Thomas Michael Volatile, U.S. Navy retiree

Thomas Michael Volatile, 92, passed away Aug. 8, 2022. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and longtime companion to Carol Dennis of Lewes. Thomas was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1930 to Anthony and Theresa Volatile.  He was a graduate of the Baltimore Polytechnic High School in 1949, and later earned a bachelor of science in philosophy and history from Loyola University in Baltimore, Md., on a full athletic scholarship. 

Thomas was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1953, and served on several ships including the USS Robert A. Owens (DDE827), the USS Seminole (AKA 104) and the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA31).  His naval career took him to duty stations in Bainbridge, Md., San Diego, Calif., Livorno, Italy, and the Pentagon in Arlington, Va.  Thomas served a tour of duty in Vietnam with the U.S. Naval Forces as a combat naval historian, one of the first to serve in that capacity. He then served as the commanding officer of the Armed Forces Entrance and Examining Station (AFEES) in Philadelphia, Pa., and then as the assistant to the commandant at the Naval Shipyard in Philadelphia.  Thomas retired from the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant commander after an impressive 24 years of service.  In 1973, Tom started his second career with Massachusetts Mutual, remaining in that role for 47 years.

Thomas had a passion for music, singing with the Pine Barons barbershop chorus for many years.  He most recently developed quite a love for karaoke and had quite a following around town.  He loved golf, running, water sports, gourmet cooking, crossword puzzles and gardening.  He was not one to slow down.  Thomas even completed a parachute jump at the age of 80.  Known to many as Tommy Vee, his grandkids and great-grandchildren referred to him affectionately as Commander.  Tom and Carol moved to Lewes in 2016 from Hunt Valley, Md.  They quickly became acclimated to the Delaware Beach life, and Tom joined the Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 and became chair of the Veterans Committee leading many volunteer efforts during his tenure in that role. In 2019-20 he was awarded the Veteran Volunteer Award for his work with veterans.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers Salvatore and Michael, and his wife Marjorie.  He is survived by his longtime companion, Carol Dennis; and his four children, Thomas Michael Volatile Jr., Patricia Brandon McTague and her husband James McTague, Mark Howard Volatile and his wife Lisa Volatile, and Charlotte Anne Goebel and her husband Chris Goebel.  There are 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  Tom was also a loving father and grandfather to Carol’s son, Scott Dennis, his wife Teresa and their three sons. 

A viewing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 14, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 15, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. A reception will follow the funeral service at Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540, 18544 Beaver Dam Road, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers , the family requests that any gestures in Tom’s memory be in the form of donations to the Veterans Committee at Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540, 18544 Beaver Dam Road, Lewes; or to Coastal Concerts, P.O. Box 685, Lewes, DE, coastalconcerts.org.

Visit Tom’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.