Thomas O. Gainey, treasured family, friends
Thomas O. Gainey of Lewes passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 29, 2024, after a long battle with amyloidosis. He was born in Washington, D.C., Feb. 22, 1937, to Mildred (Poole) and Philip Gainey. He was a young 87 years.
Tom, or Uncle Tommy to most, never met a stranger. He was always charming, outgoing, and friendly to everyone he met. He was dearly loved by all who were blessed to have known him.
He worked for many years in plumbing design for several engineering firms in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, as well as for the Department of Veterans Affairs in D.C. Tom also volunteered many hours after work driving for family members of patients at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md.
Prior to his lengthy illness, Tom loved visiting with his grandchildren, playing racket ball, and cooking delicious meals for friends and family. He had a passion for gardening and was an avid reader of all types of books, newspapers, and magazines. He was also a lifelong fan of the Washington Redskins.
Tom was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Billy. He is survived by two brothers, Jerry and Jim. He is also survived by his beloved wife of 18-plus years, Wafi of Lewes; sons, Tom Jr. of Washington state, and Michael of Virginia; daughter, Linda of Maryland; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Tom was a loving husband, father, pop-pop, uncle, and friend. He was loved by so many and will be forever missed.
The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, aides, and staff at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, Fresenius Care in Rehoboth Beach, and Bayhealth Sussex Campus in Milford whose excellent care and compassionate support over the years and at the end of his life not only touched him but also his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's honor can be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 E. 33rd St., New York, NY 10016, kidney.org.
Visit Thomas’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
