Tribute Wall
Friday
21
January
Visitation
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday, January 21, 2022
St. James Church
184 South Finley Ave.
Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States
Saturday
22
January
Funeral Mass
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Saturday, January 22, 2022
St. James Church
184 South Finley Avenue
Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States
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Jose Miranda posted a condolence
Friday, October 28, 2022
He delivered a beautiful eulogy to our son Victor on his passing. Deacon Tom was our neighbor at the Cedars, BR.and he connected with Victor, now they r together in heaven.
Great personality, kindest soul.
May he rest in peace.
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Barbara Wegman posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
My condolences to his family. I worked with TK for many years and it was a pleasure.
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Mark & Jeanie Conzemius posted a condolence
Saturday, January 22, 2022
My deepest condolences and prayers to the Klaas family. May God grant you “His peace which passes all understanding.” I was blessed to travel with TK in Up with People. Even though it was over 40 years ago, I can still remember his love for God, love and care for others, his infectious smile and laughter and his zeal for life. May God’s Perpetual Light shine upon him!
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Lorrie Quick lit a candle
Friday, January 21, 2022
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The big man with the gentle heart. He could skin a coyote and get youth to celebrate the Lord in song as he strummed his guitar. He deliberated and prepared his gospel readings with meaning as well as he could quip and joke. He shared books about prayers and angels as he tilted a glass in the joy of his friends’ company. We remember both sides of Tom and celebrate all of him as he enters his new Home.
The Quick Family
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Lance Van Note posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, January 21, 2022
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My condolences to the family of the Tom Klaas. Tom was a true mentor & dear friend. He always made time for me with a smile on his face, humor in his words & sincerity in his heart. A truly wonderful person. He will be deeply missed.
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Jim Gates posted a condolence
Friday, January 21, 2022
We are blessed to have shared in so many things that Tom loved. He lived life to the fullest and set an example to our community, that he so loved. The bar was set high and he left a mark on us all. We will miss your smile and infectious personality.
The Gates Family
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Will Ober lit a candle
Friday, January 21, 2022
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My sincerest condolences to Susan and the rest of Tom's family. I wish you peace in your hearts.
I had the privilege and honor of working closely with Tom over the past two years. Words can’t capture the tremendous sense of loss. His courage, steadfastness, and determination over this past year have been a lesson, a comfort, and a guiding light. He engendered such a feeling of kinship with those around him, and he was the source of much joy, laughter, and wisdom. He is often on my mind, and will be for some time to come. Thank you, Tom, and God bless.
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Paula Gilliam lit a candle
Friday, January 21, 2022
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My thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family at this time
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Michele Sims lit a candle
Friday, January 21, 2022
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My sincere condolences to the Klaas family. I wish you all peace and comfort as you grieve. I worked with Tom at Aetna and feel so blessed to have known him. Tom always lit up a room with his sense of humor and positive energy. He never hesitated to help anyone and inspire people, He was so motivational to me and many many others. His amazing spirit and memory with live on in our hearts.
Michele Barroqueiro-Sims
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Chris McManemin uploaded photo(s)
Friday, January 21, 2022
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I already miss your smile and company. Even if you're a bad card player like me. I'll always be happy I brought Susan and you together. See you in the future.
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Cathy Rahlfs posted a condolence
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Deacon Tom was a true gift to all of us. His inner peace and calm, his smile, and the happiness he radiated are things I will remember. I remember during the parking lot distribution of the Eucharist how his eyes lit up over his mask when I rolled down my car window. He was a delight on our Pilgrimage to the Holy Land where I got to know him better. He made the ceremony at Cana special and then, fittingly, that was the gospel when Monsignor announced his death. Susan, you and your family were blessed to have him and to share him. He will always be a piece of your heart and soul. I will pray for Deacon Tom and you and your family.
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Tribute Store
Thursday, January 20, 2022
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Our deepest sympathies. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Wagdy Saadalla posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Blessed is he whom you have chosen and accepted, that he may dwell in your courts forever.” Psalm 64:4
We all will miss you, Tom you had thought me & helped me to build my career.
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Dean Hoffman posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
I am so saddened to hear the news of TK’s passing. Our friendship goes back over 40 years. He was the kind of friend where you could go for extended periods of time not being in touch, but one call and you’re right back to your last conversation like no time had passed. I will miss him deeply and extend my/our sincere condolences to his beautiful family, who he loved more than anything else in the world.
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Dean Hoffman uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
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Miguel Bello posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
My deepest condolences to the Klaas Family. I have worked with Tom when he was a Broker Manager with Aetna. You can very soon tell that he was a man of great character and faith, just a great human being. He will be missed.
Miguel Bello
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Michael R Hoffman posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
I selfishly miss TKs beaming smile and the warmth,comfort and peace of his outreached hand and arms every time we met. I'm so happy he's with our Lord fulfilling his goal and mission. Tom's contagious enthusiasm for goodness and service shined brightly on every youth mission trip where his cowboy work ethic, music-filled spirit and continuous prayer emanates the glow of the Holy Spirit and continues to fill St James community and all the communities we visited. Great example for all. Honored to call him friend and brother.
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Jen Mueller lit a candle
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
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I am so very sad to hear of TK’s passing. We met Tom over 25 years ago, before any of our children were born. I didn’t know then that Tom would have an impact on each of my children, through his work with St. James Youth Ministry. He had a gift of connecting with teenagers and was an invaluable leader. I’ll always be grateful for the role he played in the lives of my children, and for his ministry role at St.James Church. I hope Tom is at peace and will pray for his eternal salvation.
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Katherine Ananis posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
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The family of Deacon Thomas Klaas uploaded a photo
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
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Adam lit a candle
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
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Sincere condolences on behalf of Tom's work family at CVS Health & Aetna Medicare. Tom's incredible character and passion inspired so many of us to be the best we can be, on our mission to help Seniors live a happy, healthy and purposeful life.
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Jason Vogel (Nephew - Mary's Son) uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
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In 2010 Tom attended a Family Reunion that Dworshak Reservoir in Idaho. His charisma and energy put him right in the middle of all the action. He will me missed. Love you Uncle Tom... your nephew Jason
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Jason Vogel (Nephew - Mary's Son) uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
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Jimmy and Kiki purchased flowers
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
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Please know you are in our thoughts and in our hearts. Love always,
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Roberta posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
I was so sad to hear of TK’s passing. We were friends from his Brooklyn days back in the ‘80’s. May he rest in peace.
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Tribute Store
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
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With deepest sympathy,
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Claire Picone posted a condolence
Monday, January 17, 2022
Deepest Heartfelt Condolences Klaas Families.
When We First Moved to this Area in '99, I Remember With
Fondness, Deacon T.K.'s Youth Involvement As Displayed
With Our Youngest; then a Junior at Ridge High. I was Appreciatively
Humored When a Military Academy Rep. Visited to Interview Our Son, At
Deacon Tom's Behest, as 'twas So Well Intentioned! Thank You For Your
Contributing Spirit. A Chasm is Felt at St. James.
"Eternal Rest Grant Unto Thee" Deacon Tom.
Claire W. Picone
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The Driessens & Darnalls purchased flowers
Monday, January 17, 2022
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Paul and Crystal, know we are there with you in spirit. We pray that our Lord comforts you all with His divine sympathy and love. We love you guys!
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Phil and Eileen Loughnane purchased flowers
Monday, January 17, 2022
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Tom's faith, love and commitment to community will always be remembered and cherished. The heavens will rejoice upon his arrival!
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Jacqui posted a condolence
Monday, January 17, 2022
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Tom, a truly amazing and kind man. We had the pleasure of getting to know him and Susan when they lived in the Cedars and also as a deacon at St James. You could see his strong faith and love for his family friends and life. We feel so blessed to have known such a special man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Susan and their entire family.
Jeff and Jacqui Licato
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Anne Maxwell uploaded photo(s)
Monday, January 17, 2022
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It was truly amazing that we were blessed to spend time together in the holy land. My fondest memory of deacon Tom is the time he preached about leaving your comfort zone and stepping out of the boat as Peter did, how not be afraid to give yourself wholly to Jesus and trust his judgement. This is how he lived his life. We must be glad that he is in heaven now although his absence is hard to understand and it is very sad. Our condolences to the entire family, may we learn each day how to be selfless and compassionate like Deacon Tom, and live each day as fully as possible. May you now rest in the arms of the Lord.
With sympathy,
Anne Maxwell, Jane Christianson and Florence Ziolkowski, fellow pilgrims in the holy land.
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Marthe Terry posted a condolence
Monday, January 17, 2022
One of my Fondest Memories of Deacon Tom is at the Easter Vigil when he would chant the Beautiful Exsultet. I even happened to hear him practice alone in the big church and he said he was nervous! God Rest You, dear Deacon Tom. You were so special to Saint James. Your homilies were right on target and you were such a faithful and faith filled Servant of the Lord. Now please intercede for us who have big holes in our hearts. Susan, you were so brave and wonderful to post updates on CaringBridge and we've kept the prayers going and will continue to pray for you and your wonderful family.
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Mike Read posted a condolence
Monday, January 17, 2022
I will always remember the time when Deacon Tom challenged the parishioners to come 15 minutes early to mass. He handed out slips to those who honored that commitment and my son still has his. I’m sure Tom is playing his Guitar in Heaven. Prayers from The Read Family.
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Jack and Kathleen Cooney purchased flowers
Monday, January 17, 2022
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We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.
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Sending love & prayers - Emily Mace & family purchased flowers
Monday, January 17, 2022
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Uncle Tom, was one of the best. May his soul Rest In Peace, and may God give your family enough strength in this difficult time.
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Bill Roller posted a condolence
Monday, January 17, 2022
Tom---A dear friend who will leave a void in our hearts. Jill, Ryan and I will miss your “always happy and smiling” personality, your dedication to our Church and your family and our friendship that continued to grow for decades.
Out trip began early when our boys became friends at St James school. Ryan, Paul, Phil and Curtis played together on the St James school team with us sharing coaching duties with Gene Moretti.. It continued thru coaching thru Little League as we watched our boys grow into fine young men. You were an exceptional role model for all the young people fortunate enough to have you as a mentor and role model.
We will pray for you and our support for Susan and your children will never waver. Rest well my friend.
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Susan Pepe purchased flowers
Monday, January 17, 2022
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My sincere condolences on the passing of Tom. I enjoyed working with him. I will miss him and all the laughter we shared.
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Alison & Jay; Pattie & Steve; Lisa & Mark, Gerard purchased flowers
Monday, January 17, 2022
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Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
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Frank Reilly posted a condolence
Monday, January 17, 2022
I am so sorry to learn about Toms passing. I will miss him. Rest Well Tom till we meet again in a better Place. God Bless it was an Honor to know you. Frank
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billroller posted a condolence
Monday, January 17, 2022
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billroller3@aol.com posted a condolence
Monday, January 17, 2022
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Joseph and Lucy Franceus posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, January 16, 2022
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Susan and the whole Klaas family: we are so sorry for your loss. We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers. We picture Tom safely home and resting in the arms of our Lord Jesus. We also picture him singing and playing the guitar, for our Lord Jesus and The Blessed Virgin Mary, along with the rest of the heavenly host of angels. We pray the Lord will grant you and your whole family His comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding as you remember Tom. (Philippians 4:7)
Tom fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)
Someone once said, "When your loved one becomes a memory, your memory becomes a treasure." May you treasure all your wonderful memories of your beloved Tom.
With lots of Love, Hugs, Kisses and Prayers for you and your family, your brother and sister in Christ, Joseph & Lucy Franceus
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