Obituary for Thomas G Rose
Thomas Gilbert Rose was born in Wilmington, DE on September 3, 1955, to the late Tony G. and Shirley E. Rose. He ascended from this life to be with the Lord Monday, April 1, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Thomas was 63 years young.
Tom attended schools within the Wilmington public school system and graduated from P.S. DuPont High School in 1973. Upon graduating, Tom joined the United States Marine Corps where he diligently served for five years. He then joined the Marine Corps Reserves in Garden City, N.Y. He continued to reside in New York after completing his term. In 1990, Tom returned to Wilmington, DE and began working at Iron Mountain and then retired after 20 years. He later joined Gettier Services, as a security guard.
If there were ever a rainy day in someone’s heart, you could always count on Tom to bring the sunshine! His keen ability to make people laugh was unsurpassed. Even as a child, his family, and teachers commented on his quick-wittedness to crack jokes, not only with those close to him but strangers as well. His mother who doted on her eldest child, affectionately called him, “A nut.” Tom regularly surprised people by calling them, “You little fart!” ironically, a term of endearment. His infectious humor made him the life of every party.
He enjoyed playing the horses and casino games at Delaware Park and watching football as a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan. Watching the show, Impractical Jokesters, on television helped him perfect his comedy. He was an avid fan of the Kentucky Derby.
As the oldest of seven children, family was extremely important to Tom. He deemed himself the overseer and greatly appreciated spending time with his brothers and sisters. He believed in the sanctity of family and that “Blood is thicker than water.”
His nieces and nephews honorably called him, “Uncle Tommy” and he embraced this title and wore it proudly. He created joyous and fun-filled memories, forming a special bond with each of them. Whether it was giving no-nonsense advice, encouragement, or a laugh, Uncle Tommy loved unconditionally and could always be depended upon to provide sound counsel (whether he followed this counsel himself is another story).
Tom was a member of the Spirit of Life Lutheran Church where he was an active trustee and sang on the choir. No matter his circumstance, he always prayed for the less fortunate. He truly loved the Lord and was a saved man of God.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Martha Rose, and his brothers, William and Melvin Rose. He leaves to cherish his memory: four siblings, Michael Rose (sister-in-love Regina), Sherry Rose, Lynnette Rose-Graham and Dwayne Rose; step-daughter, Carmen Waters; his beloved companion, Diane Fuller, who remained by his side until his very last breath; his compassionate caregiver, Shardae Fuller; and his brother from another mother, Fred “Steady” McCullough; along with a host of relatives and friends.
Everyone who remembers Tom Rose is asked to continue celebrating his life in their own way. However, raising a glass of your favorite drink in his memory would be the most fitting. Cheers to the funniest and most kind-hearted son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend that had a natural flair to make you laugh until you cry or even tinkle.
Tom lived his life like he ordered his cocktails…straight, no chaser!
Genesis 21:6
Sarah then said, God has given me cause to laugh, and all who hear of it will laugh with me.
Tom attended schools within the Wilmington public school system and graduated from P.S. DuPont High School in 1973. Upon graduating, Tom joined the United States Marine Corps where he diligently served for five years. He then joined the Marine Corps Reserves in Garden City, N.Y. He continued to reside in New York after completing his term. In 1990, Tom returned to Wilmington, DE and began working at Iron Mountain and then retired after 20 years. He later joined Gettier Services, as a security guard.
If there were ever a rainy day in someone’s heart, you could always count on Tom to bring the sunshine! His keen ability to make people laugh was unsurpassed. Even as a child, his family, and teachers commented on his quick-wittedness to crack jokes, not only with those close to him but strangers as well. His mother who doted on her eldest child, affectionately called him, “A nut.” Tom regularly surprised people by calling them, “You little fart!” ironically, a term of endearment. His infectious humor made him the life of every party.
He enjoyed playing the horses and casino games at Delaware Park and watching football as a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan. Watching the show, Impractical Jokesters, on television helped him perfect his comedy. He was an avid fan of the Kentucky Derby.
As the oldest of seven children, family was extremely important to Tom. He deemed himself the overseer and greatly appreciated spending time with his brothers and sisters. He believed in the sanctity of family and that “Blood is thicker than water.”
His nieces and nephews honorably called him, “Uncle Tommy” and he embraced this title and wore it proudly. He created joyous and fun-filled memories, forming a special bond with each of them. Whether it was giving no-nonsense advice, encouragement, or a laugh, Uncle Tommy loved unconditionally and could always be depended upon to provide sound counsel (whether he followed this counsel himself is another story).
Tom was a member of the Spirit of Life Lutheran Church where he was an active trustee and sang on the choir. No matter his circumstance, he always prayed for the less fortunate. He truly loved the Lord and was a saved man of God.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Martha Rose, and his brothers, William and Melvin Rose. He leaves to cherish his memory: four siblings, Michael Rose (sister-in-love Regina), Sherry Rose, Lynnette Rose-Graham and Dwayne Rose; step-daughter, Carmen Waters; his beloved companion, Diane Fuller, who remained by his side until his very last breath; his compassionate caregiver, Shardae Fuller; and his brother from another mother, Fred “Steady” McCullough; along with a host of relatives and friends.
Everyone who remembers Tom Rose is asked to continue celebrating his life in their own way. However, raising a glass of your favorite drink in his memory would be the most fitting. Cheers to the funniest and most kind-hearted son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend that had a natural flair to make you laugh until you cry or even tinkle.
Tom lived his life like he ordered his cocktails…straight, no chaser!
Genesis 21:6
Sarah then said, God has given me cause to laugh, and all who hear of it will laugh with me.