Eugene V. Spence

Eugene “Gene” Vincent Spence, age 69, unexpectedly passed away on May 23, 2025. Gene was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Vanessa Manges-Spence, and two children, Dylan (Hayley) and Genevieve. Gene was born in Wilmington, DE, on February 8, 1956, to Arthur and Callista Spence. He was the youngest of five brothers: James (deceased), Joseph (deceased), Steve (Helen), and Mark (Alice), and one sister, Rosemary (John, deceased). He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Gene briefly attended Salesianum High School before transferring to Delcastle Technical High School, where he graduated from the Chemical Laboratory Technology program. This launched a lifelong career at the DuPont de Nemours, Inc (and later Dow Chemical Company), where he worked for over 42 years. He retired in May 2024. Gene was a man of many talents and passions. He believed that everything was worth learning about and experiencing, and he led his life’s journey with empathy and compassion. A lifelong bass fisherman, Gene was also a talented handyman and woodworker who generously shared his skills with anyone in need of assistance. He was a passionate outdoorsman and even enjoyed winter camping. He was involved with the Boy Scouts of America for over two decades and was a proud Wood Badge recipient. He was also part of a crew that helped administer the camping experience at Camp Rodney when called upon. In retirement, Gene pursued new adventures and had just completed a three-week volunteer training to become a sailor aboard the Tall Ship of Delaware, The Kalmar Nyckel. He was scheduled for several sails this summer. He was a fan of Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and the author Stephen King. He will be remembered as kind, generous, outgoing, and genuine—the person who ran toward a situation to offer help. He often reminded others that he was a Boy Scout, always ready to do one good deed daily. A service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 2033 Graves Rd, Hockessin, DE, on Saturday, June 7, visitation starts at 10:00 AM. A service and luncheon will directly follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. For directions or to send an online condolence, please visit www.stranofeeley.com Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home 302-731-5459

Eugene V. Spence

February 8, 1956 - May 23, 2025

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