Thomas E Chant

Thomas Chant ObituaryVisit the Oliverie Funeral Home - Manchester website to view the full obituary.Thomas E Chant 78 of Island Heights died March 1, 2026, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. Born in Philadelphia in 1947 to Marion and Ted, he moved to Seaside Heights at the age of 16. His first jobs included working long hours on the boardwalk. He graduated from Central Regional HS and then received an associate's degree from Ocean County College. He served 4 years in the US Air Force and was stationed for part of his enlistment in Thule Greenland (for a year and a day) as a weather communications expert. When he returned home, he became a Police Officer- first in Seaside Heights and then in Dover Township where he had a distinguished career retiring as a detective in 1994. Tommy and his wife changed places, and she was able to pursue a full-time career while he became the point man for his kids all through middle school and high school. When the kids didn't need him any more to get to their school activities, Tom returned to police work as an Agent for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office until his final retirement in 2014.Married to his wife Dale for 42 years, they raised two wonderful kids, Shanon and his namesake Thomas "Casey". They will both tell you that he was a great father- all the time- their hero in every way. Both Shanon and Casey found amazing spouses, John, whose love language is providing delicious food for every occasion and Delsa- Casey's beautiful and loving wife. But his favorite title was "Poppy". He would do anything for his 5 grandchildren, Caitlyn, Patrick Thomas, Mackenzie, Charlotte and Caroline. From Basketball games, soccer games, dance recitals and puzzles and games on the floor, Poppy was their "guy".Tom had a heart for helping others which took many forms. He was a volunteer coordinator for the Christ Church Cafe. He volunteered with the Housing Resource Center. He was on the Interfaith Hospitality Network Board. He went on 4 mission trips to Guatemala to help build houses and cook stoves. He pretty much never said no if someone asked for his help.He loved his church and wore many hats over the years including vestry, buildings and grounds and most recently as a Techolyte. Living so close to the church made him often the first call when something was needed, no matter what time of day or night.Aside from his wife, children and grandchildren he had a special relationship with his brother Alan, sister-in-law, Patty and his niece Molly, and oh how he loved his Philly cousins! Other loved ones include his sister-in-law Sandie and her husband, Joe, and his brother-in-law Dean and his wife, Billie Jean.Tommy's quiet, humble spirit endeared him to everyone who had the distinct privilege of knowing him. He will be missed by so, so many!Memorial Gathering is 10:30 AM Friday March 13, 2026, at Christ Episcopal Church, Toms River with an Inurnment to follow the Christ Episcopal Church Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Dreams & Hopes PO Box 514 Dripping Springs, TX 78620-0514. https://dreamsandhopes.org/donate or Christ Episcopal Church 415 Washington St Toms River, NJ 08753. https://www.christchurchtomsriver.org/Read The Full ObituaryTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.