Walter J. Dignan - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Walter J. Dignan

Born March 5, 1935

Walter J. Dignan, age 81, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by his family on Monday, May 30, 2016.

Born in West Grove, PA on March 5, 1935, Walt was a son of the late George J. and Margaret H. (Connell) Dignan. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force from 1954 until 1958 and while on tour in Germany, would meet his future wife, Herta in the small town of Olendorf. A 34 year employee of DuPont, Walt worked as a lab Technician for the company until his retirement.

A man of strong Catholic faith, he was a parishioner of St. Margaret of Scotland Church, where he served as an usher as well as a Eucharistic Minister and gave of his time as a volunteer at Christiana Hospital. Walt was an avid hunter and enjoyed trips to his cabin with family and friends. He was a meticulous gardener and spent many hours maintaining his yard. Above all else, Walt was a devoted husband, loving father, beloved brother and adoring grandfather and great grandfather. He will be very dearly missed.

In addition to his parents, Walt was preceded in death by his brother, George. He is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Herta M. (Kramer) Dignan; children, Michael W. Dignan of Wilmington, DE, Ann M. Carpenter of Elkton, MD, Steven G. Dignan (Debbie) of Lewes, DE and Marlene H. Fiala (Ted) of Landenberg, PA; brother, Charles N. Dignan (Bernadette) of Chesterfield, MO; 10 grandchildren; and 1 great grandson.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Friday evening, June 3, 2016 at St. Margaret of Scotland R.C. Church, 2431 Frazer Road, Newark, DE 19702. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am on Saturday morning, June 4, 2016, at the church. A committal service with military honors will be held at 10 am on Tuesday morning, June 7, 2016 in the chapel of the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2564 Chesapeake City Rd., Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Evergreen Alzheimer’s Adult Day Care, 3000 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808 or to St. Margaret of Scotland R.C. Church, at the address listed above.

Condolences

Leave your condolences

Condolences will be posted within 24 hours pending approval.

13 Condolences for Walter J. Dignan

  • Our condolences to the family. May you find strength in the God of all comfort who can provide the strength needed to help you cope during this time. (Revelation 21:3,4)

  • We are so sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Marlene.

  • Deepest sympathy from the children of Richard and Dolores Connell.

  • Marlene,Thoughts and Prayers to the Family…

  • Herta and Family Our prayers are with you . Over 50 years of good friendship and lots of good memories.Walt will be sadly missed. Love you all Nancy & Bill Finkley Edgewater,Fl.

  • Steve and the Dignan family. Frank & I are so sorry for your loss. We have experienced it and it is never easy. Please always remember the best of him and it will carry you through!

  • Our condolences.

  • So sorry for your loss, we have so many memories and good times that will never forget. Love always Pam and Dennis

  • My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

  • My thoughts & prayers are with you.

  • Our hearts are filled with sadness for your family, without the Dignan family in my life I would not have all of these wonderful memories from my childhood to today. Love to all Patti & Randy Graybeal

  • Herta,
    As a St. Margaret parishioner, please know that you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
    We may not each other’s name, but I’m sure we know each other when we gather at church.
    I hope that God will give you strength and courage to get through your loss. May he also help you through this most difficult time. Knowing that others care and feel your loss lets us know people really do care.
    May God bless your family,
    Leigh S.

  • Dear Herta and family so sorry for the loss of Walter. Your loving husband, father, grandfather and brother was an amazingly loving and kind man. May you feel the strength of Walter in all the days ahead of you. Our prayers are for all of you to know God will hold you in the palm of His hand forever.
    Cherish your blessing of having Walter as yours forever.
    Until you are reunited in heaven hold on to all you shared.
    I can only imagine the joy in heaven with the Dignan and Connell families there to greet Walter.
    Much love and prayers for all of you.

    Deepest Sympathy
    Danny, Pattie and Louie and family