David Bernard Lilly, Jr.

It is with profound sadness that the family of David B. Lilly, Jr. announces his sudden passing on October 8, 2021.

David began his life on August 14, 1935 in Beckley, WV where he was the son of the late David Bernard and Anna Mae (Brammer) Lilly, Sr. David spent his formative years in WV also under the loving care of his grandparents on their farm, a time which he passionately remembered throughout his life. David graduated high school and moved to Delaware, where he served in the Delaware Air National Guard. He was a graduate of Goldey-Beacom college and Temple University. David put his business education into great use as he was a sales representative and ultimately chairmen of the board, Vice-President, and General Sales Manager for the David B. Lilly Co. and Delfasco located in New Castle, DE. He spent many hours traveling from his home to the Midwest, Texas, and Tennessee where operational plants were located and up and down the east coast where his many clients were based.

David will always be remembered for his quick wit and penchant for telling jokes, as well as his sharp sales acumen. He retired in 2008.

David met the love of his life, Sandy, in July of 1989 and they married soon after. They spent every day together since that first meeting and shared homes in Naples, FL and Newark. Their blended families include: David B. Lilly III (Cindy), Jeffrey P. Lilly (Peggy), Brenda L. McDonald (C. Anthony); and Kevin C. Gonce (Marylynn). He is also survived by his nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

David enjoyed many, many activities during his life; once caddying for Sam Snead, and as a lifeguard with Johnny Weismuller at the Greenbrier resort. His true passion became all about shooting, sporting clays. He was a champion many times over, competing in DE, MD, FL, and TX, and was an active member in Ducks Unlimited. It was an interest that grew his circle of friends and invigorated his resolve as he overcame non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 21 years ago. During that time, Sandy and David strolled the beaches of Marco Island and Naples- collecting shells, enjoying picnics and beautiful sunsets, and looking forward to their future. Their faith was strengthened as members of the United Methodist Church of Naples.

David also had a fun side which took him to Las Vegas, Delaware Park, Atlantic City, and Immokalee Casino where he repeatedly came out a winner. Together with Sandy, they enjoyed travelling from Alaska to Hawaii and most states in-between, as well as beautiful trips to Canada and Jamaica.

Music was another favorite pastime of theirs that included diverse artists as Celine Dion, Frankie Valli, Paul Anka, Lee Greenwood, Tina Turner, Elton John, and so many other performances at the Naples Philharmonic; however, his favorite was Garth Brooks. He spent many hours by his pool overlooking the lake, listening to Garth sing, and loving “The Dance” of his life.

David is predeceased by his parents and sister, Barbara Boulden. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra L. Lilly, children, grand- and great-grandchildren.

All services were held in private on October 13, 2021 at All Saint’s Cemetery in Wilmington where a military honor guard gave David a 21 Gun Salute as his final farewell.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in David’s memory to Blindsight Delaware, 2915 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808.