Donald Edward Harkins (Don)

Donald Edward Harkins passed away at Christiana Hospital on January 29, 2016.

Don was born at Squirrel Run, Henry Clay, Delaware on April 11, 1931. He was the son of Daniel Aloysius and Evelyn May (Henry) Harkins. He attended  and graduated from P. S du Pont High School.  After graduation, he attended business school before  enlisting in the United States Air Force where he served as a Senior Air Policeman until his discharge in 1954. Upon returning to Wilmington, Don was employed by the DuPont Company where he worked in the Product Information Department for 20 years. After his tenure at DuPont, Don was employed in a number of positions in the transportation industry. Later, he was a bailiff at the New Castle County Court House and, most recently, a State Constable in the Justice of the Peace Court in Sussex County, Delaware.

Don was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for nearly 40 years. He lived his life by AA’s guiding principles and helped anyone in need down the path of recovery without ever being  judgemental!

Don was predeceased by his parents and is survived by a sister, Jane Gibson and brother-in-law,  Bob Gibson of Wilmington Delaware. He also is survived by an exceptional  friend , Cathy Gladnick, who was to him, the daughter he never had.

Thanks to a life long friend and confidant, Elly German, who visited with and comforted him several times a day during his final weeks. Special thanks to Bill Christopher and Kentmere Nursing home for their loving care and to both Christiana Care hospitals for their excellent treatment.  Finally, thanks to his many friends gained through Alcoholics Anonymous, old friends acquired through the years and through the courts in Wilmington and Georgetown for always being there for him!

Interment will be private. Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Don’s life on Friday, March 11, 2016, 11:00 am at the University and Whist Club of Wilmington, 805 North Broom Street.      In lieu of flowers, contributions to Faithful Friends Animal Society, 12 Germay Dr, Wilmington, DE 19804 or to AMVETS, P.O. Box 96175, Washington, DC 20090 would be appreciated.

 Service Information