Thomas DeGarcia Rath, 68, of Suffolk, Va., passed away June 18, 2011. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., the son of the late Mary D. and Ross M. Rath. He retired as a foreman for PECO Philadelphia Electric Company. He was a member of the Lansdowne Masonic Lodge #711 in Lansdowne, Pa. He was also a member and past president of the PECO Camping Club.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 47 years, Diane H. Rath; daughters, Barbara Rath Shelley and partner, Lori Kaczor, of Allentown, Pa., Debbie Storms and husband, Harry, of Suffolk, Va., Kim Galvan and husband, Ricardo, of Delano, Calif.; sons, Thomas D. Rath Jr. and wife, Kelli, of New Providence, Pa., Gregory Michael Rath Sr. and wife, Brooke, of Farmdale, Pa., Aaron McClure, of New Providence, Pa.; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Karen Klump and husband, Bill; brother, Ross M. Rath Jr. and wife, Janet, all of The Villages, Fla.; nieces and nephews; and his favorite niece, Linda, his Chinese Linda and best friend, Corky.

A celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at 7 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434 with Pastor Jerry Powell officiating. Friends may join the family prior to the service for a time of visitation from 6 to 7 p.m. and other times at the residence. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beacon House, 3808C Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452 or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.