Thomas James Duszak

Thomas “Tom” Duszak, age 73, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

Born on June 15, 1951, to Eugene and Lucille (née Swierczewska) Duszak, Tom spent his early years in the Hedgeville neighborhood of Wilmington. He attended St. Hedwig’s School and cherished his time at the Boy’s Club. Tom was a proud graduate of Salesianum School, the University of Delaware, and Columbia University.

After earning a Master of Science in Library Science from Columbia, Tom relocated to Harrisburg, PA in 1978. He dedicated over 30 years to public service as a librarian for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He notably served as the head of the cataloging section at the State Library of Pennsylvania, which is Pennsylvania's Library of Congress. During his time in Harrisburg, he was an active and faithful member of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Tom had an enduring passion for research, history, religion, exercise, philately, and his Polish heritage, all of which shaped his personal interests. He authored two books: Towarzystwo Czytelni Polskiej 1898-1998: The Centenary of the Polish Library Association (1998) and Sports and Recreation in Hedgeville and Browntown, Wilmington, Delaware (2002). He was a member of several organizations, including the Catholic Library Association, the Polish American Historical Association, and the Susquehanna Valley Stamp and Postcard Club. Tom’s love for travel took him across Europe, where he deepened his understanding of history and culture.

After more than four decades in Midtown Harrisburg, Tom moved to the Ecumenical Retirement Community in Paxtang, PA, where he formed lasting friendships through his participation in the book club, exercise classes, and rosary group. He spent his final days in Wilmington, DE, at Kentmere Rehabilitation and Skilled Care, and his family is deeply grateful for the care he received there.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Barbara, three siblings, Martin (Sandra), Marie Pierse (Terry), and Anthony (Andrea); his eight nieces and nephews, Lisa Novak (David), David (Jennifer), Andrew (Chris Murriel), Daniel Pierse, Joseph, Alexandra Keegan (David), Margaret Pierse (Sam Kurkoski), and Emily Henion (Christopher); his many grandnieces and -nephews; and many beloved friends in Wilmington, Harrisburg, and around the country. He was predeceased by his parents and his nephew, Brian Pierse.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 27, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE. On Friday, February 28, visitation will continue at 10:00 AM at St. Hedwig Church, 408 South Harrison Street, Wilmington, DE, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to Nativity Preparatory School, 1515 Linden Street, Wilmington, DE 19805, or to Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School, 225 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

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