Jay Rodney Schlink, Sr.
May 20, 1951 - April 8, 2019
Jay Rodney Schlink, Sr., age 67, of Townsend, DE, left his wheelchair behind while his son, for the first time, watched his Dad walk through the gates of Heaven on Monday, April 8, 2019.
Born in Wilmington, DE on May 20, 1951, he was the son of the late Joseph C. Schlink and Eleanor (Schlink) Bachmura. Jay proudly served his country in the Air National Guard of Delaware and the Reserve of the US Air Force from 1969 – 1975. From 1976 – 1984, he served in the Reserve of the US Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist and Team Chief, Flightline Branch, 512th Organizational Maintenance Squadron, 512th Military Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base and in 1984 received the Air Force Medal of Commendation. In 1987, Jay graduated from Delaware Technical and Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science while receiving an Achievement Award. He is also a 1997 graduate of Goldey-Beacom College with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and in 2000 with a Master’s degree in Financial Management, Cum Laude.
In 1983, Jay became paraplegic due to an industrial accident at the Delaware City Refinery where he worked as a process operator. A role model and hero to others, he never had a setback from his injury and was an inspiration for the laws that were put into effect for gas stations to have a handicap button at each gas pump. He took pride as a kind and loving Christian, helping others with similar injuries to his. Jay loved wood working, built the house that the family grew up in and shared his skills to 4-H and Cub Scout groups. He enjoyed computers and flying R.C. Airplanes. Jay was a torchbearer for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and a charter member of the Townsend Free Will Baptist Church. He will always be remembered for his humble, forgiving and cheerful personality and his fondest memories were those spent with his granddaughters.
In addition to his parents, Jay was preceded in death by his son, Jay Schlink, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Michele Fusco-Schlink; daughter, Melissa (Schlink) Davis (Dave); daughter-in-law, Angela (Mazzola) Schlink; granddaughters, Michela Jean Davis and Lydia Rose Schlink; sister, M. Christine Pratt (John); many in-laws; and several nephews, nieces, great nieces and great nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Friday, April 12, 2019, at Townsend Free Will Baptist Church, 4519 DuPont Parkway, Townsend, DE. A second visitation will be held from 2 pm until 3 pm on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Townsend Free Will Baptist Church, where a funeral service will begin at 3 pm. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Michela and Lydia Education Fund, c/o Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE 19709.
Melissa and William Epperly
So sorry for the loss of Jay, but blessed to have known him. We can be comforted knowing that he is in Heaven and no longer suffering.
Melissa and William Epperly
Teresa Litz
Jay, you were an inspiration to me and many others who knew you. You always had a joke and a smile, no matter what was happening in your world. I will miss joking around with you and giving you a hard time (all in fun, of course). We’re all celebrating for Jay, but we grieve for ourselves at his departure from us. Michele and Melissa, I am holding you and your family up in prayer during this difficult time. Please know that I am here for you both.
Mary and Tom Davis
We are so sorry for your loss, we have fond memories and will cherish them . It is such a blessing to know he is walking among the angels.
Monica L Mlynarczyk
Uncle Jay was always amazing. I loved him for his jokes and kind heart – He will be greatly missed here but will be given a warm welcome in Heaven by his mom, dad and Jay 😄
Calvin Suggs
Michele…..just know that You are in My Prayers and thinking About You… I will cherish the Great times and conversations that We shared…Jay, You & Me…
Love You
Heidi Matthews
Michelle, you are an amazing person! You are truly the example to love unconditionally like Jesus. I will always remember at one of our visits playing Headz Bands with Jay. We all laughed and it felt so good!! I am celebrating that Jay is no longer in pain. I am praying for you as a mother and a wife for God to draw you close and give you a peace and comfort beyond our understanding.
Frances Baxter
Michelle and Family~
I remember Jay as smiling and upbeat whenever I met him. I’m sorry for your loss. He has a reward awaiting him! II Tim. 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
May God give your Hearts peace at this time. Love
Dave/carol dillard
It’s hard to say we’re sorry for your loss knowing he’s walking with Jesus right now! Thinking of you and your family as you grieve the loss of Jay. May you be comforted and upheld by the Lord as He guides you through this time.
Dave and Carol Dillard
Tom & Mary Wilson
Prayers go out to Jay’s family and friends during this time. Praise God, Jay has no limitations or pain, only joy and praise.
Rejoice knowing that Jay is holding his son tight and walking the streets of gold together.
God bless.
Howard and Faye Russell
Howie and I are saddened by your loss and are remembering Jay fondly as someone who seemed to rise above his circumstances with humor, determination and a strong faith. He was a great inspiration to many, I am sure. May you and your family know the peace that comes from the knowledge that he is at rest with Jesus now and forever until you meet again in Heaven.
Danna L Frey
Dear Michele and Family…
I felt so sad to learn of Jay’s departure and will be keeping you in my prayers…