Thomas J. Petito ""Pop Pop"", 87, of Mercerville, entered into eternal rest Monday at Park Place Center, Monmouth Junction, NJ.

Born in Trenton, Mr. Petito was a lifelong area resident. He retired from John A. Roebling & Sons Steel Corporation (later CF&I) after 30 years, was a proprietor of Hamilton Villa Bar & Restaurant and retired from T.R.A.D.E. of Mercer County at the age of 80 years. He loved to garden. Mr. Petito was an enthusiastic football and baseball fan and loved his family with great fervor.

Son of the late Ferdinando and Grazio Chianese Petito, brother of the late Domenick Petito, Anthony Petito, Charles Petito and Frances DeMarcello. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Angelina Nucaso Petito, sons and daughter-in-law; Ferdinand and Elaine Petito of Alexandria, VA and Thomas Petito of Freehold, NJ., daughter and son-in-law; Maria and Richard Pepper of Hamilton, NJ six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. 2 brothers and a sister-in-law; Jules and Mary Petito and Salvatore Petito of Port Saint Lucie, FL, and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 11:00 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church, 3816 East State Street Extension, Hamilton. Entombment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Hamilton. Friends may call Wednesday evening 7 to 9 pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 122 Crosswicks St., Bordentown.