Rodney E. Cope's Obituary
Rodney E. Cope of Claymont, DE, was born on October 30, 1949, and passed away peacefully in Wilmington Hospital on January 3, 2026, after a 12-year journey with Cerebral Infraction.
Rodney was a graduate of Claymont High School, Class of 1968. Before graduating Rod went to work at Brookhaven Pathmark where he was a member of the Meatcutter / Butchers Local 198 for 30 years. After retiring from Pathmark, he moved to Millsboro, DE, with his wife Joan and worked for 15 years in the meat department at the Georgetown Walmart.
Rod enjoyed working on his muscle cars, being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends at the AM Vets Post 2 and American Legion Post 28.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Joan Cope; his son, Rodney Cope; his stepchildren: Donna Hall (Tony), Sharon Blevins (Mark), Ellen Anderson (Bill), Bill Wooten (Dawn), and Harry Scharder; his 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Sue Carroll and Sandy Lancianese; as well as one niece and one great-niece.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Cope and Dottie Williamson; his children: Donald Cope, Angela Cieplensky, and Carol Scharder; and one grandchild.
The family is grateful for his care given by his granddaughter, Michalla Dickerson, and the Accent Hospice Team.
Donations to the Skeeter Strong Foundation in honor of Rod’s Memory are welcome at https://www.skeeterstrong.com/donate/ or contact [email protected]
Services are private.
In the meantime please leave a condolence, share a memory or light a candle in his memory.
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