Thomas C. Hermida, 81, of Red Bank, a beloved father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, passed away July 28, 2024, with his family at his side.
Tom was born in Brooklyn. He was of Irish and Spanish descent and very proud of his heritage. He was raised in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, educated at St. Anselm’s, St. Ephrem’s and Fort Hamilton High in Brooklyn, and Jersey City College.
Tom had endless stories of his years growing up in Bay Ridge and developed many lifelong friends. He and his family spent summers at Lake Mohawk in Sparta.
Tom pushed up his draft and got the “token” and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served from July 1963 to July 1965 and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. He was very proud of serving his country.
Tom began his career working as an internal auditor for The Associated Press in New York City. He later decided he’d like to pursue a career in selling life insurance and investment products and gained much experience working for Connecticut General. Years later, he took a leap of faith and became an independent broker and opened up an office in Red Bank where he remained working for 40 years. Due to his hard work and dedication, he was recognized as a top producer in his field, receiving many awards, including a new Cadillac of his choice and many vacations over the years. He worked very hard to support his growing family.
Tom loved to snow ski and taught his son (5) and daughter (4) how to ski at Mt. Snow, Vermont. Eventually the entire family of seven skied and enjoyed weekends at various mountains.
He loved the stock market, playing golf and riding his Harley-Davidson. He and friends went on Poker Runs to Laconia, New Hampshire, and Daytona Beach, Florida, wearing leather and fake tattoos.
Tom is survived by his four children, Thomas J. (Connie), Front Royal, Virginia, Jennifer Hermida, Middletown, Nicole (John) Coolahan, Middletown, and Robin Hermida, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Gracie, Jenna, TJ and Tommy; his sister Dolores Becker and nephew James; and his adored Molly Mae the cockapoo who misses him dearly.
Tom was predeceased by his youngest son, Jeffrey Ryan Hermida (22), parents Thomas M. and Mary V. Hermida née Grady, his beloved grandparents, Modesto and Molly Hermida née McKeever and Joseph and Lilly Grady, and his loving Bentley the cockapoo.
Visitation took place Aug. 2 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, immediately followed by a funeral Mass at St. James Church, Red Bank. Interment followed at Fairview Cemetery, Red Bank. Please visit Tom’s memorial page at thompsonmemorial.net.
