Dr. William Delbert Covell's Obituary
Dr. William Delbert Covell, 91, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Gainesville, Florida. Delbert was born in Ogdensburg, New York, to James Russell Covell and Ethel Grace Wylie, on November 29th, 1932. He grew up in Pope Mills, New York. His parents ran the general store in town, which included a gas station and post office. Delbert grew up with three older siblings: Frances Doreen Pepe, James R. Covell (deceased), and Adelia Jean Powers. Delbert had close relationships with his maternal uncle Lloyd and Phyllis Wylie; and his maternal aunts Hazel Place and Kathleen Piatt.
He got his pilot’s license in high school. He served 1952 to 1954 in the US Army. He was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles). He was stationed in Germany as a Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) officer. His rank was classified, so everyone had to salute him because they didn’t know if he outranked them.
Delbert met his first wife, Gerda Blumrich (deceased 1975), in Augsburg, Germany. She was an artist, and together they lived in Florida, California, and Virginia. With a horse farm in mind, they purchased land in Alachua County. They built an A-frame, to homestead on the land. Delbert earned a BA in Psychology, from Florida Southern College, in Lakeland Florida. Once at the University of Florida, he earned an MA in Sociology; and an EdD in Historical, Psychological, and Sociological Foundations of Education. He taught psychology or sociology at various colleges: James Madison College, in Harrisonburg, Virginia; University of Southern Maine, in Lewiston, Maine; Indian River Community College, in Fort Pierce, Florida; Lake City Community College; and City College in Gainesville, Florida.
In 1981, he married Anne Taylor (divorced 2001). They had two cherished daughters, Patience Anne Covell, and Emily Grace Covell. They lived in Cross City, and Gainesville, Florida. They enjoyed numerous travels and adventures: an interesting life and a loving relationship. In 1989, they moved as a family to a vibrant neighborhood within walking distance to schools, parks, swimming pools, and tennis courts. They enjoyed exploring Florida’s natural attractions as a family. Silver Springs, Ichetucknee Springs, and local parks were all favorites of the family.
Delbert was the Psychologist at Cross City Correctional Institution, from 1982-1996, where he worked rehabilitating inmates. He developed a therapy program based on “The Criminal Mind,” by Samenow and Yochelson.
Delbert was an avid reader. He had an insatiable curiosity for learning and sharing ideas with others. He loved learning about Native American history, art, politics, nature, The Renaissance, and more. He liked visiting living history sites, seeing how people lived in different times. One example is Upper Canada Village. He loved exploring book stores; and sold and traded books with antique shops in Micanopy and elsewhere.
Delbert came alive while traveling, paying special visits to art museums and culturally significant locations. He shared his passion for travel with his family. They took many trips together. Delbert loved visiting Canada and Upstate New York (stopping for cheese curds and curly puffs); and visiting Germany, and other parts of Europe. He was always making friends with strangers, anytime, anywhere. He loved all the animals he met. He was a master of depression-era thriftiness. He was concerned with wise use of the environment, and reflected that in his daily life.
He was thankful to have family nearby, his whole life. In recent years, he enjoyed meeting for conversation, coffee, and bonfires with his neighborhood friends (Tom, Steve, and Jim). He had big love for his sisters and brother, no matter how far away. His nieces and nephews adored him, and it was mutual. They spent time together in Pope Mills, New York; in Evansville, Indiana; in California; and in Gainesville, Florida.
He is survived by his daughters Patience (Jordan) Esterbrook; and Emily Covell; and grandsons Talon and Ronan Esterbrook; his sisters Doreen and Jean; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Future celebrations of life will be planned with close family. Please share a special memory of Delbert. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the nature organization of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of William Delbert?
What’s a lesson you learned from William Delbert?
Share a story where William Delbert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William Delbert you’ll never forget.
How did William Delbert make you smile?