Thomas R.

Truman

Thomas Robert Truman 

November 13, 2026

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Thomas Robert Truman, known to family and friends as Tom, surfed away on November 13, 2026 at the age of 65.

Tom was a graduate of Brandywine High School and Saint Mary's College of Maryland. He spent 35 years working at Hilton Marine and continued his career at DC Marine until his illness.

Born to the late Robert S. Truman and Dorothy E. Truman, Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Mary Lynne Nettles Truman; his son, Robert E. Truman, of Charleston, South Carolina; and his daughter, Gwendolyn E. Truman, of New Castle, Delaware. He is also survived by two sisters, Nancy T. Evans (Ed) and Amy Forrester (Jim), along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Tom's love of the water was a defining part of who he was. He was an avid surfer and windsurfer and loved nothing more than being out on a boat. His father-in-law once remarked that he had never met anyone who loved the water as much as Tom Truman.

Tom spent his childhood summers at the family home in Cape May, a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He was known for keeping what may have been the straightest hedge in town. Tom taught sailing during his teenage summers and continued his love of the sport through sailboat racing. Whether racing his Laser, his Sunfish, or competing in offshore races, he was happiest when he was on the water.

Another special place in Tom's heart was St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He spent a year living there after college, and the island never left his heart.

Tom was also a man who never hesitated to step up when someone needed help. When his daughter was in middle school and her soccer team needed a coach, Tom volunteered. Despite never having played soccer himself, he became a wonderful coach, demonstrating that his willingness to help others mattered far more than experience.

Beyond the water, Tom loved snow skiing and especially cherished the family trips to New England with his son. Making memories with his family was always important to him.

Tom fought a courageous battle against glioblastoma for three and a half years. Throughout his illness, his faith in the healthcare system and the medical teams caring for him never wavered. His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to ChristianaCare and the doctors, nurses, Delaware Hospice and the entire medical team at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for their care, dedication, and compassion.

Tom leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a love of the water that was unmatched, and a legacy of kindness, generosity, and always being willing to lend a hand. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Tom's memory to:

Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park, P.O. Box 811, St. John, USVI 00831

Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation on Monday, Nov 16 at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home, 101 W. 6th St., New Castle, DE from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Celebration of Life service will take place at New Castle Presbyterian Church, 25 E. 2nd St., New Castle, DE, on Tuesday, Nov 17 at 2:00pm.