Thomas E. Wartenberg's Obituary
Thomas Edward Wartenberg, age 77 of Millsboro, DE, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Beebe Healthcare, in Lewes, DE. He was born on March 11, 1946, in Queens, NY, son of the late Manuel and Beatrice Wartenberg.
Tom grew up in Elmont, Long Island and attended Elmont Memorial High School. He made his living as the owner of LIM Systems International Insurance, but that is just a scratch on the surface of the legend that was Tom Wartenberg.
At 50 years old, Tom was delivered the devastating news that he had cancer and it was terminal. After many consultations with different doctors and experts, he found his own treatment based on a study at Stanford University. A doctor said to him, “don’t listen to the statistics, you’re either going to make it or you’ll die. Tom found his own doctors and decided to roll the dice, and defying all odds, he won. He beat the “terminal” cancer and lived another 28 years. Given this miraculous opportunity, Tom chose to live every day to its fullest.
Tom thoroughly enjoyed exercise (no, really, he did) and did Zumba and other workout routines every day. He appreciated fine watches, cars, and shoes. Tom had the world’s largest collection of hotel keys, and he may or may not have been arrested for it at one time (we will neither confirm nor deny this). He LOVED to eat; a self-proclaimed foodie, he even had memberships to different country clubs JUST for the dining opportunities. Tom was a faithful Philadelphia sports fan, remaining particularly loyal to his Eagles and Phillies. He loved hosting a good party and was a connoisseur of wine and scotch. Tom tried not to take life’s gifts for granted, and he sure didn’t miss out on much. More than all this, he treasured those 28 extra years with those who meant the most to him. Tom was a caring and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was deeply loved by those who knew him and will be forever missed.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Jeff Wartenberg. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, whom he met on a very lucky Friday the 13th, Michelle; his sons: Brett, Bob, Marc, and Matthew (Sarah); and his grandson, Ryan.
Services will be private.
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