Kenneth Clement Schilling
June 18, 1942 - October 8, 2022
Kenneth Clement Schilling of New Castle, Delaware passed away Saturday, October 8, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware to the late Clement Schilling and Julia Cini, Ken grew up in Old New Castle. A graduate of William Penn High School (1960) and the University of Delaware, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Finance (1966) and a Master’s of Business Administration (1972). Ken was a life-long Colonial and Blue Hen.
Ken was an employee of the NSA in Washington, DC, the University of Delaware, and Red Clay Consolidated School District, retiring from Red Clay in 2014 after twenty-five years of service.
An avid gardener, Ken’s yard and orchid collection were his pride and joy. He was a member of the Delaware Orchid Society and the University of Delaware Botanical Garden Society. Passionate about University of Delaware sports, Ken was a season ticket holder for many UD sports teams and served as president of the UD Touchdown Club. Aside from gardening and sports, Ken had a strong sense of civic and church service. He served as president of the Colonial School Board, president of the Penn Acres Civic Association, and served on the Our Lady of Fatima Finance Committee. Above all else, Ken was a dedicated family man. The love for his family knew no limits. He loved cheering on his children and grandchildren at all of their sporting, academic, music, and theater events. He never missed a chance to spoil his grandchildren or share an ice cream with them.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of nearly 53 years, Geraldine (Durney); his children, Erik (Tammy), Erin (Christopher), and Alexis (Kevin); his grandchildren, Ella and Declan Schilling (Erik), Sydney and Aubrey Lee (Erin), and Carter, Kyle, and Reid Bailey (Alexis), and his sister, Karen Ross (Michael).
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 pm until 4 pm on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A second visitation will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Monday, October 17, 2022 at St. Joseph on the Brandywine, 10 Old Church Road, Wilmington, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Ken’s name to the University of Delaware Botanical Garden, 152 Townsend Hall, Newark, DE 19716.
Nicolas Raio
I loved watching football with Ken and talking about the Blue Hens ! I always admired his steadfast strength in the face of all of his health challenges over the years . Love to the family .
Thomas Chellew
Very sorry for the Schilling family’s loss. So glad I got time very recently to visit at the family home and reminisce about UD football and growing up in Penn Acres with them. Take comfort in knowing he’s no longer suffering and in a better place. And if you listen just hard enough, you’ll here him whistling at you all that he’s home. Much love, thoughts and prayers with you all.
Respectfully,
Tom, Jenn & the boys
Phyllis Thompson
So thankful and Blessed that we were neighbors for 49 years Our girls played together with your children Bob my husband 😇 and you Ken always were talking over the fence about had both of your gardens were doing and what to do with the lawns Debbie baby sat your children So many memories over the years if each of us needed help we were right there for each other Ken you were always so loving and caring to our family You will be sadly missed You suffered a long time God 😇finally said it’s time to come home Geri we love you, & your family are in our prayers Phyllis, Debbie & Diane😢❤️🙏🏻
Richard M Farmer Jr
We were so very sorry to learn of Ken’s illness and his passing. Ken was a great supporter of my wife and me particularly during his many years of service on the Colonial School District Board of Education. We knew we could always count on him for support (along with his wife, Geri), and he was such a strong advocate for his children, all of whom we were privileged to teach. Ken was a GREAT man and strong leader. We appreciate our many years of friendship and offer our sincerest condolences and love to his entire family. He will be sorely missed by all. We regret to not being there in person but will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Joseph Salvatore
I always enjoyed family gatherings at the Durney’s with Ken. We both, being U of D graduates, spoke about their sports 🏈 successes.
He was a strong family man and liked speaking about the achievements of his children and grandchildren.
To state he will be missed is a major understatement.
RIP Ken … And save a spot in Heaven for me.
Carter Bailey (grandson)
I loved my grandpa, he will be very well missed. He will always be in my heart. When I get up on the blocks at a swim meet he is always the first person I think of. My grandfather was a very kind man. He always knew the best advice to give us and he was always the most supportive.
Carter Bailey
Misha Thompson
My family and I send our deepest sympathy and condolences on the loss of Mr. Schilling. I pray God grants you comfort as you grieve and surrounds you with His love and the love of those around you.
Doug Snyder
Sorry for your loss Geri and family. May the good Lord give you comfort and strength.
Russ Crook
Ken was a passionate Blue Hen fan, and a valued member of the Blue Hen Touchdown Club.
Ken, you will be missed.
Russ Crook, BHTC Pres.
Vipin Varma
Condolences to Erik, Tammy and the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief.
Vipin (Rekha and Annika)
Valerie E. Davis
To Karen & Family: My condolences to your family at the passing of Ken.
Dennis Cini
I am sad to hear about Kenny.
To all the family, his spirit will be always with you especially in the quiet times. Listen and he will speak to you and always give you his best advice.