Ernest Herman Pegelow

Ernest Herman Pegelow, a devoted husband, father and grandfather passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024 at the age of 100 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Born on May 15, 1924 in Williamsburg, Maryland, Ernest led a life full of adventures and service to his country. Graduating from Seaford High School in 1942, he wasted no time in joining the US Navy later that year. Assigned to the USS Gleaves during World War II, he bravely served in various Mediterranean battles where he encountered action in North Africa (Oran), Sicily, Salerno, and southern France, embodying the true spirit of patriotism. After an honorable discharge in 1946, Ernest pursued his education at Wesley College and the University of Delaware before dedicating many years to the Pennsylvania Railroad and ultimately Delmarva Power and Light. Rising through the ranks to become a supervisor in the Systems Operations department, Ernest retired in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication. He was a member of the Delmarva Power Vingt-Cinq Club. He spent many years residing in Delmar with his beloved wife, whom he married on June 19, 1950, and together they raised their daughter, Elizabeth, and shared countless memories with their family. In his retirement, Ernest's love for gardening and community involvement shone through. He lent his skills to refurbishing the Delmar Caboose and found joy in traveling and camping with his wife, friends, and family, including attending the reunions of the USS Gleaves every year for many years. He was a cherished member of St. Stephens United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee, a lifetime member of the Delmar VFW Post 8276, honorary member of the Delmar Fire Department and the Delmar Parks and Recreation Committee. He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Norma Lee (Parker) Pegelow; daughter, Elizabeth A. Messick and her husband Keith of Carlisle, PA; grandchildren, Timothy A. Messick and his wife Megan of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Deborah L. Michael and her husband Tyler of Enola, PA, and Susan R. Wolfe and her husband Joshua of Mount Holly Springs, PA; great-grandchildren, Elliana, Clementine, and Clark Michael, Oliver and Henry Messick, and Kieran Wolfe and one more great-grandson due to arrive in August; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Pegelow and Annie (Collins) Pegelow; sisters, Anna Knotts and Mary Beckwith; and a brother, William Frederick Pegelow. Ernest's life will be celebrated and remembered during the funeral service to be held Friday, May 24, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Short Funeral Home, 13 E. Grove Street, Delmar. Delaware. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in St. Stephen’s Cemetery in Delmar. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Delmar V.F.W. Post 8276, 200 W. State Street, Delmar, MD 21875. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Ernest Herman Pegelow

May 15, 1924 - May 20, 2024