Archie Monroe, Lll

Archie Monroe III was born May 11, 1957 in Baltimore, MD to Gloria Bethune and Archie Monroe II. He was raised in Wilmington, DE by his mother and stepfather, Clarence Lane. He spent his early years growing up on the Eastside of Wilmington. Some of his fondest memories are playing basketball at Kirkwood Park, long after dark. The court was lit and his mother could see him from the front door. His former house on Spruce Street is the only one with the steps turned, not facing the street. This, after he rode his bike down the steps right into the street. Early signs of an adventurous spirit?

Archie graduated from St. Mark’s High School and attended University of Maryland for two years on a basketball scholarship. From there he went to the U.S. Air Force proudly working on Titan II Missiles - the most powerful defense in the military arsenal at the time. He later worked for the U.S. Postal Service and several staffing companies.

His greatest accomplishment was being Pop Pop. He loved that role and did whatever he could to bring joy and laughter to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved telling them scary stories and helping with school projects. He said his girls were his treasures, starting with his mother. They say you can judge a man’s inner goodness by his love for his mother and Archie loved his mother.

Archie died going back into his burning home to rescue his wife not knowing she had climbed out the window and escaped by jumping from the roof. Typical for him, his last act was selfless and full of love. He always said his wife would never have to doubt his love. This final act was simply another example of that love. Archie will be missed by many. We have to believe God has a plan and this is His plan. Those of us left behind will carry on. Archie is now forever playing with his beloved Sparky and Marbles.

Archie was preceded in death by his father, Archie Monroe II and maternal and paternal grandparents. He leaves to survive: his wife, Donna, his parents Gloria and Clarence Lane, son Archie Mowbray, daughter Tonisha Gentile (Kevin), daughter Gina Dennis-Watson (Talib), son Jonathan Dennis, his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sisters Iris McArthur (Frank), Roslyn Chandler (Anthony), Cheryl Lane, and a brother, Lamar Monroe.

Memorial service will be held Friday, September 22nd, 11:00 a.m. at The Resurrection Center, 3301 N. Market St. Wilmington, DE 19802. Repast following at Kingswood Community Center, 2300 Bowers St. Wilmington, DE 19802.