Thomas Jacob Fry, Jr., known affectionately as Tommy-Jake, passed away on October 14, 2024, in Elmer, New Jersey, at the age of 82. He was born on January 30, 1942, in Woodbury, NJ, and was a cherished member of his family and community. Tommy-Jake is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Diane Fry (nee Bilbee), and their cherished children, Jennifer Lynn Smith (Derrick) of Westville and Thomas Jacob “T.J.” Fry, III (Erica) of Newfield. He was the proud grandfather of four grandchildren: Cora Shayne Fry, Ava Leigh Fry, Thomas Jacob Fry, IV, and Kyle Harry Fry, as well as his two great-grandchildren, Acacius Towle and Fable Leigh Burke. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Mary Elizabeth Brentari of Vineland, and he will be fondly remembered by his numerous nieces and nephews. Tommy-Jake was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Jacob and Elizabeth Peck (nee Falkinburg) Fry, Sr.
Tommy-Jake attended Clayton High School before honorably serving his country for 3 years, 1 month, and 11 days as a paratrooper, first with the 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles” at Fort Campbell, KY, and later with the 503rd Infantry Regiment stationed in Okinawa, Japan. His military service was a source of great pride and formed the foundation of his life’s values of discipline, service, and community.
After his military service, Tommy-Jake furthered his education at Glassboro State College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1968. He went on to receive a Master’s degree in Human Development from Fairleigh Dickinson University in the 1970s. His commitment to education was evident through his 35 years with the Mantua Township School District. Over the years, he taught 5th and 6th grade at J. Mason Tomlin School, 5th grade at Barnsboro School, and 6th grade at Centre City School. He also served as a basic skills instructor for reading and math at Centre City School and earned the principal’s certificate from the State of New Jersey.
Raised in Clayton and a resident of Newfield since 1971, Tommy-Jake was an active member of his community. He was a longtime member of the Clayton Volunteer Fire Company, the Newfield Jaycees, library committee, and cemetery committee. His dedication to his faith and community was exemplified by his active involvement in the Newfield United Methodist Church since 1974, where he served on the Board of Trustees, as well as his service on the Newfield Board of Education.
In his personal life, Tommy-Jake enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including fishing and gardening, particularly cultivating his vegetable garden. He took great pride in caring for his property and enjoyed working on various projects around the house. His family cherished the 14 years they spent vacationing in the Outer Banks, creating lasting memories together. He owned and operated “Fry’s Greenhouse” which supplied churches with Poinsettias and the community with bedding plants.
Tommy-Jake’s life was a testament to his belief in hard work, education, and community service. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he taught, the community he helped build, and the family he so deeply loved. He will be greatly missed, but his warmth, integrity, and indomitable spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Monday, October 21, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Newfield United Methodist Church, 116 Columbia Avenue, Newfield, NJ 08344. Service to begin at 11:00 AM with interment to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Newfield, NJ. Sign the guestbook at BarclayFuneralHome.net.
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