Bond Jr., Thomas J., Age: 86, Red Bank

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Thomas J. Bond Jr., 86, of Red Bank, passed away on Monday, June 27 peacefully at home with family after fighting a yearlong battle with ALS. He was just shy of his 87th birthday. Tom was the owner of Bond’s Electric which serviced customers in the Rumson and throughout the Monmouth County area. For many years he had the job of putting up the holiday decorations in Red Bank and Freehold. Tom began his business by wiring his first house at age 17. He continued working until his 70’s when he turned the business over to his son, Tommy Bond.

Tom Bond, as most knew him, was very active in the community. He served on the Rumson Zoning Board, as a toastmaster, Illuminating Engineer Society, Bayshore Electric Association, and the Rumson-Fair Haven Lions Club; serving as a president of the club several times. Tom also served in the National Guard for eight years. He also attended both Rutgers and Monmouth College taking engineering classes.

Tom married Bobby (Reilly) Bond in 1955, and began their life raising their two children, Kathy and Tommy on Avenue of Two Rivers in Rumson. While raising the children, Bobby assisted Tom in running the business from the home. They were married 43 years before Bobby’s passing in 1998.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, Louise Fogan and Thomas Bond Sr., as well as his sister, Louise. He is survived by his daughter, Kathy Bond of Hazlet; his son, Thomas Bond III and his wife Nancy of Hazlet; and a granddaughter, AnnMarie Bond, of New York City; two sisters, Beverly Wicks and Elizabeth Spangler, both of Florida; an uncle, Victor Bond of Georgia; and several nieces and nephews. Tom is survived by his second wife, Elizabeth (Moog) Bond, whom he married in 2000. He was quickly assimilated into her family by her daughter, Kathy Merton and her husband Craig of Fair Haven, Tommy Moog and Katie and Michael Moog and Anna, both of Vermont, as well as their families and children. His wife was with him and cared for him till the end.

Tom was an avid golfer, he loved to bowl and he was always competitive. He would always offer to bet when he knew he was right about something, and he reminded any takers that they needed to be willing to lose a nickel. His caring kind ways will be missed by all.

A memorial service in Tom’s honor will take place on Saturday, July 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Tower Hill First Presbyterian Church in Red Bank. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Joan Dancy and PALS (People with ALS) Foundation at Riverview Medical Center, 1 River view Plaza, PO Box 8157, Red Bank, NJ 07701 or Robert Wood Johnson Medical School: Department of Neurology, Clinical Academic Bldg Suite 6200, 125 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, is in charge of the arrangements.