Plan for the Future
Thomas J. Reitter
Gentle Soul, Loved by Many
Thomas J. Reitter was born in Teaneck NJ on May 23,1950 and he died on Feb. 5, 2022 at the age of 71 in the arms of the love of his life Frances A Benson at home in Chatham. Francoise and Tommy Joe were together 46 years and married August 11, 1991 in Chilmark, MA, under the holly tree they watched grow in their favorite place in the world, Martha’s Vineyard. He grew up in Chatham and lived there until 1983 when he resided in Rahway, NJ. with Fran. In 1991 he and Fran returned to Chatham to their forever home.
He is survived by his love Fran, sisters Mary Muglia (Joe Muglia) and Ellen Cranford, sisters in law, Sherry Benson, Lori Benson Miller, brothers-in law Greg, Frank Benson (Ginny)loving niece and nephews Kim Picciano (David), Jeff Amon (Joanne) Ryan Lay, Luke Miller, great nieces and nephew, Courtney, Melody, Colton; his much loved step-mom Carol Benson ,his beloved friends and neighbors.
Thom was predeceased by his father John Reitter, mother Mary nee Kenny, brother John, sister-in-law Cathy Benson, father-in-law George Benson, brother-in-law Don Cranford and his beloved niece Allie Miller.
Thom graduated from Chatham High then went to the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts; he was a fine arts artist painting in oils and watercolor. Many paintings adorn people’s homes. His claim to fame is the Rooster mural in Montclair NJ which he originally painted in 1980 and has repainted it every ten years, the last being 2019. His work is magical, full of realism and fantasy intertwined. Thom loved the vineyard where he and Fran vacationed for over 40 plus years.; swimming, body surfing, the birds, the night sky and making the garden his palette, his many pets but mostly he loved his soul mate and best friend Fran
Donations in his memory may be made to the Raptor Trust Bird Rehabilitation and Education Center, Millington, NJ
Memorial Gathering will be held Feb. 13 from 1-5 pm with Words of Remembrance at 3 pm at Wm. A. Bradley and Son Funeral Home, 345 Main St. Chatham, NJ. To send the family a condolence, please visit, www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com
