Dale Ephraim Mills

Dale Ephraim Mills, age 72, of Bear, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 6, 2024 after a long fought battle with cancer.

Dale was born in Delaware to Arthur and Gladys (Sterling) Mills. He graduated from A.I. DuPont High School in 1971 and from the Divers Academy of the Eastern Seaboard in 1981. In September of 1977, he married the love of his life and High School sweetheart Mary (Delaney) Mills in Delaware. Dale was employed as a Maintenance Engineer at the Hotel DuPont for 31 years. Along with that career, Dale also spent many years as a Commercial Diver. He enjoyed being creative while at work and only retired a few years prior to his passing. He was an avid cyclist and participated in the MS Bike to the Bay and River Towns rides every year. He spent a lot of his time camping and enjoyed visiting Cheriton, Virginia, whenever he got the chance. In his older years, Dale enjoyed bird watching, watching movies, and spending time with his granddaughter.

Dale was amazing man who had a thirst for life and never knew a stranger. He could always lighten the mood with a joke or find a way to make someone else’s day a little better. He was extremely loved by all those who knew him. 

Dale is survived by his wife, Mary; his two sons, Chad Mills (Samantha Mills), Alex Mills (Brittany Moretz) and Mary Mills; one granddaughter, his brother Arthur Mills, and several nieces and nephews, his uncle Marvin Sterling, and Sheila Sterling. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Arthur and Gladys (Sterling) Mills.

Services for Dale will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dale’s name may be made to the Delaware Hospice at https://www.delawarehospice.org/donate/memorial-gifts/.

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