Buzz Gildea's Obituary
Buzz Gildea, age 80 of Lewes, DE, formerly of Wilmington, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at Beebe Healthcare. He was born on April 19, 1942, in Wilmington, DE, son of the late Francis and Catherine Gildea.
Buzz proudly retired from the Air National Guard and a career firefighter, retiring after 42 years as Battalion Chief with the City of Wilmington Fire Department. His hard work and dedication earned him the respect of not only his peers, but those who ranked above and below him throughout his tenure.
Buzz was a man of many interests. His hobbies ranged from home repair to ballroom dancing, and he enjoyed working outdoors and had a fascination with trains. Buzz caught a travel bug, and he loved visiting new destinations, both in the US and abroad. Above all, he was a family man. Buzz cherished time spent with those he held most dear. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Loved by many, he will be deeply and genuinely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
In addition to his parents, Buzz was preceded in death by his brother, James Gildea. He is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years, Carolyn Gildea; his children: Carol-Anne, Jim, Ken, Cyndie, and Matt; his step-children: Andy, Mike, Lyn, Dee, Jenni and Steven; his grandchildren: Jimmy, Nick, Kevin, Sarah, Zach, Leah, Jude, Megan, Ethan, Craig, Kiley, Maddie, Zoe, Leah, Camryn, Abi, Bryce, Mia, Will, Noah, Cali, Romy, and Drew.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 12:00 noon, at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, DE, where friends may call beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will be held the following day, Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at Holy Cross Cemetery, N. New Street, Dover, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Buzz’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or www.stjude.org/donate.
The family also asks that you remember Buzz by performing a random act of kindness for someone in need this week.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3PM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2023, TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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