Deacon Donald E. Lydick's Obituary
Deacon Donald E. Lydick passed away peacefully at home on February 22, 2025.
Don was born July 31, 1938, in Cass Lake, MN He was raised in Ahmeek, Ml, graduated from Calumet High School in 1957, joined the Air Force in 1958, and spent 3 years in Istanbul, Turkey. Following Don’s discharge from the Air Force, he attended the College of Insurance in New York City and worked as a Commercial Lines Agent in both New York City and New Jersey for most of his career.
Deacon Don was ordained to the Diaconate on May 12, 1982, in the Trenton, New Jersey Diocese and he began his ministry at St. Gabriel's Parish, in Marlboro, NJ. He and his wife Janet moved to Delaware in July 1992 and resided in Bethany Beach, Ocean View, Milton, and Milford. Deacon Don served at St. Ann's Church, Bethany Beach, and later at St. Jude the Apostle Church, Lewes, DE. As a deacon, he was blessed to officiate at the marriages of his daughters and to baptize his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his duties at St. Ann's and St. Jude the Apostle, Don served as the Family Service/Pastoral Associate at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, DE.
Don and Janet enjoyed traveling, especially their many trips to the South of France and Paris. Two memorable trip highlights include a hot air balloon ride in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the celebration of their 52nd wedding anniversary at the Le Grand Colbert in Paris.
In addition to Janet, his wife of 63 years, he is also survived by his 3 daughters: Yvonne (Jim) Michelle (Tim) & Nicole (Len); 9 grandchildren: Kerri, Colleen, Alyssa, Ashley, Devin, Brandon, Cameron, Taylor & Len, IV; 14 great-grandchildren: Arya, Marissa, Karter, Mila, Basil, Brycen, Baylen, Layla, Scarlet, Weston, Ellie Rae, Leo and Christiana.
He was preceded in death by his Aunt Mary and Uncle Ed Petermann, his mother Minnie Lydick, his father Donald F. Lydick and his sister, Yvonne Lydick Railey.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 1, at 11:00 AM at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, Rt. 1, Lewes, DE, where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 AM. A viewing will be held on Friday, February 28, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE. Entombment will be private at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Dagsboro, DE.
Live Stream Link for the funeral Mass-- https://www.youtube.com/@StJudeTheApostleChurchLewesDE
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude the Apostle Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, DE 19958.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
Florist Note- Please deliver all flowers to the Lewes Funeral Home on Friday 2/28/25 by Noon.
What’s your fondest memory of Deacon Donald E.?
What’s a lesson you learned from Deacon Donald E.?
Share a story where Deacon Donald E.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Deacon Donald E. you’ll never forget.
How did Deacon Donald E. make you smile?
