Thomas Edward Scheck

Thomas Edward Scheck, 63, of Belmar was born in Weehawken, NJ to Harold Vincent Scheck and Eleanor Jagels Scheck. He died on May 3, 2019 at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune despite the dedicated care of the compassionate nurses, aides, therapists, doctors, and other staff there and at the Davita Wall training center where Tom and his brother Neil learned to perform home hemodialysis. Tom was an athletic and popular youth who suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a diving accident when he was fourteen, which left him a quadriplegic, unable to walk and with limited use of his hands. It is a testament to his inner strength and the love and steadfast devotion of his parents that he was able to live a happy productive life for close to fifty years after leaving Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation. Tom graduated from Pequannock Township High School and Ramapo College, where he received a dual degree in History and Business, and chaired a committee dedicated to improving accessibility at the school. He worked on computer systems for AT&T in Basking Ridge, Piscataway, and Bedminster before his early retirement. Tom moved to Belmar in 1996 and was a member of the boroughs ADA Committee. He loved the accessible boardwalk and for ten years rode the boards with Tiki the Pomeranian sitting joyfully on his lap. Tom was a highly knowledgeable and passionate music lover. In his youth, Dad drove Tom and friends down to Convention Hall for Mountain, Yes and The Eagles, Humble Pie, Black Sabbath and Black Oak Arkansas, Jesus Christ Superstar, and ELP, when Dad snuck in around back and wound up watching Keith Emerson play from over the top of his keyboard while Tom leaned in by Keiths feet with his elbow on the stage. Tom enjoyed the heck out of more great shows than anyone, from Pink Floyd at Roosevelt Stadium to Airto & Flora Purim at the Bottom Line, from Joe Cocker, Dave Brubeck, or Asleep at the Wheel in Central Park to Joe Jackson, The Ramones, or Elvis Costello on The Pier. From Jose Feliciano or Maynard Ferguson at Ramapo, to King Crimson or The Kinks at The Barn. The Who, Zeppelin, Bowie, Bruce, Clapton, U-2, CSNY, Aimee Mann, The Pretenders, The Dead, The Allmans, The Mahavishnu Orchestra, the Dizzy Gillespie United Nations Superstars, the Lilith Festival, the Wave Gatherings, The School of Rock Fest, he loved it all. After moving to the shore, Tom could often be spotted in his wheelchair right in front of the stage in packed houses at The Saint, The Stone Pony, The Wonder Bar, and the old Asbury Lanes, to see legends like Leon Russell, Todd Rundgren, Dick Dale, Link Wray, and Patti Smith, as well as rising stars like Tegan & Sarah, The Pierces, Grace Potter, The Sleigh Bells, and Shannon McNally. Tom also turned out when he could to support lesser-known touring bands like Mulebone, Wussy, Goldenboy, Toby Lightman, LP, and The Yard Dogs Road Show, and talented local musicians such as The Sunday Blues, Divine Sign, The Fave, The Obvious, Pepperwine, Turtle Soup, April Smith, Jerzy Jung, Amanda Duncan, Arlen Feiles, Stringbean, Allie Moss, Rick Barry, Pat Roddy, Geena, Dub Proof, Anjelia Pelay, Emily Grove, the late Joe Harvard, and many others who undoubtedly appreciated seeing Toms smiling attentive face as they performed on occasion to not-so-full rooms. He was an early fan of his favorite, Nicole Atkins. Tom enjoyed sharing the music and leisurely Acropolis lunches with good friends Janet and the late Bob Colyard. Toms family thanks all the great people working at the music venues for their many acts of kindness. Tom travelled extensively in the USA and Canada, driving his hand-controlled 86 Monte Carlo with the T-roof through 49 states and most of the provinces, with Neil navigating. He enjoyed visits with dear friends Larry and Becky Benson in Oregon. Tom and Neil snowbirded several winters in Clearwater Beach, Florida thanks to the hospitality of Toms lifelong friend George King. Tom was a faithful fan of the Yankees and Giants, enduring the down years and reveling in the championships. He was a voracious reader who absorbed countless classics of literature. Tom supported political candidates who favor peace, justice, equality, and universal health care. Toms father Harold died in 2000. He is survived by his devoted mother Eleanor, brother Neil, beloved sister Nancy whose loving care eased Toms final months, her husband Jimmy Bernarducci, and brother Alan and his wife Kathy and their children Jennifer, Jonathan, and Michael, and Jennifers husband Scott Boyce and their children Ava, Landon, and Bailey. See www.jerseyshorecremation.com for the online obituary and guest book. A party in Toms honor will be held at Kleins Restaurant at Main St. and 5th Ave. in Belmar on Saturday, May 18, from 6pm to 10pm. Tom fought long and hard against multiple ailments and never lost his smile, his wit, or his wisdom. He was an inspiration to many. In the end, he told us, "Remember the good times." Tommy, we will.