EDWIN R. THOMAS, JR. April 15, 1953 - March 17, 2024
Ed Thomas, age 70, passed away in Beebe Hospital, Lewes, DE after a short illness. Born in Wilmington, residing in Kemblesville, PA since 1989. Ed is survived by his wife of 41 years, Pamela Johnson Thomas. Daughter, Kirsten V. Thomas and her 2 year old son, Grandson, Liam of Newark. Son, Ethan R. Thomas and wife Natalia of Rehoboth Beach and sister, Virginia K. Thomas of Newark. He was predeceased by his parents, Edwin R. Thomas and Marjorie E. Thomas. Ed graduated from Mt. Pleasant H.S., 1971. B.S. Criminal Justice from University of Delaware 1978.
Ed’s career in law enforcement began in Rehoboth Beach as a Summer part time police officer, New Castle City Police Department 1979-81, before joining the Newark DE Police Department in 1981 where he served for 31 years. He progressed through many capacities from Patrol Officer, Special Operations, Criminalistics & Property Management of the department to Training & Planning Officer and Advanced Crisis Negotiator. He was Coordinator for the NPD Youth Police Academy, a member of State of DE Council Committee to Re-write Police Training Standards. Ed was also honored by Knights of Columbus, NPD Merit Citation and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD).
After retiring Ed continued his part time position with Eastern Marine Company in Newark as fishing and marine sales associate, where he worked about 20 years but didn’t really consider it work as his favorite leisure sport was fishing, mostly at The Fishing Pier in Lewes, DE. It began with entering the kids in the State’s Annual Kids Fishing Tournament when they were very young and continued to be his greatest joy fishing with his kids and friends and especially his son who has become an avid fisherman. Ed was also a Civil War historian and Reenactor in the 198O’s. He was a member of the 2nd Delaware, a period correct regiment traveling throughout the battlefields from Gettysburg to Antietam paying homage to those who actually served. He lead living history events at Fort Delaware and his children’s school events and class trips. It also lead to movie extra rolls in “Glory”, “Lincoln” and “Gettysburg”.
Ed was also a music aficionado especially Classic Rock but also loved the Irish and Celtic folk music of his ancestry. He was a loyal sports fan of the Phillies and Eagles and U of D Blue Hens but also the Seattle Seahawks and Oregon Ducks. He held season tickets to the Wilmington Blue Rocks for the family for many years. He also volunteered as an assistant coach on the kid’s baseball teams. Because of his easygoing personality, quick wit and his interest in a variety of things he had gathered and maintained many friendships; some from early school days along his way. Ed cherished his downtime at home with the kids watching games and movies and trying out new “gourmet “ recipes. He was also the go-to cook for family celebrations. Even though he was a calming and supportive Dad he was a fierce protector of his children and family. We will dearly miss him especially his children, Kirsten and Ethan.
A celebration of his life will be held at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808 on Tuesday, April 2nd, Visitation will be from 2- 3:30 pm. followed by a brief service at 3:30. A reception following at The Deer Park Tavern, 108 W. Main St., Newark from 4:30 – 8 pm.
