Franklin Thomas Pyle, Jr., age 70, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was born and raised in Wilmington, DE, the place he called home his entire life. In 1972, he graduated from Salesianum School, which he credits with setting him on the path to lead a life of service to others. Upon graduating from the University of Delaware in 1976, with a degree in Criminal Justice (where he met his loving wife, Diane) he proudly joined the Wilmington Police Department, following in his father's footsteps. Rising to the rank of Senior Lieutenant during his 21 years of service, he earned numerous awards and accolades, but was most proud of protecting and serving the people of the city he loved. Upon retiring, he chose to then serve the State of Delaware in the Department of Insurance, first as a Fraud Investigator and later as Special Deputy Commissioner, a title he held until his hospitalization began in May of 2023. Of all his awards, accomplishments and titles he held throughout his career, the one he was most proud of was "Dad."

An avid outdoorsman, Frank enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and hunting with his friends and family. He could fix or build anything and especially loved woodworking. He could often be found in his garage watching the Philadelphia Eagles or Phillies or Notre Dame Football while enjoying a Coors Light. If you were lucky enough to be sitting with him, the stories he would tell were sure to leave a smile on your face. Frank loved travelling with his family, especially to London, OBX, San Diego, New England and the Bahamas. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his beach house.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Diane (Szczecinski) Pyle, their son, Franklin, III, their daughter, Allison and their spoiled fur baby, Bella. He is also survived by his sister Jackie Pyle, his twin Eileen (Pyle) O'Neal and his in-laws (whom he considered family) Bobby and Gail Szczecinski, Jamie and Carrie Szczecinski, and Kevin and Lynda Sult along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, God-daughters, friends and his WPD and DOI family. Frank is preceded in death by his sister, Debbie (Pyle) Cebenka.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a mass of Christian burial at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 809 S. Broom Street, Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 at 11:00 am. The viewing will be before mass, beginning at 9:30 am. Interment will be in All Saints Cemetery immediately following the service.

The Pyle family would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported us and visited Frank during his 19 month hospitalization. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Salesianum School in his honor.