Thomas Lee Kilbourne, age 89, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a short battle with leukemia.
Born and raised in Wilmington, Tom was a graduate of Alexis I. du Pont High School. Shortly after graduation, he began his career with Diamond State Telephone. His dedication to service extended beyond his professional life—Tom proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years before returning to Diamond State Telephone, where he remained until his retirement.
Tom’s greatest joy was his family. He was a man of many talents and passions—building furniture, carving ducks, fishing, crabbing, and embracing every moment of life with a smile and a generous heart. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Glendora Kilbourne; his cherished daughter, Patricia “Patti” Kilbourne; and his parents, Radcliffe and Lois Kilbourne.
Tom is survived by his devoted children: Janet Martin (Blake), Amy Kilbourne-Fish (Richard), and Wendy Strowhouer (Ted); his grandchildren: Christopher Martin, Whitney Paschal, Kelsey McGonigle, Kilby Benson, Haley Strowhouer, Domenic Fish, and Toby Strowhouer; and eight great-grandchildren who brought him endless pride and joy. He is also survived by his dear companion of the past almost four years, Dee Fillingame, who brought light and laughter into his life.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 30 at 2:00 p.m. at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Tom’s memory to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1120 Darley Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810.
Tom will be remembered for his warmth, his craftsmanship, his service, and most of all, the deep love he had for his family and friends.
