Thomas “The Hawk” Carr

Thomas “The Hawk” Carr, age 81, of Wayne, retired Captain of the Paterson Fire Department, passed peacefully at home on Friday, September 17, 2021. He was born in Paterson to Catherine and Thomas Carr. He was a loving brother and brother-in-law to Anita & Joe, Carol & Al, Marguerite & Roger, and Kevin & Margaret. He was also a warm wonderful uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind four children and their spouses: Kathleen & Alan, Coleen & Bob, Trish & Rahmann and TJ & Supattra. He was “Pa” to his many grandchildren: Joseph & Kristina, Kevin & Dana, Jennifer, Tiffany, Brett, Riley, Shaina, Danielle, Donovan, Delaney, Madelyn and Liam. He has 3 great grandchildren on the way! The family is excited and will make sure they know their Pa!

He was born in Paterson, and then moved to Paramus and the farm life when he was 7. He loved the farm, except for the time he got caught up in the barbed wire fence and tried to wave to his father for help but he just waved back not knowing Tom would be there for 6 hours. I’d like to say he learned his lesson but Tom liked a little trouble. He loved riding his horse, Star, and he was a true cowboy. That was evident in his love of John Wayne,  Western movies, and country music.  He eventually moved back to Paterson in the 50’s. His best friend Johnny lived across the street and they had great times together. They enjoyed the streets of Paterson, hanging with friends and racing cars in the car club, “High Lifts.” He was a leather jacket wearing, car racing, cowboy!!

He met  “Chippie” at Joe’s Pizzeria in Paterson. Their first date was to a drive-in movie. They had several dates which often included their younger siblings, Kathie and Kevin. Chippie wrote “I liked him because he was mature, serious and honest”. They liked to go to drive-in movies, for a ride or to house parties. They were engaged on June 1, 1963. Tom and Chippie were married in 1966 at St. Mary’s Church in Paterson. They honeymooned in the Poconos.

Tom served in the Navy and was on the aircraft carrier, USS Saratoga. He served during the Vietnam War and was part of the Cuban Blockade. He told great stories about his time in the Navy. Through the years, he stayed in touch with many of his Navy buddies. Tom and Chippie often rode Tom’s motorcycle to places around the country to visit them or attend Navy reunions.

Tom and Chippie were blessed with 3 beautiful daughters while living in Paterson. They moved to Wayne where their son was born. Tom once again, found himself in the center of the action. The neighbors looked out for one another, shared great times and many beers. Tom was known as “Mr. Fix It.” He was the toolman and Mr. Fix it to all! There wasn’t a bike, a car or anything he couldn’t fix with his tools or some duck tape!

Tom worked for the Paterson Fire Department, where he made lifelong friends that were like family. They enjoyed weekend barbeques, practical jokes and family parties together. Tom and Chippie always attended the annual Fireman’s Ball. As their kids got older, they were also included in the tradition. When he worked the overnight shift, his kids always looked forward to waking up to a box of jelly and bavarian donuts that he would bring home.  Tom became a Captain and a Master Mechanic at the fire department mechanic shop. Tom retired after 25 years from the department with a medal of valor. He was a true fireman at heart, practicing fire drills at home and pointing out emergency exit routes to his family.

When Tom and Chippie  retired, they got a place in Islamorada, in the Florida Keys. They enjoyed spending winters there. They again had friends that were like family. They joined clubs and went out all the time. They loved when their kids and grandkids  would come and visit. They also enjoyed playing golf.

When they were home, they spent their time with family. Tom was “Pa” and the grandkids adored him. Not just because he would sneak them all M&M’s, but because he played with them, laughed with them and had several silly games that never got old!! He was at every birth and every party and special event. At home, Tom could usually be found in his garage “tinkering” with something or sneaking a cigar. You could chill with him in his garage and maybe learn how to fix or make something. He always had an assortment of bikes or scooters for the kids. The grandkids never got tired of his shenanigans! Tom also loved hunting especially in Montana.

Tom always had a love of classic cars. He could be found reading Auto Trader and dreaming of his next car. He eventually got a ‘55 Ford and enjoyed spending weekends at car shows where he won several trophies which he loved to show to his grandkids.

Throughout his life, one thing was constant, whatever he was a part of, it became family. He was so warm and sweet and helpful, that you couldn’t help but love him. He would literally give you the shirt off of his back!! Tom could never pass a stranger in need, often rescuing motorists on the side of the road.Tom was a true gentleman. He cared for his family, always walking “his girls” to their cars.  He will be missed by all who knew him but will be reunited with his “Chippie”.

In lieu of flowers, please make checks payable to Patricia Brown, I was his favorite, “Daddy’s Little Girl” and he would definitely want that!! Ok, send flowers or donate to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (CAF) at curealz.org.