Jerry Lee "Hoppy" Daniels

Jerry Lee Daniels, affectionately known as "Hoppy," of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

Born in Bridgeton, NJ, on March 20, 1941, he was the son of the late John C. and Cora (Walti) Daniels, Jr. Hoppy proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1959-1963, where he served aboard the USS Salisbury Sound. He was a graduate of Wilmington College, making his career as an accountant for Christiana Care, where he retired in 2004.

Hoppy was a Life Member, Fire Police Captain Emeritus, and Treasurer Emeritus of Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Co. with over 51 years of dedicated service. He was actively involved in numerous organizations, including Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association and Emergency Responder Safety Institute.

In addition to his parents, Hoppy was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Daniels. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Donna Lee (DeVries) Daniels; sons, Jerry Lee Daniels II and Geoffrey DeVries Daniels (Stephanie); sister, Suzanne Petrunis, grandchildren, Ezekiel Daniels, Lucas Daniels, Colton Daniels, Geoffrey Daniels and Emily Daniels, and sister-in-law, Kathy Daniels.

A service to celebrate Hoppy's life will be held at 5 pm on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Co., 410 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19711. Inurnment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Hoppy's memory to Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Co., ATTN: Fund Drive, PO Box 148, Newark, DE 19715-0148 or online by clicking here.