Obituary of Thomas W. Strader

Thomas "Tommy" Wayne Strader, Jr., 53, of Pennsville, N.J., went home to Jesus on June 9, 2024, after a battle with lung cancer. Tommy was born in Wilmington Hospital to Tom and Diane Strader on June 30, 1970. He grew up in Pennsville as the oldest of six kids. Although Tommy was diagnosed with schizophrenia, it did not stop him from living a full and colorful life. He was an altar boy who was active in youth group as a child and worked at Pizza & Pasta as a young adult. Tommy also spent a few years living in West Virginia, where his father grew up. Throughout the years, he experienced different personalities that have been fun to interact with. His family and friends had the honor of knowing him as "Brad Paisley," "Jesus," "Hulk Hogan" and "Elvis Presley," and he was also "married to Dolly Parton." He enjoyed "winning prizes" for his family through his "PCH winnings," in which he "won handpicked prizes for each of his family members daily." He later went on to "buy stock in Apple." Tommy, as his family knew him, had such a kind soul and kept everyone connected by calling each of his siblings daily. He was always concerned about how everyone was doing and what was going on in their lives. He loved helping out on home improvement projects and lending a hand around the house. He loved to make others smile and laugh. Tommy will truly be missed, and his family is at a loss without him. Tommy is survived by his siblings, Christopher P. Strader (Sarah) of Pennsville, N.J., Diana L. Williams of Wilmington, Del., Shawn R. Strader of Pennsville, N.J., and Colleen R. Knight (Jonathan) of Morgantown, W.Va., and nieces and nephews Michael J. Strader, Jr., Caitlin M. Strader, Kyrstin R. Wolfer, Emily C. Strader, Kiley M. Williams, Tanner M. Williams, Chance A. Williams, Jackson O. Fischbach, Keegan G. Knight, and Kinslee R. Knight. Tommy is preceded in death by his mother, Diane C. Strader; his father, Thomas W. Strader, Sr.; and his brother Michael J. Strader, Sr. The family would like to extend a special thanks to brother Chris and sister-in-law Sarah for caring for Tommy after Mom's passing and through his cancer journey. Chris and Sarah recently purchased a home in West Virginia and Tommy was so excited to be moving there with them as part of their family. He would show everyone the pictures of the new house in excitement. Chris and Sarah were truly a blessing to Tommy and gave him the very best ending. It is with a very heavy heart we announce that "Elvis has left the building." A memorial service will be held 3:00 PM on Friday June 14th at the Laughrey Funeral Home, Pennsville, NJ where friends may call from 2:00 to 3:00 PM prior to the service. Father Joseph Ganiel will be officiating the service. Burial of Cremains will be private at the convenience of the family. www.laughreyfuneralhome.com