Francis Stanley Szczepkowski Jr., "JR," passed away on February 4, 2025 at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

Francis was born July 1, 1935 in Wilmington, Delaware, the son of Blanch and Francis Szczepkowski Sr. He attended Saint Hedwig's School and Wilmington High School before enrolling in the United States Navy at the age of seventeen. Francis served 4 years aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Hornet during the Korean War, before being honorably discharged in 1956. He was proud to have served his country and shared stories from the ship with pride.

Upon his return home, he began dating his best friend, Veronica Nierychlewski and they married in 1958. The couple welcomed two children, Richie and Judy. They spent 59 years happily married until his wife went to be with the Lord in 2017.

Francis spent 40 years working at the Hercules Research Center as a Chemist Assistant. He also worked at the Brandywine Raceway, and in his later years, enjoyed working the gates at University of Delaware football games with his brother-in-law.

Francis's true passion throughout his life was hunting, conservation, and gun safety education. He was essential to the opening of the Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center, where he was a Range Officer and Hunting Safety Instructor. Francis was also a Goose Hunting Guide at the old M&M Hunting Lodge in Smyrna. His hobbies included trap and skeet shooting, crabbing, and making custom goose decoys.

During his retirement, Francis enjoyed spending time in the goose pit with his son, Rich, grandson, Hunter, and best friend, Stan. He spent much of his time as a dedicated, loving grandfather to his three grandchildren, Samm, Chelsea, and Hunter. Francis was a huge Eagles fan and would have loved to see them win this year's Super Bowl.

Francis's memory will be carried on by his daughter, Judy; granddaughter, Samantha (Andrew); and grandson, Hunter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Blanch; his wife, Veronica; son, Richard; granddaughter, Chelsea; and sister, Dorothy Babiarz.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Ducks Unlimited Delaware, via the memorial donation on their web page (https://www.ducks.org/get-involved/memorial-giving)