Robert Stephen Tomczak passed away peacefully at home the morning of July 15, 2026 with his wife and daughter by his side and his dog Peanut on his lap. After a massive heart attack in December 2024, Robert fought for his life and continued an uphill battle against the many complications. His family is grateful he could finally put down the fight and find peace.
Robert, known to many as “Babe”, was born April 1, 1944 in Wilmington, Delaware to Cecilia and Sigmund Tomczak. He grew up in Richardson Park and Glen Berne, the youngest of five. Robert loved working on cars in his teens and twenties. He attended Dickinson High School, then trade school. He went on to build a career as a research technician for DuPont at the Experimental Station and Chestnut Run. He happily retired after 33 years with the company.
Robert met Lynne while they both worked at the Station and married in Cape May, a favorite vacation spot. They settled down in the Highlands of Wilmington in 1978 in the house where they raised their daughter and still call home today. After retirement they spent their time between their home in Wilmington and beach house in Fenwick Island, Delaware. Robert enjoyed traveling, celebrations with family and friends, picking crabs, and spending a day at the slots. But he was mostly a homebody who loved his many pets and plants. He has always been known for his warm smile and distinct laugh. Robert had said having his daughter was the best thing he did with his life.
Robert is survived by his wife of over 45 years Lynne Hyatt Tomczak, their daughter Stephanie Tomczak Selle (Sloan), sister Patricia Gestwicki, sisters-in-law Joanne and Maureen Tomczak, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Cecilia (Przybylski) and Sigmund Tomczak; his brothers, Anthony (Tony), Sigmund (Ziggy) and John Tomczak. Sister-in-law, Ada Tomczak and brother-in-law, Leon Gestwicki.
To honor Robert’s memory, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association diabetes.org or Faithful Friends Animal Society – For A Kinder Community
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 22, from 6pm to 8pm at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 23 at 10:30am at St. Matthew’s RC Church, 901 E Newport Pike, Wilmington. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery (Washington St. side).
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
