Honorable Thomas J. Golden

The Honorable Thomas J. Golden, 72, a proud lifelong resident of Dunmore, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon at Hospice of the Sacred Heart while surrounded by his family, laughter, tears, and Penn State football. He is survived by his loving and loyal wife of 50 years, the former Arlene M. Olivetti.

Born in Scranton, son of the late Stanley E. and Rachel Fox Golden, he was a graduate of Dunmore High School Class of 1969 and went on to attend Keystone College and the former Marywood College where he attained his degree in education and library science.  Soon after, following in his father’s footsteps, he furthered his studies at the Simmons School of Embalming and Mortuary Science and was a Pennsylvania licensed funeral director since 1974.

For many years, he was librarian for the Dunmore High School and served on the Dunmore Borough Council from 1986-1990 before being elected in 1992 by the residents of Dunmore to serve as Magisterial District Justice for the borough and Lackawanna County, a position he proudly served for 19 years until his retirement in 2011. He was the sole proprietor of the former Thomas J. Golden Funeral Home for 37 years and the co-owner of the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home since 1995, along with his loyal friend and business partner, Sidney R. DeSantis. He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Dunmore.

Goldie, as he was affectionally known, was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, and had a gift for making people feel important, valued, and loved. His compassion for people was undeniable and represented through the countless number of families he served throughout his career as a funeral director. He had a gift for communicating and speaking, which sparked his career in education, then followed by his career as a funeral director and judge. As a judge, he was fair yet stern, and always hoped a person learned their lesson the first time around. His care and concern for others was genuine and true. He believed in working hard and staying humble. His heart was made of pure gold.

Goldie was a proud Dunmorean and Democrat. He had a love for politics that started early on in his life when he served as a councilman for the borough. He was a member and supporter of many organizations and clubs throughout his lifetime. He had a great sense of humor and Irish wit and believed laughter was the best medicine and each day should be lived to the fullest. He was a loyal Penn State fan and season ticket holder. He was a lover of books, golfing, the beach, his Sunday rides on his Harley, and of music, especially the Beatles. He was an impeccable dresser and admired for his sense of style.   An affectionate man, he would always greet you with a stern handshake, a tight hug, or a big kiss (even during the pandemic) and had the ability to draw people in and gather close.  

Married to his high school sweetheart for 50 years, Goldie and Arlene together had 5 children and eleven grandchildren whom he loved and adored. He was so proud of each and every one, and took great pride in their accomplishments along their journeys, recognizing there was no straight path in life and every road had a detour, but at the end of the day family truly is everything.

Words cannot express the enormous loss that we feel. The hurt takes our breath away. He will be more than missed, but forever and always loved until we meet again.

The family wishes to thank Dr. William Dempsey for the years of gentle care shown to Goldie, and also extend their deepest gratitude to Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit for allowing Goldie to leave this world on his terms.

In addition to his wife, Goldie is survived by his children Tommy Golden, Jr. and wife Deanna, daughter Katie Golden Smith and husband Jim, Corey Golden and companion Jackie, Kyle Golden, and Chris Golden; 11 grandchildren, Delani Golden and fiancé Nick Perry, Tommi Jane Golden, Beau Golden, Bailey Golden Sleboda, Ava Rose Smith, Cullen Smith, Cash Golden, Corey Golden, Ayla Golden, Ophelia Golden, and Piper Rose Golden; his loving, supportive sister Ellen Tyrell, who didn’t let distance impact their love, and her husband Paul; his nephew Matthew Tyrell, who caught the spark of interest in politics from Goldie; his brothers-in-law Delvi J. Olivetti, Jr. and wife Laura, and David Olivetti and wife Mauri; nieces and nephews, Alicia Olivetti, Michele Olivetti, David Olivetti, Jr. and wife Annie, and Mia and fiancé Nick Grossi; a brand new great-nephew, Delvi John; his numerous beloved cousins that he was able to celebrate with at the Golden-Kearney reunion in 2022; numerous colleagues, a host of friends, especially his very best friend since childhood, Carmen Libassi, who was the epitome of a true example of dedicated friendship and a brotherhood beyond measure, up until Goldie’s very last breath; as well as anyone else who was lucky enough to have known him and spent time in his company.

He was also preceded in death by his father-and-mother-in-law, Delvi J. Sr. and Rose M. Domenick Olivetti, whom he cherished, loved, and respected as if they were his own parents. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. in St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, Chestnut St., Dunmore.  Interment to follow in Dunmore Cemetery.

All those attending the mass are asked to go to directly to the church the morning of the funeral.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday from 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home that bears his name, the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore. 

Contributions in Goldie’s memory may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 30 E.D. Preate Dr., Moosic, PA 18507; or to St. Joseph’s Center, 2010 Adams Ave. Scranton, PA 18510. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Honorable Thomas J. Golden, please visit our floral store.