Obituary of Thomas G. Kenyon

Thomas G. Kenyon, age 86, of Raritan Township, NJ died Friday, April 26, 2013 at Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Twp. NJ. Mr. Kenyon was born March 31, 1927 in Paterson, NJ. He was the son of the late Thomas G. and the late Helen (nee Decker) Kenyon. He resided in Tewksbury Township for 42 years before moving to Raritan Twp., NJ 3 years ago. After graduating from the Admiral Billard Academy in 1944, Mr. Kenyon served his country in the United States Navy during WWII. He graduated from Purdue University in 1950 with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and was a member of sigma phi epsilon fraternity. In his early adult years he played drums with various professional jazz and dance bands. Tom was senior manager of packaging services for the Sperry & Hutchinson Company in New York City for many years. He was past president of the Society of Packaging and Handling Engineers and lectured at various universities on package design and distribution. After retiring from S&H, Tom worked for many years as a legislative aid for US Congressman Scott Garrett when the Congressman represented the 24th district in the New Jersey State Assembly. Tom was a recognized expert in municipal finance and land use and served on many boards and commissions throughout his life. In 1995, he was appointed to the State of New Jersey Finance Board by former Governor Whitman. He was past President of the New Jersey Planning Officials where he was instrumental in developing and offering educational programs for municipal planning and zoning officials. In 2004 he was honored by the New Jersey State League of Municipalities with their highest award recognizing his long involvement in both municipal and state government. However, Tom is best remembered for his many years of service to Tewksbury Township. Starting in 1972 with his appointment to the Planning Board, Tom served the township for over thirty years in various capacities including seventeen years on the Board of Adjustment, two terms on the Township Committee and Mayor in 2002. He will be remembered as an effective advocate for the preservation of natural resources, smart growth, fiscal responsibility and meeting the needs of the community he served. Tom was known for his powerful voice and love of equestrian sports and he spent many years as the announcer at horse shows in the 70's and 80's. He was also an avid golfer and devoted NY Giants Fan. He is survived by his daughter, Andrea Kenyon Abbott and her husband, Dick of Stockton, NJ and his granddaughter, Gwen Van der Zyppe and her husband, Laurent of Montclair, NJ. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife, Maude F. Kenyon in 2011. Many will remember Maude as a local historian, a writer and the founder of the Tewksbury Historical Society. Tom's Life Celebration includes visitation on Sunday, May 5th from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at Martin Funeral Home, 1761 Route 31, Clinton, NJ. There will be a memorial service on Monday, May 6th at 1:00 pm at the Oldwick Fire Company Banquet Hall, 163 Oldwick Road, Oldwick, NJ (Tewksbury Twp.). Family & friends are invited to meet directly at the Oldwick Fire Company Banquet Hall on Monday. For memorial donations, please consider the Tewksbury First Aid & Rescue Squad, 163 Old Turnpike Road, Califon, NJ 07830, the Oldwick Fire Company, PO Box 83, Oldwick, NJ 08858 or the Tewksbury Township Public Library, PO Box 49, 31 Old Turnpike Road, Oldwick, NJ 08858.