Dan Deardorff, 73, of Middletown, Delaware, formerly of Miller, South Dakota, passed away in his home on August 9, 2025. Born in Miller in 1952, he grew up in Mulvane, Kansas before moving to Wilmington, DE, Chadds Ford, PA, and finally, Middletown, DE. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1970.
Dan dedicated 36 years of his career to Boeing, where he worked from 1978 until his retirement in 2014 as Supervisor of Flight Test.
Outside of work, Dan’s great passion was bass fishing. He was an active member of fishing club Boothwyn Basshawks for decades, traveling around the region for tournaments and making lifelong friends along the way. Each year, he looked forward to visiting Lake Champlain in Vermont with family to spend time on the water. Dan’s love of fishing was matched only by his love for his family, and anyone who knew him could spot him instantly in his signature Carhartt pocket T-shirt.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dolores Deardorff and his ex wife, Joanne Kingsland. He is survived by his brother, Dave Deardorff; his sister, Debbie Alexander (Kevin); his daughter, Erin Strid (Jason); his sons, Chris Deardorff (Sarah) and Jonathan Deardorff (Melissa); and ex wife Paula Kerestus. He had six beloved grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy.
Dan will be remembered for his generosity, easygoing nature, quick wit, and the way he lived life doing exactly what he loved. His family and friends will forever cherish the memories made both on and off the water.
A celebration of life will be held at Chandler Funeral home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 2:00 PM-3:30 PM.
Floral arrangements in his memory may be sent to Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.
Condolences
Thank You
Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.