Thomas John Duell was born on October 19, 1940 in Detroit to Walter and Josephine Duell. He passed away at home on April 12, 2026 surrounded by his son Michael, his wife Linda and their family. Tom spent his last months being lovingly care for by Michael, Linda, and his special caretaker, Stacy-anna.

He is preceded in death by his sister Ann Stout and his wife, Julie. He was a wonderful husband to Julie, whom he married in 1982. It was apparent to all that they had found their soulmate and would forever hold that in the highest regard. They stuck together and were inseparable, putting each other first in every way.

Tom and Julie retired in Russell Landing of Green Cove Springs, Florida. They walked the community daily with their beloved companion Popcorn where they met many friends and were active in the community. They were present at every neighborhood party.

Tom is survived by his three children, Michael and his wife Linda Duell (Egleston), Karen Duell-Malerba, and Jill (Duell) and her husband Bill Kurzava.

He was blessed with 7 amazing grandchildren Jake Duell and his partner, Valentina Green, Mackenzie Duell and her fiance' Darren Dinnell, Liam Duell and his wife Megan (Hofheins); Julian Malerba and his sister, Natalie; Claire Moore and her partner, Chase Gibbons, and Devin Moore and her husband, Daniel Clark.

Tom attended the University of Detroit and worked at Chevrolet for many years, along with several other tool and die manufacturing jobs. Eventually, he decided to start his own business. He and Julie founded Hawk Manufacturing and successfully ran it for 30+ years. After selling the shop in Michigan, they retired to Florida, just three houses away from his son and family.

Some of the metal machinery moved with them to Florida. After he stepped away from metal work he turned to woodworking instead of metal. What began as a hobby became a true passion and skill, which he proudly passed on to his grandson. His beautiful wood creations, shared with family and friends, will remain part of his legacy for years to come.

He had a natural talent for gardening, and no home would be complete without a large garden. He loved canning, freezing, and pickling food, always sharing their garden fruits of labor and hosting big family gatherings. Family was always the center of everything he did. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, going to the shooting range (bringing the grand children), riding motorcycles, snowmobiles, four-wheelers, tractors, RV camping, hiking in the woods, boating, dogs and, of course, cars. Always drawn to and driven by the adventures of life.

He was a good father, showing his love in ways like leaving sweet and funny notes on the kitchen table. He was an indulgent (at times) grandfather, being with his grandchildren was important to him. He was a business owner, who seemed more comfortable doing the hardest work as opposed to being in charge. He was cheerful as a default, a "good guy" to the people who knew and saw him regularly.

Music was a staple in his life. He performed with a band during the late 60s and into the 70s. Even after performing, he would listen to music, dissect the melodies, rhythms, and voices. He taught us how to listen to songs and figure out the lyrics.

We spent several weeks each summer out of the city and on Manitoulin Island, at his insistence and pleasure.

He did fun things like flooding our entire backyard and turning it into an ice rink. It was a bit tricky with all the trees, but we learned and loved it! He tried to teach us to play tennis, one of his passions. Unfortunately, we never got a varsity letter in it like he did.

Saturday cartoon watching with him always included pickles and spinach.

Standing on the seawall and singing "Hallelujah! "at the crack of dawn, even if the neighbors were still sleeping.

He hosted family reunions, was quite the chef, and days ahead of a gathering were filled with the smells and tastes of food made with love. We all learned special tips from him. He even passed the love of cooking traditional polish dishes along to the grandchildren.

He introduced his older granddaughters to the joy of a good "Gun and Knife Show", bringing them home with their own special dagger! Did I mention that they were 8 and 11 years old at the time? They still talk about it!

Dad had different, special relationships with each of us. A gift of sorts for us to carry within our hearts forever.

He is so loved and will be missed in ways that only our hearts know.

There will be a memorial service for Tom held Friday, June 19th, 2026 at 3:00pm at Helm-Gallagher Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the care of Helm-Gallagher Funeral Home, 1811 Idlewild Ave, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. 904-284-9696  www.helmgallagherfh.com