THOMAS J. CATHERS Sr.

     On September 5, 2025, it was discovered that Dr. Thomas J. Cathers Sr., PhD, had departed this world to ride the wind with his darling bride Cecelia. Known to many for his professional and educational achievements, he was more than that. Born in an ambulance on a street corner of Philadelphia on October 22, 1945, to Howard and Jane Cathers, he was a son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and cousin in a family that has been to every corner of the globe and back. During his time in the U.S. Navy, he added to the family travel logs with destinations in the Mediterranean, the Philippines, and many other ports of call in between. After his tour in Vietnam and discharge from the Navy, he settled into civilian life and started a family by co-creating two sons and a daughter. He provided for his family by enlisting in the New Jersey Air National Guard and working as a mechanic in his backyard and various shops in New Jersey. He ended his hands on automotive mechanic career as an ASE Certified Master Mechanic, employed by the State of New Jersey and working in the motor pool on McGuire AFB. Prior to his retirement from the State and NJANG, he enrolled in classes at Trenton State College, at the age of 40, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and his certification to become a teacher. By the time he retired from his position with Monmouth County Vocational School District as a diesel instructor, Thomas had earned not only his master’s in business, but had also achieved his lifelong dream of earning his PhD. Thomas settled into his title by modelling himself after the Victorian Era Gentleman. Throughout his life, he overcame many trials and tribulations which affected and molded him into the man we knew. Thomas was rigid in his standards and would not back down. He instilled this value into his children Thomas Jr. (Charlene), Sandra (Russell), and Theodore Sr. Thomas was predeceased by the love of his life, Cecelia, and a multitude of friends and loved ones. In addition to his children, Thomas leaves behind to carry on his legacy his brothers John and Richard (Karen), and his sister MaryJane. His grandsons Thomas III (Meaghann),Wesley (Dione), Brenden, and Theodore Jr. (Alexis). His granddaughters Corine, Ashley (Jacob), and Katarina. And his great-grandchildren Zoey, Max, Mary, and Elune. The number of people Thomas had an impact on is vast, and it is nearly impossible for one writer to encompass all aspects of Thomas’ life. With that in mind, several of Thomas’ family, friends, students, and colleagues have written their personal memories of Thomas to be shared here:

Remembrance of My Brother Tom

     My brother Tom lived a complicated and deeply human life. He carried with him the experiences of Vietnam, which changed him in lasting ways, but he also carried a profound curiosity about many things and a never-ending love of the stars. We shared that passion, and whenever there was a celestial event, he would reach out so we could marvel at it together. He liked to be called Thomas. But, hey, I’m his sister, and the formal name just never stuck with me. Though he was “Tommy” growing up, “Tom” and “TC” as a young man, and always just “Tom” to family, after marrying Cecelia he let everyone know he preferred to be called Thomas. It was a name he wore with pride, reflecting the person he had become. Tom believed in the adage, “The clothes make the man.” After transitioning from auto mechanic to vocational/technical high school teacher, he traded in his mechanic’s coveralls for suits and ties. He became a natty dresser, almost always in a business suit—even when everyone else was dressed more casually. Tom loved Cecelia deeply, and her passing left a hole in his heart. He treasured the adventures they shared on his motorcycle, riding to places that became part of their story. Tom loved to work with wood and was learning how to turn wood into beautiful bowls. He equally loved working on his car and Gold Wing motorcycle. And he didn’t mind getting some dirt under his fingernails planting and caring for his garden. Later in life, Tom earned his PhD—a hard won achievement that meant a great deal to him. From an early age, he had battled against the unfair label of being “less than,” a hurtful judgment made by a teacher and repeated often enough to shape his self-image. But Tom’s determination and intellect proved otherwise. He could be challenging at times—funny in one moment, sharp in another—but beneath it all, he wanted to be recognized, understood, and valued. He reached out to each of us in this past year, and I am grateful for those connections. I loved my brother very much. He was my stargazer buddy, my teacher in many ways, and someone whose life was far richer and more complex than any single story could capture.

Tom as a Friend:

     Tom loved to ride his motorcycle. We rode together… a lot! Before I rode with Tom, he explained his simple, but non-negotiable, guidelines. Whoever was first in line—whether there were two bikes or fifty—that person would lead the way and be responsible for the safe passage of those behind him. Whoever was last in line would be the first to move left or right on the road when the leader signaled he was turning, blocking oncoming traffic so all in front of him could change lanes safely. That was how I saw Tom as a friend. I would follow him anywhere, and he knew I always had his back. He will be missed. Stay safe, David.

 Thomas as a Teacher and Mentor:

     When I first walked into the classroom for Diesel Mechanics back in 1993 and I met Thomas James Cathers Sr., I was very impressed with how clean and tidy his classroom was. Like you can eat off an engine block for Thanksgiving dinner—in which we actually did. He taught me about life experiences and how to go through them and overcome them. I took that initiative and put it towards a nice clean tool room for the 3 years that I was there. Yes, we had bad experiences; yes, we had very great experiences—it’s what life is all about. The words of wisdom coming out of his mouth were for a reason! Now, almost 30 years later, I still follow some of his words of wisdom to this day! The last time I saw Thomas, here in Vermont, he told me to respect life, to live life, work for your goals, and achieve them. Don’t let nothing stop you. Here’s to you, Tom—I will raise your glass that I made specifically for you, a shot of moonshine, 120, just for you!

Joshua

     Tom was a wonderful friend. A wonderful teacher, always had words of wisdom to say when you needed them. He’ll be greatly missed. He was a wonderful person, always had a great conversation. He was there when you would need someone to listen and someone to talk to. He wasn’t just a teacher. He wasn’t just a friend—he was family.

Missy

Son

     My father will be missed. As complicated as he may have been, he was also predictable. As in many father/son relationships, we butted heads on too many occasions because neither one of us knew how to back down or even make a tactical retreat. That was a trait he passed down tohis three children. Through the good and the bad, we always made our way back to each other. The past several years were extremely difficult for my father. When Cecelia passed in August of 2024, he was inconsolable. He regularly expressed how lost he was without her. This past year, since Cecelia’s passing, I had many chuckles with what he was doing to help him cope with his grief. However, I saw something else that I had only seen from him on very rare occasions, and that was vulnerability and sensitivity. As I navigate my new reality, I choose to celebrate the good side of my father and maintain the belief that for whatever faults he had, he truly did what he felt was right. In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Marc Antony’s eulogy started with the verse: “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.” My father loved the idea of using that line—the entire eulogy—to describe his life. And with that, as one of his favorite comedians, John Cleese, would say: “And now for something completely different.” Carry on, Dad, we have the watch. Thank you for the knowledge you imparted, the positive values you instilled and most important, the support you gave me as I maintained my sobriety for all these years. Fair winds and following seas, sailor.

     The visitation for family and friends of Thomas will be held at The Lankenau Funeral Home, 31 Elizabeth St., Pemberton Borough, NJ 08068 on September 15, 2025, Monday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM and on Tuesday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home.  The interment with his beloved wife Cecelia will be in Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Provinceline Rd., Arneytown, North Hanover Twp., NJ. 

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