Franklin George Pater Jr., age 76, of Wilmington, Delaware, died on April 21, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born in suburban Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of Franklin and Rosemary Pater and the eldest of eight children in a lively, loving household. Frank’s boundless curiosity and deep passion for learning enriched his life and the lives of those around him. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois and an M.S. in Chemistry from Purdue University, specializing in computer systems support for scientific research.
In 1968, he began dating the love of his life, Sharon. From their first date onward, they were partners in every sense. They married in the summer of 1973 and moved to Delaware, where Frank joined the DuPont Company in the Central Research Department at the Experimental Station. In the early 1980s, Frank transferred to the Information Systems Department, where he was instrumental in integrating DuPont’s disparate email systems to facilitate the use of evolving technology. Frank had a long-held interest in the Internet as it developed. In the early 1990s, he provided technological direction for the first ever DuPont business transaction on the net. In 1997, when DuPont outsourced its IT capability, Frank transitioned to Computer Sciences Corporation and continued to support DuPont’s business. As the commercial side of the Internet exploded, Frank successfully led the effort to develop and maintain a secure, robust Internet presence for DuPont. He retired in 2012.
Although Frank enjoyed his work, he valued family above all. Frank and Sharon had four children together: Franklin III (Katherine Neale) of Philadelphia, Steven (Amberlie) of Baltimore, Richard (Erin Smith) of Atlanta, and Sarah (David Aipperspach) of Philadelphia. Frank was an abundant source of love and support to each of them. His greatest happiness came from time spent with his wife, children, and five grandchildren: Leo, Jack, Juniper, Charlie, and Holly, of whom he was immensely proud.
Frank was known for his genuine interest in others, memorable laugh, and impassioned approach to life. His interests and knowledge were expansive and deep. He had a profound appreciation for science, the arts, and observing the unexpected beauty of everyday life. To his children, he was the great explainer — he was always ready to dive into a topic, and he lit up with enthusiasm when asked to make the complex accessible.
Throughout his adult life, Frank was a spirited soccer fan, coaching his children’s youth teams from the sidelines and following international competitions and European professional leagues. He volunteered with Delaware Valley Orienteering Association, and his children fondly remember traversing regional parks with him during orienteering meets. A talented home cook, Frank delighted in sharing meals and desserts with family and friends and hosting holiday gatherings. Frank loved exploring new places with his family and toured numerous national and state parks, as well as international destinations. Travel also allowed Frank to expand his lifelong interest in photography.
Frank felt strongly that art and science are coequal and essential. As a young person, he prided himself on studying poetry alongside chemistry. He brought his children to art and science museums throughout his life, a pursuit he later continued with Sharon. In retirement, he spent time teaching himself new computer programming languages and developing personal projects.
Frank possessed a strong moral compass. He was sensitive to injustice and held compassion for everyone in the highest regard.
Frank was particularly moved by the work of perceptual artist Robert Irwin, who worked across science, technology, and art. Irwin’s words encapsulate Frank’s worldview: “It’s a constant, continuous, spectacular world we live in, and every day you see things that just knock you out, if you pay attention.”
He leaves behind a legacy of love and curiosity that will live on in all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love. He greatly appreciated all the loving support he received from family and friends during his recent illness.
A celebration of Frank’s life will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Brandywine Creek State Park Pavilion. Details will be published at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank’s name to the Ministry of Caring, the ACLU of Delaware Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
