ForeverMissed
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Thomas A. Stibbe, 81, of Leland, NC (Wilmington) died January 5, 2020 from complications related to Myasthenia Gravis and Parkinson’s Disease.

Tom’s world was family, friends, and cars. Antique automobiles, modern cars, steam engines, tractors, and spark plugs were his passion.Haggling over obscure, ancient auto parts was his fun. Tom was a lover of good jokes and sly pranks, toothpicks, a long talk, good food (especially rhubarb pie), skiing, vegetable gardening, anything at "The Beach" and, most of all, his extended family and circles of friends. He was a bone-crushing hugger ("give me a squeeze") and an enthusiastic cheerleader of his children, grandchildren, cousins, friends and, more broadly, ANYTHING fun.

Born and raised in in Fairview Park, OH, Tom was a longtime Cleveland area resident. He moved his family to Sylvania in 1975 where he joined Maumee Valley Machinery, an industrial machine tool sales company in Perrysburg. He attended Purdue University and was a 1961 IAP graduate of Kent State University.
Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Gallaher) Stibbe, and four children, Sarah (Deno) Damaskos in Montclair, NJ, Jennifer (Ravi) Rajan in Yardley, PA, Suzanne (Doug) Gamble in Wilmington, NC, and Matthew (Fancy Fechser) Stibbe in Pacific Palisades and Nevada City, CA. He leaves 10 grandchildren ranging from college graduate to newborn: Christopher, Chloe, Omarion, Anjali, Sameer, Samantha, Devin, Paul, Marigold, Prairie. He was particularly close to nieces Betty Bump and Laura Jaster, nephews Philip Stibbe and David Paul, cousin Paul Gerhart, and their families.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice or Lower Cape Fear Hospice (lifecare.org).


Due to COVID-19, a planned July memorial service at the Sylvania United Church of Christ has been postponed indefinitely.  Any updates will be posted here.
We invite you to add memories and photos of Tom to our online photo gallery  
Mary Ann with Sarah, Jennifer, Suzanne and Matthew
July 2, 2020
July 2, 2020
What a rich family heritage you have built. Loved walking down memory lane with Tom. My personal favorite was the photo of Tom and Sarah in front of the Capitol. Brought tears to my eyes. We have many good memories of you both from Ohio. Phyllis & Harvey
June 29, 2020
June 29, 2020
Dear Mary Ann, Sarah, Jennifer, Suzanne & Matthew,
How terribly sad that Covid has cancelled the celebration of Tom’s life. Since I had not visited this site, I was unaware that it had been postponed. Knowing that traveling & even gathering with friends presents a risk, I was planning on attending. Really would have cherished reconnecting with you. Let’s stay in-touch & please know how much I liked your dad. He surely is missed by many!
Love to your families,
Pam
June 29, 2020
June 29, 2020
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I remember him from ski trips to Michigan and always enjoyed his humor and welcoming demeanor. My sincere sympathy to Mary Ann and the family. May you find comfort in your many happy memories.
April 27, 2020
April 27, 2020
Due to COVID-19, a planned July memorial service at the Sylvania United Church of Christ has been postponed indefinitely. 
Come back for our expanded photo gallery of memories and service updates. 

If you have any questions, reach out to my mom.
419-779-1244 maryann.stibbe@gmail.com

x0
Sarah

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Recent Tributes
July 2, 2020
July 2, 2020
What a rich family heritage you have built. Loved walking down memory lane with Tom. My personal favorite was the photo of Tom and Sarah in front of the Capitol. Brought tears to my eyes. We have many good memories of you both from Ohio. Phyllis & Harvey
June 29, 2020
June 29, 2020
Dear Mary Ann, Sarah, Jennifer, Suzanne & Matthew,
How terribly sad that Covid has cancelled the celebration of Tom’s life. Since I had not visited this site, I was unaware that it had been postponed. Knowing that traveling & even gathering with friends presents a risk, I was planning on attending. Really would have cherished reconnecting with you. Let’s stay in-touch & please know how much I liked your dad. He surely is missed by many!
Love to your families,
Pam
June 29, 2020
June 29, 2020
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I remember him from ski trips to Michigan and always enjoyed his humor and welcoming demeanor. My sincere sympathy to Mary Ann and the family. May you find comfort in your many happy memories.
Recent stories

Missouri memories

June 30, 2020
This story goes back to a time when my family and the Stibbes were visiting Grandpa Frazier in Santa Rosa, MO.  Tom was in charge of brushing and braiding Sarah and Jennifer's hair.  He was only going to do it once, so those braids were tight!  I only realized what was going on when one of the girls whined, "Dad, thats too tight!"  I looked over to see my cousins with faces pulled so taut their eyes were mis-shaped!  I was glad to have short hair!  
Laura (niece)

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