Thomas R. Urbaniak

Thomas R. Urbaniak

Manville, New Jersey

Thomas “Tom” Urbaniak, 67, a man with a heart of gold who was truly beloved by all, unexpectedly left this world on Friday, March 12, 2021, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville, NJ following complications from surgery.

Tom was born in Somerville and raised in Manville. He graduated from Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School in 1971. Tom enjoyed working outdoors and was extremely handy. He worked for the Somerset County Road Dept. as well as construction before finally finding his niche as an electrical contractor with Sudia Electric in Somerset.

In 2012, Tom faced cancer. He returned home to Manville to mend after an extremely difficult surgery and remained cancer-free. Despite all this, he kept a positive attitude, and was often described as the most kind, easygoing man you'd ever meet. 

Like his father, Tom loved planting flowers and growing vegetables, especially pole beans, tomatoes and corn.  He loved barbecuing outside on his grill any time of the year. He also enjoyed cooking chicken or turkey vegetable soup in his crock pot, making macaroni salad or other pasta dishes.  Always thinking of others, he would offer a dish to take home as his thanks or just to share. He was a caretaker at home, and prepared evening meals for his Mom, Julia, who just celebrated her 100th birthday in January.

Tom was an avid Yankees fan, although he would not turn down a front row ticket to a Mets game with his best friend John and his son, Michael. He enjoyed music but always carried an AM radio with him so he could listen to talk radio during the day. Tom also enjoyed old movies and comedies of yesteryear. He supported charities such as the Wounded Warrior Project, various Children’s Hospitals, and the American Cancer Society. 

Tom is predeceased by his father, John F. Urbaniak, Sr., and leaves behind his beloved mother Julia of Manville, NJ; his loving brother John F. Urbaniak, Jr. and wife Francesca of Manchester, NJ; his caring sister Mary Ann Orlando and husband Gene of Spring, TX; and his ever-devoted sister Carol Orlando and her husband Ron of Neshanic Station, NJ.

“Uncle Tom” will also be forever adored by his six nieces and nephews and their families, including eight great nieces and nephews. This includes goddaughter and niece Julie Ann Katz, niece and nephew Stacy and Marc Orlando, niece Jennifer Janzen, and nephews John Michael and James Urbaniak. “Tommy” will also be sorely missed by his true best friend, John Sudia, and his son, Michael.

If you wish to remember Tom, perform an act of kindness for someone, donate food for those in need, or give to one of the above charities or one of your own. A Memorial Mass and Christian burial to follow at a later date. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS!

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