Bernard K. Saydlowski, Sr.

Mr. Bernard Karl Saydlowski, Sr., died peacefully on Jan. 20, 2024, surrounded by family at Wilmington Hospital, following a brief illness. He was 91.

Born Nov. 4, 1932, in Hatfield, Massachusetts, Bernie was the third of four children of Joseph and Nellie (Krolisky) Saydlowski. He received his degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1954, where he was also an Air Force ROTC cadet. Upon graduation, Bernie joined E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. Inc., where he enjoyed a 40-year career.

Bernie worked at DuPont manufacturing facilities in Parlin, NJ, Rochester, NY, and Towanda, PA, where he left his mark as a corporate leader and a respected member of the community. He was a well-regarded baritone in the local oratorio society, an ardent supporter of the Boy Scouts, the president of the local Chamber of Commerce, and president of his children’s School Board. While in Rochester, he met and married the love of his life, Julianna (Ford) Saydlowski.

In 1984, Bernie relocated to Wilmington, DE, to work for DuPont’s Electronics and Imaging Systems businesses. He spent his early career developing light sensitive chemicals and processes, several of which were patented and used to this day. An advocate of sharing his technical expertise to help others, following his retirement, Bernie volunteered to foster sustainability development abroad with both USAID and the World Environmental Center (WEC). He also served as the Chairman of the Delaware Environmental Alliance for Senior Involvement (DelEASI).

Bernie was a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church. He served in leadership positions on numerous civic and charitable organizations, and was particularly proud to work with the Ministry of Caring in Wilmington, DE to address the needs of the poor and homeless.

A sports car enthusiast, Bernie enjoyed driving the winding roads of the Finger Lakes and the Brandywine Valley. He also enjoyed perfecting his green thumb at the family home in Wilmington. Bernie loved spending time with his family and friends, and was a devoted husband, father, and “Papa”. He was a gentleman with a generous spirit, who rarely wasted a word when he spoke.

Bernie joins in heaven his older brothers Robert and Joseph Jr. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy, and their children, Bernard Karl Saydlowski Jr. (Karen), Ann Katherine Saydlowski (Nathalie), and John Christopher Saydlowski (Grace). He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Wilson, three grandchildren, Millie, Jay, and Carrolline, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

The Saydlowski family would like to thank the incredible professionals at Accent Care Hospice, who cared for Bernie in his final days.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at 11am at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Roman Catholic Church, 10 Old Church Road, Greenville, DE.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Ministry of Caring, Inc. (https://www.ministryofcaring.org)