Robert Stephen Didden, devoted educator
Robert Stephen Didden, 82, of Bethany Beach passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021 at his home. He was born Sept. 2, 1938, in Washington, D.C., son of the late Albert J. Sr. and Regina Didden.
Bob attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and Saint John’s College High School, Washington, D.C., where he was a lieutenant adjutant in the Cadet Corps. He entered the Christian Brothers teaching order after high school and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from LaSalle University. While with the Christian Brothers, Bob taught high school in Canton, Ohio. His faith was a cornerstone throughout his life.
Bob subsequently left the Christian Brothers and taught at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Wheaton, Md. He then joined the DOD Teaching Program and taught in Iceland, Japan, Germany and Bermuda. Bob spent the last 25 years of his career in St. George’s, Bermuda, teaching at Roger B. Chaffee High School at the U.S. Naval Air Station. As a certified SCUBA instructor, observant naturalist, skilled fisherman, and daring water-skier, he shared his love of the water with all.
Bob retired to South Bethany Beach in 1994 and provided summer housing for many visiting international students working summer jobs. He had many talents and enjoyed music, poetry, painting, literature and travel. He treasured his relationships with “his family,” be they relatives, students, coworkers or visitors. Continuing contact with many through Facebook and phone calls, and hearing about their lives, greatly enriched his own. In Bob’s own words, “To be remembered by those who have brought happiness into our lives is truly inspirational and uplifting. Please accept my gratitude and continue to use the incredible power within you.”
We will miss his keen insight, wit and friendship to all. He now lives in peace and joy.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Regina Mitchell and her husband Col. Jim Mitchell; and his brother-in-law, John Gibbs. He is survived by his brother, Albert J. Didden Jr. (Andrea); his sisters: Valerie Gibbs and Cecelia Weiland (Don); his nephews: Jason T. Didden (Amy), Keith Mitchell (Christine), and James Mitchell; his great-nephews: Sean Mitchell (Cody Heath), Justin Didden, and Peter Didden; and his great-niece, Megan Mitchell (Sarah).
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no public service. A Mass of Christian Burial via live streaming will be held Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. All are invited to join the stream by visiting The Parish of St. Ann Bethany Beach Facebook page.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Clarksville Chapel, Ocean View.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann’s Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930, or St. John’s College High School, Robert Didden Scholarship Fund, 2607 Military Road NW, Washington, DC 20015, or https://gofund.me/0e1afca1.
Please visit Bob’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
