Thomas David Eilert, former Lewes resident
Thomas David Eilert, 85, of Apex, N.C., and longtime resident of Seven Lakes, passed away Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022.
Born in 1936 in Teaneck, N.J., to Joseph Floyd Eilert and Eleanor Ripley, he was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Joe and Bob; and his wife of 45 years, Judith Riley.
He is survived by his daughters: Donna Lyons of Warwick R.I. and Cathy Eilert (Doreen) of Norcross Ga.; and his sons, David (Michelle) of Cary, N.C., Jamie (Beth) of Southern Pines, N.C., and Harry (April) of Pinehurst, N.C.; and grandchildren, Angela Eilert, Dan and Wil Lyons, Sam and Owen Eilert; and great-granddaughter, Everleigh Lyons.
He married Judith in 1958, and they built a life together in Kinnelon, N.J. Tom worked as a carpenter and later remodeled homes. He worked with Judy building the business and raising their five children. He coached all his sons' little league baseball teams, and he made sure every kid got to play. He attended Our Lady of the Magnificat Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was an avid golfer and visited Pinehurst each spring. In 1982, he relocated his family to Seven Lakes, N.C., where he founded Lakeview Construction and built homes throughout the community.
Pop loved animals and often had a Saint Bernard by his side, in his office, and in the truck. Despite their size, the dogs were often on his lap.
Tom regularly planned golf tournaments and scrambles. He joined the hole-in-one club in 1998 at a club in S.C. He enjoyed traveling with friends and family to places including Edisto, Alaska, Ireland, the Caribbean, and before he died, the Panama Canal.
While Tom lived in Lewes for a few years, he returned to spend his final years in N.C., near his family.
While Tom endured some of the conditions that came with aging, he was an optimist and was always looking forward. Tom will be interred next to his beloved wife at a future date.
Tom loved a good meal and his animals. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to your local food bank, feedingamerica.org, or favorite animal charity.
