Beloved Bridgewater 'Pop Pop' Is 'One Of A Kind,' Daughter Says

BRIDGEWATER, NJ— Father's Day is the perfect time to give a big thanks to all the dads who put smiles on our faces. Bridgewater, meet Tom Gara.

If you know a dad who sends sweet, silly or thoughtful texts your way, you’re pretty lucky. Texts from Dad have a way of putting a smile on our faces — and this Father’s Day, we’re celebrating the fathers behind the phones!

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to shine a light on awesome dads and the funny, insightful things they say. This submission comes from Rebecca Massa who nominated Tom Gara of Bridgewater.

What makes your dad extra special?

Pop Pop is known all around Bridgewater and Raritan. He was a 4th grade teacher in Bridgewater for 30 plus years before he went on to sub until Covid hit. He helped take care of his grandchildren while his daughter taught in the district as well. Now that the grandkids are older, he puts them on the bus every morning. He never comes empty-handed. He frequents Shop Rite on a daily basis and comes supplying whatever is on sale — Pastries, S’mores Pop Tarts, Pringles, Kit Kats, and of course, frozen Bagels 4 U everything bagels. He attends all the games and sometimes even practices. He frequently embarrasses Makenna when he walks onto the outfield to help clean up the softballs. She will fib about when she doesn’t have practice. He attends STEAM expos and chorus concerts and watches from afar at the walk-a-thons. Lucas loves when Pop Pop pushes him on the swings. Everyone knows Pop Pop and his embellished stories. He’s also known for handing out candy to Makenna’s best friends around town while they wait at the bus stop and used to follow the JFK bike train to school. He’s a one of a kind. Pop Pop never believed in a cell phone till recently when he got a flip phone. He sends abbreviated texts with a lot of spaces.

Why do you feel your dad deserves the spotlight?

There is no one else quite like him. As his daughter, I often think about how much my children and I would miss him if he wasn’t around. Having experienced the passing of two close friends, and thinking about life, people truly miss the people that are in their life the most on a regular basis. If Pop Pop was not around, my children would be devastated.

Happy Father’s Day to Tom Gara, and thank you for all you do!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know an amazing dad who sends great texts? Nominate him here by June 15.