Eugene Allen "Gene" Mayhew

Eugene (Gene) Allen Mayhew, 82, of New Castle, Delaware, passed away on September 23, 2025 surrounded by his family, after a long battle with CANVAS, a degenerative neurological disease.

Gene was born in Salem, New Jersey, on March 20, 1943, the youngest of five children born to Rebecca Logan Mayhew and Kenneth Donavan Mayhew. Gene was a descendant of John Hart, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey. Gene grew up in Pennsville, New Jersey, and graduated from Newark High School where he had a dance band. Gene graduated from the University of Delaware, where he played the trumpet in the Marching Band. While at the University, Gene met Carol, his wife. They married following graduation. In 1966, they moved into their home in Historic New Castle, Delaware.

Gene's first job was with the Prisoner's Aid Society in Wilmington, Delaware, where he ran a halfway house. Three years later, he took a position with the US District Court of Delaware as a probation officer. After 26 years, he retired and began his second career as an elementary guidance counselor in the Brandywine and Colonial School District. Gene won an award from the State Department of Education for programs he instituted in the schools.

During the summers, Gene spent most of his time in his woodworking shop and at his favorite job of all - spending time with his four grandchildren. Gene spent hours taking them to the pool, to various lessons and sports events, and eventually taught them all to drive.

Gene was an avid bike rider, even riding his bike to work. He chaired the MS Bike to the Bay event for many years, which raised money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. He himself also made the two-day 150-mile ride for 36 years and was given a Community Builders award for his work with MS.

As a member of the New Castle Presbyterian Church, Gene served in many roles. One of his cherished roles was leading church members in Christmas caroling through the streets of New Castle. He also served a term as Moderator of the New Castle Presbytery.

Gene is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol O'Neill Mayhew, his daughter Stacy Mayhew-Clements (JW Clements), and four grandchildren: Logan McKnight Clements (Cameron Archie), Hart Mayhew Clements (Elizabeth Gallagher), Luke O'Neill Clements, and Hunter McCullough Clements (Brooke Spino). He is also survived by two brothers, Kenneth Donovan Mayhew (Catherine) and Eric W. Mayhew (Frances), and a sister-in-law, Nancy Eastburn Mayhew, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Audrey Mayhew Sayers in 1989, and his brother, Douglas L. Mayhew in 2023.

A memorial service will be held at New Castle Presbyterian Church, 25 East 2nd Street, New Castle, Delaware, on Friday, October 3, at 11:00 a.m. Internment in the church's memorial garden will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the New Castle Presbyterian Church, 25 East Second Street, New Castle, Delaware. 19720.

www.delawarefuneral.com