William David “Dave” McFadden, age 60, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on December 25, 2017, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Dave was born in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Hatboro-Horsham Senior High School in 1975. He began his career as a computer engineer with FileNet, which was later acquired by IBM, where he built computer networks and continued working until his illness led to disability.

Dave enjoyed many hobbies, including skiing, spending time at the Jersey Shore and Delaware beaches, barbecuing, and smoking meats. He was also an avid sailor and loved sailing in the British Virgin Islands, where he was affectionately known as “Captain Dave.” Over the years, Captain Dave chartered trips for hundreds of people, many of whom became lifelong friends by the end of their adventures.

In the early 1990s, Dave moved to Wilmington, Delaware, settling in Pike Creek. He dedicated himself to serving his community as an active volunteer firefighter with the Mill Creek Fire Company. During his time there, he served in various roles, including Chief Engineer, Board of Director, Chairman of the Computer Committee, and a member of the New Apparatus Committee.

Dave was predeceased by his parents, William E. and Elizabeth J. (Deneen) McFadden. He will be dearly missed by his many close friends and all those whose lives he touched.

A service, including firefighter honors, will be held on Friday, December 29, 2017, at 8:00 p.m. at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, Delaware 19808, where a viewing will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s memory to the Mill Creek Fire Company, 3808 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808.