Gordon Eugene Cadwgan Jr, age 81, of Wilmington, DE, formerly of West Palm Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Gordon’s life was marked by service, scholarship, and a genuine appreciation for the world around him. He graduated from the Williston Northampton School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He proudly served his country in Vietnam before completing his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts.
Gordon began his professional career at Union Carbide in West Virginia. In 1981, he joined the DuPont Company as a research chemist, where he continued to pursue his passion for scientific discovery. Beyond his career, he dedicated many years to the Alpha-1 Foundation, where he served as Chairman of the Board and worked tirelessly to support its mission.
An avid golfer, Gordon was a longtime member of Ibis Golf and Country Club. He had a deep love for animals and generously supported Big Dog Ranch in Wellington, FL, and Peggy Adams Animal Rescue in West Palm Beach, FL. Some of his happiest moments were spent at the family beach house, where he cherished summers surrounded by those he loved.
Gordon is survived by his devoted wife, Ruth Cadwgan; his daughters, Lois Slusser (Kevin), Kate Cadwgan (Dave), and Sally Bronson (Jason); his son, Larry Williams (Pam); his two cherished granddaughters, Samantha Walsh (TJ) and Mary Leverette (Jordan); and his four great-grandchildren, Timothy, Grayson, Liam, and Alana.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 7th at 1 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.
Gordon will be fondly remembered for his kindness, intellect, and unwavering love for his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to alpha1.org/tribute-giving/
Gordon was my roommate for two years at Williston; a character I cannot forget.
At once a serious grind, non-conformist rule challenger with impish humor, undercover leader of spontaneous acts of independence, Gordie was also the most faithful, lifetime supporter of the school of our generation.
The Class of ‘63 had characters of every stripe, an overwhelming spirit, a need to be heard.
While he never aspired to class Office or Council, Gordon’s was among the short list of opinions sourced by those who did. He was fresh, informed, candid, funny, uncompromising. Ruthie was always his North Star; the reason he carried on.
Gordon