Michael J. DelGrosso

Michael J DelGrosso, 

(Better known as Mike, and called "Duke" by his lifelong friends), 74 years of age, of Wilmington, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024  . Michael is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Leslie and his son, Joey.

Mike was born and raised in Wilmington's Little Italy section, where his mother, Ida and Father, Michael owned Del Grosso Italian Restaurant until 1973. He attended St. Edmond's Elementary School and graduated Salesianum High School in 1968, where he was rumored to still have the record for detentions (jugs) of any Sallies graduate. Mike hung out at Ray's Corner and was a vocalist and drummer for the Rock band, "The Mardels", who once opened for "Tommy James and the Shondels". Mike attended Goldey Beacom College and then went on to play drums and sing professionally for the bands "Stop, Look, and Listen" and "Accent".  Highlights from his music career include opening for "KC and the Sunshine Band", getting a lengthy extension for a gig in Allentown at the request of "The Monkees", and meeting his wife, who was a bartender in Lewes. 

 He owned and operated the Gunstock Shop on Union Street in Wilmington for 40+ years, where he made custom gunstocks, and worked on fine firearms for hunting enthusiasts. He was an avid waterfowl and upland game hunter and a great golfer in his younger years. In 2008, "The Mardels" got the band back together playing St. Anthony's Italian Festival yearly as well a numerous other gigs up until his death. Mike was an active member of several private clubs, where his presence and animated stories will be irreplaceable.  Mike absolutely loved his hunting dogs (owning many Labradors and Brittany Spaniels) but also fed and sheltered many stray cats that came to make the yard in the back of his shop their home. Every cat was named "'Gatto", the Italian word for cat. Mike had an outgoing personality, was very social, and had a great sense of humor, all of which will be deeply missed.  A special thanks goes to anyone who supported his business or his bands over the years.

A Mass of Christian Burial Will be Celebrated on Wednesday  November 20th at 12pm at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 9th and Dupont Sts. Wilmington.  Where family and friends are also invited to a visitation starting at 9:00am.  Interment will be held privately. 

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