Elefante, Thomas, 49 died peacefully on Saturday, June 5th surrounded by his family. Born at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, Tom grew up in New Milford and graduated from NMHS and then Ramapo College. Ramapo College provided the ideal setting for Tom to fuel his passion as a woodsman, hunter, and fisherman. He loved nothing more than to leave his class and head straight to the mountains. This passion for the outdoors never left him. Tom became a teacher at Tenafly High School shortly after college graduation. He pursued two Masters degrees; one in Biology and one in Administration from Montclair State University. He was a teacher and administrator at Tenafly for 26 years, bringing a wealth of knowledge and devotion to the students, staff and parents. Devoted father to his three biggest accomplishments, Sonia, Nicholas and Julie. Survived by Kate Elefante, the loving mother of his children. Dedicated son to the late Louis and Rose Elefante. Beloved brother to Ellen Menzo and her husband Pete, Daniel Elefante and his wife Janet, Gerald Elefante and his wife Maryanne, Rosemarie Elefante and her husband Stanley Benak, Louis Elefante, Jr. and his late wife Anne, and Gary Elefante and his wife Janine. Loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Tom was a one man show, always filled with witty stories and laughter. He was an enthusiastic, passionate man with a big heart and strong values. He will be greatly missed. A night of remembrance in honor of Tom will be held at Tenafly High School, 19 Columbus Drive on Wednesday at 7PM. Family and friends are invited to visit Volk Leber Funeral Home, 268 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell on Thursday 4-9PM. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday 11AM at St. Joseph’s RC Church, Oradell. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to Autism New Jersey, P.O. 55120, Trenton, NJ 08638 are appreciated by the family. Grieve not...nor speak of me with tears...but laugh and talk of me as though I were beside you. I loved you so...’twas heaven here with you.