Tom Chiu, 59, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Born May 4, 1965, in Guangzhou, China, to parents Yee Gong Chiu and Foon King Chiu, he moved to the U.S. in 1979.

In 1989, he met his future wife Cindy, who had two children, Melissa and Chris. Tom and Cindy fell in love, marrying on July 24, 1993, and expanded their family with the birth of their daughter, Athena, in 1994.

Although Tom worked as a technical support engineer, one of his great passions was photography. At any given family event or trip, Tom could be seen with a camera in his hands. He had an eye for capturing special moments and making them even better with his photo editing skills.

In addition to photography, Tom also enjoyed traveling. Most recently, in July 2024, Tom and Cindy traveled to Alaska with friends on a bucket list trip where they hiked on glaciers and stayed in a cabin by a river watching bears eat salmon. Tom and Cindy visited other countries, including China and Columbia. They also took road trips, driving to many well-known places like New Orleans, Louisiana; Nashville, Tennessee; Hot Springs, Arkansas; all over Texas; Niagara Falls, and Disney World. He and Cindy had plans to go to Ireland and Scotland this September with friends.

Everyone who knew Tom also knew he had a great love for animals. His dogs, Rosco and Sheila, were part of his family, as well as two of his favorite photography subjects.

Tom appreciated musical theatre, with his favorite shows being Les Miserable and Phantom of the Opera. He also enjoyed listening to Pink Floyd and Metallica, rock concerts, and sports - especially the Yankees and the Giants! He was funny and had a quiet, unique sense of humor. Tom will be deeply missed by all. Though his absence leaves an empty space in our hearts, we will carry the memories we have of his humor, love and kindness always.

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his daughter, Melissa; his first dog, Chance, and his dogs, Rosco and Sheila. He is survived by his wife, Cindy; daughter, Athena (Nick); son, Chris (Sara); sisters, Lily, Ginny and Amy; grandson, Manny and his mother, Katie; son-in-law, Matt; granddaughter, Serafina, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and extended family and friends. He also leaves behind his granddog, grandkitties, and grandpiggies.

Services for Tom will be held on Friday, March 28th, with a viewing from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Costello-Koyen Funeral Home, 399 Avenel St., Avenel, NJ 07001. Repass to follow.

In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations in Tom's name to:

National Breast Cancer Foundation - www.nationalbreastcancer.org

Woodbridge Animal Shelter (Sewaren, NJ) - https://www.woodbridgeanimalgroup.com/woodbridge-animal-shelter

Louie's Legacy Animal Rescue - https://louieslegacy.org/