Thomas D'Avico

Obituary of Thomas D'Avico

Thomas D'Avico passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026 after celebrating his 85th birthday with his family.

Thomas was born on January 4, 1941, in Philadelphia to Italian-immigrant parents. He was a proud first generation American and served honorably in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany during the Vietnam era. After returning to Pennsylvania, Thomas became the first person in his family to graduate from college with a Bachelor's degree from West Chester University. He went on to earn Master's and PhD (ABD) degrees from the University of Missouri at Columbia.

Thomas's career was centered in the beverage industry where he held senior management/executive roles at several soft drink companies, such as 7 UP, A&W, Snapple, and Shasta. These roles took him all over the world and the U.S. where he lived with his family in California (twice), New York (twice), Massachusetts, Maryland, and most recently Wilmington, Delaware where he had been living with his wife Barbara D'Avico (nee Founds) for the last 20 years after retiring from full-time work. When not working Thomas enjoyed traveling, gardening, and tinkering with things. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with family and friends eating, drinking, telling stories, and laughing.

Thomas and Barbara were married in 1966 and have been in love for 60 years since first meeting while they were both working at Riddle Hospital in Media, Pennsylvania. They have been inseparable ever since.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife Barbara, son T. Christopher, daughter Tracey, and his grandchildren: Hannah, Holden, and Zachary. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends who will always remember him being there for them whenever they needed him."

Services will be held privately. Online condolences may be made at www.paganofuneralhome.com