Robert B. Uffelman, Sr., age 86, passed away in his sleep on August 30, 2025 at Christiana Hospital. Bob was born on November 17, 1938 in Flushing, NY. The family was in NY as his father was working on the 1939 World’s Fair. Eventually, the family moved to Wilmington, DE where Bob graduated from Wilmington High School in 1957. He was a self-employed painting contractor for over 40 years.
On a blind date in 1959, Bob met the love of his life, Mary Ann Green. Their friends set them up, and they met just outside the doors of the Reynold’s Candy Co. on Market Street, now Cavanaugh’s. They married on February 11, 1961, and that year, Bob was called up for active duty as an Army reservist. He was stationed at a MASH unit in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas during the Berlin Build-up.
During the 70s, Bob was a little league football coach for the Conrad Apaches, winning multiple championships. His love of football was immense. He was excited every year for the beginning of the season. He also loved attending his grandchildren’s athletic and school events.
Bob and Mary Ann enjoyed traveling and went to many islands in the Caribbean. They introduced their children to island life in 1994. Bob was also a fan of great food with New Orleans being a favorite place to visit.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Meryle and Martha Uffelman, and his siblings, Jeanne Pira, Lois Potts, Shirley Synczyszyn, Meryle and Bruce Uffelman. He is survived by his children and grandchildren: Robert B. and Janette Uffelman, Emily and Eric; Jennifer L. and Francis Nardo, Frankie and Jake. Also his in-laws, Janice Uffelman, Patricia McClafferty, Lawrence Green, David Green, Sandy Green, Patricia Green and Alice Myers plus many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks all the caregivers on 2A – surgical ICU at Christiana. Their kindness and compassion were limitless.
A celebration of life will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to FRAXA the Fragile X Research Foundation (www.fraxa.org), Autism Delaware (www.autismdelaware.org) and The A-Team Delaware (www.ateamde.org).
