Thomas Ralph DiNella

Thomas Ralph DiNella, 89, died peacefully in his home on April 5, 2026. Born July 24, 1936, in his parents’ home on Willis Avenue in Penns Grove, NJ to Vincent and Ida DiNella. Thomas graduated from Penns Grove High School in 1954. During and post high school, Thomas, worked for Martell Construction as a site manager until 1993, when he turned 55. He provided professionalism, direction, and read blueprints. He used his craft and talent to help build many of the buildings and residences within the Penns Grove and Carney’s Point region. His passion for building and carpentry followed him throughout the remainder of his years. He enjoyed building storage chests and shoe racks. Thomas could tell someone the measurement of an area or object without measurement, most of the time. Following his time at Martell Construction, Thomas worked as a custodian at his former high school, Penns Grove High School. He retired from there in 2003. In addition to carpentry, Thomas had a love for sports and cooking. He played varsity football in high school and started the Twins Football team in Penns Grove to show and fulfill his passion for the sport. Thomas also coached the American Legion team in the Babe Ruth league to championship victory in 1990. Thomas loved the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies and could always be found watching past games and sports talk shows. Thomas’ family sauce recipe was kept near and dear to his heart and would always be an offering of his love, paired with his favorite meats from Botto’s. Pre-deceased by his parents, Vincent and Ida DiNella; sister, Mary McCrossen (DiNella); and first wife and mother of his children, Phyllis DiNella. Thomas is survived by his current wife, Anna May DiNella; sons, Thomas and Robert DiNella; stepdaughter and her spouse, Melinda Wine and Carroll Winseck; nephew and his children, Michael McCrossen, Gina McCrossen and children, Jamie McCrossen and son; God and granddaughter and her spouse, Heidi and Patrick McDonough; great grandson, Brayden McDonough, and all family and friends not hereby mentioned. Thomas was loved by many and known by most. His smile and blunt way of loving was infectious and poured over everyone he cared for. For those who would like to attend, Thomas’ life will be remembered on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ashcraft’s Funeral Home in Pennsville, NJ. His viewing will begin at 10am followed by a service at 11am. He will be laid to rest at the former Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Swedesboro, New Jersey, 08085.

Thomas Ralph DiNella

July 24, 1936 - April 5, 2026