Obituary of Gaetano Briscuso
Gaetano “Tom” Briscuso, 87, of Jackson, passed away at home on Friday, December 5, 2025. Tom was born in New York City and raised in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War on the USS Saratoga as an Aviation Electronics Technician (Navigation), Petty Officer Third Class; in active duty from 1958 to 1962, then in the reserves from 62 to 64. He received a commendation in 1960 and a “Good Conduct Medal”. Tom then returned to Canarsie to start his family. He served as a police officer for the New York City Police Department in the 75th Precinct in Brooklyn from 1965 to 1983, where he received a departmental recognition in 70, and a citation for service in 74. He earned his Bachelor of Science “cum laude” in Behavioral Science/Criminal Justice in 1977 from New York Institute of Technology (NYIT).
Moving to Commack, Long Island in 1990, Tom relished his time there gardening, golfing, and playing cards with his friends. He then moved to Bayville, NJ in 2002 to be on the water and achieve his dream of having a private dock and owning a boat. Tom later settled in the Westlake Golf and Country Club community in Jackson in 2016. He enjoyed fishing and crabbing. Being on the water was a calling to him. From his days in the Navy, to the pier and Yacht Club in Canarsie, to sitting at the Inlet in Manasquan, it was where he found peace. Tom was a fan of the NY Giants football team and the New York Yankees. Yet, he was primarily a devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather; always giving rather than receiving.
Tom was preceded by his beloved wife of over 57 years, Susan, in July of this year; his eldest son, Vincent, in 2007; and his parents Carmelo and Mary. He is survived by his children, Nicholas Briscuso and Gina Cusanelli and her husband, John; grandson, Thomas; siblings, Vincent Briscuso and his wife, LouAnn, and Rosaria Buccheri and her husband, Frank; and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial service at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Arneytown on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 12:30 PM (please arrive no later than 12:15 PM). Arrangements by Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For those who desire, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html?sc_icid=wtg-mm-memorial-giving. For information or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com
