Donald G. Jesse Jr., loved all things nautical

Donald “Don” G. Jesse Jr., 70, of Lewes, passed away peacefully Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Don was born Aug. 14, 1954, in Chateauroux, France, son of the late Donald George Jesse Sr. and Margaret (Forshaw) Jesse. Don and Margaret raised their son, Don, in Dover, along with his three siblings, Sheryl, Sandy and Brian.

Don was a lover of all things nautical and an avid, lifetime fisherman. In the early 1970s, Don opened his first business in Dewey Beach, Don’s Reels and Wheels, selling bait and tackle to the local fishermen. He would later open Don’s Bait and Tackle, where he would start his journey of becoming an artist and craftsman, making and selling award-winning custom fishing rods. Don was a highly skilled master carpenter for over 45 years building custom homes, doing finish carpentry, and making furniture. In 2017, he built the home of his dreams for himself and his wife, Lolita Lopez, in Lewes. In retirement, Don pursued his love of restoring and selling nautical antiques. In his spare time, Don earned his scuba diving certification and spent countless hours immersing himself in the vibrant depths of the Caribbean Sea. He loved sharing captivating tales of his underwater adventures with all who would listen.

Don married the love of his life, Lolita Lopez, Sept. 14, 1997. They shared a remarkable love story, having reunited for the second time after 12 years apart and happily married for 28 years. Don will be missed by his many lifetime friends who share stories of their adventures.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Don Sr. and Margaret Jesse; and his sister, Sheryl.

Don is survived by his only child, Justin Jesse (Lisa); grandchildren, Bethany, Dylana and Josh; his sister, Sandy Jesse; and his brother, Brian Jesse.

A viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. 

A visitation will begin at 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 200 Second St., Lewes, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery, 660 Pilottown Road, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lolita Lopez-Jesse Fund for Westside Family Healthcare, 300 Water St., Wilmington DE 19801, westsidehealth.org/lopezjessefund; or Lewes Historical Society, 110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes, DE 19958.

Visit Mr. Jesse's online tribute and sign the virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.