Stanley John "Sonny" Kisielewski

Stanley John “Sonny” Kisielewski of Wilmington, Delaware, was born on June 21, 1940, and passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the age of 86, just as he had always hoped.

Sonny was the second of seven children born to the late Dorothy (Monigle) and Stanley Kisielewski. He was a proud 1958 graduate of Salesianum School and a member of the University of Notre Dame Class of 1962, where he earned a degree in sociology. From 1963 to 1969, he served in the United States Air Force Reserve. He was a devoted member of St. Mary of the Assumption and rarely missed Mass.

Throughout his life, Sonny held several positions centered around teaching, service, and helping others. He taught shop at John Dickinson High School and worked for the State of Delaware in employee counseling. He will perhaps be best remembered for the many years he spent working with DiFebo Hardwood Floor Company.

Sonny never married or had children of his own, but as the patriarch of his family, he fulfilled many fatherly roles. His generosity spanned generations of family and friends. He was always willing to help, whether that meant lending someone a car, giving them a ride, or simply being there with his quiet presence. He never sought recognition for what he gave. Knowing that the people he loved were cared for was enough.

Sonny preserved cherished family traditions. He treasured photographs, enjoyed writing cards, and decorated his mother’s Christmas tree with beautiful blue lights year after year. He also devoted countless hours to maintaining the family beach house in North Wildwood, New Jersey, ensuring that generations of relatives, extended family, and friends could continue gathering there and making memories.

Sonny found joy in life’s simple pleasures: a hot cup of black coffee, lottery tickets, a bowl or two of Breyers ice cream, time spent with family and friends, and the opportunity to help someone in need. He will be remembered as one of the kindest, most humble, and selfless people anyone could know. His quiet acts of service created a legacy that will live on through every person fortunate enough to have been loved by him.

Sonny is survived by his siblings, Patricia Juenger (Tom), Dorothy DiFebo, and John Kisielewski (Theresa), as well as his sister-in-law, Sylvia Kisielewski. He was predeceased by his brothers, Francis and Benjamin Kisielewski, and his sister, Mary Kisielewski. Uncle Sonny will be deeply missed by his many nieces and nephews, their families, and countless extended family members and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19808. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, Delaware 19707. Burial will follow at Cathedral Cemetery.