Werner Sumpf, Jr., kind to a fault

Werner Sumpf Jr., 53, of Millsboro, formerly of Newark, passed away suddenly Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at his home.

Werner was born in Wilmington, March 21, 1960, son of the late Werner O.H. and Edith (Commans) Sumpf Sr. Werner’s greatest loves were working on boats, clamming, crabbing, cooking, NASCAR and time spent with his friends.

He enjoyed his morning coffee at “The Ramp” with Hank and many friends, and nightly happy hours at his local watering holes. He was often seen in his trademark blue and white Ford pickup cruising the park marinas in the Long Neck and Oak Orchard/Riverdale areas, working on boats and stopping to chat with friends along the way, usually consulting on something broken while he was there.

He disbursed the fruits of his labor, crabs, clams casino, smoked pork and German potato salad just to name a few, to his neighbors, friends and many a bartender from the Riverside Bar to American Legion Post 28. He would often times spend his holidays at the Riverside cooking up something special for the locals who didn’t have family close by or were new to the area.

Werner was a simple man who lived a simple life. He was kind to a fault to animals and humans alike, he certainly was rich in spirit and soul and he died as he lived, everybody’s friend. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his son, Shawn Little of Millsboro' a sister, Marion Sumpf of Englishtown, N.J.; two brothers, Kuno (Janet) Sumpf of Milton, and Alex Sumpf of Georgetown; a niece, Andrea Roche; and a host of friends.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, June 4, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends and family may call after noon. Interment will be private. The family requests casual attire.