Thomas Carl Aldrich, 72, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, Thomas was raised in Watchung and had been a longtime resident of Warren for the past 50 years. He was a graduate of Watchung Hills Regional High School and went on to further his education at Wagner College, located in Staten Island, New York.

Following his education, Thomas entered the family business as a masonry contractor, working alongside his father and brothers. He remained dedicated to the trade throughout his entire career until his retirement. Thomas took great pride in his work, was highly skilled at his craft, and genuinely enjoyed what he did each day.

He was a member of Wilson Memorial United Methodist Church in Watchung, where a sense of community was an important part of his life.

Thomas was known for his kindness and generosity. He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. He found great joy spending time at his family’s beach house in Deauville Beach, New Jersey, where many cherished memories were made.

At home, Thomas enjoyed gardening, taking pride in growing vegetables, flowers, and his beloved elephant ear plants. He also had a special bond with his cat, Zeb. Above all else, Thomas treasured the time he spent with his family. He truly enjoyed watching his grandson play lacrosse and his granddaughter dance. His wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family meant everything to him, and he was deeply loved in return.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Michele Aldrich; his two children, Jay Aldrich and Tara Gechtman and her husband Todd; and his two grandchildren, Ty and Faith. He is also survived by his six siblings: Richard and his wife Susan, Mark, Tim and his wife Lindsey, Randy and his wife Jane, Dawn DiVito and her husband Pat, and David and his wife Lisa, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Thomas will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose kindness, warmth, big heart and quiet strength left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Memorial donations in Thomas’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D [LINK] in support of research and care for children living with Type 1 diabetes.