Roland Dale Gladden, Jr.

HARRINGTON – Roland Dale Gladden, Jr., went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Bayhealth Sussex Campus. Dale was born in Salisbury, Maryland, son of the late Roland Dale, Sr., and Winnie Faye (German) Gladden. He graduated from Wicomico High School with the class of 1966. After graduation he joined the US Army and was first stationed in Turkey. He served in the US Army for 20 years in various capacities and retired in 1986 with an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Sergeant First Class. After Dale’s service to his country, and retirement from the US Army, he moved into the auto industry where he worked for 30 years in management and sales. He worked alongside Al Gardner at Milford Motors, and then moved to CF Schwartz, from which he retired in 2008. Not wanting to fully retire, he and his daughter Casondra opened Gladden’s Furniture, Bedding and U-Haul in 2010. Dale was a member of Calvary Wesleyan Church in Harrington and Lighthouse Christian in Milford. His memberships also included Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star where he served as Worthy Grand Patron (2009-2010) and the Union Lodge #7 Masonic Lodge, Dover, DE. Dale’s hobbies included golfing, shooting pool, traveling and spending time with his family. Dale, and his pool team, were sent to tournaments in Las Vegas to represent the State of Delaware three different times. He always put his family first and was very invested in their lives. From family dinners to barbeques, vacations, and everything in between; he was always excited to be wherever his family was. He loved to travel in his motor coach and most recently enjoyed a trip to Tennessee, with family to enjoy the area. Dale also had a soft spot in his heart for animals of any kind, especially rescues. In addition to his parents, Dale is preceded in death by two brothers, Terry W. Gladden and David Lee Gladden of Salisbury MD. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Cheryl (Sherwood) Gladden; five daughters, Caprecia and Michael Zdradzinski, Catrena Gladden-Welch and Doug Brown, Casondra and Michael Cain, Julie-Marie Gladden, Lourdes Huerta-Ojeda and her family in Peru; ten grandchildren, Zachary (Ashley Powell), Zadriene (Allen Hickman), Zarianna, Zarek, and Zellalia Zdradzinski; Tyler Welch, Whitney-Jane Dale Welch (Buddy Bloom, IV), Chandler and Emilia-Grace Welch and Jaiden-Laura Cain; brother-in law Robert L. Sherwood; one brother, Tinker Gladden and wife Carol; several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, October 8, 2021 at Lighthouse Christian Center, 347 Calvary Road, Milford, DE 19963. A time of visitation for family and friends will begin at 11:00am. Interment will be held privately. The family has asked that due to the ongoing pandemic, for their safety and the safety of those attending, masks and social distancing will be required. In lieu of flowers, contributions are welcome to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa Florida 33607, or online at www.lovetotherescue.org.