Walter B. Donaldson, Sr.

Walter B. Donaldson Sr., age 88, of Millsboro, Delaware, passed away peacefully, while surrounded by his family, on Monday, February 26, 2024. Born in Wilmington, Delaware on March 9, 1935, he was the son of the late James S. and Ruth G. (Weldin) Donaldson. He was raised in Marshalltown, Delaware before entering the U.S. Army, where he served domestically and in Germany. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (“IBEW”) Local Union 313. He was a member of the IBEW for seventy-one (71) years. Walter was married to the love of his life, Mary Agnes (Mahoney) Donaldson, and had seven children. He and his family resided in Newark until his retirement at age 58, when they moved to Millsboro and enjoyed retirement. Walter loved to build furniture and woodworking projects for his family. He also enjoyed gardening in his yard, fishing and crabbing in the Indian River Bay, and running his pontoon boat. In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Agnes Donaldson; his daughter, Mary Jo Donaldson; his brother, James S. Donaldson Jr.; and his son-in-law, Jacques L. Vial. Walter is survived by his beloved children, Walter (Sharon), MaryLouise Vial, Michael (Kim), Luke (Karen), Neal (Lisa) and Joel; his sister, Alice Holiday of Pike Creek, DE; 16 grandchildren, Walter Donaldson III (Leah), Rachel Donaldson (Matthew),Matthew Vial (Theresa), Nicholas Vial, Annamae Vial-Beamer (Jack), Marybeth Vial, Kelly Krajewski (Patrick), Michael Donaldson II (Nicole), Kelsey Donaldson, Brice Donaldson, Molly Donaldson, Sarah Donaldson, Natalie Donaldson, Brennan Donaldson, Lauren Donaldson, Reagan Donaldson; and 11 great grandchildren, all of whom he adored. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 pm until 4 pm on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am on Monday, March 4, 2024, at Holy Family R.C. Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter’s memory to the Little Sisters of the Poor, Jeanne Jugan Residence, 185 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE 19713-2942 or online by clicking here.

Walter B. Donaldson, Sr.

March 9, 1935 - February 26, 2024