Ted Blunt, the esteemed former Wilmington city council president and father of Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, passed away on January 11 at the age of 80. Blunt died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. The news of his passing was shared by Blunt Rochester on social media the following day. In honor of his contributions to the community, Governor John Carney ordered the state flag to be flown at half-staff during his internment.
Blunt, who was born in Philadelphia, had humble beginnings, growing up in public housing projects. He developed a love for learning and spent much of his time exploring the city, but it was the library that captured his heart and set him on the path to becoming an educator later in life. He achieved the remarkable feat of being the first in his family to graduate from both high school and college, attending what is now known as Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. Blunt excelled on the university’s basketball team, earning the position of starting point guard in his freshman year. He went on to become one of legendary coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines’ early superstars, winning the title of 1963 CIAA Tournament MVP and earning all-conference team selections for three seasons. Today, his No. 12 jersey is proudly displayed in the university’s basketball arena.
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Blunt remained deeply connected to Winston-Salem State University throughout his life, serving as an active alumni member and later becoming the president of the Board of Trustees and chairman of the university’s endowment fund. In a testament to his gratitude, Blunt personally funded the scholarship that had enabled him to attend the university. His basketball prowess remained legendary, even long after he dedicated himself to public service.
After completing his studies, Blunt returned to Philadelphia and continued his education while working as a group therapist at Temple University. In 1969, he and his family relocated to Wilmington, where he became the director of the Peoples Settlement Association, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in North Wilmington. Blunt later served as an administrator in the pre-desegregation Wilmington school system and in two more districts within the county. Additionally, he taught night courses at the University of Delaware and Delaware Technical Community College.
Blunt’s political career began in 1984 when he was elected to represent the first councilmanic district of Wilmington City Council. He served as a dedicated council member for 16 years, eventually being appointed as the council’s president. Throughout his tenure, he played a crucial role in initiatives such as creating a citywide scholarship fund, extending community center hours, and providing financial aid to elementary schools in the city.
Blunt was widely respected for his leadership and dedication to Wilmington. Former Wilmington City Councilman Theo Gregory, who served alongside Blunt, praised his commitment to job creation, pay equity, and community resources. Council President Trippi Congo described Blunt as one of the city’s greatest leaders and public servants, emphasizing his passion for shaping a better future for Wilmington. Mayor Mike Purzycki echoed these sentiments, highlighting Blunt’s exemplary leadership and the positive impact he had on the city.
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Blunt’s influence extended beyond politics. He was actively involved in various community organizations, such as the Wilmington Youth Athletic Association, the Wilmington Housing Authority Board, and the Delaware Association for Specialized Transportation. He was also a board member of the Christina Cultural Arts Center and the Kingswood Community Center. Despite his extensive community service, Blunt was known for his infectious smile and laughter. Logan Herring, CEO of the WRK Group, fondly remembered Blunt’s boundless energy and sense of humor.
Ted Blunt is survived by his wife, Alice, a sister, a brother, four daughters, six grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
In conclusion, Ted Blunt’s passing is a great loss to the Wilmington community. His remarkable journey from public housing to becoming an esteemed leader and educator serves as an inspiration to many. His contributions to education, community development, and public service have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations..
