Carl Edwin Book
October 23, 1926 - August 31, 2022
Carl Edwin Book, age 95, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 72 years, Martha Loy Book on October 9, 2019.
Carl was born in Chambersburg, PA, on October 23, 1926. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, and afterwards attended college at Shippensburg University (Shippensburg State Teachers College) on the G.I. Bill. Carl served as an educator and elementary school principal for both the Seaford and Colonial School Districts.
He loved his church, Asbury United Methodist in New Castle, DE, and served there in many capacities. Carl was an avid tennis player and fan. He and his late wife Martha loved to play tennis, golf and bridge. They also loved to have dinner parties for their many friends and family members. In their retirement years, Carl and Martha divided time between their homebase in New Castle, DE, and their winter home in Ft. Myers, Florida.
In addition to his loving wife Martha, Carl was also predeceased by his two brothers, Robert Book, and Albert Book; and his sister, Janet Book Nicely Smith. He remains the much beloved father of his three daughters, Debra (Book) Shelton of Oak Ridge, NC, Jacalyn Book of Seaford, DE, and Beth (Book) Donovan of West Chester, PA. He remains the much beloved grandfather of his 11 grandchildren, Karen Shelton Meecham, Wendy Shelton Gordy, Kristy Shelton Stout, Amy Shelton Lacquemont, Christopher Baker, Laura Baker, Erika Baker Olson, Kelsey Huntoon, Alison Ruoff, Elizabeth Donovan and Will Donovan; his 18 great grandchildren and his 1 great-great grandson.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Friday, September 30, 2022, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 300 E. Basin Road, New Castle, DE 19720, where a memorial service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carl’s memory to Asbury United Methodist Church at the address listed above or by clicking here.
Margie McConnell
Sending heartfelt condolences to the Book family. I have very fond memories of Mr. Book, my Manor Park Elementary Principal. He always had a smile and a good morning for everyone. Such a wonderful first impression of what school was all about. May God Bless him and all his loved ones.
Francis Burns
Mr Book and his beautiful family lived on Colesbery Drive same as my family . Very cheerful , happy and nice man . I took an education class at U of D and visited Manor Park . Mr. Book was a very gracious host . He and his wife came to my mother’s funeral in 2013. What a full and happy life he lived . Good man.
Francis Burns, Houston Texas
Tammy Parsons
Mr.Book was my Principal at Manor Park school, he was a wonderful man. He and his wife would walk up to Walgreens and soon as he walked in the door , big smile and a hello Tammy. My deepest sympathy to-his family, daughters and grandchildren. He was loved by many.RIP Mr. Book.
Joe Santo
So sorry Carl has passed.
I enjoyed playing tennis with Carl at George Read School and Battery Park many years ago.
I always looked forward to our conversations we would have before, during, and after we played.
As years went by, I would see Carl and Martha at the summer concerts at Battery Park. He always looked great!
Carl was always so very proud of his family – Just a really nice guy!
Sincere condolences to the Book family
Rhonda Stevens Bellak
So very sorry to hear of Mr. Book’s passing. My condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Book was my principal at Manor Park, and he was wonderful, thoughtful and kind. RIP Mr. Book….,you were loved.
Kathy Overstreet
Love & Prayers
Gary & Kathy Overstreet
VA
WPHS, MYF
Rick Berl
So sorry for your loss. My family lived nearby in Penn Acres. The pictures are great, and I am glad he is with Martha again.
Margaret Nelson Dills
Dear Debbie and Jackie…I was saddened to read your dad’s obituary in today’s paper. Both he and your mom were such lovely people. When Ron and I lived in Penn Acres, I would often see them walking through the neighborhood; and even though I was probably interrupting their gait, they would always stop and visit for a few minutes. As I was involved with Colonial committees, I would sometimes have the opportunity to meet with your dad and enjoyed our conversations. I send my sincere sympathy and say how wonderful it is that you had so many years with him.
Carol Coursey Morole
I new Mr. Book from Manor Park elementary school and Asbury United Methodist church. He was a very friendly and loving person. He always amazed me when seeing him on occasion, not only did he remember who I was but would also ask about my sibling. That was some memory he had!! Rest in peace and my condolences to your family.
Diane Coursey Gibellino
Mr. Book was my elementary school principal at Manor Park elementary school in the late 50s early 60s. He will be remembered as a very kind person. So sorry for the family’s loss.
Sally Paquette
Mr Book was the grandfather to my nephew Chris Baker, and nieces Laura Baker & Erika Olson. I never met him but have listened to stories about him and his wife since the kids were little.
They truly loved him and will have a special place in their hearts for him. I’m thankful he was a part of their lives.
Barbara Hurst Carter
So sorry for the loss of your father. In the summer I would see your parents at the concerts at Battery Park. We always talked about Carl being my principal at Manor Park School. He was always friendly. Barbara Hurst Carter WPHS 68
Linda ward
Beth, I am so sorry for your loss. In this very difficult time you all mad a beautiful memorial for your Dad!! How beautiful!! If I can assist you in anyway, please get in touch with me!!
Much Love! Ward
Francis Burns
The video of your Father was very tenderly done . He was obviously a very happy man . He loved his wife and three beautiful daughters, along with his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchild . The picture of your parents kissing in the late twilight of their lives was very moving to me . Their love for each other still flickered as brightly then as it did on their wedding day .
Val Molaison
What a full and long life! I am thankful for all he has done for his Delaware communities both in the school system and in the church. I am honored to know and love his daughter Beth, who also has made a big impact on the world around her, as well as her children and grandchildren! And the seasons go round and round!
Tim frieze
I remember Mr.Book he was the principal at Manor.psrk Elementary school. I remember the Paddle he use to keep in his office. I remember him using it Alot I remember when he broke the paddle on one kids ass. Mr.Book. was a great.guy ,,& great principal always treated everyone with respect so long my friend till we meet again..R.I.P..MY FRIEND
Stephanie Bassette
My love and prayers to the entire Book family. I am a student of Mrs. Martha Book that goes way back to the 1970’s at Castle Hills Elementary School. I did not know Mrs. Book passed in 2019 and now I am finding Mr. Carl has now passed. I know somewhere in heaven they are celebrating their reunion. I have to say Mrs. Book was one of my favorites and her smile would light up a room and she always spoke so fondly of Mr. Carl Book. Mrs. Book also did aerobics from time to time with my mother years ago. For me it is an honor to have been in her class and to have been part of the many students that have enjoyed both Mrs. Martha and Mr. Carl. May God continue to Bless and Cover the entire Book Family. May you always know that Mr. And Mrs. Book were and will always be loved and appreciated so very much. May you continue to celebrate and live in the legacy they leave for all of you to keep going in their honor but in the Glory of God! What wonderful people they are and Thank you Book Family for sharing them with us! God Bless All of You!
Patricia Lacey and Family
Sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of your father. My you cherish and find comfort in your many memories of your father and mother.
Louisa Patnovic Emerick
My first teaching job (1967) was at Manor Park Elementary School. I will always remember Carl driving the new teachers around the neighborhood. He wanted to show us the the environment our students came from. He said, “Remember, the parents are sending you the best kids they have.” I taught for over 30 years, and I never forgot that. The school had a fireplace in the vestibule across from the entrance. Carl often had a welcoming fire on many cold days… and Christmas included a large decorated Christmas tree where students sang Christmas Chorals . At least once a week, he got some of teachers to play volleyball in the multi-use area. Carl treated and greeted everyone, including parents, students, teachers, nurse, secretary, janitor, lunch people all the same. He made us all feel like we were on his team, and he cared about us. He touched many lives and, yes, he had ” The Paddle.” He also had a great sense of humor and was admired and respected. I learned a lot about teaching and reaching out to my students and parents. I have wonderful memories and will be forever grateful to Mr. Book, Principal of Manor Park Elementary School. My sincerest condolences to his family.
John Behornar
Beth I wish to extend my condolences to your family.. A true gentlemen. Many times during my daily walks through the neighborhood I would stop and have great conversation with him while he would be doing yard work or walking back fro getting his paper. His kindness and consideration shown through daily.
John Behornar
Luda ward
Dear Beth, I just saw your dad‘s obituary. I’m sorry I didn’t know earlier I would’ve loved to have been there to support you during this time of loss.. I know all too well how difficult this time is. I wish I had known earlier so that I would’ve been able to support you through the process that all two familiar with. Please give me a buzz when you have an opportunity you have my number. Hopefully if you don’t still have it, please give me a text and I will get back to you hopefully promptly..