Claude Pritchett

Claude Pritchett passed away on April 7, 2026 after a short, undefined illness.  He was as in life, surrounded by his family and loved ones whom he cherished.

Claude was born on August 27, 1941 to Claude Sr. and Nellie Durham Pritchett.  He was locally known as “Old Dover”; someone born and bred and lived out his life in the Cheswold/Dover, DE area.  Due to a family emergency at the time of his birth, he was raised also by Charles and Elva M. Pritchett.  Uncle Charlie was a Baptist Minister, so Claude was taught early on to love Jesus.  He learned good Christian values at an early age and maintained those values throughout his life.  A quiet, private man, he never forced his beliefs or opinions on anyone.  He preferred to worship God in his own quiet and personal way and share his life with those he chose to love. Claude lived through 15 presidential administrations and was born before TV and the internet. 

A hard worker, he barely finished High School before he went to work at Fleischer’s Bakery, as a baker.  He worked there for 20+ years before going to work at the old Dunkin Donuts on Court Street, where he met his third wife Gwen.  He and Gwen shared 41 years together.  They proudly raised two sons and they were the joy of Claude’s later years.  For the last 15 years until recently, they were co-owners of D&J Transportation, where they contracted with various entities to drive Medicaid patients to appointments.  They looked upon this service as a ministry where they could help those less fortunate.

A die hard Phillies and Eagles fan, he could always be seen wearing a hat or jacket with the team logos.  Until early 2026, he was a force to be reckoned with.  If he wasn’t cleaning the house, or working in the yard, he was driving friends to the doctor, entertaining grandchildren and travelling with Gwen.  Recently they travelled to Nashville, Branson, the Grand Canyon, Mt Rushmore and the surrounding areas.  He enjoyed having coffee with friends to joke around and reminisce about the old days.  He loved “old country” music, specifically George Jones and Hank Sr., and watching cowboys on TV. He had a quiet sense of humor and could tell a story about something that happened years ago and have everyone rolling with laughter. Claude liked old cars and the old, simple ways.

Claude was predeceased by 4 of his 5 siblings, his parents, also his son Roger in 2018.  He leaves behind wife Gwen (Wankow), sons Joseph (Kathleen), David and Michael, daughter Marjorie Crouch (Jayson), Sister Betty Loatman, 4 grandchildren, 4 Great grandchildren and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

If you would like, make a donation in his name, to Deborah Heart and Lung Center, the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.  Services will be private. 

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