Thomas “Tom” Van Horn

Thomas “Tom” Van Horn, 76, passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of dedication, adventure, and deep family love.

Born in Camden and raised in Collingswood, where he graduated from Collingswood High School, Tom proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, treasuring his time in uniform. Often he could be found playing his bugle, learning “Taps” in the hope to honor fellow veterans.

His career included roles at Hartz Mountain, tire delivery, aircraft fueling, Mutual of Omaha, and real estate, but he spent many years as a toll collector on the Commodore Barry Bridge. Above all, Tom found his greatest joy as a father and grandfather.

A lifelong sports lover, he played catcher in high school, cheered for the Phillies, excelled at tennis, and later enjoyed golf on New Jersey’s finest courses.
The water was his true passion: he owned and restored boats, fished, crabbed, and served in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. His happiest years unfolded at his Mystic Island home, surrounded by bays and waterways.

Handy and self-reliant, Tom built anything without plans. He also savored casino roulette, talk radio, and browsing Craigslist, eBay, and QVC.
Tom lived in Collingswood, West Deptford, Mystic Island, and most recently Logan Township to be near family.

He is survived by his daughter, Megan (Mark) Fitzpatrick; son, Matt (Stephania) Van Horn; grandchildren, Ally, Jake, Matt, and Vivienne; and sister, Christine Walsh.

A celebration of his 76 vibrant years will be held Thursday, 10:00–11:00 a.m., at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Highway, Swedesboro, NJ, followed by an 11:00 a.m. service. A private burial, with military honors, will be held for the immediate family at a later date.

Tom will be remembered for his humor, skills, stories, and the warmth he brought to every moment.