Henry G. Duus III (Hank), age 86, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully at Rockland Place on March 30, 2026.

Hank was born in Wilmington, DE to Henry and Phyllis. He attended Christ Our King grade school and Salesianum High School (class of 1957) before graduating from the University of Delaware (class of 1962) with a hard-earned chemical engineering degree. Hank began his career at Budd Polychem in Newark, DE where he met Maryanne Freeman whom he married in 1965. Hank worked as an engineer for many years eventually transitioning into a successful business career with Arlon.

He left the engineering world in the 1990s and what followed was an incredible journey from video duplicator to kayak fishing pioneer, to shirtless restauranteur, to parrot-toting bait shop owner, to part-time pirate on the Kalmar Nyckel, to project coordinator in South Jersey where he worked on the Batsto Lake Dam and the Atlantic City-Brigantine Connector (the "covered bridge"). Hank was a son of Wilmington, but his heart was always and will always be in Brigantine.

He was a salty dog, a driftwood genius, a keeper of curiosities, a striper slayer, a bon vivant, an Arrid XX Dry QC taster, a mosh pit enthusiast, a progenitor of whimsical art, a devout Catholic, a loving son, brother, and husband. His three sons could not have wanted for a better father, role model, and confidant.

He is survived by his sisters Kristen Sklarz and Patricia Ochs; his sons Henry (Kimberly), Michael (Darla), and Matthew (Elizabeth); his grandchildren Madeline, Stephen, Jonathan, and Harry; and so many treasured nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He is predeceased by his parents, his beloved sister Kathleen Haideri, his brothers-in-law Robert, Abdul, John, and Rick, and his loving wife, Maryanne, whom he missed dearly.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday April 15, 2026, from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road Wilmington, DE 19808. Mass of Christian Burial to take place the following morning at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 on Thursday April 16, 2026, at 10:30 A.M. Burial to follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating your odds and ends to Habitat for Humanity or Goodwill. Someone out there will love them.