David Bruce Flanagan, Sr. “Bruce”

David Bruce Flanagan, Sr. (Bruce), of Wilmington Delaware, formally of Chadds Ford/Concordville PA and Media PA., passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024 at his home.

Beloved husband, father, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was born in 1934 and lived to be 90 Years and 11 months old. He was universally loved by all and a genuine “good guy” who operated with great integrity throughout his entire life. Predeceased by his parents John and Margaret, daughter Tracy, and his 3 sisters and a brother. Survived by his wife of 64 years, Roberta L. Flanagan and his son David (Sara) of Pittsford NY and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. He was particularly fond of both Thomas and Gregory Barnes and their associated families as well as his first cousin, Norma March (98) and her family.

Bruce enjoyed 25 years of retirement, traveled the world with the Navy, worked in Greenland in the arctic circle, and had a stint doing deep sea welding. He was a machinist for many years plus a foreman for the refurbishment of large-scale industrial turbines. He was a great husband, father, uncle and friend. He went by several nicknames – most notably Flapper, Chiefy, and Unk. He enjoyed a very active and healthy life up until a recent brief sickness.

He will be missed by all and he’s left an indelible and positive imprint on so many people. We all have so many great memories with him and he loved to laugh and be with family and friends. He loved fishing, shuffleboard, golfing, throwing horseshoes, Lake Ontario, and owls. Bruce also had the opportunity to spend most winters in Vero Beach Florida for the past 15 years with his wife, Roberta. Bruce and Bobbie also had many friends in the Vero Beach area.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2024 at 11:00 am at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington DE 19803. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, Bruce would prefer people to consider a donation to the US National Park Foundation or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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Steve Hogan writes,

Bruce was widely respected in the Wilmington-Talleyrand community when he wasn't down in Florida. His wisdom, strength, and insights truly showed a man of great character. We will all miss him here, myself especially. -Hogan

01/07/2025 02:55 pm

Franklin L Rowland writes,

Bruce was a good friend and will be very missed we had some good times out behind the garage and on the golf course and playing cards I'm so sorry to hear of his passing❤️❤️

01/08/2025 07:06 pm

John & Christina Miceli writes,

We first met Bruce and Bobbie 15 years ago at a dance in our community in Vero Beach. There was a problem with seating, we were new in the community and they invited us to their crowded table. Caring and generous he was in every way. We had many fun times on the shuffleboard courts, dinners out and in, drinks at Riverside. He golfed with my grandson and fished with my husband. Such a kind and sweet man. We are very sad to lose him. We send our prayers to his family.

01/09/2025 07:51 pm

Carol & Denny Steger writes,

It was 56 years ago when we met Bruce, we were moving into our first house. Bruce and Bobbie were our next door neighbors in a small group of row homes. Bruce was sitting out front drinking coffee and smoking his pipe. After exchanging pleasantries Carol and I resumed carrying in boxes. As I walked into our house I heard Bruce call for Bobbie… “Berta come here, you have to see this old fart with this young chick”. I knew right then and there that I liked him. It is our honor and privilege to have been able to call Bruce our friend. Denny & Carol Steger p.s. Even at 89, there is no one else I would rather have by my side in a bar fight. Rest in peace my friend will see you later. Denny

01/14/2025 10:06 am

Katie Steger writes,

There were 2 people I considered my "hero's" Bruce and my father. He meant a lot to me and still does!

01/14/2025 10:57 am

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