David Jackson Athey

1960 - 2023

David Jackson Athey, age 62, of Newark, DE, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023 after a short but brutal battle with cancer.

Born in Wilmington, DE on May 24, 1960, he was a son of June S. and the late Robert J. Athey. David's extensive education included a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Delaware. He was also a Professional Engineer and Certified Floodplain Manager.

David began his engineering career at Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in California. He worked for over 35 years in water resources engineering and public works, predominantly for government agencies specializing in surface water quality management and program management. David was awarded the Grand Conceptor Award (highest honor) by the American Council of Engineering Companies - Delaware Section for designing the Cedar Point Storm Basin Retrofit. He also made two trips to McMurdo Station, Antarctica as employee of support contractor to the United States Antarctic Research Program.

David was an active member of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark where he served as a board member and committee chair from 2011-2022. He was very active in his community and causes he believed in. David served five terms (10 years) on the Newark City Council, served on the Town and Gown Committee, and chaired on the Newark Traffic Relief Committee and Old Newark Civic Association. He was on the board of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary from 2015-2020, the Executive Committee as Secretary, chair of the Advocacy Committee, board of American Public Works Association - Delaware Chapter from 2001-2016, and elected on the board of Delaware Association of Professional Engineers from 2002-2006. David's other accomplishments include being on the Delaware Natural Areas Advisory Council from 2006-2014, being active at the Delaware Nature Society for over 15 years as a committee chair and volunteer, serving as past president of the Georgia Tech Club of the Delaware Valley, and was an event chair and volunteer for the American Cancer Society for several years. Always looking to help others, he regularly donated blood, providing over 6 gallons to the Blood Bank of Delaware.

David was a life-long swimmer, serving as co-captain of his high school swim team and medaled at the state championship. He continued his love of swimming by being a member of the U of D outdoor pool from 1996-2022. David was an avid basketball fan and was in attendance at the Spectrum for the Duke/Kentucky overtime game in the 1992 east regional final of the NCAA basketball championship.

In addition to his mother, he will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 31 years, Lori J. Athey; siblings, Linda Lagstrom (Eric) and Robert E. Athey (Linda); niece, Sandy Kiouressis (John); nephews, Robert D. Athey (Amber) and Scott Lagstrom (Allison); great nieces, Hannah and Hayley Lagstrom; and great nephews, Zach Lagstrom and Robert J. Athey II.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00 pm until 3:30 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark, 420 Willa Road, Newark, DE 19711, followed by a memorial service at 3:30 pm. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David's memory may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark at the address listed above.

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