David J. Huegel
September 8, 1964 - May 16, 2026
David J. Huegel, age 61, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Born in Wilmington, DE, on September 8, 1964, he was a son of the late Irene Rose (Yuskanish) Huegel. Dave was a graduate of Christiana High School with the class of 1982. He made his career as an operations manager at Printpack in New Castle for 40 years until his retirement in 2024.
David’s greatest joys in life were his family, Philadelphia sports (Fly Eagles Fly!), lounging in his pool and walking his beloved dog, Oskar. When his children were young, he enjoyed coaching their sports teams and taking them to the beach.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Christine “Tina” (Cook) Huegel; children, Katie Esposito (and husband Matthew) and David Huegel, Jr. (and wife Kelsey); siblings, Donald Huegel (and wife Jacie) and Linda Negley (and husband Scott); as well as his grandchildren, Hayden, Wes, Olivia, and Ella.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 11 am on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a celebration of life will begin at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s memory to Nemours Children’s Cardiac Center, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803 or online by clicking here.
Steve Branigan
This has to be one of the saddest notices I’ve ever received. Dave, you were such a happy guy with an enthusiasm for life I’ve rarely seen in other individuals. I am proud to say I knew you, and I only hope the chasm of loss your family must feel will eventually subside. I remember the times we shared at James River/Printpack, and will fondly remember the softball team on which we played. You were a pretty darned good shortstop! Sleep well, my friend.
Rich Quickle
Huegel, we’re going to have a long talk when I get up there. You weren’t supposed to leave early. For now, I’ll just say I’m going to miss the living hell out of you. We’ll meet again. In the meantime, as you always said to me when we parted……”Be Good” Thank you for a lifetime of friendship and fun times. We lived the dream and I’m glad you were a part of it.
Donald Huegel
My Uncle Dave, where do I begin. Growing up was awesome because of you and Aunt Tina!!! Endless pool parties and barbecues! It was easy to love, respect, and look up to you. Always looked forward to hanging out with you and talking about life and important things, over a year ago we were together for my wife and I’s wedding. We had a great time and I’m so happy we had that time together… not just my wedding but all the siblings, cousins, Davey and Katie!!! We love you so much! Keep the pool open and the dogs walked, we will reunite in time. Thank you for being my Uncle Dave and making me a better man!
Ben Vanaskey
Dave you were one of a kind . I can’t believe I am writing this so early. God always takes the good ones and you for sure were a great person and an even better boss I am truly honored to know you and I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers REST EASY BIG FELLA Gonna miss ya!!!
Donald Huegel
My Uncle Dave, where do I begin.
Growing up was awesome because of you and Aunt Tina!!! Endless pool parties and barbecues! It was easy to love, respect, and look up to you. Always looked forward to hanging out with you and talking about life and important things, over a year ago we were together for my wife and I’s wedding.
We had a great time and I’m so happy we had that time together… not just my wedding but all the siblings, cousins, Davey and Katie!!! We love you so much!
Keep the pool open and the dogs walked, we will reunite in time. Thank you for being my Uncle Dave and making me a better man!
Jim dickey
The greatest chapter of a great book has closed way too soon. The first day I met Dave was on May 28 1985 sitting in a conference room waiting to start our first day at Crown Advanced films a day we always discussed when that anniversary day rolled around. 38 years. Dave will be sadly missed by all. My condolences to his family.
Laurie Smith
Such a sad day to hear of Dave’s passing. Tina, Dave and Kate you have our deepest condolences along with Dave’s family. We pray for your strength and healing and God’s comfort through this difficult time. May God bless him and keep him always 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
Chris Workman
Miss you Dave… such a great guy! I enjoyed spending time talking in the driveway about our Eagles, Flyers and Phils.
You were taken from us too early my friend! Will see ya soon, but not too soon!
Reta Alexander
This is one of the hardest things I ever had to write. I really don’t know where to begin. My heart is aching for all your family. You were taken way too soon still so young and full of life. I will alway treasure the memories we shared at the beach every summer in
Rehoboth beach couldn’t wait to come through the door and run to you with open arms and we would just laugh and hug each other. had such wonder memories Your children were so small then but I had the pleasure of watching you and Tina raise them to become wonderful adults I-know you will be up there in Heaven with your family and friends looking down and watching over your family. I also know you and your sweet mother in law Janet and my husband Sonny are making jokes and laughing. This isn’t good bye till we meet again.
Love You
Reta Alexander
Joseph Purnell
May the lord be merciful and gracious to you in this your time of mourning. May he bottle your tears.
Georgann Steele
Tina, your family are in my prayers. Dave was taken much too young. I am so sorry.
Robin Sturgis-Brown
Such a warm hearted and compassionate person. When my husband passed in February, David would stop me in the hallway and check up on me daily. He made me smile, laugh and kept my spirits up and positive. I am so grateful for his kindness. So, I say to you Love Never Dies. He may not be here but his love for all his family lives on in his memory. May it warm your heart at the mere thought of him. That is what he taught me, that is why I can smile today. To a great co-worker and all-around awesome human, Rest in Peace
Chris Woods
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. It was always a pleasure working with him over the years during our time at Printpack! He left this world far too soon and will be missed by many. Sending prayers and condolences to all of his family as your mourn the loss of a special man.
Thomas Lindia
Dear Mrs. Huegel, Davey, Kelsey, and family. While I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Huegel, if Davey had any of the traits of his father, he must have been a great man. I am truly sorry for the family’s loss. I know the past year has been challenging, and at times, must be feeling like a weight or cloud that just won’t go away. Please keep faith in God and know that sometimes, we will never know the reasons for what happens but need to understand, there is always a reason. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Know we are thinking of you and are here if you need anything.
Dave Emory
Tina, Davey and Katie, I am so sorry to hear about this. I worked with Dave for over thirty years at Printpack, and I always considered him to be a friend. I don’t know of a single person who didn’t like Dave. He was a good guy and I will miss him.
Tim Raynor
I’m in shock over this since last Sunday. Dave was an awesome friend , father and husband . We had some great times together . Sending my condolences to his family and friends! RIP Dave ( PS) weird I was wearing a sleeveless shirt on Sunday !💪💔❤️
Michael Coghlan
Dave, Tina, Katie, Davey, I am so sorry that you went through such a difficult time recently, and can only imagine the grief and disbelief you are going through. Know we are at your side as needed, and know also that Dave fought valiantly and bravely to stay with you, testament to his love for you and for how you all were everything to him. ❤️
Escuss ( Tony) Street
This news is hard to fathom. Dave was my best friend and coworker for many years at Printpack. We played sports together, shared many a story and made just as many. I spent more time with him than my family. He was a great person, family man and true friend. Sad day and it hurts. My prayers go out to his beautiful family.
Bill Church
Tina, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m remember when you two first started dating. It was meant to be. He was your Soulmate. We will be there Friday. ❤️