Thomas M. Twist, Jr., 78, lifelong resident of Rutherford passed away Monday, November 23, 2020.
It is with profound sadness the Rutherford Fire Department announces the passing of Former Fire Chief Thomas M. Twist Jr. Thomas who was a member of Engine Company #4 having been appointed to the Rutherford Fire Department on October 18, 1966.
Thomas M. Twist Jr. served as Fire Chief of the Rutherford Fire Department in 1987. Thomas served the Rutherford Fire Department and our community in many capacities.
Thomas also served as a Company and Corporate Officer in Engine Company #4 for many years. He served on numerous committees in his Fire Company and for the Fire Department including, Relief Trustee, Fire Department Fund Drive, FD Mutual Aid Softball League. Thomas spent many hours planting and maintaining Fireman's Park.
The event Thomas looked most forward to, was the RFD Children's Christmas party which Thomas with his wife Sharon organized for many years.
Thomas was selected by the Rutherford Irish American Association as Firefighter of the year for the Associations inaugural parade in 2017. He was an Exempt Rutherford Fireman, a Life Member of the NJ State Fireman's Association and South Bergen Mutual Aid Chiefs Association.
He also served his community of Rutherford on the Borough's Civil Rights Commission and most recently as a School Crossing Guard who was on his post at Park and Donaldson Avenues as recently as four weeks ago…Godspeed Brother.
Thomas was a proud United States Navy Veteran having served during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
He was formerly employed for 30 years as an Inside Sales Rep. for Mc Elroy in Piscataway, NJ.
He was a big fan of the NY Giant’s, Met’s, Ranger’s and Manchester United English football (Soccer) team.
Thomas was born in Jersey City to Thomas M. and Ida (nee MacDonald) Twist in 1941. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Sharon (2010) and his sister Kay Bauer. He will be profoundly missed by his son Thomas M.III, and his wife Erika, his loving grandchildren, Victoria Elizabeth and Spencer, his sisters, Muriel Fallon, Vanda Decher, and a longtime personal dear friend, Christopher Seidler.
Family will receive friends Sunday 2-4and 6-9 in the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home, 19 Lincoln Ave., Rutherford.
Funeral Monday, all to gather in Funeral Home at 9:30am for 10am Service conducted by the Rutherford Fire Dept.
Interment will follow with US Navy Honor Guard presentation in Lodi Cemetery, 47 Terrace Ave., Lodi.
In Lieu of flowers, donations to the Bergen County Fireman's Home Association, c/o Jeff Parma, 277 Harriot Ave., Harrington Park, NJ 07640.