Thomas E. Jerman, III

SEAFORD – Thomas E. Jerman, III, 74, formerly of Milton, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, November 14, 2025.

Tom was born in Bethany Beach and raised in Millville, son of the late Thomas E. Jr., and Ida Mae (Nuneville) Jerman, and graduated from Lord Baltimore High School.

Tom owned and operated Sussex Truck Repair, a successful diesel repair shop, in Milton, for 40 years. He enjoyed working as a diesel mechanic. After retiring, he and his wife relocated to Seaford.

Tom loved to keep active, enjoyed being outdoors and gardening. He was an avid fan of Dale Earnhart and supporter of both dirt track and NASCAR racing. On the dirt track, Tom enjoyed driving Street Stock, Late Models, and Go-Karts. He was also known to have “maybe” street raced in his beloved 1968 Pontiac Firebird. Tom was well known to many on Facebook for sharing local vintage racing photos.

He was a supportive husband, father, grandfather, all-around family man and friend. He loved spending time with his grandsons; especially on outings for lunch and shooting pool at Jeff’s Tap Room and Grille in Bridgeville.

Tom was a veteran of the US Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1974 as an Airman First Class. He was also active with the Ocean View VFW Mason Dixon Post 7234, and Seaford Moose Lodge No. 1728.

In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Karl and Anna Chalabala.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Maria H. (Chalabala) Jerman; daughter, Lindsey Jerman; two grandsons, Grayson Jerman and Keegan Jerman; a sister, Geraldine Jerman; two brothers-in-law, Bruno Chalabala and wife Sharon, and Pete Chalabala; sister-in-law, Adele Chalabala; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Tom also leaves behind a host of friends and extended family.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00pm-7:00pm on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal Street, Milton, Del 19968.

The conferring of Military Honors and interment will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, Del 19966.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to: Delaware Veterans Home, 100 Delaware Veterans Boulevard, Milford, Del 19963 or online at https://www.vethome.de.gov by visiting the How Can You Help tab.