Bernard L. Dworsky - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Bernard L. Dworsky

May 29, 1941 - January 30, 2025

Please note the Celebration of Life for Mr. Dworsky has been postponed due to inclement weather. Please see below for revised service information.

Bernard L. Dworsky, age 83, of Newark, DE, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Born on May 29, 1941, he was a son of the late Michael and Anna (Krippe) Dworsky. In 1961, Bernard and his wife, Loretta, made their way to Delaware from a small coal-mining town in Pennsylvania, where they began to build a life full of accomplishments, family, and memories.

Bernard started taking classes at the University of Delaware while working two jobs at Dupont and a shoe store to support their growing family.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and his master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of Delaware.

Bernard’s career included being the Director of the Water Resources Agency for New Castle County and as an Associate Professor in Public Policy and Urban Affairs at the University of Delaware.

He was an ardent supporter of the University of Delaware community, specifically the Fighting Blue Hens football program. Bernard was a member and past president of the Blue Hen Touchdown Club. For many years, he organized bus and plane trips across the country to support the Blue Hens. For more than 50 years, Saturday home football games included tailgates to share with his family and friends.

Bernard’s interest in politics when he was young led him and his family to participate in campaign events in Delaware for local and state campaigns. He continued to this day discussing politics, with some sports thrown in, with his friends at his favorite restaurants on Main Street in downtown Newark.

Bernard’s love for his family grew with every grandchild. He spent many afternoons and evenings attending football, basketball and lacrosse games in Delaware and Florida. Bernard spent several vacations with them at Rehoboth Beach, enjoying the beach, Funland and family dinners. He also made several trips to Disney World in Florida – indulging his grandchildren with whatever they wanted to do.

Bernard will be dearly missed by his wife, Loretta; son, David and daughter-in-law Lori and their children, Hunter (Steven) and Chandler (Wilmington, DE); daughter, Cheryl Lynn and son-in-law William and their children, Nicholas and Lindsay (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL); daughter, Kristin and son-in-law Marc (Lewes, DE); and brother, Lawrence (Newark, DE).

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 200 E. Main Street, Newark, DE. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 pm until 4 pm on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Carpenter Club at the University of Delaware Bob Carpenter Center, 631 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernard’s memory to the Blue Hen Touchdown Club by clicking here. Gifts can also be made to the Institute for Public Administration in the Biden School at the University of Delaware by clicking here, select “Other” and search for “Institute for Public Administration.”

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20 Condolences for Bernard L. Dworsky

  • All my love and prayers. In Angels arms. You all are family to us.

  • To the Family of Bernard Dworsky:

    I worked with Director Dworsky when I was a Student Office Assistant at UD’s Institute for Public Administration. He was such a good friend, and I am sorry to learn of his passing.

    Brian Wismer

  • I will miss my great friend and golf partner A devoted Blue Hen supporter who loved his family and friends

  • Bernie was the true epitome of the term “gentleman and sportsman”. For almost four decades, I had the pleasure of knowing Bernie as a colleague in the world of public administration, a co-worker with the UD Institute for Public Administration, and a knowledgeable tutor on all things that are Blue Hen sports. Paula and I extend deepest sympathy to Miss Loretta, David, Cheryl and Kristin (and the grandchildren) on their loss.
    Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.

  • I met Bernie when he was in charge of New Castle County’s water project. I was a new employee and he was very kind and helpful to me. He was a good man who was respected and appreciated by those who worked with him.

  • Our condolences to Loretta and the Dworsky family. I worked with Bernie through out the years on a variety projects. He always brought clarity and insights to the issues. His work with the U of D students was outstanding, especially his sharing of knowledge and perspectives. Rest In Peace. Ed and Bunny

  • Loretta, Kristin, Marc and Family, you all are In my thoughts and prayers. Bernie will definitely be missed!

  • It’s with sadden hearts that we express our deepest sympathy for Bernie. Bob and I so enjoyed our times with Bernie and Loretta talking about shared experiences of the days we lived in Pennsylvania. He will be missed by all he touched with such a happiness of life that was contagious ❣️🙏Prayers for all his family 🙏🙏🙏RIP DEAR BERNIE

  • Blessings to his family and friends. Bernie was a pleasure to work with.

  • Dear Dworsky family,

    I worked with Bernie for over 25 years, and I am so grateful for all he did for me and my family. When our daughter was born very prematurely, I felt incredibly blessed to have a boss who allowed me to make her our main priority by doing an alternating shift with my husband so we could care for her and do what was best for her. When the Water Resources Agency transitioned to UD, Bernie was so incredibly proud to be a Blue Hen again, and so were all his employees. Each football season, he beamed with pride as he prepared to cheer them on. Bernie took his work and mission of the Water Resources Agency and the Water Resources Center very seriously and strived to make a positive impact on Delaware in so many ways. Being one of the first Agencies to use GIS in the state, we used to call ourselves Maps-R-Us. We worked with DNREC, NCC, Wilmington, and Newark, and when we moved to UD IPA and others around the state, Bernie saw that GIS technology was the future of learning more about and improving our world for future generations. I hope your wonderful memories carry you through this difficult time as I was so sorry to hear about his passing. I will keep your entire family in our prayers.

    Sincerely,
    Nicole Minni and family

  • Mary and I send condolences to Loretta and the Dworsky family. Bernie was one of the first people I met when I started working at UD. His dedication to the Division of Urban Affairs and its successors and the University and broader community was extraordinary. I always enjoyed Bernie’s company – a remarkable guy. I’m honored to have known him. May he rest in peace.

  • Dear Loretta,

    My condolences to you and your family on Bernie’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. May fond memories of him comfort you. With warmest regards, Melanie

  • My condolences to Loretta and the Dworsky family. The Biden School, the Blue Hen community, and Delaware lost a great supporter and advocate with Bernie’s passing. Bernie helped people and organizations move forward, always with his big smile and helpful attitude. When I first came to the University of Delaware I was partnered with Bernie on a public service project. He was a terrific mentor to me then and over the decades to so many students, staff, and community leaders and officials.

  • Cheryl,

    I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I’m praying that God’s unseen hand hold and comfort you and your family during this most difficult time. Remember that God is Omnipotent.

    Love, Frans Reid (RS&H)

  • My condolences to Cheryl and family. I know from working with Cheryl over the years that she is very fond of her father and know that he will be missed by his family and many others. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Tom

  • My condolences to Loretta and the Dworsky family.

    I first met Bernie in April of 1987 when I started working at the New Castle County Department of Planning in the “old” Engineering Building, and he was Director of the Water Resources Agency for New Castle County. Starting with updating the New Castle County Comprehensive Plan, I worked with Bernie through out the years on a variety projects and reports. He was always helpful, bringing insights to issues and problems. Later he was helpful as an Associate Professor in Public Policy and Urban Affairs at the University of Delaware. He shall be remembered for his efforts and successes in making New Castle County a better place to live, work, and play.

  • Dear Loretta and Family
    So sorry to hear about Bernie and wanted you to know that you and your family are in my prayers. Our condolences. Cindy and Gene

  • I had the privilege to work with Bernie at the Institute for Public Administration (IPA) at the University of Delaware (UD) until his retirement. In addition to being a huge Blue Hens football fan, he was an avid supporter of a great group of dedicated IPA professionals/students conducting applied research and public service in Delaware. Bernie also had a great sense of humor. As one of his “suite mates,” he targeted me, Nell, & Julia for his “Pinch-Punch, first day of the month” antics! Bernie gave “CEDS” team members endearing nicknames to bond us and build connectivity. My sincere condolences to the entire Dworksy family.

  • We are all so sorry for this sudden loss.
    Birnie was a great man, loyal friend, and will be surely missed by all of us! 🙁

  • I worked with Bernie several years ago at UD and I remember him as a talented professional and supportive to his colleagues and students. Sincere condolences to Bernie’s family and friends.