Henry E. Manlove, Sr., USN Retired Master Chief - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Henry E. Manlove, Sr., USN Retired Master Chief

July 17, 1933 - April 5, 2019

          Henry E. “Ed” Manlove, Sr., age 85, of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Friday, April 5, 2019.

          He was born on July 17, 1933 and grew up within the faith community of St. Mary’s Parish and School, his second family and home.  Ed faithfully loved and lived his faith and was active in many aspects of parish life.

          “Chief” loved our country, as well, proudly serving in the US Navy for over 33 years.  He served overseas aboard the USS Lindenwald and then as a Reservist.  He was called back to active duty as a Recruiter, covering all of Delaware and the southern counties of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  Ed proudly matched recruits with their goals while consistently exceeding the needs of the Navy, distinguishing himself as a highly respected and decorated recruiter of the Recruiting Command North East Region.  Ed also worked as a pipefitter for the DuPont Company for 25 years.

          Above all, Ed will be most remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Family meant everything to him and these were the people and things closest to his heart.

          Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert F., Jr. and Louisa (Barlow) Manlove; his older siblings, Robert F. III, Louise and Charles.  He leaves behind his heart, his wife of 64 years, Jean (Skotniski); his children, Madeline Romano (Tony), Michael, Joseph (Vici), Steven (Beverly), Timothy, Henry E., Jr. (Christy), Mary Pirkola (Joseph) and Eileen.  He was the fun, loving grandfather to his 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  Family was very important Ed, and each member knows how much he loved them. 

          The family would like to thank his caregiver, Kirk, from the Home Instead Senior Care, for his wonderful care and companionship.  We are also grateful to Vitas Hospice for their care these last 2 weeks.

          A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Friday, April 12, 2019, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.  A second visitation will be held from 9 am until 10 am on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 6th and Pine Streets, Wilmington, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 am.  Interment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery, 2400 Lancaster Ave, Wilmington, DE.

          In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Vitas Hospice, 100 Commerce Drive, Ste. 302, Newark, DE 19713.

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17 Condolences for Henry E. Manlove, Sr., USN Retired Master Chief

  • God bless your Dad as he enters into eternal life. May God sustain all of the family at this difficult time. You all have a new guardian angel to watch over you.

  • To my co-worker and friend Eileen Manlove O’Brien and family. I extend my deepest sympathies for the loss of your father. I pray to the Lord to bless you with love and support during this time.

  • Mom and I are so very sorry for your loss Eileen an Finnegan. You are all in our prayers.

  • On behalf of the Katurakes Family , our memories of your loved one will be cherished and hope that all of yours will help lessen your grief. What a gift to have your loved one at home with all of you! An awesome man … will truly be missed by all. HEAVEN got a winner.

  • I am so sorry for your loss! My prays are with all of you.

  • Did not know the Master Chief, but wish to relay my condolences to his family. RIP. Fair winds and following seas/

  • Jean, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of you husband and your children’s father. Eddie was a nice man, with a love for his family and his country. My sincere sympathy to all of you at this difficult time. God bless.

  • Madeline I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • I met Master Chief Manlove over 40 years ago when I began my Naval Reserve Recruiting career. He was a outstanding Chief Petty Officer and recruiting mentor to me and many other junior petty officers newly-recalled to recruiting careers. My wife, Katie, and I extend our heartfelt sympathy and most sincere condolences to Jean and the entire Manlove family. Rest in Peace, Master Chief…We’ve got the watch.

  • Master Chief ,
    I first crossed your gangplank in 1969
    After completing active duty and you assigned me to a unit in Lewes, De full of scallawags , pirates and comshawers but who were the most dedicated sailors I ever met Thanks Henry , in 1972 you helped me get assigned to Navy recruiting Dist. Philadelphia for a 12 year tour with the regular Navy. 1976 you helped initiate me to the hallowed rank of “Chief”, In 1984 you retired and recommended me to replace you , Henry I could never replace you only , fill your billet, again Thanks Henry
    Shipmate your watch has finally ended you have served your country and fellow man above and beyond , take your leave and enjoy the rewards of your investments in life and family
    “Fair Winds “ and “Following Sea’s” Shipmate save me a good seat near you in the “Mess” so we can again tell sea stories and share a hearty laugh

  • So sorry for your loss Marilyn. Looks like your Dad was a great husband, Dad, and community leader!

  • My thoughts and prayers are with you Jean and family. Pops was a great man and I feel blessed to have known him know that your in my thoughts and prayers always.

  • So sorry to learn of your loss You were lucky to have him for so long but it would.be great if we keep him forever which you will in your thoughts and many memories Take care of yourself because grieving is hard Andy & I send our sincere Sympathy!

  • Fair Winds and Following Seas from a former FRA shipmate

  • Dear Jean and family,
    So sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. He was a great guy and a dedicated genealogist for the Manlove-McNulty clan. On my next visit East I was going to visit and show him the pocket watch that belonged to his grandmother (my great-grandmother) Mary McNulty, which I inherited from my late mom Mary Lewis, his first cousin. No doubt he and she are discussing this now, along with all the deceased Manloves and McNulties, and having a good laugh.
    Kind wishes to you all,
    Cousin John in Seattle

  • Jean and the entire Manlove family , my heart goes out to you all . God blessed Ed with a truly wonderful family !

  • I am so saddened to have just learned of the passing of my Sea Daddy, “Hank”. We first met in 1968 after I returned from Vietnam as a PO3. He signed me up for reserve drilling duty then brought me on as one of his recruiting team. When the billet was disestablished he got me back into the fleet where I completed a 30 year career. A more dedicated sailor I never knew. I will miss you Master Chief.

    Chuck Weber
    Port Charlotte, FL