Obituaries

In Memoriam: Red Bank Resident, Tom Hermida, 81

Red Bank resident, Tom Hermida, a beloved father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, departed this life on Sunday, July 28, with his family at his side. He was 81.

Tom was born in Brooklyn, NY. He was of Irish and Spanish descent “and very proud of his heritage.” He was raised in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, educated at St. Anselm’s, St. Ephrem’s and Fort Hamilton High in Brooklyn and Jersey City College.

“Tom had endless stories of his years growing up in Bay Ridge and developed many lifelong friends. He and his family spent summers at Lake Mohawk, Sparta. Tom pushed up his draft and got the ‘token’ and enlisted in the US Army. He served from July 1963 to July 1965 and was stationed in Ft. Hood, TX. He was very proud of serving his country … He loved to snow ski and taught his son (5) and daughter (4) how to ski at Mt. Snow, VT. Eventually the entire family of 7 skiied and enjoyed weekends at various mountains. He had a great love for the stock market, playing golf and riding his Harley-Davidson. He and friends went on Poker Runs to Laconia, NH and Daytona Beach, FL wearing leather and fake tattoos.

“Tom began his career working as an internal auditor for The Associated Press, NYC. He later decided he’d like to pursue a career in selling life insurance and investment products and gained much experience working for Connecticut General. Years later he took a leap of faith and became an independent broker and opened up an office in Red Bank, where he remained working for 40 years. Due to his hard work and dedication, he was recognized as a top producer in his field where he received many awards, including a new Cadillac of his choice and many vacations over the years. He worked very hard to support his growing family.”

Loved ones of Tom Hermida in his obituary

Tom is predeceased by: his youngest son, Jeffrey Ryan Hermida; his parents, Thomas M. and Mary V. Hermida, nee Grady; his beloved grandparents, Modesto and Molly Hermida, nee McKeever and Joseph and Lilly Grady; and his loving Bentley the cockapoo.

He is survived by: his four children, Thomas J. (Connie), Front Royal, VA, Jennifer Hermida, Middletown, Nicole (John) Coolahan, Middletown, and Robin Hermida, Winston-Salem, NC; his grandchildren, Gracie, Jenna, TJ and Tommy; his sister, Dolores Becker and nephew Jame;, and his adored Molly Mae, the cockapoo, who misses him dearly.

Visitation will take place on Friday, Aug. 2, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank, immediately followed by a funeral mass at noon at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 94 Broad St., Red Bank. Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, 456 Route 35, Red Bank. 

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home