Thomas James Bonfonti Sr.

Thomas J. Bonfonti Sr. left our earthly world Sunday, October 13th after a long illness. He was 59 years old.

Tom’s life began in Montclair, NJ, son of James Thomas and Dorris (nee Fletcher) on December 08, 1964. A graduate of class of 1983 from Pompton Lakes High School, he attended Lincoln Tech and was a trained diesel mechanic. He found his calling, however, when becoming a member of the Pompton Lakes Fire Company and Washington Township First Aid Squad, where he served as Captain. This love of public service eventually brought him to Little Egg Harbor Township, where worked as a police dispatcher for 27 years, retiring with the rank of Chief of Communications for the Little Egg Harbor Police Department.

When moving to Little Egg Harbor, Tom became a member of the Mystic Island Volunteer Fire Company, where he was a member for more than 20 years, earning his life membership and serving as chief for 4 years. 

Tom’s life, although cut too short, was always around helping people. Always with helping hand, and was always finding a resource to help those in need. He loved finding solutions, whether it be dog crates for Sandy, equipment for the fire house, or whatever the need of the day was, Little Egg Harbor could count on Tom to come through with a solution.

During Hurricane Sandy, he manned the shelter at the Middle School for many days. He made sure any and all resources were made available, assuring the best possible environment for those seeking shelter. He always spoke of the massive effort to shelter the people during their hour of need. He directed the countless agencies appearing at the shelter, directing their resources where they are used best, even thought they might not be in his location.

Amongst the many contributions to the community was Tom securing donated surplus military equipment for the Little Egg Harbor Fire District 2 and the Township of Little Egg Harbor, where he painstakingly completed countless forms and documents completing the no cost transfer of rescue equipment in use today by both entities. Those green army trucks used to forge high water will be used as rescue vehicles by Little Egg Residence for years to come. 

Although his dedication to his community was unsurpassed, his love was greater for his pets, his wife Laura, and most of all his son, Thomas Jr.

Laura came into his life later. He loved her artistic talent, attending craft shows together selling her floral creations. They had plans to move to Oklahoma and settle down in a quiet place, perhaps where he could allow others to take up the volunteering, and receive that long deserved rest.

His love for Tommy is never ending, as he always had a new story of some Tommy adventure which brought him delight in sharing. He was also delighted with Tommy’s girlfriend Jordan, whom he always considered family.

His pets were always his pride and joy. He spoke often of Niko and Klondike, his two white German Shepards. He loved his Dalmatians, Lou (Lieutenant), Molly and Maddy still running around today. His most beloved Dalmation, however, was his Ariel, his most prized possession. Ariel was often seen at parades and strolling Smithville, where she was an instant attention getter. One of Tom’s greatest stories when his prize pet was awarded ‘Best Appearing Aerial’ at a local fire company wetdown. 

He leaves behind his wife, Laura Bonfonti, his son, Thomas J. Bonfonti Jr and Laura’s daughter Josie. The Township of Little Egg Harbor Police Department and the Mystic Islands Volunteer Fire Company have lost a proud employee and dedicated volunteer with Tom’s passing.

Visitation will be held on Saturday October 19, 2024 from 10am until the Funeral Service at 1pm at Maxwell Funeral Home 160 Mathistown Road Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087.