Thomas Arthur DeLoriea

1936 - 2023

DELORIEA, Thomas Arthur, was born on February 18, 1936 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Crim and Dorothy (Stingley) Ashley. He was the youngest of three children.

While serving with honors in the U.S. Army in Tokyo, Japan during the Korean War, he learned the basics of computer programming. Always a hard worker, at age 21, the young father was hired by IBM during a time when computers were the size of refrigerators. After the innovator of computer systems integration retired from Gallo Winery, in 1995, he fulfilled his dream of living on a lake and relocated to Bumpass, Virginia with his wife, Dorothy (Clarke) DeLoriea.

His love for the water began in Chicago, where he was on a team of sailboat racers. During his 24 years in Modesto, California, which is the American Graffiti capital of the world, he developed his love for sports cars and taking his family waterskiing.

Beginning at the young age of 68, he volunteered as an ambulance driver and emergency medical technician at Lake Anna and Mineral Rescue squads. He also served as a first responder and treasurer at the Bumpass Volunteer Fire Department. He continued his EMT and treasurer service at the squads until age 82.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Craig DeLoriea; and his sisters, Joaun Mae (Degischer) Campbell and Crimmine Lou (Ashley) Walther. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Clarke) DeLoriea; his daughter, Renee DeLoriea-Allison (Rod); three grandchildren, Aaron Hawtrey (Renata), Rachel Joyce (Ryan), Aimee Sipe (Ryan); five great-grandchildren, Ryan, Dylan, Sierra, Sara, Nathan; sisters-in-law, Patricia Corkin (Sam) and Donna Whittles (Joe); and seven beloved nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be held at Blileys Funeral Services, 8510 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, Virginia on Friday, February 3, 2023. Viewing from 4 to 6 p.m., with a celebration service at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory to your favorite charity.