Ralph Anthony Delle Donne

January 21, 1950 - August 21, 2025

Ralph Anthony Delle Donne, age 75 of Newark, DE passed away on August 21, 2025. He was born on January 21,1950 in Wilmington, DE to the late Malio and Mary (Murray) Delle Donne.

Ralph worked as a Chemical Technician for DuPont for 42 years. He did a lot of travelling for the company and was heavily involved in creating foam technology, which he ended up getting a patent for. Ralph also created products for anti-graffiti. He was featured in Delaware Today for his innovations.

Ralph’s true passion in life was music. He was a self-taught guitarist who also played bass guitar and could sing. He was always a member of a band and even taught lessons. Ralph used his creativity to record his own original music. He also worked as a DJ for many years. Ralph was a die-hard Beatles fan, and his life motto was “Do what makes you happy”.

Ralph is survived by his daughter, Alana Cottrell and her husband, Russell; son, Jordan Delle Donne; grandchildren: Cassidy and Brett Cottrell; and six siblings.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Delle Donne.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to “Homeboy Industries” and sent in care of R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc. 122 W. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711.

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Ralph Anthony Delle Donne, age 75 of Newark, DE passed away on August 21, 2025. He was born on January 21,1950 in Wilmington, DE to the late Malio and Mary (Murray) Delle Donne. Ralph worked as a Chemical Technician for DuPont for 42 years. He did a lot of travelling for the company and wasContinue Reading

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It was truly sad and heartbreaking to learn of Ralph's death. Ralph was my friend since childhood and a perennial bandmate. We also worked together in high school for St Anthony's Construction Co. helping them develop St Anthony's in the Hills. While Ralph and I did not see each other later in life, I always had the music we made and recorded together to hear his voice and relive our memories of those days. Ralph and I played in 6 bands together over four decades: The Mardels (late 1960's); Feather (1971-72); The O.C Band (1990-91); Caught Red Handed (1992); Image X (1992-94); and After Image (1995-2001). We reunited briefly with the Mardels in 2008 for a gig or two before Ralph retired from playing in the band. We had occasional contact but never played music together again. Ralph was a talented musician both as a guitarist/bass player and as a songwriter and could sing and harmonize with the best of them. He also taught my son to play guitar. Music was Ralph's passion along with his family. Ralph was bright, hard-working, funny, and talented in many areas, not just musically. I will miss knowing Ralph is not around to have one more jam session. Rest in peace, Ralph. You will not be forgotten.

I'm sorry for your loss. I hope this scripture brings you some comfort. Revelation 21:3,4"With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.