Allan R. Dever passed peacefully on December 23, 2025, at the age of 92. He was born on August 13, 1933, in Wilmington, DE to James and Isabella Dever. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and five sisters, and his loving wife Joan. He is survived by his sons Keith (wife Isabel) and Mark (wife Karen).
He served in the Air Force in the Korean War, later in the Air Force Reserve, and for 40 years as a civilian for the Department of Defense at both Dover and Kelly AFBs. His final rank was Chief Master Sergeant. He completed his career of service working for General Electric in San Antonio Texas supporting the TF-39 jet engine of the C-5 Galaxy for which he was one of the foremost experts.
This was only eclipsed by service to his family. He helped build fast pinewood derby cars for Cub Scouts, the best Kon Tiki book report model ever made, and an electric motor for a science project that an expert would be proud of. He sold a ton of fertilizer each year for St. Edmond’s Academy Father’s Club and had a lot of fun with the other dads on the annual trip to Cape Henlopen to learn about the Menhaden! He was a great Dad!
He spent his retirement much the same, in service, and stayed busy tending to his certified wildlife habitat and garden in the back yard. He enjoyed horse racing and regularly attended races at Delaware Park and even attended all three Triple Crown races following Big Brown. He went to many Notre Dame football games in South Bend and even one in Dublin. His final game was last year against Army at Yankee Stadium. He leaves a legacy of faith, love, devotion to family, and service to others. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 4701 Weldin Rd. Wilmington 19803. A viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Cathedral Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm are welcome.
