Obituary of Thomas A. Bryant, Sr.
The Bryant, Lawshe, Guard and Graziosa families, with heavy hearts and tear-filled eyes tell of the peaceful passing of their patriarch and hero, Thomas A. Bryant, Sr. on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at the NJ Firemen's Home in Boonton, NJ.
Please join the family as they celebrate his life on Tuesday, May 12 th at 11:00 am with a procession through our town. Join neighbors and friends on Lane and Westville Avenues as we say our goodbyes to our beloved, Tom.
Born in Morristown, NJ to Carrell and Lillian (Carey) Bryant, Tom graduated from Grover Cleveland High School, Class of 1949, and joined the United States Navy during the Korean War, serving from 1951-1955 aboard the USS Newport News.
Upon his return he entered the ranks of the West Caldwell Police Department where he faithfully served from 1955 until his retirement as Sergeant in 1981. Tom also served the community on the West Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department and West Essex First Aid Squad.
His dedication to God, Country and Community was a direct connection to his family, for whom the world revolved. The strong legacy of commitment and character that Tom and Mary Lou bestowed is still evident in the generations of the Bryant, Lawshe, Guard and Graziosa families in our community today.
He was predeceased by the love of his life, Mary Lou Bryant (Williams) in 2018, and brother David Bryant. Tom is survived by his brothers Carrel Bryant and Jim Bryant, as well as his sister Alice Watters. Also surviving are his devoted children and their spouses, Lori and Jeff Lawshe, Karin and Michael Guard, Dona and Vinnie Graziosa and Thomas and Stephanie Bryant; cherished grandchildren, Michael and his wife Alyscia, Derek, Christopher and Maggie Lawshe; Hunter and 2nd LT USAF Sawyer Guard; Vincent, Gina and Matthew Graziosa; Thomas III, Taylor and Ashleigh Bryant.
Donations in Tom's honor to the West Caldwell Police Department Sunshine Fund, 21 Clinton Road, West Caldwell, NJ 07006, West Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department, 6 Fairfield Avenue, West Caldwell, NJ 07006 or the West Essex First Aid Squad, PO Box 662, West Caldwell, NJ 07007-0662 (www.westessexfas.org) would be appreciated (address and links on funeral home website). The Codey & Jones Funeral Home of Caldwell is proud to serve the family. Please share a memory or story about Tom with the family at www.codeyjonesfh.com.
