Thomas E. Jerman III, veteran, Sussex Truck Repair owner

Thomas E. Jerman III, 74, of Seaford and formerly of Milton, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.

Tom was born in Bethany Beach and raised in Millville, son of the late Thomas E. Jr. and Ida Mae (Nuneville) Jerman, and graduated from Lord Baltimore High School.

Tom owned and operated Sussex Truck Repair, a successful diesel repair shop in Milton, for 40 years. He enjoyed working as a diesel mechanic. After retiring, he and his wife relocated to Seaford.

Tom loved to keep active, enjoyed being outdoors and gardening. He was an avid fan of Dale Earnhart and supporter of both dirt track and NASCAR racing. On the dirt track, Tom enjoyed driving street stock, late models, and go-karts. He was also known to have “maybe” street raced in his beloved 1968 Pontiac Firebird. Tom was well known to many on Facebook for sharing local vintage racing photos.

He was a supportive husband, father, grandfather, all-around family man and friend. He loved spending time with his grandsons, especially on outings for lunch and shooting pool at Jeff’s Tap Room and Grille in Bridgeville.

Tom was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1974 as an airman first class. He was also active with Ocean View VFW Mason Dixon Post 7234 and Seaford Moose Lodge No. 1728.

In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Karl and Anna Chalabala.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Maria H. (Chalabala) Jerman; daughter, Lindsey Jerman; two grandsons, Grayson Jerman and Keegan Jerman; a sister, Geraldine Jerman; two brothers-in-law, Bruno Chalabala and wife Sharon, and Pete Chalabala; sister-in-law, Adele Chalabala; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Tom also leaves behind a host of friends and extended family.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Short Funeral Services chapel, 416 Federal St., Milton.

The conferring of military honors and interment will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to Delaware Veterans Home, 100 Delaware Veterans Blvd., Milford, DE 19963, vethome.de.gov, by visiting the How Can You Help tab.