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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Thomas Sager

Thomas Lauck Sager, 76, of Bethany Beach, Delaware, formerly of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home on September 14th after a long battle with dementia.

Tom was born in 1950 to Harold Lauck Sager and Ann Thomas Sager in Winchester, Massachusetts. He spent his formative years in Warwick, Rhode Island. After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina and receiving his juris doctor from the Wake Forest University School of Law, he began a 37-year career with DuPont, starting in labor law and retiring as General Counsel and Senior Vice President. While at DuPont, he co-created the DuPont Legal Model, which revolutionized corporate law. In addition, he was passionate about his work with the Minority Corporate Counsel Association, for which an annual award is presented in his name. Tom also served on many Boards through the years, including those with the Delaware Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Delaware Community Foundation, and the Widener University School of Law.

Tom’s leisure time was spent at his home in Bethany Beach surrounded by family and friends. He could also be found at Phillies, Sixers, and Eagles games with his sons, with whom he shared an undying passion for sports.

Tom was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy, sons Andrew and Zack (Jessica), four fabulous granddaughters, Kendall, London, Colleen, and Daphne, his sister, Evelyn Bramhall, and many extended family members.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to his compassionate angel and caregiver, Robin Wise, along with Vitas Hospice.

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Funeral Services

A celebration of life will be held at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike Wilmington, Delaware on October 2nd.  Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m., followed by a short service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, you may honor Tom’s memory with a donation to the Delaware Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1636 Wilmington, DE 19889, or the Thomas L. Sager Law Scholarship at the Wake Forest University School of Law, P.O. Box 7206, Winston-Salem, NC 27109.

Condolences

    Jacqueline Eiting writes,
    Tom was a great mentor to so many I will never forget him his willingness to take a risk, his love of DuPont and of course the law!
    09/18/2026 06:18 pm
    Suzi Pomerantz writes,
    My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Tom had a huge impact on my career and I will always remember him and be grateful for the years we worked together on the DuPont Legal Model. His love of the law was only surpassed by his love for Nancy and the boys. Rest in peace, Tom. You will be missed.
    09/18/2026 08:31 pm
    Bruce Fitzgerald lit a candle and writes,
    To know and admire Tom and his family is a gift. To experience his caring and compassion, intelligence, love for his family, intense investment in helping others and sense of humor was profound. I (and my family) benefited greatly from being his friend. We will always remember him and send our deepest sympathies to his family.
    09/19/2026 08:00 am
    Marilyn T. McClure-Demers and Alan Demers writes,
    Tom was an incredible leader, influence, sponsor and mentor to me and so may in the legal profession. He was an icon and he loved his family above all.. He showed corporate American and big business what true leadership is and can be. Alan and I send our love and Gods peace as we join you in the celebration of his life. May we all carry his incredible legacy forward. Marilyn McClure-Demers and Alan Demers
    09/19/2026 07:07 pm
    Dell Joshi writes,
    So sorry to find out about Tom. Tom was an outstanding human being - down to earth, humble and caring. I worked for Tom as his Functional CIO from 2009-2013. Tom treated me like extremely well. A true gem of a person.
    09/19/2026 09:16 pm
    Stacey Mobley writes,
    Tom Sager was a great friend and colleague. He was a mentor to many and cared deeply about people. Tom was an innovator and well known in the legal community. I can't count the number of times Tom went out of his way to help people in many ways. He will be missed. Condolences to all of Tom's family who he loved so much
    09/20/2026 11:57 am
    Adele Lundquist writes,
    I am sorry to learn of Tom's illness and death. I worked with Tom during my years in the Labor Law Division of DuPont. He was always "down to earth", considerate, and respectful of his co-workers.
    09/20/2026 12:33 pm
    Cheryl Drew writes,
    My deepest and most sincere condolences to Tom’s family and loved ones. I had the honor of working alongside him over three decades ago, when I was a young woman just beginning to find my footing in corporate America. Tom was a true leader and mentor who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. He took the time to guide me, encourage me, and show me that I belonged and could accomplish anything I set my mind to. That kind of generosity and leadership leaves a lasting mark, and I have carried the confidence he gave me throughout my entire career. The world was better for having him in it, and he will be missed. Rest peacefully, and thank you for everything.
    09/20/2026 12:49 pm
    Claire DeMatteis lit a candle and writes,
    Tom taught a generation of attorneys the value of a true mentor, someone who was always in your corner guiding your career. He reached the pinnacle of a career in the law as General Counsel of the venerable DuPont; yet, he always made time for his community. Many times throughout my career Tom encouraged me to push beyond my comfort level. And he gently insisted that attorneys whom he mentored stay engaged in nonprofit boards community activities. I am a better lawyer, friend, and mentor thanks to Tom Sager. I miss him dearly and extend my deepest sympathy to Nancy, his sons, granddaughters, extended family, and friends.
    09/20/2026 04:28 pm
    Catherine McGregor writes,
    Tom was a great leader and an inspiration in the legal profession. It was wonderful to have him as a mentor and a friend. He did so much to advance the cause of DEI in the legal profession and was generous with his time and advice. There are so many lawyers who have benefitted from his advice. He will be missed,
    09/21/2026 02:15 pm
    Joseph West lit a candle and writes,
    Tom Sager was one of a kind. We shall not see his like anytime soon. He understood well the value of a diverse, equitable and inclusive society and legal profession. As such, he was a profile in courage, something in very short supply among so many of today's leaders. More importantly, he was a kind, thoughtful and loving person. I considered him a dear friend and valued mentor. His legacy is one that will guide our profession for decades to come. I will miss him.
    09/21/2026 05:00 pm
    Pattie Hannon Barker writes,
    Sending so much love. My dad Leo Hannon worked with Tom at DuPont during the very best times! Prayers always to a great!
    09/21/2026 06:53 pm
    Cory Patterson lit a candle and writes,
    I am deeply saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a remarkable mentor, friend, and source of encouragement to me for many years. I would not be where I am today, personally or professionally, without his guidance and generosity. His kindness also extended to my wife, Andria, and our family. Tom made a lasting impact on our lives, and we will always be grateful for him. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with his family.
    09/21/2026 09:55 pm
    Edward Gray writes,
    Tom was a real gentleman who worked hard to leave the world better than he found it. May his memory be a blessing. Kind regards, EWG
    09/22/2026 12:12 am
    Sophia Piliouras lit a candle and writes,
    My deepest sympathy to Tom's family and loved ones. Tom was an extraordinary mentor and leader to many. He challenged corporate America and he backed his words with action. Few leaders have had his impact, and fewer still his generosity. The profession is better because of him, and his legacy lives on in every person he encouraged and championed along the way. Reading these tributes, it is clear how deeply he was loved and how much of himself he gave to others. Holding you all close in my thoughts.
    09/22/2026 11:39 am
    Peter Kalis writes,
    My law firm was a participant in the DuPont Legal Model, and that’s how I came to know Tom as a man of extraordinary wisdom and a degree of kindness uncommon in senior legal circles both among law firms and within law departments. Tom loved his colleagues and wished always the best for them. We were exactly the same age. This one hurts more than most. RIP, Tom.
    09/22/2026 04:43 pm
    Anthony Farina lit a candle and writes,
    Tom’s Legal legacy is second to none. While an unmatched business and community leader, he was even a better man - and friend. A true Gentleman. “Sager,” as he was fondly referred to at DuPont, shaped the lives of thousands of people around world - including mine. RIP, Sager.
    09/23/2026 07:33 am
    Andrew Schaeffer lit a candle and writes,
    The very sad passing of Tom Sager It’s great to read all the testimonials about Tom and the impact he had on everyone he met. I was also blessed to work with Tom within DuPont Legal and even more importantly to become good friends after his retirement. In 2007 when the financial crisis began, Tom approached me and asked if I would leave the world of IP Litigation and become Managing Counsel, Operations and Partnering. For this patent guy, I could only think that I really messed up and I was getting sent to Siberia. It turned out to be the best assignment of my career and an opportunity to work closely with Tom on the DuPont Legal Model. By that time the Model had been in full swing since about 1993. As time would demonstrate, 2007 was a perfect time to embrace “The New Reality by Turning Risk into Opportunity through the DuPont Legal Model”. I found myself learning from Tom and focusing on strategic partnering, knowledge management, early and strategic case assessment, budgeting and forecasting, but even more importantly, diversity, paralegal utilization, E-discovery, ethics, benchmarking and lessons learned. My favorites were alternative billing arrangements, metrics and recoveries, particularly using IP assets to help bring in enough money to sometimes surpass the entire DuPont Legal budget for the year. What I loved most was Tom’s easy manner and ability to push people and give them the courage and direction to succeed. This was really on display as he championed diversity, the Minority Corporate Counsel Association and support of minority and women owed law firms. Tom also created the Chief Litigation Counsel Association “CLCA” to bring corporate litigation attorneys together and share best practices. And while in Wash. DC in the early 1980s, Tom helped lobby to create the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit which I thought was pretty cool because it became the court for all patent appeals. Finally, Tom was so kind to everyone he encountered. He was well known to visit local hospitals on weekends when any employee or friend was sick or was out of surgery. I loved spending time with Tom in retirement bouncing ideas off my friend. I am also indebted to Tom for helping me approach Ballard Spahr to create a Special IP Counsel position in retirement. Rest in peace Tom! You left the world a much better place!
    09/24/2026 11:10 am
    Sandra clark writes,
    Our firm was one of the early participants in the Dupont Legal model. Our association with Tom Sager covered 25 years. He was smart, innovative, supportive and inspirational . He saw the value in women in leadership positions and saw that we were given many opportunities. MC carrington, James Martingano and i were very sorry to hear of his illness and his passing. We send our condolences to his family and our thanks to him for being a very positive factor in our legal careers. Sandra Clark
    09/25/2026 08:59 am
    Omari Scott Simmons writes,
    Sending my heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family, friends, and colleagues. He was a prince of a man: a great leader, lawyer, colleague, mentor, and friend. I know that if I had not crossed paths with Tom, my career would not have been as fulfilling. Tom believed in people, uplifted them, and invested in them. His legacy lives on in the hearts and achievements of so many who were fortunate to know him. I am eternally grateful for his friendship and wisdom. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace.
    09/26/2026 10:48 pm
    Gerald Deery lit a candle and writes,
    I was very fortunate to have an opportunity to work with Tom for twenty years. During that time DuPont faced a number of changes and challenges. Tom’s leadership and counsel was steady, forward focused, and consistent. Tom treated everyone the same with loyalty, dignity and respect. I am a better person as a result of knowing and working with Tom. I will miss his caring nature, kindness and friendship. I extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to Nancy and family.
    09/27/2026 12:35 pm
    Ernest Tuckett writes,
    Tom was a great friend, mentor, boss and champion!! He will be missed. He contributed so much to my career and to the careers of countless others. He was an example of selfless, people-centered, empowering leadership. I’m so glad to have met and worked with him. I’m sad I won’t be able to make the funeral. Sending condolences to his family.
    09/27/2026 09:19 pm
    Adam Hoeflich lit a candle and writes,
    Tom was my friend and a mentor. Tom’s devotion to the profession was unmatched, and he provided opportunities to many. I, like so many others, am grateful to Tom and will miss him always.
    09/27/2026 11:47 pm
    Tarik Gause lit a candle and writes,
    Tom not only talked the talk but walked the walk. He was a lifeline for me at a pivotal moment in my career and inspired me to show up for others. May my actions and those of others Tom sponsored continue to do his legacy justice.
    09/28/2026 11:59 am
    Hinton Lucas lit a candle and writes,
    Tom was a great friend and colleague for many years, starting back in the Labor Law division days in DuPont Legal. He was an innovator, leader and certainly a trailblazer. My condolences to Nancy and the entire Sager family.
    09/28/2026 02:01 pm
    Damon Hewitt lit a candle and writes,
    I knew Tom for only a short while. But he was truly unforgettable. He was a generous supporter of human capital. He was a remarkably insightful person who I could tell genuinely cared about my development and success as if he had known me for years. And so many people I know had the same experience with him. As Co-chair of the Board of Directors at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, he took the business of civil rights seriously--just as he took his work at DuPont and in private practice. I believe every conversation I had with Tom included some new idea or a push to enhance our impact. His drive for excellence and commitment to doing the right thing brought together people across lines of ideology in a way that few are capable of doing. He will be missed, especially in times like our nation faces today. On behalf of our Board and staff, my condolences go out to Nancy and the entire family. Damon Hewitt President and Executive Director Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
    09/28/2026 10:13 pm
    Milton Marquis writes,
    Tom was a client and more importantly a good friend. I will never forget the kindness he extended to me over the many years we worked together. He was one of a kind. I giant in the legal profession. But very humble and unassuming. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
    09/29/2026 11:42 am
    Timothy Koob writes,
    I had the pleasure of working with Tom for many years as part of the DuPont Legal Team. He was a charismatic leader - providing guidance and expertise with his good natured humor. He loved life - and was a great colleague. I'm sad to read of his death, the world has lost such a good person. My condolences to his family, may he rest in peace.
    10/01/2026 08:11 am
    Nikki Lewis Simon writes,
    Tom’s heart for service and seeing the value in every person, including a newly elevated partner like me, was uncanny. He willingly provided guidance, mentorship, and sponsorship to generations of law students and lawyers. May his life and doing be an inspiration and example that we follow until our work here is done. Rest in Power, Tom!
    10/01/2026 05:25 pm
    Norman D. Griffiths writes,
    Tom was a good and dear friend. Although many years have passed since we worked as colleagues in the Legal Department, his passing has brought back memories of his friendship and leadership of our department. He will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his family. -Norman
    10/01/2026 10:01 pm
    Tammy Wilder lit a candle and writes,
    I was privileged to work with Tom (via Hinton Lucas) in the early stage of my legal career at DuPont. He was never too busy to answer a question or offer insight and encouragement. I still appreciate and applaud his undying commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. My sympathy and condolences to his family.
    10/04/2026 02:03 pm
    Ray Mislock Jr lit a candle and writes,
    Tom was a great man and great boss during my time at DuPont. It was a priviledge to work with him and for him. He was always a great supporter of our team and a true professional. He was never too busy to listen and give direct and helpful advice. My deepest condolences to Tom's family and friends. Rest in peace Tom.
    10/08/2026 04:32 pm

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