Thomas W. Giles Sr.

Tom, age 90 of Delran died July 21, 2017.  He was born July 6, 1927 in Camden and graduated Mt Holly High School Class of ’44. After leaving high school, Tom ventured off to find adventure with the U. S. Coast Guard, serving as an Electrician’s Mate Third Class. The young Tom would meet the love of his life, the late Betty Joo, at a Riverside Firehouse Dance.  After asking Betty’s brother for permission to date, Tom and Betty enjoyed 65 wonderful years of marriage together.   Even after leaving the U. S. Coast Guard it was never far from his mind:  he was recently honored at his grandson-in-law’s retirement ceremony from the U. S. Coast Guard for Tom’s service during World War II.  He’d later become a carpenter at Hercules and Superintendent for Building and Grounds in Burlington County.  As an Eagles season ticket holder of over 20 years, he cheered his beloved birds through the good and the bad. He also enjoyed salt water fishing and clamming. Relaxing times found him down the shore with a rod in his hand or trying to catch the occasional clam.  He was a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, St. John Newman Council #1436 and a member of the Polish American Club.  If it was broke, Tom could fix it.  With a little duct tape he could work wonders. He travelled with his wife and a close knit group of friends everywhere from the Poconos to the Caribbean to dinners on the Moshulu.   But his happiest times were always spent with his family.  He thought nothing about dropping everything to hop on a plane to visit his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tom and Betty were blessed with two children; Peggy (Ricky) Giles-Ross and Thomas W. Jr. (Angel); grandchildren, Holly Williams (Mike), Bernie (Amy) Williams, Josh and Nathan Giles, and Kelli (Robert) Fairchild; and great-grandchildren, Taylor and Chase Williams, Riley and Jake Wilson, and Aidan Fairchild.  Tom was predeceased by his siblings; Alma Giles Farner and Charles Giles.  He was survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Come celebrate 90 great years, Friday July 28, 2017 from 8-10 am at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am at Jesus the Good Shepherd, Riverside. Interment St Peters Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Dr. Suite 300, Marlton NJ 08053.