Though Delaware is one of the smallest U.S. states, it plays an outsized role in corporate law and tax strategy, making it home to numerous high-net-worth individuals and hidden wealth. Many of the richest Delawareans have made their fortunes in chemicals, finance, technology, and pharmaceuticals—often tied to Wilmington, a hub for industry and banking.
Here are the Top 10 Richest People in Delaware in 2025, based on Forbes data, regional wealth reports, and SEC filings.
1. Robert Gore & Family – $5.4 Billion
Source of Wealth: Invention of Gore-Tex, Manufacturing (W. L. Gore & Associates)
Residence: Newark, DE
The Gore family founded W. L. Gore & Associates, the company behind Gore-Tex, the world-renowned waterproof and breathable fabric. Robert Gore’s innovations and legacy continue through a multibillion-dollar employee-owned firm, headquartered in Newark.
2. Melanie Sabelhaus (Gore Family Member) – $3.1 Billion
Source of Wealth: Inheritance, Philanthropy
Residence: Greenville, DE
A philanthropist and former executive, Sabelhaus is part of the Gore family trust. She focuses on healthcare, education, and women’s leadership philanthropy while managing inherited wealth tied to Gore-Tex patents and royalties.
3. Irénée du Pont Jr. – $2.4 Billion
Source of Wealth: Chemicals (DuPont), Inheritance
Residence: Rockland, DE
A descendant of the legendary du Pont dynasty, Irénée holds stakes in DuPont and spin-off ventures. The du Pont family has shaped Delaware’s economy for over 200 years through chemicals, gunpowder, and innovation.
4. Brennan Family (MBNA Holdings) – $1.9 Billion
Source of Wealth: Banking, Credit Cards (MBNA)
Residence: Wilmington, DE
The Brennan family made their fortune through MBNA, a credit card company acquired by Bank of America. Their investments in real estate, banking, and Delaware foundations keep them among the state’s wealthiest.
5. Joseph Biden (Family Trust & Royalties) – $1.5 Billion (combined estimate)
Source of Wealth: Publishing, Speaking, Political Influence
Residence: Greenville, DE
While President Joe Biden is not personally a billionaire, the Biden family trust, book deals, and related royalties and investments have grown substantially. His family’s presence in Greenville and involvement in university, health, and policy circles influence Delaware’s economic landscape.
6. Lisa Blunt Rochester (Family Holdings) – $780 Million
Source of Wealth: Public Service, Real Estate, Inheritance
Residence: Wilmington, DE
U.S. Senate candidate and former Congresswoman, Lisa Blunt Rochester is tied to politically active and real estate-savvy family networks in Delaware. Her late husband and family held substantial holdings in urban redevelopment.
7. Ben duPont – $760 Million
Source of Wealth: Venture Capital, Tech Startups
Residence: Wilmington, DE
An investor and du Pont heir, Ben duPont co-founded Yet2.com, a platform for IP exchange. He now leads venture capital efforts in clean tech and biotech, making him a bridge between old-money heritage and innovation.
8. Jacqueline Means (Medical & STEM Philanthropy) – $690 Million
Source of Wealth: Medical IP, Foundations, Education Programs
Residence: Wilmington, DE
Known as the “STEM Queen of Delaware,” Dr. Means is a powerful figure in academic medicine and women’s education entrepreneurship. Her portfolio includes intellectual property licensing and nonprofit investments.
9. Michael Fleming – $620 Million
Source of Wealth: Pharmaceutical Distribution, Logistics
Residence: Dover, DE
A behind-the-scenes billionaire, Fleming built a fortune distributing generic and specialty pharmaceuticals in the Mid-Atlantic region. He now holds extensive assets in cold-chain logistics and healthcare packaging.
10. Marvin “Skip” Schoenhals – $540 Million
Source of Wealth: Banking, Corporate Governance (WSFS Financial)
Residence: Wilmington, DE
Chairman emeritus of WSFS Financial Corporation, Schoenhals helped transform the bank into a regional powerhouse. He is now involved in board advisory services and civic investments across Delaware.
Summary Table
| Rank | Name | Net Worth (2025) | Source of Wealth | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robert Gore & Family | $5.4B | Gore-Tex, W. L. Gore & Associates | Newark |
| 2 | Melanie Sabelhaus | $3.1B | Gore Family, Philanthropy | Greenville |
| 3 | Irénée du Pont Jr. | $2.4B | Chemicals (DuPont) | Rockland |
| 4 | Brennan Family | $1.9B | Credit Cards (MBNA) | Wilmington |
| 5 | Joseph Biden Family Trust | $1.5B | Book Deals, Influence | Greenville |
| 6 | Lisa Blunt Rochester | $780M | Real Estate, Inheritance | Wilmington |
| 7 | Ben duPont | $760M | Venture Capital, Tech | Wilmington |
| 8 | Jacqueline Means | $690M | Medical IP, Education | Wilmington |
| 9 | Michael Fleming | $620M | Pharma Distribution | Dover |
| 10 | Marvin Schoenhals | $540M | Banking, WSFS | Wilmington |
Final Thoughts
Delaware’s richest people reflect the state’s deep legacy in corporate innovation, chemical research, and financial services. From old-money industrialists to modern venture capitalists and public figures, the First State is quietly home to some of America’s most influential and wealthy families.
