April 8, 1934 -- May 9, 2015 MILLSBORO - Milford "Mel" Thomas Favinger, Jr. was born April 8, 1934. Mel, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, died on Saturday, May 9, 2015, in his home. He was born in Pottstown, Pa., the son of Milford (Bud) T. Favinger, Sr. and Loretta Harp Favinger. He had five siblings, Joyce Hoch, Janice (Larue) Conver, Doris Madara, Evelyn Favinger & Don Burgstresser. Mel served in the Army from April 1955-1957. He was stationed in Fort Banks, MA. His field was voice radio. He was honorably discharged in April of 1957, with a good conduct medal. After his service, he worked for Burroughs/Unisys, as a quality control manager for 40 years. He retired in April of 1997, relocating from Chester County, PA to Millsboro, Del. He was married to Janet Elaine Kirkhoff for 26 years, during which time they had five beautiful children together. His children meant the world to him. He will be forever missed by, Susan May (and her husband Don), Karen Sefton (and her late husband Wayne), Mark Favinger (and his wife Kim), Jeanie Baxter (and her husband Ike), and Matthew Favinger (and his wife Becky). He taught his children to fish, clam, crab, to ride a bike, to drive a tractor, to drive a car, to drive a boat, to play cards, to play chess, to shoot pool, to use a hammer properly, to fix things (and to leave them alone when they are not broken). He also tried to teach them to "relax", be down to earth, be polite, be kind and respectful, and be thankful. His grandchildren will also sadly miss their "Pop-Pop's" jokefulness, teasing and loving presence- they are Don, Kimberly, Tyler, Korryn, Derek, Zoe, and Katie; and step-grandchildren, Ike, Devon, and Jenna. Three great-grandchildren, Noah and Abigail; and bun in the oven, Dylan also survive him. He excelled at carpentry, building his own home in Nantmeal, Pa. in 1964, and many remodels in his Millsboro home, and his children's various homes over the years. Many great memories of him doing so, with his suspenders on and hammer in hand. He loved to read, mostly westerns. His favorite books were read over and over until the covers were worn to a soft touch. He loved to watch TV. He enjoyed crime shows, old movies, history channel, animal planet, comedic sitcoms, and sci-fi. He also loved doing his daily crossword and wonder word puzzles. In his younger days, he enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, shooting pool, throwing darts, bowling, playing cards, and casino visits. He enjoyed living alone, but loved visits from his family, even if that meant his house being turned upside down for the weekend. To honor his wishes there will be no services. His family will hold a small intimate gathering at his home, enjoying the view, the food, and the company, just as he always loved to do. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in his memory to the American Diabetes Association. His family lost many to the disease. The family would like to especially thank Dr. Anthony Frey (Cardiologist), and Dr. Jack Snitzer (Endocrinologist), who took great care of him throughout the years. He enjoyed many more years with his family than he would have had, if not for the both of you. We also thank Epic Healthcare, particularly Schan (an angel of a caregiver), and DE Hospice for helping both him and his family through to a comfortable end for this beloved man. Our father lived his life fully and the way he wished to the end. The family asks that in honor of Mel, please …. always treasure your relationships, be thankful for what you have, and take time to relax and enjoy life! Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com