, self-confident, and determined with a competitive fire, but also had a very sensitive, kind and loving side. He would do absolutely anything for his family and his family was so blessed and lucky to be a part of his life’s journey.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Tom had a passion for anything sports related, specifically for the Yankees, thoroughbred horse ownership and any activities his children and grandchildren were participating in.

Beloved husband of 56 years to Mona Di Filippo Waivada.  Devoted father of Brian Waivada, his wife Shannon, and Cheryl Waivada.  Cherished grandfather of Brendan, Owen, Sabrina, and Cozi. He is also survived by many loving cousins and friends. He loved his family more than anything and was never shy to tell them all how much he loved them. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph (Wally) and Margaret (Horvat) Waivada.

The funeral mass will be held on Thursday, April 21st, 10:30am at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Church in Cedar Knolls, followed by the interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover. 

In lieu of flowers donations to The American Cancer Society would be appreciated, see donation box below for details…

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