Earle VanBlarcom III

Earle “RJ” VanBlarcom III, 32, of Newark, DE, lost his battle to the devasting disease of addiction on December 4, 2023 after a hard fought on and off fifteen-year battle. Earle was born in Wilmington, Delaware on December 29, 1990 to Earle VanBlarcom Jr. and Dawn Sheehan. He was raised in Newark, DE along with his sister BreeAnna (Bode) and his brother David. Earle was a lover of politics, movies, and music. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his children whom he loved with every fiber of his being. His children MilaJean Elrae, Revel James and Vinnie were his sunshine, his heart, his everything. He loved to do “cuddles” and watch TV with them, take them to the park, and dance in the kitchen. Earle would do anything to just see their smile. Above all else, he loved his role of being their Daddy. Earle was the founder of the non-profit organization, Hope on Deck, whose mission is to show love and compassion to those struggling with the disease of addiction in 2018. His true passion was helping others find their way to sobriety. Earle is credited with saving hundreds of lives through his advocacy work and educating many thousands of loved ones to help them understand the disease. Earle had the ability to make perfect strangers who were struggling feel so worthy of the unconditional love that he freely gave them. He was a soldier in the battlefield of addiction, fighting to save himself and others like him. That was his gift. Earle had a magnetic personality, a beautiful smile, and a laugh that was infectious. He was kind, empathetic, and compassionate to everyone. Earle was so tall and handsome and he stood out in any crowd. His passion and charisma made people feel drawn to him. Earle made everyone feel like they were his best friend, and they were important. He never cared if you were rich or poor, lived in a mansion or were homeless, he treated everyone with the same respect and compassion. Even during his own times of struggle, he reached out his hand to help others out of the darkness. That will be his legacy. Earle fought his battle fiercely. He knew the dangers; he lost his uncle and countless friends to the same disease. However, addiction plays tricks on your mind. It makes you believe that you are invincible, it alters your ability to reason. It saddens us and is ironic that he saved so many but couldn’t save himself. Addiction makes no logical sense. If you are struggling, please reach out and get help. Please don’t put those that love you in the position of having to write an obituary like this. Their world will never be the same and you deserve a beautiful life in recovery. Earle made the request that his Mom, “Ma Van”, carry on his mission if he should leave this world and, along with the everyone who supports his mission, we will carry on to honor him. Our only solace is knowing that he is free of his pain and struggles and is flying high in Heaven with his Mom Mom, Pop Pop, Uncle David, Grandpop and all of those that he loved and lost. He will forever be deeply missed and forever loved by his mom, Dawn Sheehan, who was his number one fan; his children: MilaJean Elrae, Revel James, and Vinnie; his wife, Devin; his sister, BreeAnna; his brother, David; Aunt Sharon, Uncle Dennis, Uncle Mike and Aunt Tammi; his dad, Earle Jr.; his grandmom, Doris; his best friend, Josh; and a host of other family and friends. The family would like to thank everyone for their compassion and support during this time of tragedy. Above all else, please never forget Earle and the good work he has done, the lives he saved, and the passion he had for helping those struggling. Remember this, a fallen soldier is still a soldier. All are welcome to attend a visitation on Tuesday, December 12 from 1-3 PM at the Reach Church, 2880 Summit Bridge Road, Bear, DE 19701. A service in celebration of Earle’s life will follow at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Earle’s legacy, tax deductible donations are suggested to the non-profit he founded, HopeOnDeck.org For directions or to send an online condolence please visit www.stranofeeley.com A link for live stream of 3 PM service for Earle at Reach Church: https://youtube.com/live/7J4c-YPFDGk?feature=shared Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home 302-731-5459

Earle VanBlarcom III

December 29, 1990 - December 4, 2023

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