Thomas William Collinson, 94, Shepherd and Mentor to many of Manasquan, NJ and Boca Raton, Florida, entered heaven on April 26, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Born in Orange, NJ, Tom later lived in West Orange, where he attended West Orange High School. He graduated in 1946 and entered the Navy where he served for two years and then enrolled in Seton Hall University and earned his degree as he carried out his naval duties.

He graduated in 1950 and then met his beloved wife Mary of 62 years. They married in 1952 and together they raised eight children and were guardians to Mary's brothers Edward, William, and David. Mary and Tom founded his successful company Consolidated Fence Company and moved to Spring Lake until he relocated and founded another company in Pennsylvania, which he later named Collinson Inc.

Tom and Mary were devout Catholics, enjoyed skiing, golf at Spring Lake Golf Club and he was a loyal fan of the NY Giants. He was known for his warmth, sense of humor, exceptional intelligence, and Christian charity.

Thomas was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary (nee Byrne) Collinson on September 12, 2014, his beloved grandson Christopher Collinson, his parents Jesse G and Jane (nee Cullen) Collinson and his siblings Mae, Janie, Jesse, and Bobby.

Thomas is survived by his eight children, Mary Anne and John Callahan, Thomas and Marie Collinson, Patricia and Michael Palko, Dennis and Patricia Collinson, Jeanne and Robert Miller, Susan and Fran Raggazino, Linda and Stephen Bersey, and Carol and William Higgins.

Thomas was adored by his 24 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He also leaves his brother in law and spouse, William and Patricia Byrne whom he considered to be his own children.

He was cared for lovingly in his home, for many years, by Edward Hrysenko. He and Grace Alexander worked together in the last year to allow him to remain in his home.

Visitation Friday from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35 at New Bedford Rd., Wall. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 10:00am in Our Lady Star of the Sea Beach Chapel, 554 E Main St, Manasquan, NJ 08736. Interment in the Collinson plot in St. Catharine’s Cemetery Sea Girt.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mary B. Collinson Scholarship Fund, Immaculate Conception, 33 Cottage Pl. Montclair, NJ. 07042. Please make check payable to ICH/Mary B. Collinson.

To offer condolences to the family please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com