Robert E. Pyle, Jr.

Robert E. (Bob) Pyle, Jr., age 96, of Brandywine Hundred, DE, passed away on Sunday February 10, 2013 at Manor Care.

Mr. Pyle was born on September 27, 1916 in Wilmington, DE, to the late Robert E. Pyle, Sr. and Mary Frances Pyle. He was raised in Arden, DE and graduated from Claymont High School in 1934. From 1936 to 1940, he served in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Arkansas battleship. Mr. Pyle was hired by the DuPont Company May 1940 and worked at the Experimental Station Machine Shop, Instrument Products Division on Northeast Boulevard, and the Glasgow Site in the Instrument & Equipment Division, retiring December 1978. He was a lifelong resident of Brandywine Hundred, member of Aldersgate U.M. Church, Delaware Photographic Society (formerly the Delaware Camera Club) in which he held many offices including President and was bestowed the "Fellow" Award. He served as Merit Badge Counselor in Photography for the Boy Scouts. He thoroughly enjoyed photography as a hobby most of his life, and having his own darkroom, enabled him to participate in many photo exhibitions where he proudly received numerous awards.

Mr. Pyle is survived by his three children: son, Robert E. Pyle, III (Linda); daughter, Carolyn E. Burke (Patrick); and son, Donald A. Pyle, Sr., all of Wilmington; son-in-law, Lawrence H. Graham; sister, Mary Jane Young; 6 grandchildren: Richard J. Opalach, Diana L. Nagel, Susan D. Opalach, Robert E. Pyle, IV, Bryan C. Pyle, and Donald A. Pyle, Jr.; 6 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie D. Pyle in 2010; daughter, Ruth Ann Pyle Opalach Graham; and brothers, Charles H. Pyle and James E. Pyle.

There will be no public viewing. A graveside service in celebration of Bob's life will be held on Wednesday, February 20, at Chester Bethel Church Cemetery, 2619 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19810 at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to either Chester Bethel U.M. Church Endowment Fund or Aldersgate U.M. Church, 2313 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.

Strano & Feeley

Family Funeral Home


Published in The News Journal from February 16 to February 17, 2013