W. Thomas ‘Tom’ Rutherford, former Dewey employee
W. Thomas “Tom” Rutherford, 84, of Lewes passed away peacefully at home after a short battle with cancer, Friday, Sept. 10, 2021. He was born Dec. 12, 1936, in Wilmington.
Tom grew up in New Castle, where he graduated from Brown Vocational High School, class of 1955. He worked for DP&L (now Delmarva Power) which he retired from after 30 years of dedicated service. Tom met Marlene Klabe in the third grade and chased after her and pulled her pigtails until 1956 when they married. Their love story continued for 65 cherished years.
Tom kept busy with a multitude of clubs and activities. As a young man he volunteered with the local fire company and the Delmarva Sportsman Club. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Consistory, the Vingt Cinq Club with DP&L, the Light Masters Square Club, and was past association guardian of Bethel #2 I.O.J.D. Tom was also a proud 50-year member of Christiana Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M.
As an avid fisherman, you could often find Tom on the water. He managed Pier Point Marina in Dewey Beach for many years and was a former Dewey Beach town employee. Above all, Tom was a dog lover, giving out many a dog biscuit in his time. and was often seen with his four-legged companion, Bonnie Blue. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
Mr. Rutherford is survived by his loving wife, Marlene R. Klabe Rutherford; three daughters: Diane R. Kirk (David), Shirley Knox (Daniel), and Pamela Rutherford; five grandchildren: Heather Kirschner (Jay), D. Keith Kirk II (Lauren), Christine Collins (Kevin), Andrew Knox (Andi), and Danielle June (Michael); eight great-grandchildren: Tyler, Trip, Rowan, Liam, Maggie, Isabel, Patrick and Emilia; one sister, Jean Kusching; and last but not least, his beloved grand dogs: Dash, Capt. Jack, Grady and Moose.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held Friday, Oct. 1, at 3 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will be private.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, masks must be worn, and social distancing must be observed by all persons attending or participating in any aspect of the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom's name to the Brandywine Valley SPCA, 22918 Dupont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.
Please visit Tom's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
