Stephen Ware

Stephen “Buck” Ware of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2024 at the age of 73. He was born to the late Richard Ware and Thelma Sears in Takoma Park, MD. Buck is survived by his wife Sue Ware, his daughter Stephanie Ware, his brother William “Bill” Ware and wife Tina Ware, his sister Kelly Wildman and husband William Wildman Jr. He also had two sisters that passed away before him, Victoria Lynn Moore and Sandra Jean Pavay.

 Buck served as a Navy SEAL from 1970-1976. He was part of the last east coast training class at Little Creek, VA in August 1971 (UDT 21/UDTB 7102/Class 52EC).

 He met his wife Sue while working as a Youth Drug and Alcohol Counselor at the Lois E. Jackson Unit in Cumberland, MD from 1984 - 1993. Buck and Sue were together for twenty-seven years and were married in 2005. 

 Buck was loved and respected for his kindness, compassion, honesty, courage, wisdom, and his gentle, generous, and humorous nature. He faced tremendous medical challenges but still lived everyday with joy and gratitude.

 He loved nature, mountains, animals, books, movies, and running. He enjoyed reading, backpacking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and working in the yard. He was a writer and an exceptional artist.

 A memorial service will be held at Rocky Gap Maryland Veterans Cemetery on Friday, June 7 at 2 PM. A celebration of Buck’s life will follow at Rocky Gap Casino Resort, Allegheny Room A, 16701 Lakeview Rd, NE, Flintsone from 4 PM to 6 PM.