Nicholas William DiLullo, 69

BEAR - Nicholas William DiLullo of Bear died Monday, May 7, 2007, at home. He was 69.

Nick was born Dec. 31, 1937, in Philadelphia, to the late William DiLullo and Antoinette (Georgio) DiLullo Stea. Nick's father died when he was a child, and he was raised by his mother and beloved stepfather, Peter Stea.

As a young man, Nick joined the U.S. Navy and served for four years in the Philippines as an electrician specialist. He was extremely gregarious and gifted, and was successful at a number of endeavors throughout his lifetime. He sold hoses in Eddystone, Pa., owned a sandwich shop in Lester, Pa., and worked as a welder at the Naval Shipyard in Philadelphia. Nick eventually returned to serving his country as a government inspector of helicopters at Boeing in Ridley Park, Pa., where he worked until retirement in 2003.

Nick was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. He and his wife, Sandy, spent many happy summers on the Chesapeake and Jersey shores boating and camping. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, crabbing and exploring. He also took great pride in the training of his devoted German Shepherd, Attila.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his adored wife of 45 years, Sandra Ann (Ward) DiLullo, in June 2005.

He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Flynn and her husband John of Wilmington, Lisa Fulvio and her husband Christopher of Townsend, and Gloria Mathews and her husband Dale of Wilmington; nine grandchildren, Sean Flynn, Sarah Flynn, Cole Flynn, Ethan Flynn, Giavonna Fulvio, Gabriella Fulvio, Jessica Mathews, Madeline Mathews and Alaina Mathews; his sister, Gloria Carmella DiLullo of Ridley Park; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Albany and her husband Frank of Newark; and two brothers-in-law, Frank Ward and his wife Vicky of Essington, Pa., and James Ward of Coatesville, Pa.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Fresnius Medical Care Dialysis Unit and Home Instead Senior Care for their kindness and compassion.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday in St. Francis Xavier Shrine, "Old Bohemia," Church Road, near Warwick, Md. Family and friends may call Sunday evening from 6 to 8, and Monday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., in the Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad St., Middletown. Interment with military honors will be in Delaware Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Bear.

Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at www.daniels-hutchison.com.