Gregory Allen Cropper's Obituary
Gregory Allen Cropper, age 71, of Georgetown, passed away peacefully at home on September 12, 2025. Greg was born April 20, 1954, to the late Lettye (née Mason) and William Cropper. He graduated from Sussex Central High School and Sussex Vo-Tech in 1974.
Greg loved his family and was a devoted husband, dad, popop, brother, and friend, whose warmth and humor touched everyone he met.
Greg loved to travel. Even if it was just a day trip to Assateague or Washington, DC, he was always eager to go. A memorable trip to Florida included Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios with Patti, the kids, grandkids, and his mother-in-law. He especially loved camping, and his favorite spot was Cherrystone in Cheriton, VA. Greg also took his sons fishing when they were younger, creating simple but meaningful moments on the water. In 2012, he fulfilled his dream of climbing a lighthouse at Cape Henry in Virginia Beach.
Greg liked watching football, especially when the Ravens were playing, and enjoyed spending Super Bowl Sunday with his sister and brother-in-law. A former NASCAR fan, he celebrated his 50th birthday with a ride around Dover Speedway, an experience he thoroughly enjoyed. Greg never met a stranger; if he had a conversation with you, that meant you were friends. He loved to talk about anything and enjoyed sharing pictures on his phone, whether it was a birthday party from years ago or just a cute photo of the dogs.
Greg had a collection of pocketknives and treasured any that were gifts from loved ones, especially one that had belonged to his father-in-law. He had a collection of flashlights and thought they were necessary for any task. Greg had a sweet tooth and believed that every meal should be followed by dessert. He loved music, especially 70s and 80s rock, and could always name the artist of a song instantly.
Greg always worked to provide for his family, often at a job he didn’t care for, but he loved his last job at the Amazon Warehouse in Seaford. Among his proudest accomplishments was raising his two stepsons and loving them as he did his own son.
Greg is survived by his wife of 36 years, Patti Cropper (née Irelan); his three sons, Ryan Cropper, Gary Connelly (Tomesha), and Eric Connelly (Michele); four brothers, David Wood, Joe Cropper (Helen), Billy Cropper (Michele), and George Cropper (Judy); three sisters, Terry Dukes (Martin), Lori Staples (Rick), and Leslie Mills (Keith); brother-in-law Don Irelan (April); four grandchildren, Brittany (Kyle), Cameren (Allie), Courtney (Alex), and Justin (Ashley); and four great-grandchildren, Aiden, Brooklynn, Phoenix, and Adam; along with many nieces and nephews.
Greg was predeceased by his parents, Lettye Thompson and James Wood, and William and Harriett Cropper; his brother Daniel Cropper; his grandson Adam Connelly; and two nieces, Deena Bunting and Allison Staples.
Greg will be deeply missed by his family and friends. A viewing will take place on Friday, September 26th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Dodd-Carey Chapel, 307 North Bedford St., Georgetown, DE with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite charity.
Please sign the tribute wall at this site.
FLORIST NOT - PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS TO THE GEORGETOWN LOCATION ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 BY 3 PM.
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