George Thompson Van Brunt

George Thompson Van Brunt

"Tom"

June 13, 1938 – February 11, 2025

George Thompson Van Brunt, lovingly known as "Tom", passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025, in the U.S. Virgin Islands—a place he cherished and called home—on the island of St. John.

Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Tom proudly served in the United States Navy and later built a life marked by personal passions and a strong connection to place. He and Suwadee spent their time in Hackettstown, New Jersey, and also on St. John, Virgin Islands, where the rhythm of island life suited them well. They built their colorful cottage together, fashioned in the Caribbean style.

Tom is survived by his wife, Suwadee Labelle-Van Brunt, whom he married February 21, 2009 on St. John, Virgin Island. Father of Susan Granger (Fitz), Nicole Allington (James), and Chris Van Brunt. Grandfather to eight grandchildren: Will, Annie, and Cooper Granger; Riley and Tyler Allington; and Avery, Auden, and Evangeline Van Brunt.

He had a lifelong interest in antique automobiles and enjoyed attending car shows in Hershey and New Hope, Pennsylvania. Other passions included: fly fishing, antique rifles and pistols. He enjoyed discovering and documenting his family ancestral history. He took pride in his craftsmanship in his many projects. Tom was most comfortable in his slower pace of life, which often reflected in the way he chose to live.

Tom always liked a good challenge. One of the challenges was coming up with new ideas and flavours for Penguin Ice, located in Elizabeth, New Jersey. With over 35+ years running Penguin Ice he felt it was time to let his son take the reins. Tom was creative in so many ways. He would come up with a thought and while working with his partner, Richard Bettle, for over 30+ years, they would develop products for their company, Check-it Electronics located Elizabeth, New Jersey. The Company manufactured products for measuring temperature and humidity.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine (nee Thompson) Van Brunt and George Oliver Van Brunt. And, his brother, Richard Van Brunt, fondly remembered as Uncle Dick.

His gentle smile and memories will always remain in our hearts and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of:

“George Thompson Van Brunt” to Friends of Virgin Islands National Park.

donate.friendsvinp.org

Arrangements were entrusted to Gray Funeral Home, 12 Springfield Ave.,

Cranford, NJ 07016. Service and a Celebration of his life will be held on

Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 1:00pm.