David L. Benfer

David L. Benfer, age 85, of Glen Mills, PA, formerly of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025.

After graduating from Salem High School in New Jersey, David attended Bucknell University, where he earned a degree in Economics in 1962. During his time at Bucknell, David married his childhood sweetheart, Ann Campbell, beginning a loving partnership that would last 65 years. Together, they built a family grounded in love, laughter, and countless memories.

David’s life was defined by dedication to his family, his career as a financial planner, and his love of sailing and boating on the Chesapeake Bay. His love for boating extended into his community involvement with the Wilmington Sail and Power Squadron (now known as America’s Boating Club – Wilmington). He was also a member and supporter of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Wilmington, DE.

David is predeceased by his brother, William Benfer, and his grandson, David Doordan.

David is survived by his wife Ann Campbell Benfer, as well as his daughter, Debbie Doordan (Terry) of Wilmington, DE, his daughter, Stacey Benfer (Roxanne) of San Francisco, CA, and his son, Chris Benfer (Kim) of West Chester, PA; his sister-in-law, Jane Benfer; as well as his beloved grandchildren, Michael Doordan of Oceanside CA, and Audrey Benfer, Grady Benfer, and Noah Benfer of West Chester, PA.

Those who had the privilege of knowing David will greatly miss his kind spirit and dry sense of humor.

A service to celebrate and remember his life will be held at a later date

Send a Condolence Light a Candle Send Flowers Print Out Obituary

Funeral Services

Services will be held at a later date.

Condolences

Shannon Cassidy lit a candle and writes,

Grateful for him and the ripple effect of his love. Sending prayers of peace, comfort, and love to the entire family. May God continue to hold you as you heal. 🙏🏼

10/31/2025 03:09 pm

Christine Lassiter writes,

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Dave Benfer through both our church community and the Seamen’s Center of Wilmington, where he volunteered for many years as a driver. Dave has always been someone you could count on kind, steady, and genuinely caring toward everyone he met. At the Seamen’s Center, he treated every visiting mariner with warmth and respect, often going above and beyond to make them feel welcome far from home. His service reflected not just reliability, but a true spirit of compassion and generosity that touched many lives. My condolences to Ann and the family.

11/01/2025 01:29 pm

Judy Tarlov writes,

We are so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was such a nice sailing dad! I fondly remember when we kids switched boats and I sailed on your boat with Debbie, and Stacey sailed with my sister Robbie Anne on our boat on one of the many cruises down the Chesapeake, as well as all of the racing , and singing on the raftups at night. Ann, Debbie, Stacey and Chris, our heart goes out to you. Cherish the memories of your husband and dad. Love to you. Judy Sperry Tarlov and Ed Tarlov

11/02/2025 08:55 am

Dave & Tricia Clendening lit a candle and writes,

Wishing “Fair Winds and Following Seas “to a great sailor and family friend. There will be a grand reunion between the old USPS singing members in the clouds above. Our sorrows for the family loss. He will most surely be missed.

11/03/2025 05:28 pm

Kathie C Larsen writes,

Dear Ann, Debbie, and Stacey, So sorry to hear about your husband/dad. I have such good memories of sailing with you all. love, Kathie Clendening Larsen

11/03/2025 06:57 pm

Beverly Clendening writes,

I have been out of touch for many years but both Dave and Ann were dear friends to my parents, Frank and Dot Clendening. I have many fond memories of days on the Chesapeake racing, rafting and singing all night during Power Squadron Cruises. My condolences to the entire family.

11/03/2025 11:06 pm

Susie McKinstry Poore writes,

Dear Ann and family, It is with great sadness that I read of David's passing. My years at Talbots allowed me to know you very well . As a couple, I loved the devotion and love between you two. A pleasure to know you and your family over the many years of holidays and birthdays. May you find comfort in all your memories. He was a Special Guy, who loved life and especially his family . Prayers and Love to all.💔 Susie McKinstry Poore

11/04/2025 06:16 pm

The Kyritsis family - Evelyn, Susan and David Winward, Marilynn Kyritsis Bartley and John Kyritsis writes,

The Kyritsis family has had the honor and pleasure of knowing and enjoying the company of Dave Benfer for many years. We shared many good times and adventures sailing with the Benfer family. We all lost a great friend and our hearts go out to his family.

11/05/2025 02:29 pm

Cancel reply

Thank You

Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.