Thomas Hardy, age 70 years, of Union Township, Hunterdon County, NJ, died on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 in the Hospice Care Unit of Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, with his loving wife, Debbie, by his side.

Born in Cleveland, OH, December 27, 1947, son of the late Redith Louise (nee: Blevins) Wilksker, Tom first lived in Tarrytown, NY and was then raised in the South Bronx, NY. He had lived most of his adult life in the North Plainfield, NJ area before moving to Union Township seventeen years ago.

A United States Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, Tom faithfully and proudly served his country from 1966 to 1970, whereupon he was honorably discharged. He has been a longtime member of the Vietnam Veterans Association Post #452, Manville, NJ and has always fought for better treatment of veterans and their families.

Tom, along with his wife, owned and operated Travel Time Limousine, Hampton, NJ for many years. He was a favorite driver for many of his customers, as he always had a story to tell to make anyone’s day just a little bit better. He was known for his humor, honesty and integrity, and always made certain his clients needs were not only met, but exceeded.

This integrity was passed on by Tom to his children, who fondly recall him as being an amazing advisor on almost every matter that one could encounter in life. He was eager to teach, and the lessons he taught about putting others first, assisting family however one could, and simply being a decent human being, are lessons that will not soon be forgotten.

A fisherman who found tranquility sitting on a boat fishing at Spruce Run, Tom also loved gardening, both vegetable and floral, and almost anything outdoors. He loved traveling and Aruba was his go-to spot. Sadly, he was scheduled to leave for Aruba several days after his sudden illness, but all his friends on the Island will surely celebrate in his honor, as Tom was always the life of any party and would not want anyone to spend too many hours shedding tears over his death. He would much rather them spend it telling “Tom stories” and just laughing and enjoying life.

Though Tom’s illness struck rapidly, it did not steal the ability for Tom to give of himself even in death. Through the ‘gift of sight’, Tom’s cornea’s will allow someone to see again. The most selfless gift one could give; and that describes Tom perfectly.

“Peanut Butter & Jelly” is how several people describe the love between Tom and his wife of thirty-three years, Debbie…they simply just go together! The two, married in the Chatham United Methodist Church on October 27, 1984, were not only business partners and husband and wife, but true life partners in every sense. They shared a deep connection that will forever be admired by all those who knew them.

In addition to his mother, Tom was preceded in death by an infant son, Logan Hardy in 1988, and two brothers, Stephen Hardy and Harry Wilksker.

Surviving are his wife, Debra Giangrande Hardy; three sons, Todd Thomas Hardy of Le Sueur, MN, Dylan Thomas Hardy of Santa Fe, NM and Tyler Thomas Hardy and his longtime partner, Emily Fischbach of Ocean Springs, MS; a sister, Louise and her husband, Bill Graham; two brothers, Ted and his wife, Diane Pedersen and Jerry and his husband, Gary Pedersen; a sister-in-law, Marilyn and her husband, Bill Callow; several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family; and many friends.

Military Honors followed by a celebration of Tom’s life will take place on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Cremation was private at Somerset Hills Memorial Park Crematory, Basking Ridge, NJ.

Please visit Tom’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to leave a public or private message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as to share stories and photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution are asked to do so to the “Hardy Memorial Funeral Fund” to assist with medical and final expenses. Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated. Please click here to be redirected to the memorial page: https://www.inmemoryof-memorial.org/thomas-hardy

For those wishing to still send something to the funeral home, a plant that can be replanted would be most appreciated by the family.

Wright & Ford, your local, family owned and operated “Life Celebration Home”