Michael Thomas Wilber

Michael Thomas Wilber, age 76, of Wilmington, DE, passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

He was born in Manhattan, NY, son the of late Charles and Ruth (Bodden) Wilber; he moved to Delaware and graduated from Newark High School. Michael then enlisted in the US Navy and upon his discharge, enrolled at La Salle University; he went on to work as foreman at Kraft while also working to obtain his graduate degree from Wilmington University and then his Doctorate from the University of New England. He then pursued his passion of teaching Adult Education at the Howard R. Young Correctional Facility.

Michael was ordained a Deacon in the Diocese of Wilmington in 2001 and served at St. Matthew’s Parish in Newport. He cherished annual summer trips to the family beach house in Cape Cod, and later in Lewes, DE. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Marie (Krempl) Wilber; his children, Kelly Wilber and Matthew Wilber (Ann Marie); his grandchildren, Michael “Mikey” Wetsel and Hudson Wilber; his siblings, Maureen Wilber, Charles Wilber, Kathleen Steinbaugh, Aileen Chaltain, and John Wilber; as well as many members of his extended family.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his adoptive mother, Claire Wilber; and his brother, Thomas Wilber.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Monday, March 3, 2025 at St. Matthew’s Church, 901 E. Newport Pike, Wilmington, DE 19804, where family and friends may visit beginning at 9:00am. Interment will be held in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or to Wreaths Across America, 4 Point Street, PO BOX 249 Columbia Falls, ME 04623.

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