Gordon Cadwgan Jr.

Gordon Eugene Cadwgan Jr, age 81, of Wilmington, DE, formerly of West Palm Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

Gordon’s life was marked by service, scholarship, and a genuine appreciation for the world around him. He graduated from the Williston Northampton School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He proudly served his country in Vietnam before completing his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts.

Gordon began his professional career at Union Carbide in West Virginia. In 1981, he joined the DuPont Company as a research chemist, where he continued to pursue his passion for scientific discovery. Beyond his career, he dedicated many years to the Alpha-1 Foundation, where he served as Chairman of the Board and worked tirelessly to support its mission.

An avid golfer, Gordon was a longtime member of Ibis Golf and Country Club. He had a deep love for animals and generously supported Big Dog Ranch in Wellington, FL, and Peggy Adams Animal Rescue in West Palm Beach, FL. Some of his happiest moments were spent at the family beach house, where he cherished summers surrounded by those he loved.

Gordon is survived by his devoted wife, Ruth Cadwgan; his daughters, Lois Slusser (Kevin), Kate Cadwgan (Dave), and Sally Bronson (Jason); his son, Larry Williams (Pam); his two cherished granddaughters, Samantha Walsh (TJ) and Mary Leverette (Jordan); and his four great-grandchildren, Timothy, Grayson, Liam, and Alana.

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Funeral Services

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 7th at 1 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.

Gordon will be fondly remembered for his kindness, intellect, and unwavering love for his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to alpha1.org/tribute-giving/

Condolences

Carla Ladig lit a candle and writes,

Ruthie and family, The Alpha community will be holding you close to our hearts as you go through this difficult time. Gordon was a wonderful man in so many ways and will be sorely missed. May your memories keep him close this holiday season. Thank you for sharing him with us for so many years. Take good care, Carla

12/01/2025 02:27 pm

Jackie English writes,

The Alpha 1 community was so fortunate to have Gordon. We will miss him. 💜🙏

12/01/2025 03:26 pm

Bonnie Chakravorty writes,

I will always remember Gordon as a kind, thoughtful, generous, and well spoken man. The work and time he put in for the Alpha-1 community will always appreciated. May his memory be a blessing.

12/01/2025 03:38 pm

Judy & Don Fleischauer writes,

Have so many great memories. We met Gordon & Ruth at Ibis 25 years ago. Spent Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eves, Birthday Parties, Golf ⛳️ Alpha Events, so many more. All our love & thoughts are with his family. We will miss him dearly. 🙏

12/01/2025 04:39 pm

Pamela Webster-Walsh writes,

Dear Ruth, My thoughts are with you in this your season of loss. Gordon was such a charismatic and wonderful human being who will be remembered and missed by so many people. I am glad to know you have family around you to share the memories. Pam Walsh

12/01/2025 05:01 pm

Nate Quillen lit a candle and writes,

I’m truly sorry for the loss of Mr. Cadwgan. I’m sad I didn’t really get to meet him, but I’m glad I will get to in heaven. My condolences in this hard time and much love.

12/01/2025 06:57 pm

Nelly Veloza lit a candle and writes,

Hi Ruthie ! It is Nelly. I am so sorry to hear your loss. I will pray to God to comfort your heart. You and Mr. Gordon have been so good to me and I will always have good memories from you. My condolences to you and your family. Many Blessings 🙏❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏

12/02/2025 12:35 am

Melody Miller lit a candle and writes,

Deepest sympathy to Ruth and Gordon's family. He was a wonderful man.

12/02/2025 07:53 pm

Malcolm & Donna Bryce writes,

Our sincere condolences to Ruth and family in the passing of Gordon. We remember him as a quiet gentleman who was courageous and a fighter. We spent many happy times with them at IBIS country club. It was always amazing how Gordon dealt with his disease, continuing to golf with his oxygen onboard his golf cart. Rest in peace Gordon.

12/02/2025 08:16 pm

Hyacinth M Wilson writes,

Ruthie deepest condolences to you and the family! Gordon was one of the most beautiful person that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. May he rest in eternal peace. Love Hyacinth

12/02/2025 08:53 pm

Katie Rozik lit a candle and writes,

Dear Ruthie! Gordon was so wonderful and kind. I am so happy that you got to share life together! I am so incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of his life as well! I’m sending you and your family all of my positive loving vibes during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

12/03/2025 12:36 am

Deb Burwell writes,

So sorry for your loss. He was a special person with a big ❤️! I was in Miami going to get on a ship the next morning. My 02 concentrator quit. I posted on Facebook I was going fly home the next day without oxygen. I received several phone calls. One was Gordon and he sent me his portable in an Uber to my hotel. A life saver...

12/03/2025 06:28 pm

pat and david piskura lit a candle and writes,

David and I met Gordon and Ruthie over 25 years ago, we had wonderful times at Ibis partying and playing golf and wonderful times cruising together. Gordon was one of the nicest and friendliest men we ever met. So kind and caring for others. What a great loss. RIP Gordon, Our hearts go out to Ruth.

12/03/2025 09:17 pm

pat golin lit a candle and writes,

Dear Ruth, So many happy times spent with you and Gordon. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Pat and Howard Golin

12/08/2025 12:47 am

Alex and Pierre Villeneuve writes,

We will remember Gordon as kind, caring, patient, and just plain wonderful. He spoke with eloquence and always seemed to find a way to include humor. His face expressed the feelings he had when sharing a story or insight. We are blessed to have had the pleasure to know him. Always in our memories, Alex and Pierre

12/09/2025 04:49 am

Nadine Moody writes,

I am so sad Gordon is gone. After Personal Training Gordon for over 25 years, there was certainly a bond between the two of us. We both had Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency as a common bond which brought us together in January 2001. Gordon was a father figure who always provided me with sound advice. Our training sessions three times a week flew by in an instant. He labored through those sessions gasping for breath but never complained. He had the most positive attitude about training and life in general. He loved his family so much, especially his wife, Ruthie and his daughters. Loved his dogs also. The world will definitely be a sadder place without him. Rest in peace Gordon! With love, Nadine

12/10/2025 06:10 am

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