Fredrick Joseph Thomsen Jr., respected local businessman

Fredrick Joseph Thomsen Jr., 79, passed away peacefully at home in Lewes Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. He was born Sept. 10, 1946, in Chester, Pa., to the late Fredrick Joseph Thomsen and June (Baxter) Thomsen.

Fred was a proud student at Chester High School in Pennsylvania. During his senior year in 1964, he apprenticed as an auto body repairman. A few years later, determined to support his new wife and growing family, he partnered with his father to open an auto body shop on Market Street in Linwood, Pa. Through hard work, skill and integrity, the business thrived, allowing Fred to retire at a young age and fulfill a lifelong dream of building his wife, Kay (Warrington), a beach home in Lewes.

Never one to sit still, Fred began a second career in 1990 as a dependable and well-respected handyman, serving the Lewes and Rehoboth communities. He was known as a hardworking and honest businessman, always willing to lend a hand. To his family and friends, Fred was kind, generous, and truly the life of the party. He especially enjoyed fishing, bowling and woodworking in his spare time.

After 55 years of marriage, Fred was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kay, who passed away in 2019 following a long illness. As his own health later declined, Fred fully retired.

Fred is survived by his two daughters, Denise (Thomsen) Kates and her husband Minor of Lewes, and Denay Thomsen of Smyrna; his sister, Sherrie (Thomsen) Carullo of Mount Dora, Fla.; three grandchildren, Paul Todd of Land O’ Lakes, Fla., Justin Kates (Megan) of Media, Pa., and Summer Kates of Lewes; and one cherished great-granddaughter, Trinity Todd. Fred was preceded in death by another sister, Lila (Thomsen) White of Downingtown, Pa.

As Fred’s sole caretaker, Denise would like to extend heartfelt thanks to his friends and neighbors for their unwavering support and kindness over the years. Their help was a true blessing.

In accordance with Fred’s wishes, services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Fredrick’s name to Lewes Senior Activity Center, lewesseniorcenter.org, where Fred formed many meaningful friendships and enjoyed weekly bingo nights with Denise, or to Delaware Hospice, delawarehospice.org, whose compassionate care brought great comfort to Fred and his family during his final months.