Thomas Ayres

Thomas P. Ayres

February 28, 1948 – April 26, 2025

Thomas P. Ayres, age 77, of Parsippany, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born to Raymond and Audrey Ayres at Wickersham Hospital in New York City, Tom grew up in the family home at 47-24 204th Street in Bayside, Queens. He graduated from Saint Helena’s High School in the Bronx with the Class of 1965. The commute to high school and after-school jobs left little time for sports. Still, Tom played catcher for a Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) baseball team. In his senior year, he formed his own Police Athletic League (PAL) team with friends, proudly helping them win the 1965 Queens County Championship for their age group.

Following high school, Tom answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably, attaining the rank of Sergeant and receiving the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. His sense of discipline, loyalty, and quiet strength would be hallmarks of his life.

After his military service, Tom pursued his education at night and on weekends while working full time, first at Western Connecticut State College (now University) and then at The New School in New York City. There, he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees focusing on Human Resources (HR) - a testament to his self-driven spirit, desire to succeed, and unwavering commitment to providing for his family.

Tom’s professional journey was as hardworking and honest as he was. He started working as a boy with humble jobs — mucking out stalls at Bayside Stables, hauling stacks of Long Island Star Journal on his paper route, bringing home the meat as a delivery boy for “Pete’s” Meat, and hustling as a messenger at the Equitable Life Assurance Company. After his time in the Marines, he joined Xerox Corporation as a service technician, eventually working his way up to become Personnel Operations Manager for the New York Region. His HR career continued to evolve at CYRO Industries, which was ultimately acquired by Evonik Industries in Parsippany, where he rose to the position of Vice President of Human Resources for North America. He retired in January 2011 after a long and distinguished career, respected for his leadership, fairness, wisdom, and unwavering work ethic.

Tom was known for his serious demeanor, but beneath it lay a wry sense of humor and an endless repertoire of "dad jokes" that he delivered with perfect timing. He had a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures: photographing quiet moments, tending his roses, reading on the back deck, and hitting the greens as a longtime member — and former board member — of Newton Country Club. He also loved to travel, embracing each new place with a sense of wonder and gratitude.

A natural mentor, Tom guided countless young professionals with patience and encouragement. Outside the office, he shared his love of sports with the next generation, coaching and managing the Morris County Dynamo soccer teams. Both on and off the field, he inspired others through his steady leadership and kind heart.

Tom truly shined in his role as a grandfather, a chapter of life he cherished deeply. After retirement, he became a “professional grandpa,” eagerly cheering from the sidelines, capturing photos of milestones and special events, hosting sleepovers, organizing holiday celebrations, and creating memories that his grandchildren will carry forever.

After years of companionship and love, Tom recently married his beloved Marie Armenio on April 17, 2025. He was the proud and devoted father of Thomas Ayres and his wife Jennifer of Milltown; Sherry Ayres of Jersey City; and MaryAlice Ayres of Wharton. He was the adored grandfather of Fiona Marin-Ayres, Brady Ayres, Alaura Ayres, Jordyn Ayres, and Savannah Budinger.

Tom also leaves behind his loving siblings: Raymond P. Ayres, Jr. and his wife Linda of St. Marys, GA; Nancy Pricci and her husband William of Amityville, NY; Patricia Harford of Patchogue, NY; Michael Ayres and his wife Leslie of Marietta, GA; and Mary Beth Daly and her husband Bill of Kings Park, NY. His many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will forever remember his steadfast love, sharp wit, and generous spirit.

In place of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation in Tom’s honor, supporting the fight against pancreatic cancer — a cause close to the family's heart.

Tom's life was a beautiful example of quiet strength, deep loyalty, and steadfast love. His legacy will live on in every life he touched.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Lustgarten Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

For those unable to attend in person, the funeral mass will also be livestreamed.