Donald W. Gerken, 55

MILFORD - Donald W. Gerken, of Milford, died Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009. He was 55. Mr. Gerken was born Sept. 23, 1953, in Bronx, N.Y., to John Gerken and Jacqueline Pratt Gerken. He served in the United States Army. Mr. Gerken worked in the insurance industry. He enjoyed music and hosting holiday picnics. His greatest love was caring for his family. Mr. Gerken was preceded in death by his wife, Noreen Airey Gerken in 2006. He is survived by his father, John Gerken and his wife Pearl of Ft. Myers Beach, Fla.; his mother, Jackie Gerken of Central Valley, N.Y.; his three daughters, Brandi Gerken of Wilmington, Patricia, and Caitlyn Gerken of Milford; his sister, Marie Cunningham of Harrington; his nieces, Claire Cunningham of Dover, and Olivia Cunningham Wilson and husband Jack of Richmond, Va.; his stepsisters, Tina Snowball and husband Ian of England, and Teresa Nogrady and husband John of New Jersey; and stepbrothers, Terry Brown and wife Debbie of New York, and Tony Brown and wife Michelle of Pennsylvania. Funeral services will be noon, Thursday, Sept. 10, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford Street, Dover. Friends may call one hour prior. Interment will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover, immediately following service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720; or The Hope Lodge, Baltimore, Maryland, 636 W. Lexington St., Baltimore, MD 21201-1508. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.