Edward (Ed) L.
Wilchinski, Jr., Ed.D., 75
DOVER, DE - Dr. Ed Wilchinski passed away on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 due to complications from Pancreatic Cancer.
He was born in Peabody, Massachusetts, the son of the late Edward L. and Virginia D. (Atwood) Wilchinski. He graduated from Peabody High School in Peabody, MA and started his college education at Essex Technical Institute in Hathorne, MA. In 1968 he moved to Dover, DE to participate in a Career and Technical Education Internship Program at the Department of Public Instruction. He completed his Bachelor Degree in Distributive Education at Delaware State University and then went on to complete his Master of Education Degree and Doctor of Education Degree at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. Wilchinski enjoyed his over 50-year career as a professional educator. He served as a high school Marketing and Distributive Education Teacher and Program Coordinator in the Newark (Christina) School District, a Professor of Business and Associate Academic Dean at Wesley College, and the State Program Director for the Delaware Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education. He also served as a consultant for many state and national education programs and projects.
Ed was active in many professional, fraternal, civic and service organizations. Some of these included, the Distributive Education Clubs of America, the American Academy of Achievement, the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, the Kent County Economic Development Committee, the George B. McGorman Scholarship Fund, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1903, the Kent County Library Advisory Committee, the Delaware Technical and Community College Terry Campus Development Council, the Roy Klein Education Foundation and Rotary.
He made his greatest service commitment to Rotary. He joined the Rotary Club of Dover, Capital City in 1987 and served as the club president in 1995. In 2000 he went on to serve as Governor of Rotary District 7630 that includes the State of Delaware and the Eastern Shore of the State of Maryland. He was a strong supporter of the Rotary Foundation and was recognized as a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Foundation Benefactor, Foundation Bequest Society Member, Major Donor and recipient of the Rotary Citation for Meritorious Service.
Ed also enjoyed fishing, golf, travel and most of all being with family.
He is survived by four sons, Edward L. Wilchinski III (Diane), Matthew D. Wilchinski (Melissa), Scott Berry, Brock Berry; nine grandchildren, Brian, Bridgett, Joseph, Edward, Matthew, Nora, Madison, Abygael and Mackenzie; two great grandsons, JW and Westin; two sisters, Donna Lee and Judith George, Beverly, MA; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Linda Soto Wilchinski; and most recently by his wife of 40 years, Sally.
A memorial service will be held at 12pm on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Torbert Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt. 10) in Dover. Friends may call an hour prior. Burial will follow at Sharon Hills Memorial Park. Reception will follow burial at Maple Dale County Club in Dover.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to The Rotary Foundation, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201 or the Roy Klein Education Foundation, DCF, P.O Box 1636, Wilmington, DE 19899.
To send letters of condolence, and sign the guestbook, please visit www.torbertfuneral.com