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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Benjamin Haden Spence

Benjamin Haden Spence, age 52, of Middletown De, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 in Philadelphia, PA.

Ben attended the Phelps School in Malvern Pa, and Escuala Caribe in The Dominican Republic. He also attended Outward Bound in Colorado. Ben then went on to attend college in Ferrum Virginia, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Outdoor Recreation Education.

Following college Ben worked as a social worker at New Horizons Youth Ministries in Escuela Caribe. He led students on many service projects within the community and served as a carpenter around campus. One of the highlights of his time in the Dominican Republic was participating in building the Jarabacoa Christian School, where his two sons attended grade school.

Ben returned to the United States and was employed by NVR Inc., Ryan Homes. He was a strong pillar in the Delaware Division for over 18 years. He was a huge contributor to the division’s success. He achieved the “Master Builder Award”, the highest award that Ryan Homes offers in production. Ben was instrumental in training and coaching new employees in the warranty department.

Ben was known for his “big laugh” Everyone knew when Ben was around because of his unique laughter. It was a blessing and contagious at the same time.

Throughout his life, Ben was adventurous. He loved rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, kayaking, also spending time in summers to help build high ropes courses for various camps.

Ben Loved coaching and watching his two sons Haden and River in ice hockey. They spent many years playing travel ice hockey.

He leaves behind his two sons; Haden Spence and River Spence, his dog, Luna Sky, his father, Ernest Spence III, and his half-brother, Ernest Spence IV, all of Delaware.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 12:00 PM, at Chandler Funeral Home, 7230 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. A Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jarabacoa Christian School, http://www.jcs.edu.do/ or to a charity of your choice.

 

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Funeral Services

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 12:00 PM, at Chandler Funeral Home, 7230 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. A Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private.

Condolences

    DNP lit a candle and writes,
    That infectious laugh will resonate in perpetuity; thank God!! Until we will meet again…..
    10/03/2023 04:56 pm
    Mary Ann durante writes,
    So very sorry to hear of Ben’s passing.Our thoughts and prayers are with your family Mary Ann. John and Jimmy Durante
    10/05/2023 12:36 pm
    Grace Dillon writes,
    Ernest sorry to see the passing of your son Ben prayers for you and all of your family. Grace J. Dillon
    10/05/2023 02:06 pm
    Chuck and Arlene Dillman writes,
    So sorry to learn of Ben's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace
    10/05/2023 05:00 pm
    BEN STARNES lit a candle and writes,
    I grew up with Ben. Because of our first name, I became "Big Ben" and Ben Spence became "Little Ben". Ben Haden Spence was anything but "Little". He was larger than life. He lived life to the fullest and was fearless along the way. He had a heart of pure gold and loved people from all walks of life. Everything that everyone has said about his laugh is true- it was infectious and loud! Although I lost touch with Ben in recent years. I will never forget him or his wonderful family. I can't be there for the Memorial service as I now live in Seattle but will be there in spirit. God Bless you Ben- now you can visit with Ron, Martha and Winnie!
    10/05/2023 08:38 pm
    LINCOLN STARNES writes,
    Ben always reminded me of the actor Jeff Bridges when he was younger. He had that California 'vibe' to him, like a surfer. He was always smiling and light hearted and careful to avoid the dark places. The darkness got him once but he escaped it with a smile on his face just like he would smile when he was a kid and we would babysit him and he would disappear through a trap door in his house to make you think he'd run away and then he'd pop up behind you laughing like Robin Hood after he knocked Little John off the log bridge. Now, he can smile all day long...the darkness is gone.
    10/05/2023 10:17 pm
    Carolyn Spence lit a candle and writes,
    RIP Ben❤️
    10/06/2023 10:25 pm
    Debbie & Nick Menaquale lit a candle and writes,
    Ben came into our life 10 years ago. Ever since then, he has been a part of our family. He always made it obvious that he loved us and we loved him. I have lots of reminders of him throughout my home. I will miss you Ben, until we meet again. Ernie, Hayden & River, you are in my prayers🙏🏻
    10/09/2023 07:33 pm
    Kelli lit a candle
    10/11/2023 01:47 pm
    Robert Hull writes,
    I still think of you often. We all miss you.
    01/12/2025 01:37 am

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