Robert A. "Buddy" Wardell Jr., age 84, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28, 2024.

Buddy was born in Wilmington, son of the late Marguerite (Sullivan) and Robert A. Wardell Sr. Buddy graduated from Conrad High School and served our country honorably in the U.S Army. After returning home from the service, Buddy became a truck driver for the Teamsters Union Local 326 until his retirement. Buddy's faith meant a lot to him, and he was a lifelong parishioner of St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church. Buddy was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, and trap shooting. In his free time, Buddy enjoyed playing shuffleboard at the Pulaski Legion, and spending time with his family and friends. In addition to his parents, Buddy was also predeceased by his son, Robert A. Wardell III; daughter, Loraine Earvase; and sister Joan Carilli (Ernie).

Buddy is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Joanne Wardell; daughter, LuAnn Harding; son, Michael Prather Sr. (Anna Drasher); grandchildren, Michael Jr. (Courtney), Emily, Robert IV, Heather, Holly, Jennifer, and Gary; great grandchildren, Anthony, Brayden, Weston, Wyatt, and Alyssa; brother, Dennis Wardell (Harolyn); sister, Roberta Sabulsky (Ed); and numerous nieces, nephews, and close family friends whom he all loved.

Funeral Services for Buddy will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Buddy's name to St. Matthews Roman Catholic Church, 1013 E. Newport Pike, Newport, DE 19804, or the American Cancer Society, P.O Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.