Irenee du Pont May

Irenee du Pont May died peacefully in Wilmington, Del. on Nov 15, 2017 at the age of 89. He is survived by his wife Katherine Reese, brother Ernest N May Jr.; children Sophie May Gerard and Irenee D. May Jr. along with five grandchildren and one great grand-daughter. His first wife Ursula Keller preceded him in death.   Born in Buffalo, N.Y. to Ernest Nugent May and Irene Sophie du Pont.

He graduated from Philips Andover and Williams College before getting his Masters in Chemical Engineering from Stanford. Following his service in the Navy, he joined the E.I. DuPont Company in the mid ‘50s where he worked for 25 years serving roles in manufacturing, sales, product innovation, and labor relation. During his career he lived in Kentucky, Delaware, West Virginia, and California.

A life long sponsor of education, the arts and helping the less advantaged, Irenee served the community on a number of boards including: Lincoln University, Longwood Foundation, Delaware Trust and Faithful Friends. He also served as President of Vicmead Hunt Club. As a winter residents of Charleston S.C. Irenee and Kitty were supporters of Gibbes Museum of Art, Spoleto Festival and members of the Carolina Yacht Club. His children remember him as a kind gentle patient father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. He was generous and witty with an indomitable spirit and curiosity that led him to the Mississippi River this summer to see the total eclipse.

A funeral is scheduled for 11am Wednesday Nov. 22 at Family Cemetery with a reception to follow at Christ Church Parish Hall. Rev. Jenny Fenton will officiate the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Faithful Friends Animal Society, Germay Drive, Wilmington DE 19804.