Obituary of Thomas J. Feneis, Jr.

Thomas J. Feneis, Jr., 85, of Freehold passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Jewish Home for Rehabilitation in Freehold Township. He was born in Jersey City, raised in New Milford, and lived in Dumont before settling here in June of 1970.  Thomas graduated from Rutgers University where he received his master’s degree in chemical engineering.  He worked as a chemical engineer for Sherman Williams for 2 years and then for Mobil for 20 years in Metuchen and England. He developed chemical coatings for Titan Missiles, Lunar Landing Modules, Thermal Nuclear Submarines, and Navy Ships.  He then went on to Conlux where he was VP and Technical Director for 8 years and then finished his career at Finneran & Haley for 9 years as Director of Maintenance and Marine Coatings. He had a special place in his heart for all animals but especially dogs.  Thomas cherished his time with his first dog, Honey.  He was an AKC show judge for 20 years where he specialized in Sporting, Working and Herding breeds as well as Junior Showmanship and Best in Show judging.  He was a founding member and Past President of Palisades Kennel Club and Mid-Jersey Labrador Retriever Club and lifetime member of Labrador Retriever Club of America.  Additionally, Thomas was the President of First Dog Training Club of NNJ and Sand & Sea Kennel Club.  Tom and Barbara founded Cedarhill Kennels where they bred Labrador Retrievers.  He cherished his time spent outdoors.  Thomas often visited Monmouth Beach where he enjoyed his time boating, fishing, and going to the beach.  He grew and harvested fruit trees, blueberries, and vegetables at his farm, Woodsong, which he was very passionate about.  A man of faith, he was a parishioner of the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold Township.  Thomas will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Feneis; brother, George Feneis and his wife, Diana of Oradell and Monmouth Beach; sister, Barbara Finnegan and her husband, Jack of Washington Township; nieces, Suzanne Mandell and her husband, Jeffrey of Monmouth Beach and Heather Ryan-Swift and her husband, Greg of Costa Mesa, CA; nephew, Daniel Ryan and his wife, Marcy of Rumson; and great niece and nephew, twins, Drew and Pierce.

A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Monday, March 18, 2024 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10:30 AM Funeral Mass on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township. Interment will follow at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, 299 Freehold-Englishtown Road, Freehold Township.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Thomas’ name may be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94915-1200 or HERE, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or HERE, or the Father Benedict fund at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine or HERE. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.