Michael F. Gunning

Michael F. Gunning, 74, of Wilmington, Delaware passed away at his home from a long neurological illness on April 24, 2021.

He graduated from Brandywine High School and Wilmington College.

Mike worked for the DuPont Co., Edgemoor Plant before being drafted into the Army. When he returned to Delaware, he went back to work at the Edgemoor Plant. In 1972, he applied and was accepted into the Delaware State Police. He was at Troop 1 Penny Hill and Headquarters, Dover.

He worked several units, Alcohol Safety, Academy Instructor, SWAT Team to name a few. In 1993, he retired at the rank of Captain. He then worked for New Castle County Government Center, retiring from there in 2008.

In 2001, he became a grandfather and again in 2003. That was the happiest time of his life. His grandchildren meant the world to him.

Michael was a member of the Delaware State Police Museum Committee and the Association of Retired Delaware State Police.

Michael is predeceased by his parents, James Patrick and Katharine (nee Johnson) Gunning, and his brother J. Patrick Gunning. He is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Heather Newton, grandchildren Brandon, Julian, John-Paul and Jenna Newton, brothers Robert, Kevin, sisters Kathleen, Mary and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions made in his name to Season Hospice, 220 Continental Drive, Suite 407, Newark, DE 19713 or Delaware State Police Museum, 1425 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901 or Special Olympics, 619 S. College Ave., Newark, DE 19716 would be appreciated.

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Funeral Services

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions made in his name to Season Hospice, 220 Continental Drive, Suite 407, Newark, DE 19713 or Delaware State Police Museum, 1425 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901 or Special Olympics, 619 S. College Ave., Newark, DE 19716 would be appreciated.

Condolences

Rev.Joe and Denise Monardo lit a candle and writes,

With our deepest sorrow for all the Family, Mike's strong loyalty to Family, Country to the State Police and to every position who took on life . We thank him for his Faithful Service . Always in our Prayers 🙏

04/25/2021 12:14 pm

C.V. writes,

Blue Lives Matter 💙💙💙 Thank You For Your Service Officer

04/25/2021 03:18 pm

Lorraine & Sid Lieb writes,

So sorry for your loss to the Gunning family and thank you Micheal for your years of service prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏

04/25/2021 07:44 pm

Kevin j gunning jr lit a candle and writes,

I will miss mike sorry for your loss

04/25/2021 08:29 pm

JD Taylor lit a candle and writes,

I am sorry for your loss. I worked around Mike and rode back and forth to headquarters with his car pool for a couple of years. Mike was a trooper’s trooper and highly thought of. Please accept my condolences. JD Taylor 36th Academy class

04/25/2021 09:25 pm

Capt. Andrew Stayton, DSP Ret. lit a candle and writes,

Carol, my sympathy to you and your family. As you know Mike and I worked together at the Traffic Section for a couple years. He was an outstanding and talented Trooper. He will be missed by his many friends. RIP Mike.

04/25/2021 09:47 pm

Paul Taylor writes,

Carol / Heather, So sorry to hear about Mike. I enjoyed my time with him at Pennyhill working ASAP Patrol. He always took his time with the younger guys trying to make us better troopers. Again, so sorry. Pt

04/25/2021 10:07 pm

Laurel Mehew King lit a candle and writes,

To the Gunning Family, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. May your fond memories comfort you in these difficult times. I recall (then) Sgt. Gunning and the DUI course he taught at the DSP Academy. His eager and committed training shaped my interest. Please know that I am very grateful to him. God grant you peace and bless all of you.

04/26/2021 12:00 am

Bette Deacon Klemko writes,

Carol, I worked worked for Mike in the Traffic Section. He was the best boss I ever had. He was very kind, generous, and fun to work for. I really missed him after he retired. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers Bette Klemko

04/26/2021 01:09 am

Mary k Gunning writes,

Michael I love you and I will miss you brother. I will miss your laughter. You were a good father, uncle and a grandfather. We all thank you for taking care of mom. You’re wife Carol loved you and took good care of you. When you became a Delaware State police officer I was proud and you became a captain. I was proud of you My brother. You will always be in my heart. I love you and miss you Michael. Mom, dad and Pat are with you. Thank you for your services.

04/26/2021 07:40 am

Ret Capt. George (Buddy) Williamson NCCPD lit a candle and writes,

Mike and I both graduated from BHS in 64. I met Mike on and off the job numerous times. The conversation was always about Carol and his family. He was very proud of his family. A great person that will be missed.

04/26/2021 08:16 am

Gerard Schad lit a candle and writes,

Mickey and I are so sorry for your loss. Mike was not only a classmate but a friend. He was highly respected for his work. He will be missed greatly. Mickey and I offer our thoughts and prayers for you and Heather and the Gunning family. God Bless.

04/26/2021 06:49 pm

Jim Natalie writes,

As a criminal defense attorney, I knew Mike as a police officer. He was an example of the best! Smart, fair, honest and someone I always respected! I am sorry to read of his passing.

04/26/2021 09:02 pm

Susan Anderson writes,

My sincere condolences to Mike's family and friends. He was an absolute gem at work (New Castle County Government) and was always helpful at the time he was needed. Susan Anderson

04/26/2021 11:39 pm

Debbie Walker writes,

RIP Mike. My condolences go out to the family. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with you at NCC. You were one of the nicest people, and would always help your coworkers. May you be at peace.

04/27/2021 08:09 am

Tim Sedgwick lit a candle and writes,

I learned a lot from working with Mike. I considered him a friend and will have fond memories of Mike, Carol and Heather. Connie's and my thoughts and prayers are with you Carol. He was a great Trooper and a better person. Tim Sedgwick 36th Recruit Class

04/27/2021 08:21 am

Lou Rombach lit a candle and writes,

Always willing to listen, help or just talk. Professional, caring and able to get things done even after hours. New Castle County lost a good one when you left, Mike. God speed our prayers are with you and the family.

04/27/2021 04:38 pm

Nancy Biddle(Sturgis) writes,

Mike was a wonderful photographer. 39 years ago to the day Mike passed he took my wedding pictures. I remember when he showed up to my mother's home to take pre-ceremony pictures, I was having a beer with my brothers and playing pac man and he said to me you are making me nervous you are getting married in 1 hour. I assured him I would be ready. I was and he took the most beautiful pictures of my special day. I had 14 bridesmaids and he said it was his largest wedding party so far and that everything went smoother than he thought it would. Mike thank you for your talents, your service and for being such a kind person. RIP Mike.

04/28/2021 10:21 am

Ronesha Robbins writes,

Hey Mike it’s Ronnie 😍 It’s kind of hard to write this because it’s not time. I just seen you I was only gone for a couple days buddy 🥺. Just want to thank you and your family for allowing me to be with you and to provide my services and make the most comfort and relax days for you .We had our fun times watching our news and our fav Rachael Ray cooking . You was a good funny young man that , I’m glad I got to meet. Til we meet again Mike - luv Ronnie xoxoxo

04/29/2021 09:32 am

Pete lit a candle and writes,

Rest in peace Mike, Thanks for everything Always enjoyed the “let’s take a walk“ Conversations.

05/01/2021 04:22 am

Stuart Snyder lit a candle and writes,

I worked with Mike when he was a trooper, and with New Castle County in the I.T. section. A true professional, intelligent, ethical, and pleasure to work with. He will be missed.

05/01/2021 07:03 pm

Christine Panaro Schneider writes,

Dear Gunning Family Members~ I was 6 years old when I had a freak accident at West 18th & Tatnall Sts. in Wilmington. Michael, my brother’s friend, was 14 yrs. old and nearby. I have never forgotten how he came running, picked me up, and carried me to my home. I am forever grateful for his caring and act of kindness. It is no surprise that he would choose a career in law enforcement. I know that he will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. With love and sympathy~ Christine Panaro Schneider

05/02/2021 02:11 am

Ed Podralski writes,

Carol, Heather and the entire Gunning family, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Mike and my sincere condolences go out to you and your family. I feel lucky that I got to meet and know Mike, and his family, through Boy Scouts, which my son Evan and Brandon became good friends while in Scouts. What a sad day. We had some great times together on Scouting trips and while hanging out with Brandon and Evan. He was such a super man and human being, super nice and just loved and adored his grandkids. I can tell he was a great husband, father and grandfather and he served his country and state proudly. Mike, you will be missed but not forgotten. Carol and Heather, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that you will eventually find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Take care as best you can. Ed Podralski

05/03/2021 01:15 pm

Sondra kaffenbergrr writes,

Sorry Carol. Jim has been in the hospital on and off. Just wanted to let you know that we are sorry love and God bless you

05/03/2021 04:44 pm

Leland T. Bird writes,

Carol and Heather, We are sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Prayers for all. Lee & Anita Bird

05/12/2021 02:05 pm

Bruce f Hirdler lit a candle and writes,

Mike. We were best friends back in our W18!h street days in the 50s. Met again working for DuPont Edgemoor. Good times again. I moved to Florida and then to Maine. Saw u again in 2010 at ur home. I was truly sad to hear your passing. Sgt Bruce Hirdler retired

05/19/2023 05:56 pm

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