Jerry Lee Daniels
March 20, 1941 - September 25, 2025
Jerry Lee Daniels, affectionately known as “Hoppy,” of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Born in Bridgeton, NJ, on March 20, 1941, he was the son of the late John C. and Cora (Walti) Daniels, Jr. Hoppy proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1959-1963, where he served aboard the USS Salisbury Sound. He was a graduate of Wilmington College, making his career as an accountant for Christiana Care, where he retired in 2004.
Hoppy was a Life Member, Fire Police Captain Emeritus, and Treasurer Emeritus of Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Co. with over 51 years of dedicated service. He was actively involved in numerous organizations, including Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association and Emergency Responder Safety Institute.
In addition to his parents, Hoppy was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Daniels. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Donna Lee (DeVries) Daniels; sons, Jerry Lee Daniels II and Geoffrey DeVries Daniels (Stephanie); sister, Suzanne Petrunis, grandchildren, Ezekiel Daniels, Lucas Daniels, Colton Daniels, Geoffrey Daniels and Emily Daniels, and sister-in-law, Kathy Daniels.
A service to celebrate Hoppy’s life will be held at 5 pm on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Co., 410 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19711. Inurnment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Hoppy’s memory to Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Co., ATTN: Fund Drive, PO Box 148, Newark, DE 19715-0148 or online by clicking here.
Stephanie Daniels
This is a tough one. Jerry, thanks for always welcoming me into your family and being the best GPop for our kids. You never missed a dance recital or a Snow Queen performance for your “dancing diva” granddaughter, Emily and Geoffrey Michael will forever hold onto the memories of you teaching him how to ride his bike. I won’t be able to look at another toothpick without thinking of you because you always had one in your mouth. :) Keep watching over your family. I couldn’t have asked for a better father-in-law. I love you and will miss you.
Joan Pampuch
Thinking back to all the time we spent together when we were kids, all the wonderful family reunions and Christmas get -to-gethers, the spare-of-moment times you and Donna went to Washington, DC with us. We have so many memories. RIP cousin.
Sam Palermo
Jerry my friend – sad to say goodbye to an outstanding person.
Thank you for being you and your service to Aetna and the community.
Rest in peace, brother.
👨🚒⛑️
Jim Malone
A truly great guy who will be missed. Jerry was always helpful and was dedicated to Aetna.
Randy Roberts
Rest in peace Hoppy. I appreciate you laughing at all of my jokes, especially the corny and bad ones. You will never be forgotten my friend.
Jeff Dennison
Sending my condolences to the family and friends of Jerry
Bob Romig
May he rest in Peace. Good friend for many, many years. I was formally with the Five Points FC, in Delaware but moved to Florida in 2025. Know him well from the Cumberland Valley meetings. He was always calm and cool and didn’t let things get him flustered. Rest is peace good brother.
Jim & Deb Watson
Jerry you will be missed by many and you were a great friend to us and till we meet again we have it from here . Rest in peace our friend Jim & Deb
Jeff Schwagel
Jerry, you were the epitome of “Service for Others”. I’m saddened to hear that you passed. Look after your brothers and sisters from above.
Jocelyn Neill
Jerry, you were the best next-door neighbor ever! We moved into the neighborhood just over 10 years ago, when Kevin and I were newlyweds moving into our very first home. You brought us over two new smoke detectors that you said would last 10 years (I guess it’s time to update those) and always helped clear the snow with your snow blower in our corner of the neighborhood. I remember accidentally backing into our garage door and having it get stuck in the open position; you helped Kevin fix it while Donna assured me “Don’t worry, I’ve done that once or twice myself.” We will miss you greatly and keep an eye out on Donna for you.
Love, Kevin, Jocelyn and Ainsley Neill
Beverly Jones
Dear Donna,
I just found out about 15 minutes ago of your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. I’m having flashbacks of all the good times we shared so many, many years ago. Jerry was such a quiet and unassuming guy with a great smile. I hope you and the boys are doing well. I would love to hear from you sometime.
With Care,
Bev and Jerry Jones