- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Tom Gussen
From the days of his youth, Tom was defined by his work ethic, which was second to none. His natural height coupled with his intensity made him a natural in basketball. His game accelerated during his youth at Gloucester Catholic HS, which would earn him a scholarship to Philadelphia Textile (Jefferson Univ), and years of playing professionally overseas in Sweden, Australia, Netherlands. He never stopped giving back to the sport and the people he loved. He was a fixture in the local basketball community and loved teaching and coaching youths of all ages. That was his passion, as well as his love for the Philadelphia Eagles. But above and beyond that, was his love for all his family and friends in which he would do anything for. He balanced his life with his love for physical fitness, in which Tom was always one of the first to walk through the door at L. A. Fitness at 5am. Tom was so loved and well-liked by everyone. He was such a people person and communicator, which laid the ground work for a fabulous career as an Energy Portfolio Manager at Sprague Operating Resources LLC., in which he spent 26 years. If you had the pleasure of getting to know Tom, you knew him for his intense passion in anything that was a topic of conversation, and that is why he was and still is loved by so many, and will never be forgotten. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.
Tom is survived by his son Max, Twin brother Rob (wife, Nunzia) Gussen, sister Patti Zelvis, niece Gabriella Scharle (Husband Mike), Great Nephew Giorgio Scharle, Nephew Giovanni Gussen, Niece Gianna Gussen, and Nephews David and Brian Zelvis.
Come Celebrate 61 great years: Wednesday 6-9p.m. and Thursday 10-10:45a.m. at Church of the Incarnation, 240 North Main Street, Mantua,NJ where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11a.m. Interment will be immediately followed.
23 Comments
Tom was the very 1st person I met at GC first day, freshman year. He sat behind me in homeroom That was just about 47 years ago. He was always a presence! A kind and thoughtful friend. I will never forget him.
My heart hurts for the entire Gussen families. Tom was a great guy, who always had a smile on his face. I know he will be greatly missed Sending love and prayers to all.
Tom was a great guy..not only did we go to high school together but we were at the gym every morning together, went to a few Eagles games and always had meaningful conversations. He will be greatly missed. Prayers to the Gussen Family..RIP Buddy
Tom and I are shocked and saddened…
Our condolences to the Gussen Family..
Thinking of you all…
God bless. This breaks my heart
So sad to hear of the passing of Tom. I was in shock knowing how much he worked out and his love of life. It was a plessure to know him and work with him at our open gyms at GC. My condolences to his family who he loved so much. RIP Tom 🙏 🙏
I had the pleasure of working with Tom for many years at Sprague. He was one of a kind, a gentle giant that had one of the biggest hearts I have ever known. I will miss all our Big East discussions and the great Syracuse teams from the past. I am truly saddened and his passing will leave a hole in my soul for the rest of my days. Tom you were a good co-worker, a great friend and an outstanding person and the world is a little worse off now that you have passed. Rest in peach my friend I will see you again some where down the road.
Bassett and I are sincerely sorry for all the family. This is beyond sad 🥲
The Gussen Family are in our prayers. So sorry for you loss. The Sliwowski Family – Dianne, Tom, Luke, Mark,
I had the honor of meeting Tom over 7 years ago at La Fitness. He always went out of his way to say Hi and Give some
pointers at the gym. He truly was a wonderful and kind person. My thoughts and Prayers go out to the family and friends
You will be missed.. Rest In Peace my friend.
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. I had only recently gotten to know him but learned very quickly what a kind and gentle man he was. He loved his family and friends very much. Prayers for the entire Gussen family. Tom will be missed!
Tom, I will truly miss our conversations we had at the gym and on the phone. If anyone ever had the pleasure to meet and talk to Tom, it was an uplifting experience. He had the ability to lift you up as tall as he was. A true gentle giant in so many ways. My condolences to all his family and love ones. You will be missed!
Prayers & condolences to the Gussen family. My daughter Gabrielle Jackson & myself met Coach Gussen at Bishop Guilfoyle elementary school, Carneys Point, NJ where he coached the girls basketball team. Coach Gussen taught Gabrielle the game of basketball. She went on to play at St. Mark’s high school, Wilmington, DE and excelled in her game. For Coach Gussen coaching basketball was one of his loves! He will be missed. R.I.P. Coach Gussen!
Carolyn Robinson-Whitted & Gabrielle Jackson
R.I.P. CO
So sad that one of the really good guys who made a positive difference to all he came in contact with has passed. Tom made my daughter Kristen happy and was an inspiration for me and everyone who was fortunate enough to meet him. We enjoyed our talks and text’ about many things, but our politics were always on the same page and we fed off any new information we could verify. I will miss him greatly!
I have had the honor and pleasure of working Tom for the last 9 years and will miss him very much. He always brought a smile to me when we spoke. From hoops to Eagles and March Madness, there are many memories to fall back on. His genuine interest in others made him a very special friend. Peace to all of you.
Saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a great player but great person. Sharing a house with him in Mooroopna during his year playing with the Shepparton Gators I got to know a person of great character, who loved life and lived life to the full. RIP
My condolences on Tom’s passing. Such a great member of the GC community. I will pray for him and his family.
Andy, Paula, Sasha and Justin Gordon – Mildura Australia
We are deeply saddened and shocked by Tom’s passing. He was a much loved friend of our family and highly respected in basketball circles in our State during his time in Mildura.
Tom was recruited from Sweden to play for the Mildura Mavericks. I was fortunate enough to be his coach. He was the quality benchmark for all subsequent American basketballers playing for the Mildura team. Both his on court and off court standing in the community was exemplary.
Vale Tom Gussen
Andy and family
I had the pleasure of getting to know Tom over the last few months and agree with everything being said I was blessed to call him a friend and he left this world much to early. My deepest condolences to his family.
So sad to hear. On behalf of myself and my whole family, we offer our deepest condolences.
Im very sad to see Tom passed away , this is heartbreaking news , may he RIP and my sincere condolences to his family
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. You popped into my life 8 years ago in the middle of the night. My tall pro fit friend with a pocket full of sunshine. Peace be with you and to the Gussen family
My condolences to the family.