Obituary: Thomas P. Scheider, Jr., 69, of Cliffwood Beach

Thomas P. Scheider, Jr., Lieutenant, Ret. JCPD, passed away on Monday, July 30, 2012, with his loving family at his side. Born in Jersey City, NJ, Thomas was a lifelong resident until moving to Cliffwood Beach, NJ in 1991.  He served his country as Lance Corporal in The United State Marine Corps from 1959 to 1965. After his military service, Thomas worked briefly for the New York Central Railroad Police. 

He then joined the Jersey City Police Department and began a fulfilling police career from 1967 to 2000. During his watch, which was entirely in the patrol division, he was commander of the Bus Detail, the Quality of Life Unit, Patrol Sergeant and Desk Lieutenant in each of the four districts, but had a special affinity for the South District.  Of his thirty three years of honorable service, his last six were spent as commander of the Motorcycle Squad and he had the honor of having been the last of the Mounted Squad.

Thomas held the post of Head Trustee of Keyport American Legion Post 23 for the last seven years.  He was a member of the Keyport Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corps League Avenel Detachment as well as the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4.

Thomas was an avid fisherman and captain of the Deutsche Raven. Among his many hobbies were playing the trumpet and keyboard, both self-taught.  He was lead usher and Eucharistic Minister of St. Joseph's Church, Keyport, NJ and a friend and confidant to young and old alike, who sought him out for advice on many subjects from legal problems, to boats and cars, even advise on how to build a squirrel feeder in snowy winters.  He will be missed by his relatives, many friends and by his beloved Doberman, "Sarge".

Thomas is survived by his loving wife Mary E. Scheider (nee Casey); devoted father of Thomas P. and Keri Scheider, Diana Lynn Brandon and Robyn Scheider; devoted grandfather of Marcus and Alexis Brandon and Elissa Scheider, dear uncle of Mark J. Scheider and Melissa Lisanti, Nicole and Malcolm Gilchrist, Geoffrey and Jeanine Gilchrist, Denice and Joseph Mercandante, Mary Alice Casey, Jeanette and David Erla, Richard Casey Jr., Carolyn Casey and Bridget LaPone, Patricia and Frank Tosi, Joanni Casey, Jessica and Danielle Romano; dear brother in law of Susan Turi and Richard and Alice Casey; also survived by many grand nieces and nephews; Thomas is predeceased by his parents Dorothy and Thomas Scheider, sister, Patricia Farley and brother Allan Scheider. 

Visitation will be held at McLaughlin Funeral Home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6 -9 PM.  Family and friends are requested to assemble at St. Joseph's Church, 376 Maple Place, Keyport, NJ, 07735 on Friday, August 3, 2012, at 11 AM for the funeral mass.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.  For those who wish, donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project.