Tom Oves, beloved father, grandfather, friend, teacher and business owner, passed away on February 12, 2022.
Born in Pennsylvania, the youngest of seven children on April 10, 1934, he was the son of Reuben and Mary Oves (Weber). The Oves family moved to Ocean City, NJ when Tom was a child. He attended Ocean City High School, where he excelled in athletics, graduating in 1951.
Tom’s mentors, his older brother Ralph, Fenton and John Carey, lead him to the University of Delaware where he earned a scholarship for football. He was a standout athlete lettering in three varsity sports: football, wrestling and track. He also participated in intramural college basketball, Army ROTC and was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. The University of Delaware never left his blood, he was a lifelong season ticket holder where he spent many Saturday afternoons with his college friends.
After graduation, Tom continued his service in the United States Army as a second lieutenant stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas.
Tom returned home to Ocean City where met the love of his life , Anne Sellers Oves. They married in 1962 and raised four sons.
He taught Physical Education, Drivers Education and also coached football at Wildwood High School for twenty seven years, retiring in 1986. During his tenure at Wildwood, he met one of his closest friends Richad “Rick” Brown who was instrumental in making Tom’s visions a reality. Rick’s master carpentry expanded the Oves Restaurant where he completed several renovations as the business grew.
Tom followed his father Reubens footsteps, who was one of the original members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol. Tom was a lifeguard for two decades with OCBP. He was a champion singles and doubles rower earning numerous lifeguard championships. He attained the title of Lieutenant for OCBP. He was in the first class of inductees into the OCBP Lifeguard Hall of Fame in 1975.
Tom and his wife Anne, founded Oves Restaurant & Bicycle Rentals in 1968. Tom started renting bicycles at the Delaware Hotel prior to moving his business to its current location, 4th Street and the Boardwalk. Oves Restaurant is a seasonal family business that has been proudly serving Ocean City for 53 years. Tom brought two of his mentors, his brother Ralph and Fenton Carey to make sure the restaurant ran efficiently. He also was fortunate to have longtime bike manager and friend, Craig Mensinger, who has served for over forty years. Tom worked every day of those 53 years. Last summer, you could find him renting bicycles and surreys chatting happily with his customers.
Tom was preceded in death by his oldest son, Thomas R. Oves Jr. and infant daughter Anne Marie Oves. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Anne Oves, sons: Christopher Oves (Tobi), Alexander Oves Sr. (Donna) and Daniel Oves. Daughter-in-law Mary Oves and eight Grandchildren: Dustin Oves, John Oves, AJ Oves, Tommy Oves, Matt Oves, Brett Oves, Grace Oves and Brady Oves. He is also survived by his sister Mildred and numerous nieces, nephews and great nephews and nieces.
Services will be held Thursday, February 17th at Saint Peter’s United Methodist Church on 8th and Central Avenue in Ocean City, NJ. The viewing will be held from 10AM-12PM with services to follow. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Mays Landing, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Thomas Oves Memorial Scholarship Fund, Ocean City High School, 501 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226.
For condolences to the family, visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com
