Charles Stickel

Charles Curtis Stickel of Milford, Delaware, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2018, while surrounded by family and friends. Mr. Stickel was born June 11, 1952, in Wilmington, Delaware, to William F. Stickel of Delaware City, and to Frances O. Stickel of Jacksonville, Florida, both of whom pre-deceased him.

Having graduated from Claymont High School in 1970, he earned a BA in English at the University of Delaware in 1974 and later earned an MA in Liberal Studies.

He taught English and theatre at Lake Forest High School, Milton Junior High, and finally, for 15 years, at Milford High School. Throughout his adult life, he participated in researching, writing, directing, and acting both high school and community theatre for Second Street Theatre.

After retiring from high school teaching, he worked part-time at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and was a historical interpreter for the state’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, where he conducted tours of Dover’s Old State House, performed research, and wrote about and did historical re-enactments of historical figures, including Gunning Bedford, Jr.; FOC Darley; George Gershwin; and –Mr. Stickel’s favorite-Delaware’s Dr. James Tilton, the nation’s first Surgeon General of the Army.

In 1981, he married Joanne Lynch Stickel, who survives him. The two of them did much traveling in the US, the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada, and Europe, attending theatre to improve his knowledge and experience with the stage. While teaching high school, he was also yearbook advisor for 15 years at Milford.

He enjoyed sports, having played football, basketball, and baseball in high school, attended Phillies spring training in Clearwater, and in later years played much tennis and golf.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a cousin Fay Cruchley (Phil) of Delaware City. The family wants to thank the many caregivers at Delaware Hospice for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be at Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave., Milford, on Friday, September 14th, from 10 a.m. to 12p.m., with a funeral service at 12 p.m. Interment will be at Milford Community Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests making a donation to a favorite charity in honor of Mr. Stickel.