Obituary of Dr. Thomas C. O'Kane

Dr. Thomas C. O’Kane, 55, of Edgewater passed away at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Manhattan on September 20, 2017.  Tom was born in Passaic, and raised in Clifton before taking up residence in Edgewater in 1990.   A former cadet of the Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps from 1977 through 1982, he continued to support the corps by dedicating his summers to following the cadets and took great pride in sponsoring cadets annually over the course of many years.  

In 1984, Dr. O’Kane graduated from the doctorate program at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.  He continued his education at the State University of New York, and later served his internship with an emphasis on ocular disease at St. Albans Veterans Hospital in Queens.

Well-known for being a workaholic, Tom was the owner of Cohen’s Fashion Optical in Freehold Raceway Mall and Jersey City Journal Square, as well as a partner in Optometrx, also in Jersey City.  A family-oriented man, he adored his niece and considered his staff to be part of his extended family.  Tom enjoyed shorts trips to Florida, and enjoyed and celebrated life with his family and friends.

Tom was predeceased by his mother, Vita C. O’Kane earlier this year.  He is survived by his father, Thomas M. O’Kane of Jackson; his sister, Laurie O’Kane and her husband, Roger Jachts of Manalapan; his niece, Taylor Jachts of Manalapan; uncle, Charles Triolo and his wife, Maria of Toms River; and numerous friends. Tom is also survived by his best friend, Mario Alfaro of Edgewater who was there with him every step of his journey as he battled multiple myeloma for two years. 

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524) Freehold Township on Friday, September 22, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM.  Relatives and friends are invited to gather at 8:30 AM on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the funeral home for the procession to his 9:30 AM Funeral Mass at the Church of St. Veronica, 4215 Route 9 North, Howell.   Interment is private.  For those who desire, memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be made to Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps, Tom O’Kane Fund, 601 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA  18101.   For information, directions or condolence message to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com