Dave James Schepens, 67
MARYDEL - Dave James Schepens left us on Sunday, February 12, 2023 after a brave fight with cancer.
Dave is survived by his wife, Donna, they were planning to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary later this year. Dave is also survived by his son, Mike, who lives in Florida. Dave was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynn. Dave is also survived by his grandson, Cooper; a granddaughter, Briana Elizabeth, who Dave loved to call "Boo"; and by his mother, Connie, of Marydel. His father, Sal preceded him in death. Dave is survived by siblings, Roy (Sue) in Alabama, Neal (Diane) in Marydel, Barbara Sewell (Tom) in Arizona, Carl (Sue) in New Mexico, and Wayne (Jennifer) in Maryland. Dave's brother, Bruce, who lived in Florida, recently passed. Dave had a particular love for all of his many nieces and nephews.
Dave loved life, and loved to share the enjoyment of life with family and friends. He loved entertaining, and could often be found in the kitchen, usually giving directions to Donna. Dave loved hunting on the family farm and cat fishing and crabbing, and was a master at preparing (and sharing) what he caught. Dave and Donna hosted many gatherings, ranging from hog roasts with a band and several hundred attendees to small impromptu horseshoe tournaments on a Sunday afternoon,
Dave had been active in the Marydel Little League, at one time sponsoring and coaching Dave's Braves, when he was able to coach his brother Wayne. He has remained close to many friends from his 1973 graduating class from Caesar Rodney High School, and was looking forward to their reunion this June. Dave and Donna loved spending their summers in Duck Neck, Maryland, and have found an extended family with their neighbors there.
Dave retired from working for Delaware DNREC, but had also worked on offshore oil rigs, farmed, raised and brokered hogs, worked at a chemical plant, and operated a service station in his hometown.
Dave's love for life extended to his wishes for the celebration of his life. Dave did not want people to attend a service and shed tears and be sad, so he asked that his celebration be a party. Not just a party, but a Mardi Gras party. So, a Mardi Gras Celebration Party in honor of Dave Schepens will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2023 from 1 pm to 6 pm at the Marydel Fire Hall.
Arrangements by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director, Inc., Dover, DE. Please visit www.ambruso.com to share a fond memory of Dave or to offer a condolence to his family.