Obituary of Thomas E. Royle
Thomas E. Royle, affectionately known to his friends and family as Tommy, 74, passed away on September 23, 2022, in Venice, FL. He was born on September 3, 1948, in South Amboy, NJ to Harvey and Pauline (Tozer) Royle. Tommy was a member of the Carpenters Union and the Teamsters Union. He owned and operated Tri State Contractors for over 20 years, allowing him to use his skills in contracting, negotiation, and most importantly relationship building. Throughout his life, he valued relationships, which in his later life meant he could often be found on his patio on the phone having long conversations with his friends and socializing with neighbors. Although he loved his local community in Barnegat, NJ, after retirement, Tommy and his wife Jeanne escaped the cold and snow, and relocated to Venice, FL in 2012 to enjoy the warm weather and the year-round outdoor lifestyle.
Tommy loved the thrill of slot machines, and frequented Atlantic City, NJ, to enjoy the slots, dining, boxing matches, concerts, and other perks at the casinos. His favorite casinos knew him by name, and many times he walked away with one of the big jackpot checks.
In addition to slots, he had a fascination with pinball machines, and showcased some classic ones in his game room, right next to his pool table.
Tommy was a social guy with a generous spirit. Tommy’s neighbors, friends, and family not only loved his company and conversation, but also his cooking and baking. He would delight in making giant bowls of spaghetti and meatballs, and huge platters of pulled pork for his dinner guests. And a meal wouldn’t be complete without his homemade chocolate chips cookies, chocolate cake, or lemon cake. He even shipped cookies to grandkids who lived far away.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather (“Pop”), and friend to so many.
Tommy was predeceased by his parents, Harvey and Pauline Royle; 2 brothers, James Royle and Harry Royle; 1 sister, Judy; and his first wife, Alberta Royle.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne R. Royle; sons Thomas Royle and David Royle; stepsons Michael McLachlan and Steven McLachlan; daughters-in-law Nicole Royle, Danielle McLachlan, and Sara McLachlan; grandchildren Tyler Royle, Grace Royle, Hannah Royle, Gabe Royle, Jude Royle, Mason McLachlan, Corbin McLachlan, Rowan McLachlan, and Ivy McLachlan; siblings Michael Royle, Deanie Bartolomeu, William Royle, Kathy Guzinsky, and Laula Guzinsky; sister-in-law Susie Royle; brother-in-law Bart Bartolomeu, many more extended family, and friends throughout New Jersey and Florida.
A visitation will take place from 10-11:30AM, followed by a memorial service, on October 15, 2022, at Living Word Baptist Church, 320 Compass Avenue, Beechwood, NJ 08722.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Living Word Baptist Church, 320 Compass Avenue, Beachwood, NJ 08722. And do something that Tommy would have enjoyed – go fishing, try your luck at the slots, or bake some chocolate chip cookies for an adoring crowd.
