Former Wilmington council president, father to congresswoman dies Thursday

Former Wilmington City Council President Ted Blunt and father of Delaware Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester died overnight Thursday.

Blunt Rochester's office issued a statement Friday announcing her father's death. Blunt was 80 years old.

“It is with a heavy heart that the Blunt family announces the passing of former Wilmington City Council President Ted Blunt," the statement reads. “Mr. Blunt, aged 80, was at home, surrounded by love, and passed peacefully during the late evening hours of January 11th."

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alice; his brother, John; his sister, Catherine; three daughters, Lisa, Thea and Marla; two sons-in-law; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

The governor has ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-mast at state facilities on the day of the funeral.

A decadeslong political career

Blunt was first elected to Wilmington City Council's 1st District in 1985, serving until 2000, when he was elected as council president. He then served two terms in the council leadership position. In 2008, Blunt declared his intention to run for lieutenant governor. However, he later chose to call off the campaign, citing money and party unity.

Following his time on the City Council, Blunt also toyed with the idea of running for Wilmington mayor, according to Delaware Online/The News Journal archives.

In 2018, the council unveiled the Commemorative Wall that highlights various council sessions and its respective leaders, a concept that was the vision of Blunt, Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver said at the time.

"He was an educator, mentor, leader, and friend to countless Delawareans," the statement continued. "Our entire family asks for your grace, prayers, and privacy as we mourn his loss.”

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki on Friday ordered that all city flags be flown at half-staff and recalled Blunt's time as a "committed public servant, skilled politician, gifted athlete and dedicated educator."

The mayor said during Blunt's time in city office, he "led by example and, with selflessness and grace, worked to forge consensus among" council members and create partnerships citywide.

"With a smile as big as his heart, he was a rare politician who seemingly had not one single enemy.

“Above all, Ted was deeply devoted to his family, and it is with them that our hearts rest on this sad day," Purzycki said in an emailed statement. "Wilmington is unlikely to see such a man of character and force for good as Ted Blunt anytime soon, if ever, and he leaves behind a city that is unquestionably better for his passion and his service.“

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Blunt was inducted into the Blue-Gold Basketball All-Star Hall of Fame at Bob Carpenter Center, and beyond his political efforts was featured in the Delaware News Journal for his fashion sense in 2010 as well as his iconic orange '71 Volkswagen Beetle.

Blunt is a graduate of Winston-Salem Teachers College, now known as Winston-Salem State University, and Rutgers University, according to Blunt Rochester's office.

Elected leaders pay respect

President Joe Biden said in a statement Friday: "Jill and I have known and loved Ted Blunt for decades. Over the years, the Blunts and the Bidens became family. You didn’t have to know Ted as long or as well as we have known him to witness his kindness, optimism, and selflessness. When you saw Ted’s big smile, you couldn’t help but smile, too. He had a gentle way about him, and just being near him made you feel joy."

On the City Council, Blunt helped lead Wilmington "with passion and compassion," Biden said.

Biden also praised Blunt as a family man. "Ted’s dedication to the most vulnerable among us was matched only by his deep devotion to his family," Biden said.

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons said Blunt helped him "believe it was possible to be in politics and still not lose sight of what matters to you the most: your family." He extended his thoughts to the Blunt family during this time.

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"Ted confronted each moment, big or small, with his infectious smile and determination to accomplish what was just and necessary for the greater good. He’ll be remembered for his dedication and steadfast commitment to the communities that he served, as well as his excellence on the basketball court," Coons said in an emailed statement Friday. "His leadership on the court later transitioned to leading underserved neighborhoods throughout Wilmington. It is no coincidence that his passion for, and legacy of, helping others can be seen through his children."

U.S. Sen. Tom Carper said he had known Blunt for more than 30 years, working "to make Wilmington and New Castle County a better place to live and work."

"He was also the best basketball player I’ve ever stepped foot on a court with!" Carper said in a statement Friday. "Ted was a devoted husband who, with his wife Alice, helped raise three of the most amazing daughters a father could ask for, and I was privileged to hire one of his daughters as an intern many years ago. He had a remarkable life and Delaware is a better place because of his work and devotion to the First State.”

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Gov. John Carney said in an official statement that he "was proud to count (Blunt Rochester) as one of (his) friends."

"Ted was a devoted husband and father, and a true public servant who cared deeply about his community," Carney said.

New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer also extended his condolences to Blunt Rochester and the Blunt family, recognizing Blunt's contributions and legacy extending beyond his work in city government.

“Ted was a teacher, a basketball star and of course a loving father to his daughters. He has been a mentor to me and will be missed by those who knew him, and those whose lives his legacy impacted.”

Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com. Follow her on X at @mandy_fries.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Former Wilmington councilman, father of Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester dies