Charles Stephen Thomas' Obituary
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Charles Stephen Thomas on September 5, 2022.He was born in Bryn Mawr on March 15, 1942, son of the late Walter Farley and Marjorie Helen (Woodbury) Thomas.
He graduated from Conestoga High and went immediately into the Army, stationed in Korea. At discharge, he returned home to begin his career and family.
His first job was working for Continental Can in Malvern as a pricing and purchasing manager and stayed with the next takeover company, Graphic Packaging, and then on to Hutamaki, a German Packaging Company, all in the same plant.
He became an avid golfer and grew prize show Dahlias in his extensive gardens. He belonged to the Philadelphia Dahlia Society and was a Senior Judge. He was known as the best dahlia grower in the area and won so many awards that the ribbons began to take over the garage and office.
When he wasn't golfing, he played pinnacle with the boys until we began to travel. We did the Mediterranean, Baltic cruises to more than 15 countries, along with a river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam (the best ever). We also traveled independently to England, Germany, Scotland, and Ireland, which was his favorite country. Best yet, he got to play golf at The Old Course several times in Scotland.
Our last trip was to Alaska with 3 other couples here in our community. Fishing was another of his hobbies and got to go salmon fishing! He fished for trout in Maine, Dock fishing in Florida at Burndt Store Marina, and Surf fishing here at the beaches in Delaware.
We spent 2-3 months in the winter in Punta Gorda, Florida, and made lifetime friends from other states.
6 years ago, it became difficult for Steve (and I) to keep up with the big house, an acre
of gardens, and the Dahlias. A bold decision, we moved to our beloved community here at Bishops Landing, in Bethany Beach. It was the best decision we ever made. We loved our house with just enough courtyard front and back to do some gardening of flowers and vegetables. Of course, he fell right in with the best golfing buddies one could ever want, and he was happy as... well, you know!
He was predeceased by his son, Michael, and brother Edward. He leaves behind his wife, Sybil, married 30 years; his children, Virginia Mattera (Mike); his grandchildren: Jack and Gina Marie Mattera; her son, Greg; her stepdaughter, Stephanie (Scott); her stepson, Scott Wanta; and his grandchildren, Jessica, and Jacob; and his brother, Jim (Velma). He was predeceased by his son, Michael.
He also leaves behind a wonderful group of friends here in Delaware and will be greatly missed. The 4:00 Cocktail hour will always be open to friends.
There will be no formal Funeral. Instead, there will be a Celebration of Life here at Bishops Landing at a future date.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
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