Thomas A Grygotis

July 14, 1939 - March 1, 2019

Thomas passed away peacefully on March 1, 2019. Tom was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was born on July 14, 1939 in Elizabeth, NJ. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Anna Grygotis of Linden, NJ and his brother, Joseph of Redlands, CA. Tom was also predeceased by his son-in-law, John M. Pocher on September 11, 2001. Tom was raised in Linden, NJ and graduated from NJIT with a BS degree in electronics engineering. After graduating from college, Tom joined the United States Air Force and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. While waiting for his military service to begin, he worked for WWOR-TV in New York City. Tom married Shirley Bobb in 1964 and moved to Selma, AL, where Tom attended pilot training. After flight training, Tom served at Offutt AFB in Omaha, NE flying “Operation Looking Glass” for the Strategic Air Command and rising to the rank of Captain. Following his military service, Tom accepted a civilian position with the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center, combining his engineering and flight experience to develop and test automated air traffic control systems. During his 36 years with the FAA, Tom held many positions. He served as Program Manager for the Traffic Alert & Collision Avoidance System and was very proud when it was mandated to be installed on all commercial aircraft. Tom lived in Absecon, NJ for 50 years and was a founding parishioner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. Of all these accomplishments, Tom was most proud of his family. He is survived by his wife, Shirley of 55 years and his three daughters, Linda J. Grygotis of Holmdel, NJ, Laura A. Grygotis, MD (Thomas McNally) of Middletown, NJ, and Leigh Cherry (Robert) of Pipersville, PA. Tom was a loving grandfather to Brian Kempf of Ocean City, NJ, Sarah Kempf of Holmdel, NJ, and Thomas and Matthew Cherry of Pipersville, PA. Tom is also survived by his nephew, Joseph E. Grygotis of Salt Lake City, UT and niece, Susann Grygotis Masropian of Laguna Niguel, CA. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, March 5th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 591 New Jersey Avenue, Absecon, NJ 08201 beginning at 9:30am to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish or the charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wimberg Funeral Home, 211 E. Great Creek Rd, Galloway 609-641-0001. For condolences, please visit wimbergfuneralhome.com.