WILMINGTON, Del. — Samuel Louis “Lou” Bean, 85, passed away peacefully with Ruth Bean, his wife of 54 years, by his side on Thursday, Feb. 3. They were married in 1956, lived in St. Louis briefly, in Syracuse, N.Y., for 16 years, and were very active in the community of Arden, Del., for more than 35 years.

He was born on Oct. 5, 1925, and grew up in Auburn. When he graduated from Edward Little High School, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Europe with the 347th Infantry during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Maine at Orono graduating with a degree in chemical engineering in 1950.

His first job was with Allied Chemical/General Chemical and he worked there his entire career until retirement at age 72 by which time he was director of research and development. He had a passion for his work and enjoyed developing his staff and together their research resulted in 16 patents. Among many interests, he was an avid skier, hiker, gardener, reader, traveler and builder.

A dedicated provider, father and grandfather, he is survived by his three children, David Bean of Bethel, wife, Brooke Libby and their children, Zoe, Lilo and Utah, Elizabeth Bean of Arden, her son, Jamie O’Neill, Jonathan Bean of Needham, Mass., and his wife, Melissa Stimell, their children, Aliya and Asher; and a sister, Shirley Bean of Boston, Mass.

Lou was predeceased by five siblings.

The family would like to thank Compassionate Care Hospice, Rockland Place and the Kutz Home.