David Stephen Samluk, retired police officer
David Stephen Samluk, 76, of Ocean View, passed away peacefully Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
Dave was born July 4, 1946, and grew up in Wilmington, where he graduated from Salesianum High School. From there, he became a police officer for New Castle County Division of Police and served his community for a devoted 22 years, retiring from the force in 1992. Dave had a strong work ethic, starting as a paperboy and continuing after his retirement from the force. He was a security supervisor for Winterthur Museum and also worked at BJ’s in Millsboro until the age of 74, when he was able to enjoy his last two years of retirement.
Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Ethel Samluk; a brother, Stanley Samluk; father-in-law, Robert Wersinger Jr.; and mother-in-law, Louise Wersinger. He was a devoted husband and is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sue Ann (Wersinger) Samluk, with whom he enjoyed beach life since their permanent move to Bethany Beach 17 years ago. He is also survived by his daughter, Darlene Allison (Lee); two sons, Stephen Webb (Julie) and Jeffrey Martino (Abbie); seven grandchildren, Lauren, Amanda, Andrew, Zachary, Zoey, Luke and Evan; and two great-granddaughters, Olivia and Avery. He cherished every moment spent with them, as well as his immediate relatives, many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Dave loved life at the beach with his beloved wife Sue Ann, and their dogs Austin, Lena and Spunky. He had a special love for his dogs and cherished the daily walks with them in the park, and taking them for rides in his jeep. In their earlier years, Dave and Sue Ann loved to travel to many tropical destinations together. He couldn’t wait for their kids and grandkids to visit so he could share his love for boating and crabbing. Every outing always ended with a big crab feast, and the water slides were one of their many adventures. Everyone always had a good time and felt completely waited on down to every last detail. He devoted 30 years with his brother, Stan, to Newark National Little League. While coaching the 12-year-olds, he was able to pass on his love for baseball and showcase his pitching skills.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Pkwy., Bethany Beach, where friends and family may call after 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in David’s memory to American Heart Association, heart.org; or Brandywine Valley SPCA, bvspca.org.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
