David F. “Dave” Boulden
January 26, 1949 - December 10, 2025
David F. “Dave” Boulden, age 76, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Born in Wilmington, DE on January 26, 1949, he was a son of the late Freal H. and Jane (Carroll) Boulden. Dave was a graduate of William Penn High School with the class of 1967. In August of 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served in Korea until March of 1970. Dave made his career as an equipment coordinator at Chicago Bridge & Iron for 35 years until his retirement.
Dave spent 59 years as a dedicated member of Wilmington Manor Fire Company, where he also served as Chief Emeritus. After retirement, he spent many years with the Delaware State Fire School as an instructional aide. Dave enjoyed Lionel trains and had an elaborate train display under his Christmas tree every year. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Ann Boulden. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Elane F. (Nemes) Boulden; daughter, Jill Swansen (Bo); grandchildren, Erik Swansen and Ellie Swansen; siblings, Donald Boulden (Janet), Joanne Frieze-Moore (Pat), and Mark Boulden (Barb); and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 am until 11 am on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s memory to Wilmington Manor Fire Company, P.O. Box 645, New Castle, DE 19720 or online by clicking here.
Redman
Rest in peace my brother you will be missed. Remember Chief I got it from here.
Elizabeth Moore
Wishing the families my sympathy. Hope you all great memories of your family member. My sympathy to all of the famlies Liz Moore
Melanie
Jill and Mrs. Boulden, I am thinking of you and your family and so sorry for your incredible loss.
Carol Coursey Morole
Elaine, I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. 2025 has been a very difficult year for you. I pray for you and Jill and her family. May the Lord bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Carol
Darlene Hankins
I was heartbroken to hear about Dave. This family meant a great deal to me.
Love to you all.
Joe & MaryAnn Santo
Dear Elaine, Jill & Family,
We are so saddened for your loss. You have had so much heartache this year
Please know we are thinking of you all during this time.
Comforting knowing that Dave is with Lori now
Dave and I worked together at CBI many years ago – and I can still remember our conversations –
He was always so proud of his daughters and you Elaine. A true sense of happiness and contentment shined within him when he spoke of all of you.
His next favorite thing he always shared with me was how happy he was to be a member of the Wilmington
Manor Fire Department and an Instructor at the DE Fire School! You could just feel his commitment and dedication when he shared his stories.
Dave was a good person with a big heart – and I am so grateful for the conversations and friendship that we had
LIFE WELL LIVED DAVE!
Sincerely,
Joe & MaryAnn
Santo
The Wingate Family
We are so sad to hear about his passing. We are thinking of and praying for Elane and the rest of the family. Please let us know if you need anything at all.
Donny and Dawn Sagers
We are so deeply saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. It has certainly been a very challenging year for your family. Know that we are here for you and we will be praying for your hearts to heal and remember all the years of family memories and good times.
Thank you Dave for your devoted years of service in the Fire Company. You were certainly a leader to be remembered.
With love,
Donny and Dawn Sagers
Kathryn & Matthew Baranowski
Elane, we are deeply sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please let us know if you need anything at all.
Jesse Hensley
Rest in peace Chief you were a good man and we will miss you.
ALLENPJONESSR
I WAS GLAD TO Have the pleassure of working with dave through out the years as an instructor aid boy he would tell u some stories make u laugth he will deffantly be missed working with him also in academy classes and back in earler days god speed prayers to the misses and his family allenpjonessr
The Mulholland Family
We are so sorry to hear about Dave passing. Praying fervently for Elane and the family for God’s healing and comfort during this difficult time. May you remember all the joyful memories together.
With love, Sarah and Zach
Sandy Hypes
Rest Easy Dave
Mike Donahue
My Condolences to the Boulden Family. Chief Rest in Peace
Fran and Andrea Dwyer
My Condolences to the Boulden Family. Rest in Peace Chief
Thomas Montgomery
Dave was my friend…..I will miss our talks at the fence….Tom
Bill Baird
Deepest condolences to the entire Boulden family. May the Lord comfort you in your time of sorrow. Dave was an outstanding, dedicated, giving man. Rest In Peace, Chief.
Charles Poe
Sorry for the loss
Charles pe
Sorry for the loss from VA Beach VA 4921ray craft Dr VA Beach VA 23462
Alberta Riggi
I am very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. My deepest condolences to his family.
Dave Cochran
Rest easy Davey, your watch is now taken by the good lord!
Dave Cochran
Kevin
R.I.P. Chief u will be missed my everyone that had the pleasure of serving with you at the firehouse along with all of your friends and friends
Marie Donovan
Thinking of the Boulden family and my caring and loving sister in law Joanne. I am sincerely sorry for your loss.
Prayers and much love, Marie and Bill Donovan
Sandra S Bailey
Elaine,
Please accept our sincere condolences to all of your family. We just heard about his passing today. We are so sorry!
Frank & Sandi Bailey
Lainie Olazagasti Foxwell
My sympathy and prayers are with the Boulden family.