The fire was reported shortly before 10 a.m. at the Meadows of Wilton in the 1000 block of Old Forge Road.
The victim was identified as 60-year-old Robert Pedelini, a former autoworker at GM who had been the victim of several strokes.
"He was a handicapped gentleman, very nice. He kept to himself," said neighbor Marilyn Burgos.
Firefighters arrived to find flames erupting from the home.
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The blaze was brought under control in about 45 minutes.
A total of three townhouses were damaged. There was no word on a cause of the fire.
An autopsy will be performed Saturday to determine Pedelini's exact cause of death.
A firefighter suffered an ankle injury.
No other injuries were reported.
The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating.
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