Thomas E. “Tommy-Ray” Whitfield
NEW CASTLE - Thomas “Tommy-Ray” Whitfield age 65, of New Castle, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving daughters on Monday, April 8, 2024. Like his late father before him, Tom embarked on his celestial journey on the day of a solar eclipse.
Tom was born in Wilmington, son of Elizabeth (Breslin) and the late Cecil Whitfield. Despite his daily adventures to Delcastle Golf Club, where he often skipped class to work or indulge his passion for golf, Tom proudly graduated from Thomas McKean High School. Tom continued to play golf throughout his life and had a natural talent for it, winning local tournaments and serving as a “ringer” for family and friends when asked. Tom went on to become a Realtor for nearly four decades. He consistently went above and beyond for his clients, serving not just as their representative but as an amateur home inspector and reliable and honest advisor on every aspect of their purchase or sale. He loved that his career connected him to people of all different walks of life and allowed him to help them find the perfect home.
Tom was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed local and deep-sea fishing as well as other recreational activities. He had a passion for duck-hunting. He spent nearly every day of hunting season at the duck blind in New Jersey with his best friends and his beloved daughters. On off days you could find him working on the farm or guiding tower shoots with his dog. In his free time, he dedicated himself to helping his family and friends with home renovation projects. Nearly every weekend he could be found at one of his daughters’ homes, painting, spackling, and teaching them the fundamentals of home ownership. Tom was outgoing and could make friends with anyone he met. He had an unforgettable personality and will undoubtedly be remembered for his goofy sense of humor, animated facial expressions, and his entertaining dance moves.
In addition to his mother, Tom is survived by his daughters, Olivia Whitfield, Stephanie Whitfield ( Joseph Amos), and Christine Sullivan (Brendan); and his siblings Deborah Beideman, Joann Gundlach (Will), Chris Whitfield (Lynn), and Patricia.
A visitation for Thomas will be held on Thursday April 18, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 901 N. Dupont St, Wilmington, DE 19805, where family and friends may call from 10 to 11:30 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am. Burial will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Tom’s memory to Ducks Unlimited. Additionally, if you have a cherished memory or funny story of your time with Tom, his daughters would greatly appreciate you sharing it with them, whether in writing or conversation.
To leave online condolences, visit mealeyfuneralhomes.com