Eugene T. Suplee, Jr.

Eugene, Gene, Tad, Tadpole, Thaddeus, Uncle Tad, UT, BOT

Eugene Thaddeus Suplee Jr. was a proud USAF veteran, methodical investigator, an avid reader, and a known pontificator. He was wise beyond his years, always interested in learning something new, and a proud teacher of everything and anything he picked up over his 68 years on this earth.

Gene was a teller of stories, which were often about a case he worked in his 30+ years at the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office, an upcoming event with the Civil Air Patrol, or his most recent travels – and often included some mention of how he put someone in their appropriate place. He never backed down from confrontation and was always willing to share his perspective, even if it wasn’t a popular one.

Tadpole was someone you could count on, and the first person many people called when they needed help. He had a heart of gold, despite his sometimes-abrupt manners, and often went without life’s luxuries to do for others. He was self-sufficient and proud, showing others how to sew, change an alternator, properly hang window fixtures, and countless other seemingly mundane life-skills. He was always thinking of his numerous great-nieces & nephews, bringing them trinkets and gifts from his recent travels when he visited.

Uncle Tad loved helping young people achieve their goals, serving as a mentor, chauffeur, confidant, and financial support system. He believed in people and saw their potential, before they were wise enough to see it themselves, and had a way of putting life’s challenges into perspective when they seemed insurmountable. For those fortunate enough to have him provide transportation, he was always equipped with a snack, enough stories to ensure no silence during the journey, and a good book to occupy himself while waiting.

Eugene was the type of person who didn’t need the spotlight, but preferred to shine it on those around him. For those who were close to him, they undoubtedly heard his stories bragging about the folks he helped along their way. The numbers of lives he changed for the better are countless, and his impact on the world will be felt for generations to come.