Obituary of Thomas Jay Wriggins

Thomas Jay Wriggins, age 77 of Glassboro, died peacefully in his sleep at home on Monday, December 22, 2014. Born in Atlantic City, NJ, in October 1937, he was the second child of Joseph and Lillian Wriggins. After graduating from Ocean City High School in 1955, Tom worked at Lennox China for a year before entering and graduating from Glassboro State College. He taught Math and Science for a few years and during those summers, he worked at Johnson's Ice Cream Shop on the Boardwalk in Ocean City. There he developed the fine art of making delicious almond crunch which his friends enjoyed as a special treat at Christmas. In the late 60's he returned to Glassboro, now Rowan University, where he worked in the Registrar's Office. He served as the Registrar for several years before retiring in 1992. Tom was an avid tennis player in his younger years and maintained his love of music all his life. He sung in the choir at the First Presbyterian Church in Pitman where he also served as an Elder. He was a consummate people watcher and loved spending time at the shore in Sea Isle City. Traveling with his wife was always another adventure."just tell me when to pack and where we are going." Tom was a wonderful, sensitive, caring man who was an excellent listener. He was unassuming, patient, kind, honest, and had the courage of his convictions. He never lost his sense of humor even when he sustained a life altering spinal cord injury after a fall in December of 2011. For the last three years of his life, he faced each day with incredible courage, bravery, perseverance, and thankfulness for those who cared for him. He was an inspiration for all who knew him. Tom is survived by his beloved wife Betsy (McCalla); sons Jay Scott (Kim) of Las Vegas, NV; Gary Walter (Laura) of Newark , DE; grandson Jack Thomas and granddaughter Lainey Antonia also of Newark; sisters Susanne Trasoras and Alice Tosi White; brother Robert; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Patricia Earlenbaugh. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 30, at 11 am at The First Presbyterian Church of Pitman, 10 Wildwood Ave., Pitman, NJ, where friends are invited to visit from 9:30 am until time of the service. Inurnment will be at the Manahath Cemetery in Glassboro. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to First Presbyterian Church of Pitman or the charity of your choice. Memories may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com.