Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries for Wilmington, DE and surrounding areas

Rayna J. Kleimann

Rayna J. Kleimann

January 14, 2026

Rayna J. Kleimann was a loving mother, daughter, and friend. Rayna passed suddenly on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Rayna was a true free spirit: kind, loving, fiercely independent, powerful, and unapologetically herself. She was a nurturer by nature, a giver at heart, and a woman whose strength and warmth left a lasting impression on everyone she met....

Michael J. Grabowski Sr.

Michael J. Grabowski Sr.

January 14, 2026

Michael J. Grabowski Sr. "Big Mike", age 73, of New Castle, formerly of Browntown, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Big Mike attended Wilmington High School. He worked as a Millwright for many years. Big Mike enjoyed crabbing and going to the dog park with his dog, Missie Miss. He also enjoyed visiting the casino and the beach where he...

Sandra Irene Walls

Sandra Irene Walls

January 12, 2026

Sandra Irene Walls, age 77, of Dundalk, MD, born in Wilmington, DE, was called home to God on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Sandra was patient, kind, compassionate and true to her convictions. She enjoyed staying up to date with current events and spending time with her family.

Sandra is preceded in death by her husband, Martin Walls II, who passed in 2011;...

Ralph E. Durham

Ralph E. Durham

January 11, 2026

Ralph E. Durham, age 70, of Newark, formerly of Wilmington, was called home on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Born in Wilmington in 1955, Ralph will be remembered by his animated presence and unmistakable personality-paired with a sensitive and caring disposition that those close to him knew well.

In his younger years, he proudly served as a volunteer firefighter and emergency vehicle operator—roles...

Susan Kay Abbott

Susan Kay Abbott

January 7, 2026

Susan Kay Abbott, age 62, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. 

Susan was born in Williamsburg, VA, but grew up in North Palm Beach, FL where she enjoyed spending her time at the beach, jogging, swimming, boating and windsurfing. In her high school years, she was a cheerleader, and the Homecoming Queen of...

Margaret "Maggie" Mullin-Kobza

Margaret "Maggie" Mullin-Kobza

January 6, 2026

Margaret "Maggie" Mullin-Kobza, age 67, of Hartly, who was formerly of Clayton and Newark, passed away on Tuesday January 6, 2026.

Maggie graduated from Newark High School in 1976 and then went on an graduated from the University of Delaware. Maggie was an avid reader with an incredible green thumb for gardening. She loved horses, especially Mac, as well as her...

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

January 3, 2026

Mr. Wood (88) of Charlotte, NC passed away on January 3, 2026. He was born on June 24, 1937 in Wilmington, DE to the late T. Henry and Madelyn Brehm Wood.

After graduating from Wilmington High School in 1955. Don entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. He was graduated by the University of Delaware in 1959 where...

Ned Joseph Scaltrito

Ned Joseph Scaltrito

January 1, 2026

Ned Joseph Scaltrito, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed peacefully in his sleep on January 1, 2026, just after the New Year arrived. At 99 years old, he left this world the same way he lived in it—quietly, gently, and surrounded by love.

He was born in Massachusetts, a place that shaped his early years and remained part of him long...

George James Roman Jr.

George James Roman Jr.

January 1, 2026

We lost our “Dad”/Pop/Grandpa on January 1, 2026, after a prolonged and debilitating illness.

George was born in Elkton, Maryland to George Roman, Sr. and Lola Rebecca McCall and grew up in Cherry Hill, Maryland.

First and foremost, George had a strong calling to serve the community, which he did in numerous ways. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from...

Susan Desmarais

Susan Desmarais

December 29, 2025

Susan Desmarais, age 70, of Wilmington, formerly of Indianapolis, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025.

Sue worked as a waitress and bartender. She was a member of West End Rod and Gun Club. Sue loved football and especially loved playing fantasy football. Her team was the Dallas Cowboys and she wouldn’t miss a game. Sue also loved to play Texas...

James B. Breault

James B. Breault

December 26, 2025

James B. Breault, age 66, of Stanton, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025 after a short illness.

Jim was born and raised in Delaware and graduated from John Dickinson High School in 1977. He went on to work for Hewlett-Packard where he was employed in the maintenance department for many years and was known for his reliability and...

Carolyn Jo Shumate

Carolyn Jo Shumate

December 26, 2025

Carolyn Jo Shumate, affectionately known as “Carol,” passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at the age of 77, after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. Born on October 14, 1948, in Damascus, Virginia, Carol moved to Wilmington, Delaware as a young girl and grew up in the close-knit community of Marshalton.

She attended John Dickinson High School before transferring to...

Bryan Paul White

Bryan Paul White

December 25, 2025

Bryan Paul White, age 45, of Newark, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 25, 2025 after a long illness.

Bryan loved animals, especially dogs and cats, and his favorite dog, Remy. He also enjoyed music and watching action movies.

Bryan was preceded in death by his father, Edward L. White; and grandmothers, Rosemary Barbas and Betty White

Survivors include his...

Maria Guadalupe Vasquez

Maria Guadalupe Vasquez

December 25, 2025

Born April 08, 1929 - Eternal Life December 25, 2025

Maria Guadalupe Vasquez (Andrade-Alonzo). Carinosamente "Lupita". Originaria de Guanajuato, Mexico.

Quien paso por nuestra vida entregando su luz resplandeciente, en nuestras almas por toda la eternidad.

A mi querida Madre: Quien nos dejo gratos recuerdos siendo una gran Mujer, Hija, Hermana, Tía, Esposa y Amiga. Alegre Ama de Casa calida y carinosa, disfrutando...

Cheryl L. O'Donnell

Cheryl L. O'Donnell

December 25, 2025

Cheryl Lynn O'Donnell, age 68, of Wilmington, formerly of Newark, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

Cheryl delivered News Journal newspapers for many years. She also worked as a slot attendant at Delaware Park. Cheryl enjoyed visiting casinos when she could and always encouraged family and friends to get their lottery tickets! She loved listening to country music and fishing. 

Cheryl...

Carol M. Cathell

Carol M. Cathell

December 25, 2025

Carol M. Cathell age 83, of Richardson Park, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

Carol graduated from Conrad High School in 1960 and worked as a caterer for “ETC” for over 20 years.

Carol was a lifelong member of Richardson Park United Methodist Church where she volunteered in the kitchen, sang in the choir and was a member of the Women’s...

Frederick "Ric" Emmett

Frederick "Ric" Emmett

December 24, 2025

Frederick "Ric" Emmett, age 73, of Claymont, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

Ric worked as a custom painter for many years. He enjoyed fishing, shooting bows and arrows, working with his hands and spending time with his family. 

Ric is preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Phyllis Emmett; and sisters, Johanna Emmett and Diana...

David Nocho

David Nocho

December 24, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Nocho, age 43, of Wilmington, Delaware, on December 24, 2025, in the presence of his loving family.

David was a loving father and husband. He was a proud member of the BBS Car Club and took great pride in his passion for cars and fashion. David was known for...

Kathy Grandell

Kathy Grandell

December 22, 2025

Kathy E. Grandell, age 73, of Newport, formerly of Wythville, VA, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025.

Kathy worked for AIG Insurance. She enjoyed singing and dancing and going to Delaware Park. Kathy loved spending time with her family.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Mark Grandell.

Services will be private. 

Apostle Encarnación Moret

Apostle Encarnación Moret

December 18, 2025

Apostle Encarnación Moret of Wilmington, Delaware, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 18, 2025.Apostle Encarnación was known as an amazing husband, father, friend, and servant of God. His greatest desire was to make everyone feel welcome and loved. With a warm heart and a joyful sense of humor, he had a special way of making others feel...