Gordon Leon Strazzella
May 25, 1937 - January 20, 2025
Gordon Leon Strazzella, age 87, of Wilmington, DE, and formerly of Claymont, DE, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, surrounded by his children.
He was born on May 25, 1937, in Wilmington, son of the late Bart and Evelyn (Silvious) Strazzella. After graduating from Claymont High School in 1955, he attended Brown Vocational Technical College in Wilmington and started a career with Atlas Chemical as a lab technician. He married his childhood sweetheart Carole (Rodick) in 1959 and was married for 23 years while raising their 5 children. He retired from Astra Zeneca and relocated to Millsboro, DE.
Gordon was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, hunt, and garden. Spending many of his youthful years on a family farm in Virginia, he loved nothing more than being outdoors with nature. Throughout his life, he helped neighbors and friends with endless home projects and enjoyed spending time in his workshop making crafts. He never missed an opportunity to coach, guide and be involved in his children’s sport activities whether it be track, football, basketball or baseball. Gordon also was a talented classical pianist. He started lessons around the age of 10 and never stopped playing, even up to his last days. His piano playing has and will always be his children’s most cherished memories.
Gordon will be missed by his friends and children, Sharon (Ed), Terri (Joe), Dianne (Frank), Scott (Stacey), and Cathleen; 11 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be held privately in Gracelawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gordon’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online by clicking here.
Eugenia Strazzella Dasher
My beautiful Uncle Gordon,you always made me laugh,all my favorite Christmas memories are with you and my cousins.Fly to heaven now with the family that went before you and join them,until we see each other again I will always remember you with love. Your niece,Gina.
David Hopkins
Gordon was our next door neighbor…we had 5…they had 5…heck the whole street had @ 5…was like a second dad during the early yrs as his best friend was my dad…Carol ♥, same….too many stories to tell…you’re welcome…I’m so sorry to the family I’ve known, literally, all my life….I love you all. Peace n Love —– David
Kathleen Thornton-Staffini
Many wonderful childhood memories! Especially the piano! My deepest sympathy to you all. ❤️
Robyn Martinez
All of Sharon’s colleagues are deeply saddened by her recent loss. After reading the lovely description of Mr. Strazzella’s life, he sounds like he truly loved life and his family thoroughly. I’m sure you have many memories to be thankful for.
Our Deepest Sympathies to your family,
The EAs/AA at Chubb