Wayne Wilberding
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Wayne Wilberding who departed peacefully on November 2, 2025 at the age of 86.
A devout Catholic, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.
Wayne was born in Sheperd Michigan to the late Henry and Paulina Wilberding, the oldest of 9 children. He attended Michigan State University and worked at their Kellogg Center where his culinary journey began. He proudly served his country in the Army during the Korean conflict.
In 1971 he married Anne Halmo, and they moved to Delaware where they owned and operated The Iron Hill Inn for eighteen years. Continuing he joined Hodgson Vo-Tech as a culinary arts instructor for twenty years. There he helped mold countless students to rewarding careers.
Wayne was a devout Catholic and member of Holy Family Church where he was a lector, sacristan, and Eucharistic minister. He was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and Grand Knight for several years. Wayne was the go-to food guy for all of the Church functions like the Summerfest, The Fish Fry, Pancake breakfasts along with his brother Knights.
Wayne was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. His four daughters and eleven grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved attending their sports and school functions. He played golf, tennis, and racquetball and he loved cheering for his favorite teams the Detroit Lions, Tigers, Michigan State and University of Delaware Blue Hens.
Wayne is survived by his wife Anne, daughters Melanie (John), Kristine (Alexis), Jane (John), and Elizabeth (Greg), his grandchildren Megan, JC, Greg (Laura), Kyle, Skyler (Dottie), Glenn, Gabby (Conor), Cameron, Isabella, Angelo, and Chloe. His brothers Lester, Larry (Robin), Kenny (Pam), sisters Angela, Mary Ann (Dennis), Elfrieda (Ray) and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Mark and sister Lynn.
Services will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Holy Family Church, 15 Gender Road Newark, Delaware. Viewing from 10-12, followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 12. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Church or the Food Bank of Delaware.
Mayvilles
So sad to hear of Wayne’s passing. Along with all the accolades mentioned, he was simply one of the nicest people I know. He will remain in memory forever. Hugs and condolences to Anne and the family.
Adam Snapper Jablonski
Good Man, May he rest in peace 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Robert Black
My sincere condolences to Wayne’s family and their loss. I had the pleasure of working with Wayne for a few years. He was a good friend and a great person. So sad to learn of his passing. May God Bless.
Patsy Lincolbhol
Wish I could be there to pray with you for Wayne and his life well lived. Valued member of RHS class of 1956.
Carol Payne
Will never forget his sweet smile and years of great memories. A gentle man, so generous and kind. He will be so missed.
Cousin, Carol Schaeffer Payne
Jim Darden
I loved Wayne. I worked for Wayne at the Iron Hill, he was the best boss I ever had, he was more like a big brother. Wayne was the only person I ever worked for that I could not wait to go to work with. He was the ultimate family guy and raised one of the most beautiful families I ever had the pleasure of meeting, just hope some of Wayne rubbed off on me. RIP Wayne, you will be missed.
Christine Tito
Prayers and condolences to all of the family. Wayne was a wonderful man full of knowledge and full of life. He will be missed by all for sure.
Brian Kunkel
So sorry to hear of his passing! He was a joy to be around and wonderful person. Thoughts and and prayers for the family during this difficult time.
Stephen C. Manniso
Dear Melanie and Family,
Sending my sincere condolences to you all. Peace and comfort to you as you morn and honor Mr. Wilberding’s passing.
ANDY CONSIGLIO
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. We’re keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Kathy maki
I am so sorry to hear this . Sending love, hugs and prayers to the family!!!
Lori Wilberding
Condolences for your family. I did not meet Wayne often but he was always such a welcoming person. Prayers for all of you as you lay him to rest.
Melanie Hicks
Kristine and family, we are very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Our thoughts are with you during this time of loss. May the memories you have of him bring you comfort and peace. – The Hicks Family
MARIA LACLAIR
I will always remember Mr. Wildering meandering through the kitchen at Summerfest, but my greatest memory happened at Hodgson. As his obituary states, he was not only the cooking instructor for the school, he was also the cross-country coach. One particular young man he mentored was my son, Anthony, through his junior and senior year. At the end of the season, during their sports dinner, when he was presenting awards to some of the cross-country athletes, he would give a little speech as to what made the particular athlete special. The last to be presented was my son. Of him, he said, “this young man I am going to present this award to is the Christmas gift we did not know we needed.”, Anthony had qualified them to the state championships that year. I can’t remember what standing they ended at, but Mr. Wildering was very proud of his team’s achievement. Mr. Wildering was a gracious man, tough, but kindhearted. My son looked up to him, respected him. Mr. Wildering was not only instrumental in getting Anthony to run cross-country for him and the school, but he was also instrumental in Anthony following in his footsteps to a culinary career. So sad and sorry to hear he is gone. May he rest in peace.
Jim Schleker
I wish I could have gotten to know him better. Peace to all his family.
Marty Drinan
I helped at the Summerfest by washing dishes. More than once, Wayne would come by and say “You are here again?” and bring a beer because he knew washing dishes was thirsty work. Wayne, you will be missed. God bless you.
Jim Bennett
I’ll always hold the memory of my Uncle Wayne strong in my heart. He was an engaging, friendly and caring man with a good heart. A true gentleman and family man who was loved by all who had the opportunity to know him. I’ll miss him greatly.
Charles and Dian La Tour
We are so very sorry to learn of Wayne’s passing. He has been a good friend for many years and was like a member of the LaTour family and another brother to Chas. He was a kind man and always so much fun to be around. Our prayers go out to Anne and the family.
Cindy
The Mazzotta family send our deepest sympathy
Carrie Brackin
Thank you for everything Chef Will!
You were a wonderful chef, teacher, and mentor. You will be missed dearly.
Nick Salvatori
It was an honor being your student, and you played a profound role in shaping me into the person I am today. Learning of your passing was a shock, and I pray you are at peace Chef! I am praying for your family and all who had the privilege to know you.
Birgit Canning
My first job (16) was at the Iron Hill Inn, where I got to know Mr. Wilberding. I continued to work there through college…bus girl, waitress, cocktail waitress. He was proud of his German heritage and since I am German, we’d have many interesting conversations. His little daughters would come in….they were his pride and joy! Many years later I ran into him at Borders Books…we shared a cup of coffee. He told me he was teaching at Hodgson…they were lucky to have him.
My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Wilberding, daughters and family.
Elizabeth Myers
Heartfelt sympathies to all of you💜
May Wayne rest in peace✝️
Betty Boyer Myers
RHS Class of 1959
Shirley Menghini
So sorry for your loss. I did not know Wayne but he sounds like a wonderful husband, father ,grandfather and friend. Love and prayers to his family.🙏🙏🙏❤️
Joyce Ayres
Wayne was a great friend and co-worker at Hodgson. I can picture his wonderful smile and I remember the meals he prepared for me at lunchtime at Hodgson. He was an excellent teacher to lots of young people. We haven’t seen each other for years but I will miss him.
Steve Godowsky
So sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. My most heartfelt condolences to Ann and the Wilberding family. I had the great pleasure of working with Wayne at Hodgson for many great years. Wayne was a dedicated teacher who cared for all of his students. He truly made a difference!
May he rest in peace in difference
Charles Duker
My condolences and prayers to your family for your loss.
Cathy McCallister & Karen Hugues
I had the pleasure of meeting and spending a few family gatherings with Mr. Wilberding and he was delightful! I know he will be missed by Mrs. Wilderding and all his children and grandchildren. We send our condolences and prayers during this difficult time.
Joel R. Watson
Wayne’s steadfast loyalty in serving at Holy Family Church, Knights of Columbus and of course, his family and friends is a shining example of what it means to be a “good and faithful servant” to Jesus. It was my pleasure and honor to know him and his wife. May the peace and comfort from the Holy Spirit surround us all.
Robert Hicks
I’m sorry for your loss. We will miss Brother Wayne’s smile, humor, optimism, and joy. My thoughts and prayers are for you. May you find comfort in cherished memories and strength in the love of those around you. Wishing you peace, healing, and strength as you navigate this journey.
Paul Rabinovitch
Deepest sympathies for the family and friends for the loss of a wonderful man.
Wayne’s passion as an educator always shone through in his desires to see his students’ lives become increased in future opportunities within the world of culinary arts and hospitality by sharing his wisdom, knowledge, and experience.
What really impressed me about Wayne was his willingness to step into leadership roles and take on new responsibilities.
He didn’t have to do that. It meant extra work, often challenging work, and extra responsibility.
He never stopped in his willingness to engage in new challenges and opened his mind up to new ideas and strategies to help support building a collective understanding and vision amongst staff at HVT.
He was one of the few staff leaders that would reach out for additional insights into how to lead to help him in his role within the Steering Committee.
We shared many laughs during our time working together… usually over soup.
He was a bright spirit that positively impacted countless lives.
The Big Guy above is getting a good one that will be sorely missed by those left behind to both mourn and celebrate a true one-of-a-kind guy.
Rest in peace, my friend, and know the footprints you left behind for others to follow left a worthy path.
Hauser Family
We have been privileged to be Wayne and Anne’s neighbors for 20 years. Our hearts go out to Wayne’s family, and we pray for comfort and peace.
Hannah Gardner
Wayne was a real example of food and festive events at Holy Family. He and I always would tease each other about food as he knew I worked for a trade association and needed his knowledge about fresh food and how to use it at conventions. God has a real chef now as Wayne and his knowledge was wonderful. God I’ll miss him and his excellent presence in my life. Wayne I will see you as Heaven has a place for your expertise!!
Yli Vallejo
A good man. I will miss Wayne. I will miss the food. I will miss the Penn State-Michigan State smack talk. Holy Family has lost an institution and a building stone.
Marc
Had the pleasure of being in his culinary class with chef Treese. So sorry for the loss.
Jeff Ignatowski
I’m so grateful for Mr. Wilberding’s influence in my life. It took me a long time to truly understand how much he was trying to guide and help me, but I did finally understand how much he supported and guided me through my high school years.
Bonnie Spear
My heartfelt sympathies to the Wilberding family. I had the pleasure of running into Wayne and Anne last year at our grandchild Christmas concert, i was greeted with his smile and a hug…..a life well lived when many are touched by his life’s journey….Bonnie Spear
Heather D’Antonio (Bledsoe)
I just talking about one of my favorite teachers, Mr. Wilberding, you will be very missed! Thank you for my love of food👩🍳
Michael Ensor
I worked at Hodgson with Wayne for the 20 years he was there. Always had a good thing to say and was very accommodating to me and all my staff in maintenance. This is truely sad news. Glad I got to see him about a year ago at Guildays restaurant. R.I.P Wayne and my condolences to the entire Wilberding family. He will be missed!!!
Janel Harris
I would like to send to my deepest
Condolences! Mr.Wil, as we called
Him.Best teacher EVER! He taught me so much!