Arthur J. D’Aloise, Sr.

April 8, 1936 – September 20, 2025

Arthur J. D’Aloise, Sr., age 89, of Newark, Delaware, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, on April 8, 1936, Art was the eldest son of Arthur and Molly D’Aloise. He graduated from Brown Vocational High School in 1954 and served in the military from 1956 to 1958. While on leave, he married the love of his life, Diane, on September 7, 1956—a union that would anchor the rest of his life. The young couple began their married life in Germany, living in a modest one-room apartment off base with only a hot plate for cooking and a neighbor downstairs who brewed his own beer. Their time abroad also gave them the opportunity to explore Europe, visiting places like Paris and Italy before returning home to Wilmington in February 1958.

Art built a long and respected career as a lab technician with Hercules, working alongside numerous chemists and engineers until his retirement in 2002. A man of deep faith, he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on August 14, 1970, and served for decades as an elder, most recently with the Mill Creek Congregation. His love for God was evident in both word and action. He spent many hours each month preaching and studying the Bible with people in his community. In addition to his public ministry, Art could always be counted on by close friends and family for well-thought-out, caring advice from the Bible. Even during the pandemic, he continued his ministry each week by making phone calls to talk to people about the Bible.

One of his favorite subjects to discuss was “God’s Kingdom with all its marvelous blessings.” He kept a piece of paper tucked in his Bible with that phrase written on it, along with a simple but powerful way to introduce the topic: “I’d like to share three words Jesus said that would change the world.” Then he would read Matthew 6:10: “Thy kingdom come.” He’d go on to ask if they had ever thought of God’s Kingdom as a government, and share how Daniel 2:44 describes the world-changing promises of that Kingdom. His gentle, sincere manner and deep belief in what he shared touched many hearts.

Art—affectionately known as "Pup" to his grandchildren—was above all a man who gave of himself. You could see his face light up when he brought joy to someone or brightened their day, even in a small way. In his final weeks, though in the hospital, he made sure to keep a dish of chocolates nearby to share with visitors and hospital staff. That simple act was just one example of his instinct to care for others. His love and attention especially extended to his wife, Diane, during her later years, as he spent most of his waking hours ensuring she received the best care possible.

Art’s family brought him immense joy. When his first grandson, Michael, was born, he showed up nearly every day—at first inventing reasons, like dropping something off for Dean, just so he could hold Michael for a few minutes. He quickly learned he didn’t need an excuse. His three grandsons—Michael, Tyler, and Andrew—were a deep source of pride and happiness. He was the most devoted grandfather, just as his own father had been before him. Art also had a deep love for his great-grandsons—Brayden, Ethan, and Parker. He often reflected fondly on how he thought about them and prayed for them every single day.

Art had an exceptional love of learning, especially about people. He had a unique habit of asking friends who spoke other languages—Spanish, Hindi, Twi, Turkish, Russian, Gujarati, Chinese, and more—how to say certain greetings or phrases in their language. He would write these down phonetically on sticky notes and keep them in his Bible. When he met someone who spoke one of these languages, he’d try out his greeting. People were always touched—and often amused—by the effort he made to connect with them on a personal level. It was remarkable to watch him connect with a complete stranger, perhaps someone he met at the grocery store, with just a few words and a warm smile. He built many lasting friendships from these simple conversations.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Art enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, and football in his youth, and remained an avid fan of these sports into his later years. But it was golf that truly captured his heart. One of his greatest joys was sharing his love of the sport with his grandsons. He would take them to play every week during the summer, even getting them lessons at DuPont Country Club. While the lessons helped, the real learning happened during a round of golf with Art. He always knew exactly what you were doing wrong, if a swing was off, and was quick to offer helpful advice. These are memories they will each cherish forever.

He had a gift for making people feel welcomed and loved and was genuinely hospitable. Art was famous for his homemade pizzelles, which he loved to give to friends and family. True to his Italian heritage, he was always insistent on feeding anyone who visited his home, offering a good meal, a nice bottle of wine, or even just a warm cup of coffee. Most importantly, he always made time to listen. Art had a warmth that drew people in. He welcomed anyone who was a friend of his children or grandchildren into his home as if they were family. His sense of humor, generous heart, and love for music—especially smooth jazz—added light and joy to every gathering.

When his son Artie once asked him, “What do you remember most about your parents?” he simply said, “They loved me.” That’s what those who knew him will remember most about Art—his love. No one will ever love you quite like your parents do, and Art gave his family that kind of steady, unconditional love every day of his life.

Art will be remembered for his friendly, positive spirit, his quiet strength, his deep love for his family, and his unwavering faith. He lived a life of purpose, humility, and joy—leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and integrity.

He will be deeply missed by his loving family, including his three children: Arthur D'Aloise, Jr. (Lydia), Kimberly Saulsbery (Dean), and Carla Enslin (Rob); his grandchildren: Michael Saulsbery (Lee), Tyler Enslin (Brooke), Andrew Saulsbery (Faith); and great-grandson Brayden Saulsbery. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Joanne D'Aloise; brothers-in-law, Robert Ledley (Gabriella) and Mark Ledley (Karen); and sister-in-law, Adele Demnicki, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Art was predeceased by his beloved wife, Diane; his brother, Robert (Bob) D'Aloise; and his twin great-grandsons, Ethan and Parker Saulsbery.

A memorial service will be held on **Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 2 PM on Zoom**.

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