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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Clifford P. Diver

Clifford P. Diver of Wilmington, Delaware died peacefully with his children by his side on February 2, 2022, one week shy of his ninety eighth birthday. He was born on Broom Street in Wilmington into the family of Frank W. Diver and Carolyn Prickett Diver. He enjoyed a robust upbringing with seven siblings.

He attended Mercersburg Academy and Amherst College before serving in the Army Air Corps in Europe during World War II. Upon his return from the war, he married Jean Mears, and dedicated himself to raising a family, running Diver Chevrolet in Wilmington with his brothers, and serving the community. He loved traveling, dancing with his wife Jean and spending time with his four children. He especially enjoyed the large dinners at his parents’ home with his siblings, their spouses and a massive number of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Diver is remembered by his extended family at Diver Chevrolet for his empathy for both employees and customers, which he enjoyed equally. He was a presence there for over seventy years, known for his wit and wisdom and as a person who always made time to listen. He was President for many years, and at 91 years old he relinquished control to his nephew, Rich Diver. He was immensely proud of the fact that for over 100 years there has always been a Diver on duty.

Cliff was well respected in the business community serving on the board of Wilmington Savings Fund Society in the 1980’s as well as the New Castle Mutual Insurance Corporation. He also served in various leadership roles at Immanuel Church Highlands. He served with distinction on the board of The Sunday Breakfast Mission and the Florence Crittenton Home in Wilmington. In his later years he was always there as a consoling, helping hand to others of his generation as their loved ones passed on.

Mr. Diver was predeceased by his parents and seven siblings, his wife Jean Mears Diver in 1989 and his daughter Susan Diver in 1987. He is survived by Clifford P. Diver, Jr. (Kathryn Byrne) of Lewes, Delaware, Barbara Diver Stinson of Atlanta, Georgia, Stanley Diver (Martha) of Wilmington, Delaware; grandchildren, Sibyl Diver, Eleanor Diver, Dorsey Bryan, Elizabeth Stinson, Lisa Diver, Kristen Diver and George Stinson; great-grandchildren Salman Agrawala, Denniston Diver, Suzanna Scott, Ellie Bryan, Charlotte Bryan, Hadley Stinson and Thomas Stinson. He delighted in playing cards with the children of all three generations.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Sunday Breakfast Mission in his honor.

Funeral Services

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 12:00PM at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1108 North Adams Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. A light reception will follow the service at the church. Interment private.

Trinity Episcopal – YouTube

Condolences

    Lele and Mat Fallon lit a candle and writes,
    We are so sorry for your loss. May you take comfort in your dad’s beautiful life and legacy.
    02/04/2022 04:49 pm
    Cliff Waddy and Maureen Pierce lit a candle and writes,
    We are sorry for your loss. It sounds like he was a great man and loved his family.
    02/04/2022 05:48 pm
    James Newton lit a candle and writes,
    I am really sorry for your loss. I miss talking with him when I worked at Diver we would always talk while sitting on bench outside, I will miss him. He was awesome.
    02/04/2022 07:10 pm
    Feffie Barnhill writes,
    Cliff and my father, George Barnhill, were best friends for life. They "played" together late in the afternoons, exploring old Wilmington. And of course, Dad bought all his cars from Cliff. One in particular purchase I recall. After picking up his new car, Dad crashed into the garage doors backing his new car out of the dealership. Dad asked Cliff, "Are you ready for my trade-in yet??" I send my love to Cliff's children, whom I grew up with in church, play and social events.
    02/05/2022 09:04 am
    Bruno Voidey writes,
    Oh my friend! What a sad mail, I go golfing tomorrow and I will think of this beautiful day we passed together in Wilmington golf course when these two old men kick our ass! Love, Bruno Voidey (Dijon, France)
    02/05/2022 12:42 pm
    Patty Marshall writes,
    We have all lost a great friend. The Diver-Marshall connection goes back several generations to Frank Sr. And my grandfather. My condolences to the entire family and may you share many happy moments remembering him. Patty Marshall
    02/06/2022 11:03 am
    Joseph M Libetti writes,
    My condolences to the Diver Family.
    02/06/2022 07:43 pm
    Madalyn Schultz Petit writes,
    Dear Stan, Martha and Family, I am very sorry for your loss. Madalyn
    02/06/2022 11:56 pm
    Jeff Fried and Sherry Williams-Fried writes,
    Cliff, Katherine, We are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. We are so glad you have shared all the stories of him over the years with us. May you hold all the wonderful memories of him in your heart for a lifetime. We hope to see you soon to give you hugs. Love to you both, Jeff & Sherry
    02/07/2022 09:09 am
    Rob Abel MD writes,
    Cliff was one of the most generous and humble person whom I have ever met. He embodied the wisdom, character and courage which serve a standard for humanity. The power of his illuminating life will remain with all who were privileged to come into his orbit. So many of us are sharing your grief at this time With sincerest sympathies,
    02/07/2022 09:18 am
    Joseph Kenneth Murphy writes,
    To a man who always treated me like a son and very appreciative that he did. Will always remember the good conversations we would have especially about our service in the military. Will never forget the few years working at Diver Chevrolet..... RIP and may God bless you.... Joe Murphy
    02/07/2022 03:44 pm
    Jennifer McKenna lit a candle and writes,
    Stan, Martha and The Diver family, my deepest condolences to you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. - The McKenna Family
    02/07/2022 08:55 pm
    Tom(my) Ellis writes,
    Dear Barbie & Stan, He was a man in full. One of the finest men I have ever known. What a mischievous smile! What a life!! He's resting in peace following a model life. Delaware has lost a pillar. With deep sympathy, Tom
    02/08/2022 08:34 am
    Linda White lit a candle and writes,
    Cliff was a generous, sharing man. His humor, helpfulness, and friendship was a blessing. Rest in peace Cliff. You will be missed. Linda
    02/08/2022 10:02 am
    Steve Fisher lit a candle and writes,
    Fresh out of UD I had the great fortune to begin my career at New Castle Mutual Insurance Co. in the late 70's. Cliff was on the Board of Directors along with many well-known Wilmington names of business and law. I cannot express how much I learned about business from Cliff but I learned even more from him about working with and engaging with people. He taught me the value of quiet individual conversations and about listening to others' points of view before sharing your own. He taught me that no board decision has to be contentious or a surprise if you do your homework and talk to people first. It may not end up being the outcome you desired but at least you would know why and your point of view would have been heard. Our affiliation ended in 1996 when we successfully (with a great deal of help from Cliff - again with his quiet one on one conversations with the other Board members) merged New Castle into a PA company and guaranteed ongoing employment for all New Castle staff. Suffice it to say that I wouldn't have traded what I learned from Cliff and others during that time for an MBA from any Elite school. My condolences to his family and may you find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched during his long and impactful life. May he rest in peace and may the light from God's face always shine on his enduring spirit. Steve Fisher
    02/08/2022 11:45 am
    Tracy Gell writes,
    To: Rich Diver and the Diver family, We're sending you our sincerest condolences for the loss of Cliff Diver. He was an icon in this state, did great things for the community, and he will be missed. We'll keep you all and him in our thoughts and prayers! Your Friends at Nucar Chevy
    02/08/2022 02:41 pm

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