Donald C. Wingard Jr., 83, of Dover, Del., passed away, Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at Delaware Hospice Center, Milford. He was born Jan. 13, 1934, in Dover, to the late Donald C. Wingard Sr. and Kathryn Mocko Wingard.
Wingard grew up in Delaware and Virginia and graduated from Dover High School in 1950. He was a member of the Honor Society. After graduation, he worked for his family business, cutting timber for many years before switching careers to become a banker. He worked in Dover and then moved his family to Georgetown, Del., 15 years ago.
Wingard and his wife, Ginger, returned to Dover, reconnecting with many friends upon their return. He was a member of the Elks Lodge in Dover and Del Vets. Wingard had served in the Delaware Army Reserve from 1955 to 1963. Upon retirement, he would fly to New Hampshire to help care for his grandchildren, which was his favorite job, while his daughter Connie traveled for work. He was surely loved by the New Hampshire community.
Wingard will be remembered most as a loving father and grandfather. His happiest moments were spent with family, whether on an adventure or spending time at home together.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Virginia “Ginger” Biddle Wingard of Dover; daughters, Connie Emerson of Sarasota, Fla., Donna Wingard and her partner, Norman Hahn Jr., of Wyoming, Del., Patti Hooker and her spouse, Dee Hooker, of Anthony, Fla.; grandchildren Courtney Emerson of New York City, N.Y., Jillian Emerson of Midland, Mich., and Meredith Emerson of Riverview, Fla.; and a sister, Joyce Ennis of Hartly, Del.
Memorial services were scheduled for March 18, 2017, at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, Dover, Del., where condolences may be sent online at www.torbertfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Delaware Hospice; 911S. Dupont Hwy.; Dover, DE 19901. The family expressed their thanks to Delaware Hospice for their compassion in helping care for Wingard during the last three months of his life.