Thomas J. Priestley

September 8, 1946 - November 24, 2018

Thomas J. Priestley age 72 of Millville, passed away Saturday morning, November 24, 2018 at Inspira Medical Center, Vineland after battling various illnesses over the past 13 years. Born in Altoona, PA to the late Sheldon and Claire (Beasom) Priestley, he graduated from Millville High School, Class of 1965. He soon joined the United States Army and served for three years during the Vietnam War. Thomas worked for General Motors in Delaware as a laborer in the paint department, as well as other departments and retired after 30 years. He liked all Philadelphia sports teams, doing household projects, gambling, playing cards and betting the horses, but most of all he loved his family and grandchildren. Thomas was known to have a caring heart, and he enjoyed helping others. Thomas will be sadly missed by his son Thomas R. Priestley and his fiancée Lisa of Millville; six grandchildren, Thomas Priestley, Lucy Priestley, Tristen Priestley, Megan Gargon, Stephanie Gargon, and Timothy Seidel; his special niece Frankie DeGregorio Israel; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog Gracie. He was predeceased by his wife Georgia Ann "Cookie" (Buckley); one daughter Michele A. Priestley; two brothers, Richard "Dick" Priestley, and John Priestley; three sisters, Jeanne Schulkins, Bertha DeGregorio, and Grace Barringer; and his loving dog Jax. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 1, 2018 in the Christy Funeral Home, 11 W. Broad Street, Millville. Family and friends will be received on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Cumberland County SPCA, 1244 N. Delsea Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360. Memories and expressions of sympathy for Thomas J. Priestley may be shared on the Obituary Tribute Wall at www.christyfuneralservice.com.