Benjamin G. “Ben” Thomas, Jr.
February 27, 1953 - November 25, 2025
Benjamin G. “Ben” Thomas, Jr., age 72, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his devoted family, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in New Castle, DE.
Ben was a distinguished athlete, competing on numerous softball teams in Delaware and Maryland. He played on the winning team in four softball Class A Delaware State Championships and in one Class B Delaware State Championship. Ben was accepted for tryouts for MLB minor leagues and was nominated for the Delaware Softball Hall of Fame. Ben also loved basketball, golf, and bowling—once receiving recognition for a perfect 300 game at Bowlerama in New Castle. He was obsessed with music, especially blue grass and country music, playing both the guitar and banjo.
Ben, towering at over 6 feet 3 inches and 200+ pounds, cut an imposing figure with his black leather jacket, motorcycle boots, and explorer fedora. Yet, those familiar with Ben knew that he was the gentlest and kindest person. His co-workers called him “Gentle Ben,” while his grandchildren affectionately dubbed him “Big Pop-Pop.”
Ben was born in New Castle, DE, and lived there all his life. He graduated from De La Warr High School in 1971. He attended Delaware Technical and Community College while working full time at St. Joe’s Paper Company between 1972 and 1976. He later was hired by ICI Chemicals at Atlas Point, working as a chemical operator there from 1976 to 1994. Ben was employed by SPI Polyols at Atlas Point until his retirement in 2009. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 1998 and bravely battled cancer for another 25 years until it led to his death.
Ben is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Linda S. (Hahn) Thomas; along with his four children: Benjamin G. Thomas, III, Samuel M. Thomas (Lisa Thomas), Yvonne Thomas Holden (James Holden), and Julaina L. Thomas. He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Jacqueline McGrory, Phoenix Holden, and Callie Holden. In addition, Ben is survived by his lifelong best friend and “brother,” Louis DeFilippis; as well as nieces and a nephew, Crystal A. Bower, Fawn A. Strite, and Donald J. Bower.
Ben was predeceased by his father, Benjamin G. Thomas, Sr.; his mother, Annie Mae (Cook) Thomas; and his sister, Maria Ann (Thomas) Bower.
A private ceremony will be held for close family. A public memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Benson Hall at Mt. Salem Church at Rockford Park, 2629 W. 19th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Humane Animal Partners of Delaware, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 or online by clicking here and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here.
Louis Defilippis
My Thoughts and Prayers, go out to All of Bens Family and Friends, Rest in Peace Brother Ben !! Thanks for being there all these Years !! Terrace Champs Forever !! God Bless the Thomas Family !!
Allan wingate
So sorry, Ben was our idol as little kids growing .He was always teaching and about baseball and football.
Played lots of T street tackle with him, Satch and Louie
David Michaloski
To the Thomas family and friends, so sorry for your loss ……I was very fortunate to have played Softball with Benny for over 20 years. We had a nickname for Big Ben – LA MACHINE – the man just owned the middle of the field with line drives , base hit after base hit…..he was a tremendous clutch hitter ! Big Ben , didn’t care about his own personal stats – he cared about the TEAMS stats….. he taught not only myself , but all his teammates how to win . The Man had a Cool, Calm demeanor…… I cherish all those days and years of playing Ball with Big Ben . YOU will truly be missed my FRIEND……..
Maria Paciona
I remember Benny fondly as Louie’s best friend. I could hear second hand the games they were watching as they talked on the phone. I’m so very sorry for your loss and lift him and you all up in prayer.
Maria (DeFilippis) Paciona
Wayne Wingate
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ben’s family and friends. As kids growing up in our little corner of Holloway Terrace we had the honor of Ben teaching us about sports and always taking time to play some type of sport. God Bless his family and his best friend since they were kids (Louie). My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Thomas l Brewster
Rest in peace Benny some of the best times in my childhood were spent with you shooting marbles under the tree out front or building skateboards out of scrap wood old metal skates and a lot of nails then riding them down the hill by your house rest easy dear cousin you will always be remembered God Bless 🙏🙏🙏
Howard Brewster Jr.
Rest in peace, dear cousin And God bless your family. Benny, we didn’t see each other much. but remember the good times we had as kids, miss my uncle speed and aunt Annie. rest easy, my brother. !!
Rich Thomas
Rest in Peace Benny. Great player and even a better Person. I can remember you singing I start the joke by The Bee Gees. Until we meet again love you Benny Mon
Marvin Dooley
I am so sorry for the family’s Loss. Ben was a great teammate of mine. The memories I had playing with Ben and Lou. RIP my friend. You will never be forgotten…………..
Claire Noble
My condolences to Linda and your family. May you rest in peace Ben.
Terry Scherer
My condolences to the family and friends
Fran Cebula
Linda, & family.
So very sorry for your loss,
Thoughts & prayers
Fran(Bender) Cebula
SH Salvatelli
My condolences to the family and friends of Benjamin