David F. Shockley

David F. Shockley, age 86, of Wilmington, DE passed away at his home on February 17, 2026.

David was a graduate of Archmere Academy and Mount St. Mary’s University, class of 1962. Throughout his professional life, he worked as a System Analyst for AIG and as a bookkeeper for St. Hedwigs. He was a devoted referee for football and basketball for 25 years and served as a cantor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where he attended for over 50 years.

David was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished his family and loved coaching his daughters’ softball teams and spending time with his grandchildren. He loved driving, enjoyed camping and golfing, and was an aficionado of planes, trains, and ships. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

David is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Judith E. Shockley, of Wilmington, DE as well as his daughter, Sharon Ford and son-in-law, John Ford, and his daughter, Susan Bledsoe and son-in-law, Gene Bledsoe of Newark, DE. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Pierson and Avery Ford of Chester Springs, PA, as well as Abigail and Alexis Blesoe of Newark, DE. David is further survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Chares and Carol Shockley of Wilmington, DE, and his sisters, Barbara Danna of Euclid, OH, and Arlene Rorie of Fort Mill, SC, and his sister-in-law, Nancy Handlin of Claymont, DE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4701 Weldin Road, Wilmington, DE. Visitation will begin at 10:00am with a service to follow at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Cathedral Cemetery in Wilmington, DE.

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Michael Matweychuk lit a candle and writes,

I would like to express my condolences to the entire Schockley family on the passing of Dave. I officiated Basketball with Dave for many years at Board 11, he was a good official and a better person. I would also see Dave at IHM parish for Sunday mass, he always took the time to say hello.

02/24/2026 03:36 pm

Frances Myers lit a candle and writes,

His voice echoed every Sunday. Let his spirit ring through the heavens.

02/24/2026 11:22 pm

Richard & Judy Campbell writes,

With sadness we learned of David’s passing and express our deepest condolences to Judith and the entire family. We hold dear many fond memories. May you find comfort in knowing David walks among other Angels.

02/25/2026 07:27 am

Tom Ogden writes,

I reffed Basketball with Dave for years. He was a pleasure to work with and spend time with. He lived a life well lived! A wonderful man!

02/25/2026 08:57 am

Dave Caserta lit a candle and writes,

I officiated football with Dave. He always told me the main thing was to get it right a great guy very humble

02/26/2026 12:11 pm

Tom Kaminski writes,

Condolences to Dave's immediate Family and his IAABO Board # 11 Family. I remember Dave as fine official, and a great person. Always had a warm smile and a pleasant, even tempered demeanor. He will be missed. Godspeed Dave! 🙏

03/01/2026 04:02 pm

Carole Rebmann writes,

Mr and Mrs Shockley were regulars at mass and I enjoyed seeing them there. May Mr Shockley’s family lean on each other and share their good memories. His daughter, Susan, was a student of mine more than a few years ago. May God bless the Shockley family.

03/01/2026 04:49 pm

Jim Phillips writes,

When our last dog passed away, my wife and I stopped walking our neighborhood. Consequently, we missed seeing Dave as well as the catch-up chats that would ensue. From my days as a high school basketball coach, I got to know Dave who was not only a very competent official, but because of our lengthy chats we became friends. From the two of us, condolences to the family. RIP Dave. Jim and Kim Phillips

03/01/2026 04:55 pm

Marie Marx lit a candle and writes,

Judy He lead a-great life and contributed so much.. Marie Marx

03/01/2026 10:32 pm

Jerry , Judy and the entire Zingale Family lit a candle and writes,

Sincere condolences to the Shockley Family. We know Dave through his sister Barb Danna. Dave has been a reputable , kind and dedicated husband, dad , brother and friend. Rest in Peace Dave and God Bless the Shockley family. The Zingales

03/02/2026 07:03 pm

Liz Demby lit a candle and writes,

I want to send my deepest condolences to Mrs. Judy and her family. We had the privilege of knowing Mr. Dave through Mrs. Judy who was my daughter’s nurse for over 14 years. Mr. Dave was more than a pleasure to know. He had such a kind and caring soul. He will be greatly missed. I pray God brings comfort to his family and all who knew him in this trying time.

03/06/2026 06:38 am

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