Earle Funeral Home submitted the following obituary to Gloucester Township Patch:

Thomas E. Stires Sr., of Erial, NJ, passed away on Jan. 15, 2013, at the age of 53 years. Loving son of Pauline Stires (nee Wasko) of Blenheim, NJ, and of the late John A. Stires. Devoted father of Thomas E. Stires Jr. of Williamstown, NJ, and Amber Bucci (son-in-law Vincent) of Glendora, NJ. Mr. Stires is predeceased by one sister, and survived by three additional sisters, as well as three brothers. He is the beloved uncle of numerous nieces, nephews and their families, and will be missed by many dear friends whom he loved spending time with.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, Jan. 18, 6 to 8 p.m. at Earle Funeral Home, 122 W. Church St., Blackwood, NJ 08012, where a prayer service will begin at 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory would be appreciated to the Camden County Hero Scholarship Fund, 191 White Horse Pike, Berlin, NJ 08009. Condolences may be viewed/posted at the Earle Funeral Home website.