Tj Van Santen

TJ Van Santen, 32, of Forked River passed away on Friday, December 23rd. TJ was an incredibly talented chef and loved everything about the kitchen. He knew how to make everyone smile and laugh. He graduated from the Atlantic Cape Academy of Culinary Arts. TJ was the ultimate New York Jets and Mets fan. His favorite dogs were Mr. B and Jake, and he made the best black bean salsa. He was the wonderful son of Gerri and Steve Van Santen. TJ was the loving father to Delaney, 14, and Peyton, 6, who were the most important things in his life. They truly were his pride and joy, his greatest accomplishments! He also leaves behind his wife, Michelle Van Santen. He was the brother of Jay & his wife Kay, Steven & his wife Jenn, Michelle, and Ashley. He will also be greatly missed by Big Joanie Godette and by his many nieces and nephews. TJ was also the nephew of James Godette & his wife Linda, Jeanmarie Klein & her husband Larry, Jeanie Sorrenson & her husband Chris, Joanie Bardick & her husband Joe. He was the cousin of David & his wife Laura and Danielle & her husband Blake. Friends and relatives may attend a viewing on Wednesday, December 28th from 2- 4PM and 7-9PM at Lacey Memorial Home, 1022 Lacey Road, in Forked River. Mass will be at 11AM on Thursday, December 29th at St. Pius the Tenth RC Church, 300 Lacey Road in Forked River. Burial will follow in Good Luck Cemetery, Lanoka Harbor. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family to help with final expenses would be greatly appreciated. We have set up a gofund me page the link is:https://www.gofundme.com/qm-tjs-funeral-expenses