Articles and News

Newark Jewelry Store Heir and Wilmington Advocate Will Minster Passes Away April 18, 2023 (0 comments)

Newark, DE--Will Minster, a prominent Wilmington advocate and fourth-generation owner of Minster's Jewelers, has passed away. 

[Image via WDEL]

The Minster family has owned the Newark jewelry store for 123 years and operated locations in Elkton, Dover and Wilmington. 

Will Minster played a key role in strengthening downtown business in Delaware's largest city. As per a report, after selling the Wilmington store in 2010, Minster continued his work with Downtown Visions and served as Main Street Wilmington's Director of Business Development. 

The Elkton location, which the family owned for 76 years, was the oldest Cecil County-owned business when it shut down. Minster spent his childhood living above the Elkton store.

Delaware Senator Chris Coons mourned Minster's passing, praising him as a "pillar of Wilmington" and "a champion for every entrepreneurial endeavor." 

Coons highlighted Minster's deep family roots in the community, having met his mother, Marilyn, at the Newark jewelry store, a family-owned landmark for over a century.

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki also expressed condolences, acknowledging Minster's "fighting spirit and determination," which were evident in both his personal life and his dedication to supporting the development of Wilmington's downtown district and empowering residents.

At the time of writing, no cause of death or funeral arrangements have been announced.

Learn more in this report.