Olin David Vanaman, beloved husband, father
Olin David Vanaman passed away at his home in Milton Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Sept. 15, 1952, in Milford.
At the age 18, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served with distinction for four years in Vietnam and was later stationed in Korea. Olin returned to Delaware and became a Rehoboth Beach police officer after graduating from the Delaware State Police Training Academy. Some of his fondest memories as a police officer were of having breakfast with Sen. John J. Williams and ending his shifts at the original Nicola Pizza.
Olin met his wife of 43 years, LuAnn, while living in Philadelphia, Pa., and they moved to Delaware to attend University of Delaware and Wilmington University. Olin earned a bachelor of arts degree in business and was the first in his family to graduate from college. Olin and LuAnn were together from their very first meeting and married in 1982, building a life around family and friends. Olin's happiest moment was the birth of their daughter, Megan. He was the most attentive and caring father.
Olin worked at multiple retail businesses, including the National 5 and 10, and Ames department store. He lived an impactful life as a business owner in sports collectibles and was a gifted athlete in his younger years, known for his love of baseball. Olin and LuAnn lived in Glenside, Pa., where he started a sport collectibles business called The Infield. The store was a local hangout for collectors, many of whom became close friends. He was an avid fan of Philadelphia sports, especially the Phillies, and cherished memories throughout his life of interacting with the baseball community.
Following retirement, Olin and LuAnn returned to Sussex County in 2018 after living in Wilmington and settled in Milton. Olin enjoyed visiting his old haunts and telling stories about his many jobs and youthful adventures. There were many favorite stories, but his summer job working the midnight shift at Draper King Cole warehouse was a standout. Let's just say that Olin and his buddy were racing forklifts, and the can label shelving got in the way. With thousands of labels for peas and carrots, etc. covering the floor, Olin had a short career at the canning company! It was a full-circle moment when Olin and LuAnn returned to live in Cannery Village. Olin's happy place was sitting on the front porch with LuAnn and Megan, visiting with neighbors and friends. Dogs and children especially loved Olin, and he loved them.
Olin is survived by his beloved wife, LuAnn (Kopenhaver) Vanaman; his daughter, Megan Vanaman; and his siblings, Patsy Bennett, Donna Johnson, Charles Vanaman, Ronna Cobb (Jesse), Marylee Blair and Robert Vanaman III (Lynn). He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma Doris (Monks) and Robert Vanaman Jr.; his nieces, Michelle Wilkins and Madison Peterman; and nephew, Larry Bennett.
Visitation will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 2, at Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, followed by a memorial service at 12 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Milton Fire Department, 116 Front St., Milton, DE 19968; or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Olin's legacy will be remembered through the lives of those he loved.
