Thomas Joseph Fitzgerald, Jr.

Thomas Joseph Fitzgerald, Jr. “Tom”, 81, beloved husband, father, grandfather, family member, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Newark, Delaware, on May 8, 2026.

Born on August 6, 1944, to Thomas Joseph Fitzgerald, Sr. and Dorothy Healy Fitzgerald, Tom grew up in Lynn and Danvers, Massachusetts, and attended St. John’s Preparatory School.

Tom graduated from Lowell Tech (now the University of Massachusetts Lowell) with a degree in electrical engineering. Upon graduation, he joined DuPont, where he remained throughout his distinguished career. Various positions with DuPont took Tom and his family to Circleville, Ohio; Fayetteville, North Carolina; Parkersburg, West Virginia; and Ahlen, Germany, before ultimately settling in Delaware. In his final role at DuPont, Tom enjoyed many years in technical sales for Butacite safety glass, traveling the world.

Tom shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Gretchen. Together, they built a warm and loving home, raised three children, enjoyed nine amazing grandchildren, and formed many lifelong friendships.

Family was at the center of Tom’s life. He especially enjoyed beach vacations, picnics, boating, card games, family meals, and celebrating special occasions. He was an enthusiastic participant in cherished family traditions, such as reading ’Twas the Night Before Christmas each Christmas Eve and sharing “ham jokes” at Easter. With his quick wit and “mind like a steel trap,” Tom was a gifted — and precise — storyteller.

A self-proclaimed “numbers guy,” Tom loved order and routine, yet also expressed a creative side through painting, poetry, and handmade gifts. Sentimental in the best ways, he was dearly loved for his generosity, sense of humor, well-worn expressions, strong convictions, and lovable quirks.

A lifelong sports fan, Tom faithfully followed the New York Giants, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Ohio State football, and, above all, the Boston Red Sox. He also enjoyed weekly cribbage games at the Newark Senior Center, daily crossword and sudoku puzzles, reading, listening to music from past decades, and working on his model railroad.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Elaine Fitzgerald.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gretchen; daughter, Julie Ehmann and her husband, Dan, of Middletown, Delaware; son, T.J. Fitzgerald and his wife, Lori, of Port St. Lucie, Florida; and son, Patrick Fitzgerald and his wife, Sarah, of Manlius, New York. Known lovingly as “Gramps,” he also leaves behind nine adored grandchildren: Preston and Stefan Fitzgerald; Andrew, Alec, and Lauren Ehmann; and Riley, Shea, Gavin, and Maren Fitzgerald.

Tom’s legacy of love, laughter, and family traditions will endure for generations, and his steady presence will be deeply missed.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE, where a memorial service will commence at 4:00 p.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Newark Senior Center.

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