In Loving Memory:Charlene and Albert Broccolo Identified in Friday’s Fatal Lewes Crash
LEWES, DELAWARE | November 9, 2025 — The Delaware State Police have officially identified the two beloved individuals who tragically lost their lives in the devastating five-vehicle crash that occurred Friday afternoon, November 7, 2025, on Coastal Highway (Route 1) in Lewes. The victims have been named as 62-year-old Charlene Broccolo and 64-year-old Albert Broccolo, both residents of Bel Air, Maryland—a married couple remembered for their kindness, warmth, and the deep love they shared for each other and their family.
According to investigators, the chain-reaction crash unfolded just after 3:30 p.m., when a northbound pickup truck reportedly failed to slow for traffic that had backed up near the intersection of Minos Conaway Road. The impact set off a violent collision involving five vehicles, including the Broccolos’ SUV, which sustained catastrophic damage. Despite the rapid response of emergency personnel from the Lewes Fire Department, Delaware State Police, and Sussex County paramedics, both Charlene and Albert were pronounced dead at the scene.
Several others were injured in the crash, including two drivers who were transported to Beebe Healthcare with non-life-threatening injuries. The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the tragedy, including whether speed, distraction, or mechanical failure may have been contributing factors.
For family, friends, and all who knew them, the loss of Charlene and Albert Broccolo is unfathomable. The couple, who had been married for more than 40 years, were described by loved ones as inseparable—devoted partners who lived their lives centered around family, faith, and community. They were spending a quiet weekend at the Delaware shore, a place they loved for its serenity and simple beauty, when tragedy struck.
“Charlene and Albert were the kind of people who left an impression on everyone they met,” said a close family friend. “They were warm, funny, compassionate, and they made you feel like family. Losing them both at once is beyond heartbreaking.”
Charlene was known for her radiant personality and caring nature. Friends describe her as a nurturing spirit who loved helping others—always the first to offer a hand or a comforting word. She had recently retired after a long and rewarding career in education, where she touched countless young lives through her kindness and dedication.
Albert, remembered as gentle and steadfast, was a man of integrity and quiet strength. A retired engineer, he was admired for his work ethic, intelligence, and deep devotion to his loved ones. He was known to spend his free time woodworking, fishing, and doting on his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Pop.”
The Broccolos’ home in Bel Air, Maryland, was known as a gathering place—filled with laughter, home-cooked meals, and the warmth of family traditions. Their neighbors recall seeing them walking hand in hand through the neighborhood or tending to their garden together. “They were a true love story,” said one neighbor tearfully. “Always smiling, always together. They adored each other.”
As news of the crash spread, the Harford County community began to rally around the Broccolo family, offering meals, donations, and endless prayers. Social media tributes poured in, with dozens of friends and former students sharing stories of the couple’s kindness, generosity, and positive impact.
“We are devastated,” one family member shared in a statement. “They were the heart of our family—our example of love and faith. We find comfort in knowing they are together, just as they always were.”
The Delaware State Police have urged anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dash camera footage from the area to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit as the investigation continues. Authorities have also emphasized the importance of safe driving, particularly on busy corridors like Route 1, which has seen several serious crashes in recent years.
A joint memorial service for Charlene and Albert Broccolo is being planned in their hometown of Bel Air, with details to be announced by the family in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association or a local education scholarship fund, honoring the couple’s lifelong commitment to community and service.
As the Lewes and Bel Air communities grieve this tremendous loss, one sentiment rings clear among all who knew them: Charlene and Albert lived a life rooted in love—love for each other, for their family, and for the people around them. Though their lives ended far too soon, their legacy of warmth, generosity, and devotion will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all they touched.
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