Thomas John Rickard Sr.

1954 - 2025

Thomas John Rickard, Sr., died on July 10, 2025. Born in Philadelphia, PA, on May 30, 1954, Thomas was the son of Margaret (Danaher) Rickard and Raymond Rickard. He lived in Dover, DE, with his beloved wife of 43 years, Debra Jean (Fischer) Rickard until her death in 2020, and then in St. Leonard, MD, with his son Thomas John Rickard, Jr., his son's fiancé Kara McMurray, and his grandchildren Thomas John Rickard III and Barrett Daniel Rickard.

Thomas was the loving father of Krystal L. (Rickard) McCoy (Jason), Amber J. (Rickard) Dickson (Michael), Thomas J. Rickard, Jr. (Kara), and Wesley W. Rickard (Kristina). He was the cherished grandfather of Abigail, Brenna, Cullen, and Declan McCoy; Cole, Owen, and Vivienne Dickson; Thomas John (III) and Barrett Rickard; and Willow Rickard. He is also survived by siblings Raymond Rickard (Jean), Margaret Rickard, Daniel Rickard (Judy), Karen Sheerin (John), Sheila Aquilino (Chris), Brian Rickard (Jill), and Keith Rickard (Christopher) and his brother-in-law William Fischer (Maria) and sister-in-law Nadine Fischer. He was a loving uncle to Stephen Rickard; Lauren Mansell and Kelly Rickard; Johnny and Ryan Sheerin; Anthony, Amanda, and Alisha Aquilino; Colton and Sean Rickard; Bryan and Karl Fischer, Kathryn (Fischer) Taglieber; and Julia, Rachel, and William Fischer. He was survived by his hedgehog Jared (Abigail). He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents, brother Douglas Rickard, brother-in-law Bryan Fischer, and nephew Christopher Rickard.

An avid environmentalist, Thomas graduated with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Environmental Science from Wesley College. He also earned a Master's degree in Educational Leadership at Wilmington University. Thomas proudly served in the United States Air Force for 26 years as a jet engine mechanic and instructor, including service in Iraq during the First Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) as well as at other international postings. Following military retirement, he taught for 18 years at Kent County High School in Worton, MD as a Chemistry and Special Education teacher.

A hard worker, Thomas always strived to provide for his family, working at a gas station from the age of 9 to help his mother support their family, and at various side-jobs that called upon his mechanical skills, including teaching courses in small engine repair at Delaware Technical Community College, to enrich his children's lives.

Above all else, his one and true interest was the love of his life, whom he met in 9th grade Biology class: Debra Jean or "Luvkins". They married on Valentine's Day 1977. In addition to nurturing their family, they traveled widely throughout the United States as well as Europe, always eager to savor the experience, always anticipating their next trip. They also enjoyed summers camping at the Navy Recreation Center in Solomons, MD, where Thomas fished and crabbed with his family and driving to the Delaware beaches for evening dinners. Theirs was a true and loving partnership.

Relatives and friends are invited to Thomas's Life Celebration at Trader Funeral Home in Dover, DE on Friday, July 25, 2025. Public viewing begins at 9 am, with Service beginning at 11 am. He will be buried with full military honors alongside his wife at Barratt's Chapel Cemetery in Fredericka, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center (www.foxchase.org/giving) or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (www.cbf.org).