Thomas Andrew Tattersall

Thomas Andrew Tattersall of Newark, Delaware passed away at home at the age of 78 on February 17, 2025, his birthday.  Born in Wilmington, Delaware, he was the son of the late Robert William Tattersall and the late Josephine Helen Tattersall (nee Mercer).

Tom was the beloved husband of Rita Guerrina Tattersall with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. He is survived by brother Robert William Tattersall, Jr., uncle-in-law Joe Olivieri, sister-in-law Marie Guerrina, niece Karen (Grant) DeCosta, great-nephew Luke DeCosta, great-niece Ella DeCosta and many loving cousins and dear friends.

Tom was a 1965 graduate of Unionville High School where from an early age he demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for repairing classic cars and problem-solving. He was a proud US Army Veteran having served in the Vietnam War as a helicopter Specialist 5 from 1967 to 1969. After his service he was employed by DuPont for 39 years.

Tom’s life was filled with diverse personal interests that he pursued with passion and hard work.  He was very humble in that many who knew him did not know the full extent of his hobbies and accomplishments. Tom spent many years as a charter boat captain for fishermen and scuba divers and was the first diver to discover a shipwreck off the Jersey coast marked by salvaging the ship’s bell. Other passions included skeet shooting, cycling (riding the City to Shore Ride), and running marathons including the Boston Marathon. In retirement, he learned to play the guitar and became an avid motorcycle rider. He rode not just for fun but as a regular mode of transportation and as a member of the Christian Motorcycle Club. He also returned to his love for the ocean, spending happy times in Sea Isle City, NJ. Tom was an active member of the Christian Life Center in Lincoln University for many years, where he deepened his strong faith.

Despite his changing passions, his fundamental qualities never changed, remaining full of love for those in his life. He was friendly to all and enjoyed helping anyone in need. His passing on his birthday symbolizes the completion of a life well-lived on Earth and the beginning of a new one with his Lord and Savior in Heaven.

A service will be held on March 15, 2025 at the CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER, 125 Saginaw Road, Lincoln University, PA 19352, with visitation from 11:00AM until 12:00PM and service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s memory can be made to the Christian Life Center.

A private Interment will be held at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

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