Dennis Edward "Buddy" Parkstone Jr.

Dennis Edward “Buddy” Parkstone Jr. age 98, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home with loved ones on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Born in Charleston, South Carolina and raised in Norfolk, VA, Buddy was the son of the late Margaret (Noonan) and Dennis E. Parkstone, Sr. Growing up alongside the ocean, he developed a lifelong love of the water, the beach, and just about anything that involved being outdoors. During WWII, at the age of 16, Buddy enlisted into the United States Merchant Marines. Being only 16 and the legal age of enlistment being 17, Buddy provided his date of birth making him a year old than he actually was. He also forged his mother’s signature on the enlistment form. Following his service, traveled the country doing various jobs before settling in Wilmington, DE. There he met his life mate Ann Marie, with who he had three sons, Dennis III (Denny), Wayne and Glen. Buddy retired from New Castle County in 1984 as a Construction Foreman.

Buddy was never someone content to simply follow one path. A natural entrepreneur with an independent spirit, he was a business owner several times throughout his life, including owning a restaurant. He had a knack for finding his own way, and his life was filled with stories that seemed almost too good to be true. Such as his adventure at the age of 12 when he and a friend hitchhiked to Miami where they found jobs as pin setters at a bowling alley and he even set pins for Shirley Temple. He was delighted when his grandson Tyler found an online book documenting Buddy’s military service, something Buddy himself had never even known existed!

He loved his Saturday outings, spending time with family, and, of course, a good hot fudge sundae. Those simple pleasures, shared with the people he loved, were among his greatest joys. Buddy certainly didn’t believe in letting age or physical limitations get in the way of having a good time. Although he sometimes struggled with walking, he could still skate, dance, and even boogie board. He had a wonderful sense of humor about life and an uncanny ability to find happiness in the moment. If there was music playing, an opportunity for fun, or an adventure waiting, Buddy was generally all in. 

Perhaps one of the greatest examples of his extraordinary spirit happened just three years ago. At 95 years old, one of his grandsons had recently purchased a new Tesla and was excited to take it out for its first real road trip. He and his parents decided to head down to South Carolina and, the evening before departing, called Popp op to share their plans. Half-jokingly, they asked if he wanted to come along. Without missing a beat, Dennis simply answered, “Yea!” And just like that, a little road trip became a genuine family adventure. Setting out from Delaware, the group traveled not only to South Carolina but continued all the way to Florida. At an age when many people might have been perfectly content to stay home, Buddy was climbing into the car and making memories that his family will cherish forever.

Buddy leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years alone, but in the countless stories, adventures, laughter, and lessons he leaves with those fortunate enough to have shared his journey. His was a life well lived, and his example will continue to remind those he leaves behind that happiness is often found not in the grandest of things, but in the people beside us and the moments we choose to make together.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his wife Ann Marie of 57 years; son Dennis Parkstone III; grandson Dennis Parkstone IV; great grandson Dennis Parkstone V; and sisters, Patricia Hurst and Elizabeth Ritter. He is survived by his sons Wayne Parkstone and Glen (Lisa) Parkstone; three grandchildren; Sharon Parkstone Pugh (Virgil), Gj and Tyler Parkstone; Four great-grandchildren, Amanda Minger (Stetson), Virgil Pugh III (Caitlin.), Aryan, and Isabella Parkstone; Seven great great-grandchildren, Mason, Millie & Malia Minger, Virgil IV, Nova, Tatum and Sandra Pugh, Cameron & Charlotte Parkstone; Numerous nieces, nephews, and dear family friends, all of whom held a special place in his heart. He may have taken his last road trip, but the stories he leaves behind will keep him traveling with us forever.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., with a memorial service following at 11:30 a.m. at Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Buddy’s memory to the Brandywine Valley SPCA.