Benjamin G. "Ben" Thomas Jr.

Benjamin G. "Ben" Thomas, Jr.

February 27, 1953 - November 25, 2025

Benjamin G. "Ben" Thomas, Jr., age 72, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his devoted family, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in New Castle, DE.

Ben was a distinguished athlete, competing on numerous softball teams in Delaware and Maryland. He played on the winning team in four softball Class A Delaware State Championships and in one Class B Delaware State Championship. Ben was accepted for tryouts for MLB minor leagues and was nominated for the Delaware Softball Hall of Fame. Ben also loved basketball, golf, and bowling-once receiving recognition for a perfect 300 game at Bowlerama in New Castle. He was obsessed with music, especially blue grass and country music, playing both the guitar and banjo.

Ben, towering at over 6 feet 3 inches and 200+ pounds, cut an imposing figure with his black leather jacket, motorcycle boots, and explorer fedora. Yet, those familiar with Ben knew that he was the gentlest and kindest person. His co-workers called him "Gentle Ben," while his grandchildren affectionately dubbed him "Big Pop-Pop."

Ben was born in New Castle, DE, and lived there all his life. He graduated from De La Warr High School in 1971. He attended Delaware Technical and Community College while working full time at St. Joe's Paper Company between 1972 and 1976. He later was hired by ICI Chemicals at Atlas Point, working as a chemical operator there from 1976 to 1994. Ben was employed by SPI Polyols at Atlas Point until his retirement in 2009. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 1998 and bravely battled cancer for another 25 years until it led to his death.

Ben is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Linda S. (Hahn) Thomas; along with his four children: Benjamin G. Thomas, III, Samuel M. Thomas (Lisa Thomas), Yvonne Thomas Holden (James Holden), and Julaina L. Thomas. He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Jacqueline McGrory, Phoenix Holden, and Callie Holden. In addition, Ben is survived by his lifelong best friend and "brother," Louis DeFilippis; as well as nieces and a nephew, Crystal A. Bower, Fawn A. Strite, and Donald J. Bower.

Ben was predeceased by his father, Benjamin G. Thomas, Sr.; his mother, Annie Mae (Cook) Thomas; and his sister, Maria Ann (Thomas) Bower.

A private ceremony will be held for close family. A public memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Benson Hall at Mt. Salem Church at Rockford Park, 2629 W. 19th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Humane Animal Partners of Delaware, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 or online by clicking here and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here.