Thomas Joseph Cimpko, Jr., age 85 years, of Hillsborough Township, NJ, died peacefully on Monday, April 15, 2019 at his home.

Born on his family’s farm in East Millstone, NJ, August 30, 1933, son of the late Thomas Joseph Cimpko, Sr. and Anna Yurchek Cimpko, he was a lifelong area resident.

A humble and kind soul, Tommy’s personality was that of a “doer” who believed that hard work was its own reward. He gave freely of his time and talents, with no expectation of anything in return; he simply felt that doing right by others was the correct way to live life.

Working for many years with Alward Construction Company, Basking Ridge, NJ as an automobile and heavy machinery mechanic, he was a member of Local #825 Operating Engineers, Springfield, NJ. Known by his contemporaries as a man of integrity and vast knowledge, there was no mechanical issue that Tommy would not find a work-around for!

A “super fan” of dirt racing, Tommy was a fixture at the iconic Flemington Speedway. He raced many cars over the years, but is prominently remembered as the lead mechanic for many notable drivers throughout his tenure in the racing world. Drivers such as as Sam Beavers, Mike Grbac and Billy Pauch are among those who can say Tommy was a major part of their team. He truly inspired every member of the crew to do their best, and his hard work helped those drivers earn much success.

An avid hunter, he was a longtime member of a hunting club in Pennsylvania where he enjoyed deer and turkey hunting. The camaraderie was something he looked forward to each season, and the club was an important part of his life as getting back to nature was something he truly loved.

Having a mother from Appleton, WI, helped turn this, “Jersey Boy” into a die-hard Green Bay Packers football fan. His family recalls the television always being tuned to the games on Sunday and not much went on while the Packers were playing. Sunday football was true family time, and he was proud that he helped raise the next generations of New Jersey “Cheeseheads.”

Tommy’s real story though, begins and ends with him meeting Ms. Tina Gnall. Their love story was just that, a love story. After marrying, they would settle in Raritan Borough for several years before moving to Hillsborough where they would raise their daughters and build a world of their own.

His “girls” were everything to Tommy. Having all his daughters in five years certainly kept the young father on his toes, but each of his children remembers Tommy having time for them as an individual. He was protective of them, but also allowed each to grow up and become their own individual self.

Tina died in 2001, and their girls ensured that Tommy was well looked after. Though he missed Tina terribly, he would see her light in each of his daughter’s eyes. They ensured that he could remain home during his finals months, putting into action all the lessons he and Tina taught them over the years about unselfishly giving to others during times of need.

Simply put, he was a wonderful husband, a great father and grandfather, a friend to all, and a patriot. Serving in the United States Navy during the Korean War, Tommy was honorably discharged in 1954 and went on to serve for several years in the United States Navy Reserves.

Living by the philosophy of just being a nice person and doing right by others, Tommy made this world a better place in which to live. In doing so, he also left us a road map to ensure we keep it that way. His lessons, which he taught by example, are the tools which will allow all those reading this to always rise above for the betterment of the community.

In addition to his beloved Tina and his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Marie Abate and Betty Carney; and a brother, Michael Cimpko.

Surviving are his daughters, Denise Cimpko-Beller and her husband, Frank, Lisa Cimpko, Dawn Pursell, Julie Cimpko and her longtime companion, Stephen Grooters, and Sandy Bielanski; his grandson, Thomas Beller; his sister, Lillian Scheer; his home health aides, Stephanie and Violin; his “grand-cats”, Mel and Jack; his “grand-horse”, Mickey; several extended family members; and many dear friends made over the years by being a man of true integrity.

Life celebration services with United States Navy Honors were private at the Chapel of Ewing Crematory, Ewing Township, NJ, under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Please visit Tommy’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a memorial candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of his life.

Those who wish may make a donation in his honor to the Checkered Flag Fan Club, whose mission is to help those who have been injured doing the thing they love, racing. Checks may be made to the “Checkered Flag Fan Club” and sent c/o P.O. Box 79, Kutztown, PA 19530. Please include personal contact information with your correspondence so the family can be notified of your kindness.

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