Thomas Stewart McCallum, loved the outdoors
Thomas Stewart McCallum, 74, of Lewes passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at Beebe Healthcare, Lewes. Born in Philadelphia, Pa., he was the son of the late Thomas S. McCallum and Ruth McCallum.
After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and upon discharge began his lifetime career as an electrician. He retired from the IBEW Local 98 in Philadelphia, where he was instrumental in the construction of many of the large skyscrapers, luxury hotels, hospitals and medical centers and commercial establishments throughout the city and suburbs.
He loved the outdoors, and spent every waking minute participating in boating, fishing, snow skiing, water skiing, hunting, hiking and any other activity that kept him in the fresh air and sunshine. He loved to spend winters in the Florida Keys fishing with his wife Donna where he always said “it was catching - not fishing.” As an avid Eagles and Phillies fan, he never missed watching a game during the season. The waterfront in his community was his favorite place to be walking and enjoying the scenery and water as well as hanging out at the marina with all his fishing buddies. He never let the grass grow under his feet, and was always on the go and looking for something to do.
He was one of the original founders of the community’s boating club “The Wharf Rats” and was also an active participant in the men’s group “The Owls.” Always ready to give anyone a helping hand when they needed it, he had many friends in the community who loved him. He battled Parkinson’s disease for many years, but always kept moving and kept his attitude positive which kept him active for many years. He was also active in the many activities, seminars and fundraisers sponsored by the Parkinson’s Education and Support Group of Sussex County and went to gym classes sponsored by the group. His favorite activities were boxing and wall climbing. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and dear friend to many.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Donna (Meade) McCallum; dear brother of Ruth Smelser; and beloved father of three daughters: Bernadette Spindler (Michael), Janice Pfeiffer (Joseph) and Jennifer McCallum. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Amber (Michael), Kevin (Tara), Michael (Mikayla), Sean, Emily, and Meghan; and five great-grandchildren: Joseph, Jaxon, Peyton, Abigail and Colton; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Thomas; his mother, Ruth (Enz); his sister, Eileen Barei (Nick); his brother-in-law, Doyle Smelser; and his great-grandson Kevin.
A celebration of Tom’s incredible life will be scheduled when the COVID-19 virus restrictions subside. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be sent to The Parkinson’s Education and Support Group of Sussex County, P.O. Box 56, Lewes, DE 19958.
Please visit Tom’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
