Leoance William Simpson

Leoance William Simpson, age 65, of Bear, DE passed away on March 8, 2014. The son of George and Marion, Leoance grew up in Wilmington’s Forty Acres, and graduated from H. Fletcher Brown Technical High School in 1966. A Master Electrician, Leoance worked in the electrical trade until 1978 when he accepted a position at DuPont Glasgow Site. He retired as a Project Engineer from DuPont Experimental Station in 2011. In 1980 he married Kathleen Brown and was a loved and valued member of the Brown family. He earned the nickname Arn (for Arnold Palmer) as his father-in-law’s golfing partner at the DuPont Country Club, and was a dedicated player, in fair weather and foul, from the mid-Eighties on, including stints with Bob Taylor’s Golf League and his regular outings with former co-workers and other retirees at the DuPont Country Club. Forming a two-man team in Taylor’s Golf League gave Leoance and Kevin Murphy a Championship. Leoance and his wife Kathy were frequenters of musicals in New York City and fans of the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall; their favorite vacations together entailed long cruises with Disney Cruise Line, including trips to northern Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, as well as regular visits to Ocean City, MD. A talented wood-worker, Leoance was known for his ability to build anything requested, from cabinets to chests, and for his ability to plan and construct many home additions such as a two-car garage, a free-standing structure for an indoor pool, and the Taj Ma-Porch, a sun-room on the back of his house. A proud home-owner in Bear, Delaware, Leoance’s lawn-care rivaled that of the golf courses he loved and frequented. Leoance Simpson’s sudden passing is sadly regretted, and he is fondly remembered by his in-laws in the Brown family, Eric, Jerry, Don and Mary and daughter Kajsa, Tom and Sarah and sons James, Sam, and Michael. Leoance is deeply missed by his wife of 33 yrs, Kathleen. He is mourned and survived by his children from a previous marriage: daughter, Stephanie Rhoads, her sons, Joshua, granddaughter, Ella, and Jonathan; daughter, Sara, her son, Nicholas, granddaughter, Shylah, and daughter, Taylor; and step-son, Larry Vavalla; and his brother Kenny, wife Veronica, and their daughter Erin. Services and interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 92 Read’s Way, Ste. 205, New Castle, DE 19720.

Leoance William Simpson

November 15, 1948 - March 8, 2014