David William Bartges, Sr.'s Obituary
David William Bartges, Sr. died on January 22, 2026, surrounded by his family, after a long illness. David (Pop-pop) is survived by his wife Barbara, son David Jr and his wife Cheryl, son Christopher and his wife Debbie, grandson David III and his wife Mia and grandson Matthew and great grand-daughter Kateryna, and cat Cinco.
Born in November 1937, in Bellefonte, PA, he was the only son of Albert Bartges and Mary Adda Johnson. He was raised in State College, PA, and lived in Tennessee, Indiana, New York, Wilmington, DE and for the last 28 years in Bethany Beach, DE. He graduated from PS Dupont High School where he met his wife, Barbara. He graduated from Dickinson College in 1959 and married his wife to be at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Wilmington, DE in October 1959.
David began his professional career at HRB Singer where he worked for 10 years. His work took him to Germany for 2 years where his 1st son was born. He then transferred to Dupont where he spent the rest of his 25-year career in various roles in Market Research, Pharmaceuticals and Agriculture Chemicals. While at Dupont he traveled to Paris frequently and transferred to Long Island, NY for 4 years.
David was an avid stamp collector, enjoyed cooking and gardening. When his boys were young, he was very active with the Boy Scouts and enjoyed camping and hiking. David was very active in church and was a charter member of the Community Lutheran Church in Frankford DE where he served on Church Council for 15 years as President, Vice President, Secretary and member of the Finance Committee. He and his wife both enjoyed singing in the church choir and he was often referred to as teacher as he led the church’s Study Group for many years.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday January 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Community Lutheran Church, 30897 Omar Rd, Frankford, DE where viewing will begin at 12 NOON. David will be entombed at Silverbrook Cemetery in Wilmington, DE. at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Community Lutheran Church, South Coastal Village Volunteers or the Brandywine Valley SPCA.
Please sign David's Tribute Wall at this site.
Florist note, please deliver any floral tributes to our Clarksville Chapel by 2 PM on Thursday January 29, 2026.
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