Donald George Jesse Jr.'s Obituary
Donald (Don) G. Jesse, Jr., 70, of Lewes, DE passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025. Don was born on August 14, 1954 in Chateauroux, France, the son of the late Donald George Jesse, Sr., and Margaret (Forshaw) Jesse. Don and Margaret raised their son, Don, in Dover, DE along with his three siblings Sheryl, Sandy and Brian.
Don was a lover of all things nautical and an avid lifetime fisherman. In the early 1970’s, Don opened his first business in Dewey Beach, DE, Don’s Reels and Wheels selling bait and tackle to the local fishermen. He would later open Don’s Bait and Tackle where he would start his journey of becoming an artist and craftsman, making and selling award winning custom fishing rods. Don was a highly skilled master carpenter for over 45 years building custom homes, doing finish carpentry, and making furniture. In 2017 he built the home of his dreams for he and his wife, Lolita Lopez in Lewes, DE. In retirement, Don pursued his love of restoring and selling nautical antiques. In his spare time, Don earned his scuba diving certification and spent countless hours immersing himself in the vibrant depths of the Caribbean Sea. He loved sharing captivating tales of his underwater adventures with all who would listen.
Don married the love of his life, Lolita Lopez on September 14, 1997. They shared a remarkable love story having reunited for the second time after 12 years apart happily married for 28 years. Don will be missed by his many lifetime friends who share stories of their adventures together.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Don Sr., and Margaret Jesse; his sister Sheryl.
Don is survived by his only child: Justin Jesse (Lisa) and grandchildren, Bethany, Dylan, and Josh; his sister Sandy Jesse; his brother Brian Jesse.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, between 5:00 - 7:00 PM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958.
A visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 200 2nd St., Lewes, DE, followed by Celebration of life at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery, 660 Pilottown Road, in Lewes, DE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lolita Lopez-Jesse Fund for Westside Family Healthcare or the Lewes Historical Society. Mail checks to Westside Family Healthcare at 300 Water Street, Wilmington DE 19801 (www.westsidehealth.org/lopezjessefund) or Lewes Historical Society at 110 Shipcarpenter Street, Lewes, DE 19958.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE - Please deliver flowers to the Lewes Funeral Home on Wednesday January 30 2025 by 1:00 PM.
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