Obituary of Thomas "Tom" L. Brake

Thomas (Tom) Louis Brake, age 83, of Blackwood, NJ went home to be with the Lord after a brief illness on November 1, 2024, at his home, surrounded by family. Native of Hickstown, NY, Tom, who grew up in Berlin, N.J., was the beloved son of the late Margaret Marianna and her husband, Ben Marianna. He was predeceased by his siblings Lorraine Reiter, Evelyn Pullaro, Edward Brake, and Mary Wolbert. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Marilynn Brake; his daughter Lori Kile and her husband Bill; his son Gary Brake and his wife Monica; his cherished grandchildren Melissa Brake and her boyfriend Daniel, Zachary Lynch and his wife Samantha, James Lynch, and great-grandson Nate Garaventa. A proud veteran, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1958, later transferring to the reserves until January 1964. Following his military service, he pursued a career as a union carpenter and became well-known as a locksmith specialist for the Virtua Health System, from which he retired in 2011. Tom was a dedicated advocate for the sport of ice hockey, having a refereeing career from 1970 to 2001. He devoted countless hours to volunteerism with USA Hockey, serving in various capacities, including Atlantic District Vice President of Adult Hockey from 2009 to 2014 and Vice President of Disabled Hockey from 2000 to 2009. In recognition of his contributions, he was honored as the 2014 Atlantic District Volunteer of the Year. Tom's contributions to sled hockey have been transformative. As a co-founder of both the U.S. men's sled hockey development team in 2003 and the U.S. women's team in 2006, he laid a strong foundation for the sport. His initiative with the Wings of Steel Sled Hockey Team in 2001 emphasized accessibility, ensuring that no family had to bear the financial burden for their child to participate. Serving as president until 2022, Tom dedicated himself to mentoring and coaching players across the country, helping many reach the Paralympics and winning medals in each winter paralympic games since 2006. His commitment has left a lasting impact on the sled hockey community. Tom’s impact on the world of sled hockey and his community was immeasurable. He was not only a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather but also a coach and mentor who touched the lives of countless individuals. His legacy of love, dedication, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 6, with visitation at 9:30 a.m. and a service at 11 a.m. at Solid Rock Baptist Church, 402 S. White Horse Pike, Berlin, N.J. 08009. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Tom’s memory to Wings of Steel Sled Hockey, Inc., 1007 Elmwood Avenue, Blackwood, N.J. 08012.