Morton Gordon, owned Mort’s Delicatessen

Morton Gordon, 94, of Dover passed away Monday, Jan. 7, 2019.

Mr. Gordon was born Aug. 16, 1924 in Chestertown, Md., to the late Harry Gordon and Sophie Turbin Gordon. He was the youngest of seven children, born at two pounds, a story that he loved to share, especially in his later years.

His senior year of high school he was drafted into the Army during World War II. In 2002 he was honored with his high school diploma from Chestertown High School. Mr. Gordon’s parents moved from Chestertown to Cheswold where they established a salvage business. Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Gross, and the two married in 1948. Together they owned a small business in downtown Dover on Loockerman Street, Mort’s Delicatessen; they owned the business for 36 years. The delicatessen was the first to bring bagels, a little piece of New York, to Dover as was their plan.

Mr. Gordon loved bowling and was on a team for as long as anyone can remember. He bowled strikes until he was 88 years old. He was a past member of the Dover Elks Lodge BPOE 1903. Mr. Gordon was an active member of the men’s club of Congregation Beth Shalom and Dover Little League. He was an avid Phillies fan, enjoyed playing horseshoes, and loved watching his grandchildren participate in sports and other activities.

Mr. Gordon was predeceased by his wife, siblings and parents.

He is survived by his son, Stephen (Michele) Gordon; daughters, Louise (Joe) Kotarba and Brenda (David) Jaffe; grandchildren, Daniel (Lori) Gordon, David (Jennifer) Gordon, Amanda (Joe) Maslak, Neal Aultman, Rachel Aultman, Micah Jaffe, Eli Jaffe, Kelly Leeds and Matt Leeds; great-grandchildren, Sarah, Jacob, Brooks and Juliette Gordon, and Olivia, Gemma and Benjamin Maslak, and Collin and Riley Leeds.

Services will be held at the Jewish Community Cemetery in Wilmington, 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 9. Interment to follow in Jewish Community Cemetery, 401 Foulk Road, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to the Congregation Beth Shalom, 340 N. Queen St., Dover, DE 19904 in Mort’s memory.
Letters of condolence and guestbook may be signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.