Wayne Howard Todd

Obituary of Wayne Howard Todd

Wayne Howard Todd age 72, a lifelong resident of Claymont, Delaware, went home to be with the Lord in the early hours of November 18, 2025, with his beloved wife, Denise, by his side.

Born in Chester to Betty Holt Todd and the late Samuel Howard Todd, Wayne grew up in Chester before his family settled in Claymont. After graduating from Mount Pleasant high school, he proudly joined the Merchant Marine.

A natural salesman with a true entrepreneurial spirit, Wayne was gifted in many talents. During the early years of the 7-11 Corporation, he and Denise became one of the company's first management teams at the Anglesea 7-11-one of its earliest Northeast locations. He later joined the 7Up Company, beginning as a production worker and advancing to an independent route owner, eventually serving many years as a distinguished District Manager in Elkton, Maryland.

Following the sale of 7Up, Wayne began a long and successful career with Penn Jersey Paper Company. He earned Rookie of the Year and went on to be the #1 salesman company-wide for seven consecutive years. Over his thirty-eight years with the company, he became a deeply respected and cherished member of the staff. Wayne was a proud business owner of Wayden, Inc., dedicated to helping small businesses with their paper needs.

In his spare time, Wayne devoted himself to coaching. He loved coaching his sons' and grandsons' Little League teams and spent many years coaching basketball for the Police Athletic League of Delaware and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). He played a meaningful role in helping young athletes develop their skills and earn college scholarships.

His sons also remember his enthusiastic involvement in producing five Weekend at Bertha's music festivals, where he helped to secure performances by members of the Grateful Dead, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, and many others.

Above all, Wayne's greatest love was his family. He and Denise met on a blind date (just not with the people they arrived with), were engaged shortly thereafter, and recently celebrated their fifty-second wedding anniversary. Wayne had the heart of a philanthropist-always ready to help anyone in need with his time, talent, and resources. He truly left the world a better place than he found it.

In addition to his mom Betty Holt Todd, Wayne is survived by his devoted wife, Denise; his sons Dwayne (Marcelle Anascue) Todd and Richard (Shelby Sachs) Todd; his grandchildren America, Peadar Mile, Wilhelmina, Sacora Grace, and Cian James; his sister Karen (Jan) Lesperance; his brother Darryl Todd; his nephews Kevin Moore, Zachary (Katie) Lesperance, Dylan and Colin Todd; and his cousin Penny. He was predeceased by his niece Colleen Dennis and his nephew Jack Howard "Buzzy" Linton.

Family and friends are invited to his visitation on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 11:00 AM-1:00PM. at the Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Road, Garnet Valley, PA. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne's memory may be made to one of his favorite charities: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union). Online condolences may be offered at www.paganofuneralhome.com