Thomas Karl Metz, financial advisor
It is with heavy heart the family of Thomas Karl Metz, 78, of Lewes announce his departure from his life on Earth Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at his home, surrounded by beloved family members and loving caregivers.
Tom was born to Laura and John Metz May 29, 1942, in the town of Reading, Pa., where he spent many happy years as a child, riding fire engines with his grandfather, captain of the New York City Fire Department. A swimmer and a golfer, he also became an accomplished equestrian, winning many blue ribbons. Tom graduated from Reading High School in 1960 as a thespian and honor roll student who loved drag racing at the Reading Fairgrounds and attending Cotillion dances. He graduated from Rider College with a degree in business, where he was a member of the golf team and a member of Theta Chi fraternity. This is where he met Marianne, his loving wife of 57 years. He went on to attend the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
Tom and Marianne, in time, moved to Washington, D.C. Following their time there, they moved to the lovely community of Henlopen Acres, then eventually settled into their home in Historic Lewes.
Tom worked for Montgomery Ward and Johnson and Lemon. He eventually moved on to E.F. Hutton, where his career path led him to open his own financial business, Metz Capital Management.
Tom’s expertise as a certified financial advisor was not limited to his clients, but to many not-for-profit organizations. He was able to help his church, All Saints’ Episcopal, and its financial structure was greatly enhanced by Tom’s services. Tom's loyalty to his church, among other organizations, made him a pillar in our community. He supported the Lewes Historical Society and the Lewes Public Library, always giving to those in need. Tom served as an usher for many years at All Saints’ Church with his wife, Marianne.
Tom loved to play golf, and he did not hesitate to inform his listeners that he had hit a hole-in-one playing the 14th hole at Pine Valley. No location was more precious, however, than Rehoboth Beach Country Club. A member for 30 years, he spent many hours there golfing, dining and playing cards with his family and friends. Nothing put a bounce in Tom's step like a beautiful car, and no distance was too far for Tom to travel to a good car show. Noted for being a huge sports fan, Tom could be heard humming and singing “Hail to the Redskins,” much to the chagrin of Ravens and Eagles fans.
Nothing pleased Tom more than a colorful cavalcade, and one of his favorites was the “Doo-Dah Parade” in Lewes. On May 9, friends from Lewes, Milton and Rehoboth collaborated to give him his very own. The Lewes Police Department, Ray and Joyce Thomas in their red, white and blue jeep playing Lee Greenwood, Sen. Ernie Lopez, personal trainer John Morris and his show car the “Green Hornet,” and Dickie Bryan, with his antique tractors and American Flags, and numerous friends not only from Rehoboth Beach Country Club, but also from surrounding communities, worked in concert to convey their admiration for a beloved resident of their communities.
Tom’s pride showed through and through when speaking of his family and his accomplishments. His family will cherish his memory and miss him deeply. Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Marianne; his children: Elizabeth Griggs (Bert) of California, Christopher Metz (Kerry) of Florida, Andrew Metz (Julie) of Rehoboth Beach, and Jessica Barrett of Florida; his grandchildren: Peter, Matthew, Thomas, Isabella, Samuel, Amanda and Alex; his brother, John Metz Jr. (Barbara) of Reading; his niece and nephew: Gail and Gregory; and his extended family of Doug Ramseyer (Karen) of Texas and their children, Sue Chiapini, Laurie Ramseyer, Brook Ali and Eric Ramseyer.
Tom’s family cannot be more thankful for the outpouring of love, support and kind words. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, services will be private. Tom will be laid to rest Thursday, June 9, at All Saints’ Cemetery, Harbeson, where his five grandsons will act as honorary pallbearers. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Tom's memory to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.
Please visit Tom's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
