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Franklin E. DeLawter, avid Redskins fan

November 13, 2017

Franklin E. DeLawter, age 83 of Bridgeville, died peacefully at Delaware Hospice Friday, Nov. 10, 2017. He was born Jan. 17, 1934, in Washington, D.C., son of the late Paul and Eleanor DeLawter.

Frank was the fifth of seven children: John, Bertha, Paul, Jean, Franklin, Jerry and Douglas. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Airforce Reserves at Anacostia Naval Station for eight years. After discharge, Frank became a carpenter and was a jack of all trades, including groundskeeping and maintenance at Kenmont Swim and Tennis Club in Wheaton, Md., and the maintenance of many C&P Telephone Company buildings. Frank enhanced many homes with room additions and decks, but the highlight of his career was working for the Washington Redskins at RFK and Fed Ex Field stadiums, which he did for over 25 years. He was fondly known as "Uncle Frank" to the stadium employees, many of whom became close friends. At RFK, Frank did whatever needed doing, including all the general carpentry. At Fed Ex Field, Frank joined the groundskeeping team and proudly helped paint the field. We admired his handiwork each Redskins game.

Frank loved the Washington Redskins, and met many of the players over the years. He was a season ticket holder and followed the team to five Super Bowls. He was an avid collector of Redskins paraphernalia, and rarely skipped an opportunity to brighten a party or social gathering with a Redskins goodie bag filled with all sorts of souvenirs. Frank was a loving husband and father, and a dear and devoted friend to many. He had a playful sense of humor and loved to give (and receive) gag gifts. There was nothing Frank wouldn't do for a friend or family member in need, and as his health declined, he was deeply appreciative of the help and support from his loved ones and neighbors. Frank leaves a gap in our lives, but our hearts are filled with cherished memories.

Frank is survived by his wife, Celia DeLawter; daughter Amy Solliday (husband Kevin) of San Francisco, Calif.; and brother Douglas DeLawter (wife Jeannette) of Ocean City, Md.; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will take place in January, near Frank's birthday.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Nanticoke Hospital and Delaware Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Frank in his time of need.

For those who wish to honor Frank in a special way, we suggest a donation to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, or www.delawarehospice.org/donate (or by calling 1-855-DHI-GIVE) or to The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation: http://www.redskins.com/community/donation-form.html.

Please visit Frank's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.

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