Obituary for Thomas P. Bouchoux
Thomas P. Bouchoux, 62
Tom “Tucker” Bouchoux died on May 22, 2021, surrounded by family and friends who simultaneously grieved for his death and celebrated his life. Fittingly, the laughter almost outweighed the tears.
Tom was a funny guy and, like Seinfeld, found humor in everything and nothing. Like his father Jean he was a great storyteller. Maybe it comes with the territory of being a salesman and then a bar owner. Or being Irish.
Tom loved everything Irish. The country, the whiskey, Notre Dame and (when he found out that it did not necessarily mean bagpipes) the music. His Irish goodbyes were second to none.
It makes sense that Tom combined his love of Ireland and his love of sports with the ingenious idea of “Corned Beef and College” every March at Yesterdays. Get it? St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness. Go Murray State Racers!
It also makes sense that Tom was a Yankee fan even though he always bet against them. His logic was that if they lost, he made money and if they won – well, they won. Win/win Tom’s way.
Tom managed Yesterdays in Clifton, NJ after he retired as an original owner of The Menu Source, which delivered fresh seafood to the best restaurants in New York (we’re talking about you, Le Bernardin). The only downside to the fish business was the infamous Fishmobile, which caused many dates to complain about the odor. Tom’s social life improved when he wisely decided to buy a used Jaguar.
Tom proved you could be funny and generous at the same time. Yesterdays hosted an annual Fish Party every December, treating customers to plate after plate of the best seafood around in exchange for a donation to Toys for Tots. And an annual softball game, his favorite day of the year, raised money for various charities. Tom was also generous in quiet ways that no one knew about, the true measure of his character.
Quick to change from his iconic blue sweats into a jacket and tie, Tom never missed the wakes and funerals of his extended family of friends. Tom once said that the greatest act of kindness is to comfort those who are grieving. No doubt he is trying to comfort us now.
Special thanks to Tom’s caregivers over the last three years, especially Laura, Fran and Bob, and his incredible friends who treated him with dignity, love and laughter.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, Ann and Jean Bouchoux and his brother Peter (Mary). He is survived by his sisters Sue Vandegrift (Vaughn) and Mary (John), brother Bob (Liz, dec.) and sisters Laura (Tony) and Fran (Alan). Uncle Tom was adored by his nieces and nephews Beth, Dave, Mark, Rizzer, Chris, Kathryn (dec.), Andrew, Ben, Jeff, Ryan, Michael and Elissa and their children.
Tom, Tommy, Tuck, Tucker, T., Uncle Tom, Boosh: You were a great one. You were unreal.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Michael D. Reilley Foundation Scholarship in Tom’s memory would be appreciated. Please make checks payable to the MDR Foundation Scholarship and mail to
c/o Dan Purciello, 81 Driftwood Dr., Brick, NJ 08723
Tom “Tucker” Bouchoux died on May 22, 2021, surrounded by family and friends who simultaneously grieved for his death and celebrated his life. Fittingly, the laughter almost outweighed the tears.
Tom was a funny guy and, like Seinfeld, found humor in everything and nothing. Like his father Jean he was a great storyteller. Maybe it comes with the territory of being a salesman and then a bar owner. Or being Irish.
Tom loved everything Irish. The country, the whiskey, Notre Dame and (when he found out that it did not necessarily mean bagpipes) the music. His Irish goodbyes were second to none.
It makes sense that Tom combined his love of Ireland and his love of sports with the ingenious idea of “Corned Beef and College” every March at Yesterdays. Get it? St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness. Go Murray State Racers!
It also makes sense that Tom was a Yankee fan even though he always bet against them. His logic was that if they lost, he made money and if they won – well, they won. Win/win Tom’s way.
Tom managed Yesterdays in Clifton, NJ after he retired as an original owner of The Menu Source, which delivered fresh seafood to the best restaurants in New York (we’re talking about you, Le Bernardin). The only downside to the fish business was the infamous Fishmobile, which caused many dates to complain about the odor. Tom’s social life improved when he wisely decided to buy a used Jaguar.
Tom proved you could be funny and generous at the same time. Yesterdays hosted an annual Fish Party every December, treating customers to plate after plate of the best seafood around in exchange for a donation to Toys for Tots. And an annual softball game, his favorite day of the year, raised money for various charities. Tom was also generous in quiet ways that no one knew about, the true measure of his character.
Quick to change from his iconic blue sweats into a jacket and tie, Tom never missed the wakes and funerals of his extended family of friends. Tom once said that the greatest act of kindness is to comfort those who are grieving. No doubt he is trying to comfort us now.
Special thanks to Tom’s caregivers over the last three years, especially Laura, Fran and Bob, and his incredible friends who treated him with dignity, love and laughter.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, Ann and Jean Bouchoux and his brother Peter (Mary). He is survived by his sisters Sue Vandegrift (Vaughn) and Mary (John), brother Bob (Liz, dec.) and sisters Laura (Tony) and Fran (Alan). Uncle Tom was adored by his nieces and nephews Beth, Dave, Mark, Rizzer, Chris, Kathryn (dec.), Andrew, Ben, Jeff, Ryan, Michael and Elissa and their children.
Tom, Tommy, Tuck, Tucker, T., Uncle Tom, Boosh: You were a great one. You were unreal.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Michael D. Reilley Foundation Scholarship in Tom’s memory would be appreciated. Please make checks payable to the MDR Foundation Scholarship and mail to
c/o Dan Purciello, 81 Driftwood Dr., Brick, NJ 08723