Rev. Thomas N. Cerulo, O.Ss.T., age 59, died peacefully in his sleep in Baltimore (Pikesville), MD on January 20, 2011.

Fr. Tom was born on October 16, 1951, in Newark, NJ to John and Virginia (nee Olimpia) Cerulo. He grew up in Perth Amboy, NJ and was a member of Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, formerly a Trinitarian parish. His family and parish community nurtured his vocation to the Trinitarian Order and priesthood. He entered the Trinitarian preparatory student program at DeMatha Catholic High School in 1965 and resided in the monastery community. He entered the novitiate in 1971 and made his first profession of promises in August 1972, followed by his first vows in 1974. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (1974) and Master of Divinity degree (1977) from St. Mary's Seminary and University. He made his Solemn Profession of Vows on September 10, 1977. He was ordained a deacon in December of that same year. Fr. Tom, was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ on May 20, 1978, at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Baltimore, MD.

His ministerial experiences were many and diverse. He served at various times in parish ministry (St. Ann's Church in Bristol, PA; St. Joseph Church in Marion, IL; Christ the King Church in Corpus Christi, TX; and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel/St. Benedicta Church in Staten Island, NY). While in parish leadership, he also assisted in prison ministry and served on diocesan boards and committees. He served in the Trinitarian Order as a Formation Director, Minister Conventual, Provincial Councilor, Vicar Provincial, and Vicar General of the Order in Rome, Italy. At the time of his death, he was Minister Conventual of the Trinitarian community in Pikesville, MD and Director of Holy Trinity Spiritual Center.

Fr. Tom is remembered for his gentle personality, warm smile, and gracious hospitality. He was a well respected confessor, spiritual director and friend to many. Guests of Holy Trinitiy Spiritual Center frequently commented on his warm hospitality. During his many years of service, various groups who have come to the Center for retreats and meetings appreciated his attention to preparation, orientation, and making their stay prayerful and pleasant. In his spare time he enjoyed refinishing furniture and practicing the culinary arts.

Fr. Tom was preceded in death by his father, John Cerulo. In addition to his Trinitarian Brothers, Fr. Tom is survived by his mother, Virginia Cerulo, his brothers John and David, his sisters Elizabeth and Susan, and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Fr. Tom may be made to Holy Trinity Spiritual Center, PO Box 5719, Baltimore, MD 21282-0719.

May he rest in eternal peace!

Visitation will be on Monday, January 24, 2011, at Most Holy Rosary Church, 625 Florida Grove Road, Hopelawn, NJ, from 2:00-5:00 pm and 6:00-7:00 pm with a Funeral Liturgy at 7:00 pm. To send messages of condolence, visit www.flynnfuneral.com.
Visitation will also be held at Holy Trinity Monastery Chapel, 8400 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Wednesday, January 26, 2011, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 27, 2011, at St. Charles Borremeo Catholic Church, 110 Sudbrook Lane, Pikesville, MD 21208. Interment will follow in the Holy Trinity Monastery cemetery.