Thomas Edward
Whiteley, Sr., 76
DOVER, DE - Thomas Edward Whiteley, Sr. passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at Bayhealth Kent County Hospital.
Mr. Whiteley was born August 13, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Mae Whiteley; and his brother, Raymond.
In 1966, he was drafted into the United States Army and served two years. Upon his honorable discharge in 1968, he returned to Philadelphia working several jobs before joining the Philadelphia Police Department in 1975 where he served his community for 30 years. While on the job he met his beloved wife of 40 years, Mary Kennedy.
Upon his retirement from the Philadelphia Police in 2005, Tom and Mary moved to the Wild Meadows Senior Living Community in Dover, Delaware. Tom was active throughout his retirement years. Thomas remained a delegate in the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #5. He continued to work several days a week at the Dover Indoor Tennis Club. Most of all, Thomas enjoyed spending time with his family and friends both old and new. He enjoyed community activities such as shuffleboard and bocce, travel to both local and international beaches and supporting his beloved Philadelphia sport teams.
He is survived by his wife, Mary (Kennedy) Whiteley of Dover, DE; stepsons, John Kennedy (Lorraine) of Lancaster, PA, James Voigtlander (Silke) of Fallsington, PA, Steven Kennedy (Patty) of Jenkintown, PA; and son, Thomas Whiteley, Jr. (Michelle) of Philadelphia, PA; five grandchildren (Amanda, Ian, Ava, Fionn and Shane) and one great-grandchild (Lucy).
Graveside services will be held 11 a.m., Monday, January 23, 2023 at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, Delaware 19701.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that you might consider a donation to either The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 Survivor Fund or the American Diabetes Association.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com