Dr. Thomas D. Cox

Born: 9/9/1948 Died: 3/6/2013 Dr. Thomas D. Cox, age 64, passed away peacefully at his home in Newark, DE, on Wednesday, March 6, 2013, after a brave battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of Newark, Dr. Cox was a graduate of Holy Angels School and Salesianum High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He completed a general practice dental residency at Wilmington Hospital and began his dental career on Main Street in Newark with his father, the late Dr. Clyde M. Cox. In 2006, he began practicing with his daughter, Dr. Erin Cox O’Leary, becoming the first third generation dental family in the state. Dr. Cox was a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Delaware State Dental Society. He served on many committees with the state dental society, including the Dental Peer Review, the State Board of Dental Examiners, and the Dental Grievance Committee. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Hockessin for many years, where he had served as president of the congregation. He also enjoyed spending time at his lake house at Deep Creek Lake in Maryland. Watching his children and grandchildren grow up at the lake was a special part of his life. He will be forever remembered for his warm smile, gentle demeanor, love of life, and eternally strong faith. Dr. Cox was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Clyde M. Cox. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Donna (Haenftling) Cox; his two daughters, Dr. Erin Cox O’Leary (Dennis) and Laura Harris (David); his grandchildren, Emersyn and Logan O’Leary; his mother, Marguerite Cox; and his siblings, The Reverend Jack Cox (Allison), Richard Cox (Brigitte), and Elizabeth Potochney (Joseph). The family would like to thank the staff of Vitas Hospice Care and all of the terrific friends and patients who provided support with a meal, a hug, a note, or a visit. A memorial service for Dr. Cox will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, March 16, 2013, at Deerfield, 507 Thompson Station Rd., Newark, where visitation will begin at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Grace Lutheran Church, 2033 Graves Road, Hockessin, DE 19707; or the Emmanuel Dining Room, 121 North Jackson Street, Wilmington, DE 19805.