Edward R. Michaelsen of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Seasons Hospice in Wilmington, DE. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Ed was the son of the late Alfred and Margaret Michaelsen. He was married to the late Barbara A. Michaelsen for 24 years. Ed graduated from James Madison High School in Brooklyn in 1950. Growing up in an era of no college aid and tight finances, Ed set the bar high for himself for a better life. He worked full time for Pfizer in a lab on the night shift while attending Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute full time earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering in 1955. After college Ed was drafted into the army at Ft. Knox, Kentucky and served his country in the Army until honorably discharged in March 1964 while in the Army reserves. He briefly joined Kellogg Engineering in Connecticut and Philadelphia before relocating to Delaware with his family working at Tidewater refinery in Delaware City. His final career position was at Sun Oil Engineering department in Philadelphia as a project engineer/manager consulting on oil refinery engineering and design all over the United States, in Canada and the Caribbean. He worked for Sun Oil for 25 years until he retired in 1992. While working, he also taught the Senior Chemical Engineering Design course at Drexel University mentoring and working with students on their senior year project. Fishing, music, flying model airplanes, playing squash, pool and golf were a few of the many hobbies and interests that Ed enjoyed throughout his life. He traveled extensively while working and after retirement. Ed helped those in need and was an advocate for those he viewed as less fortunate. If he saw a need he filled it. He always helped those who asked him, whether it was charities or individuals. Ed genuinely enjoyed his profession and worked hard to provide for his family. He lived by a mantra of hard work, goal setting, and determination. He loved to learn and was an active student during his life, continuing to take classes after retirement. He was a great teacher to his children through example. Ed is survived by his children Mary Rossi (husband Tony) of Middletown, DE, Nancy Michaelsen of Glassboro, NJ, Susan Hennick of Newark, DE and Kimberly Reimer of Middletown, DE; four grandchildren, Anthony Rossi, Austin Hennick, Kristen Rossi and Richie Reimer. He is also survived by his brother Alfred Michaelsen (wife Carol) of Loudon, Tennessee, a Cousin Gerald Mullins (wife Leslie) of Tyler, Texas and 2 nieces Karen Harding (husband Tom) of Florida, Pam Stilwell (husband Jerry) of North Carolina and 1 nephew Kenneth Michaelsen (wife Heather) of Georgia. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to Foulk Manor South of Wilmington for their compassionate care for Ed during the last years of his life, to the medical team at Wilmington Hospital during the final weeks of his life, and to the medical team at Seasons Hospice in Wilmington Hospital for providing comfort and care to Ed and his family during his final days. Mass at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church and burial at All Saints Cemetery will be private. Memorial contributions in Ed's name may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor 185 Salem Church Rd. Newark, DE 19713 or to the Salvation Army, 107 S Market St, Wilmington, DE, 19801.