Thomas Henry Meyers

Thomas Meyers, 83, of Middletown, Delaware, passed away on April 17, 2022, at Kent General Hospital, Dover, Delaware, due to complications from a spinal cord injury that had left him paralyzed since May 2021.

Mr. Meyers was born on March 2, 1939, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to the late Betty Maryrose (Gallo) Meyers and the late Rudolph Jay Meyers. He was preceded in death by his two brothers Gary P. Meyers, of Holsopple, Pennsylvania, and Rudolph F. Meyers, of Denver, Colorado, as well as his beloved poodle, Sir Sterling Silver Meyers.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dianne (Presson) Meyers, and two daughters, Laurie Meyers, of Alexandria, Virginia, and Jennifer Meyers Coffey of Wilmington, Delaware. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Mark Coffey, two grandchildren, Ethan Coffey and Samantha Coffey of Wilmington, Delaware, and his “granddog,” Cara Mia Meyers, of Alexandria, Virginia, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Meyers earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and his master’s degree cum laude at the University of Delaware. He came to Delaware in 1964 to teach mathematics and physics at Dover Air Force Base High School (DAFBHS). At that time, he was the only certified physics teacher in the state. While teaching at DAFBHS, he coached the wrestling team and, at the request of the students, established and coached the tennis team. He also served a term as president of the Caesar Rodney Education Association.

When the high school portion of DAFB school was closed, he was transferred to Caesar Rodney High School, where he taught mathematics and physics for two years. He spent the last years of his career teaching mathematics at Delaware Technical and Community College, Terry Campus, Dover, where he became chairman of the math department.

On moving to Delaware, Mr. Meyers developed an interest in sailing. He joined the Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association where he honed his sailing ability and became an avid race enthusiast. Mr. Meyers went on to win numerous trophies in sailing races at the Annapolis Yacht Club. He also enjoyed teaching others to sail–including the renowned Delaware artist Jack Lewis.

As a devoted father who supported his daughters in all of their endeavors, Mr. Meyers spent many years as a chaperone and equipment manager with the award-winning Caesar Rodney Senior High School March Band. He even served a term as president of the CR Band Parents’ Association. 

An avid woodworker, he built many heirloom-worthy pieces of furniture. He also single-handedly built an addition to his house in Wyoming. When he and his wife owned a series of houses for seasonal rental in Cape May, N.J., he did any needed rehab and repairs. As a teenager In Pennsylvania, he built an ice cream stand for his mother. He also added rooms to the family home and later built an attached garage. He was always ready to help a friend or neighbor with a project.

A year after their marriage, Mr. Meyers and his wife traveled to Europe for a months-long vacation in a Volkswagen camper van. This odyssey gave birth to an intense love of travel, which continued for the rest of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Meyers traveled with their daughters to numerous destinations in the United States and took them on several European trips. In retirement, Mr. Meyers and his wife continued to travel both abroad and domestically. They took numerou cruises, one of which was on the Hurtigruten (Norwegian mailboat), which took them across the Arctic Circle. Mr. and Mrs. Meyers also took several trips to Hawaii and traveled in their motorhome to all 48 continental U.S. states. 

Wherever he traveled, Mr. Meyers made friends—many of them lifelong.

A Memorial Service and Interment of his ashes will be held on Thursday, May 5, at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green, 50 Market Street, (Old) New Castle, Delaware, followed by a reception in the parish hall. 

Condolences may be sent via: www.pippinfuneralhome.com. 

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