06/14/05

Nicholas P. Del Campo,
former motel owner
Nicholas P. Del Campo, 92, of Rehoboth Beach and formerly of Wilmington, died Friday, June 10, 2005, at home.
Mr. Del Campo retired in 1978 after 30 years as the owner of the Delaware Auto Court Motel. Prior to that he worked for Del Campo Bakery. He was an Army veteran of World War II, a member of Elks Lodge 307 and a former member of St. Anthony of Padua and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic churches. He enjoyed dancing and horseracing at Delaware Park.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Olivero Del Campo; his daughter, Mary Zimmerman and her husband John of Wilmington; his son, Nicholas P. Del Campo Jr. and his wife Cynthia of Rehoboth Beach; his grandchildren, Cori Zimmerman, Morneau, Katie Del Campo, J.T. Zimmerman, Nicholas P. “Trip” Del Campo III, Chrissy Del Campo and Michael Del Campo.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 14, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 9th and Dupont Streets, Wilmington, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Entombment will be in Cathedral Cemetery.
Contributions are suggested to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Road, Newark DE 19713.

William Volante,
teacher, Army officer
William Volante, 72, of Lewes, a teacher, guidance counselor and  military officer, died June 8, 2005 while hospitalized in Washington, D.C. The cause of death was cardiac arrest. Bill’s appreciation for the living kidney donation from his nephew, Stephen Volante, led him to become an organ donor.
Bill was born in Newton, Mass., son of the late  William and Anna (Rugo) Volante. He graduated from Saint Sebastian’s Country Day School and Holy Cross College. He was then drafted and served two years active duty in the U.S. Army, mainly at Fort Knox and Camp Breckinridge, Ky. Upon discharge from the Army, he enrolled  at Boston State College (Now UMass-Boston) and earned a masters degree in education. He then taught social studies and history in the public schools of Elizabeth, N.J. and at the Pingry School, a private school in New Jersey, where he became director of guidance. While at Pingry, he earned a masters degree in counseling from Columbia University.
Bill Volante had two successful careers, one as a teacher and a guidance counselor in public and private schools, and another in the U.S. Army, in a variety of administrative and planning roles.  His unflagging optimism and sense of humor and his deep religious faith served him well in both. As an educator he never failed to put the needs and nurturing of the students first, even if it meant clashing with administrators. This attitude may have stemmed from his own experiences as a student, which were less than stellar in a few instances.
As a military officer he formed strong and lasting bonds with superiors, subordinates and peers alike. He continued to see a sergeant major, a veteran of WWII, who had served under him, even attending reunions of the sergeant’s outfit as recently as last year.
In 1979 he began a full-time tour in the U.S. Army Reserve, which he had joined after finishing his active duty service. His first assignment was at Stewart Army Base in Newburgh, N.Y., where he was part of a hospital administration team. He then served as Inspector General, First Army Reserve, at Fort Meade, Md. His final assignment was on the Planning Staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon.  He retired from the Army in 1979 with the rank of Colonel. Following his retirement from the military he served as a history  teacher and guidance counselor at St. Peter and Paul’s  School in Easton, Md. until his retirement in 1999. He also taught part time at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury, Md.
Bill’s faith was a source of strength and consolation. As a boy, he served as an altar boy at Sacred Heart parish in Newton Centre. At Saint Sebastian’s he formed a friendship with his Spanish teacher, Msgr. William B. Shea, that lasted more than 50 years, until Father Shea’s death earlier this year. Bill and his wife Mona were actively involved in the parish life of St. Peter and Paul’s as well as at St. Jude the Apostle parish in Lewes. He was also a member of several Catholic ministries, including Beginning Experience, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Teams of Our Lady, the Alpha Program, and marriage preparations for engaged couples.
Bill is survived by his wife Mona (Keenan) Deighan; nine stepchildren; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother Peter of Lexington, Mass.; two sisters, Jean O’Conner of Salem, Mass. and Ann Marie O’Neill and her husband Frederick of Duxbury, Mass.; 13 nieces and nephews and 12 grand-nieces and grand nephews.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 14, with visitation one hour prior, at St. Jude the Apostle Church, Route 1 at Five Points, Lewes.
Contributions are suggested to the Dominican Missions of Nigeria, PO Box 5087, West Hyattsville, MD 20782. 
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.
On-line condolences may be sent to: condolences@parsellfuneralhomes.com.

Maj. James A. McCarty (Ret.),
decorated officer, developer
James A. McCarty, 73, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, June 8, 2005, after a courageous year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born April 20, 1932, in St. Paul, Minn., son of the late Joel and Lola McCarty.
He was a graduate of George Washington University. His career in the United States Marine Corps spanned 21 years, two of which were served in combat in Vietnam. He was awarded numerous personal decorations for valor, most notably the Silver Star and two Bronze Stars. Upon retirement from the Corps in 1975, he joined as partner and co-owner of Williams & Baker Inc., developer of Winding Creek Village. He became president of that firm in 1985, a position he held until the time of his death.
One of his passions was service through Lionism. As a Lion, he served tirelessly and with distinction, first in his home club, the Millsboro Lions Club, and at the state level as District Governor of 22-D (Delaware) in 1990-91. In 1994, he was elected to the International Board of Directors, Lions Club International. Until just before his death, he served as vice chairman of the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum. He was also a member of Epworth United Methodist Church of Rehoboth, the Retired Officers Association and VFW Post 7422.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Janet; a son, Michael McCarty and his wife Sylvia of Raleigh, N.C.; a daughter, Megan Brookhart and her husband Scott, also of Raleigh; and four grandchildren, Kathryn, Sean, Lindsay and Kaci; and a sister, Mary Jo Wood of Grand Junction, Colo.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 25, at Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck, Road, Long Neck.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the staff at Beebe Medical Center’s Tunnell Cancer Center and the volunteers of Delaware Hospice for their compassionate care and loving support.
Contributions are suggested to the James McCarty Fellowship Scholarship Fund, in care of the Delaware Lions Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 393, Camden DE 19934.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck.

William G. Vaarwerk,
retired engineer
William G. Vaarwerk, 65, of Millsboro, died Wednesday, June 8, 2005, at home.
Mr. Vaarwerk was born in Lacawanna, N.Y., the son of the late William Vaarwerk and Bunny Green.
He was a retired stationary engineer. He was a veteran of Vietnam, serving in the U.S. Navy.
He is survived by four sons, Leo, Todd, Jamie and Billy; a daughter, Carrie; two brothers, Al Jerge and Jan Jerge; three sisters, Sharon, Donnette and Kaye.
A memorial service was held at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, Millsboro.
Contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society, Sussex County Unit, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21805.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck.

Henry D. Renard,
World War II veteran
Henry D. Renard, 78, of Millsboro, died Thursday, June 9, 2005, at Harbor Healthcare Nursing Home in Lewes, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was a resident of the Long Neck area of Millsboro for 15 years, previously residing in Egg Harbor Township and Montvale, N.J.
Mr. Renard was born in Nyack, N.Y. on Feb. 23, 1927, to the late Henry L. and Esther Renard, and was a graduate of Park Ridge (New Jersey) High School.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Navy in the South Pacific.
He worked for Bally Manufacturing Co. in Atlantic City, Progresso Foods in Vineland, N.J. and Burroughs Corporation in Park Ridge, N.J.
He was a member of the Millsboro Art League and a few jazz record collecting clubs. He enjoyed his retirement years by gardening at his home and traveling to flea markets and model train shows on the Delmarva Peninsula.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Paula, currently residing at Harbor Healthcare in Lewes; his son, Stewart, of Milton; a brother, Joseph; a sister, Joan; and nine nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 14, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends may call after 9 a.m. Interment will be in the Delaware Veterans Cemetery South, Millsboro.
Contributions are suggested to the Mid-Sussex Rescue Squad or the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck.

James V. “Jimmy” Monaco,
business owner
James V. “Jimmy” Monaco, 86, of Seaford, died Thursday, June 9, 2005, in Genesis Elder Care, Seaford.
Mr. Monaco was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.
He was one of the original partners in Monaco Restaurant in Seaford and later was partner, owner and operator of Lo-Mar Office Products in Seaford until he retired in 1984.
Mr. Monaco was a 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, St. Molua Council, a life member of the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, a life member of the American Legion of Seaford and a devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Seaford.
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Christopher Peter Monaco.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Margaret Monaco; a son, Mike J. Monaco of Rehoboth Beach; two grandchildren, J. Michael Monaco of Annapolis, Md. and Meg Anne Rosenberg and her husband Eric of Richmond, Va.; two great-grandchildren, Steven Rosenberg and Sean Rosenberg; and two sisters, Daisy Massaro of Seaford and Mary Maturo of Millsboro.
Services were held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Seaford, with burial in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Seaford.

Sandra F. Burchenal,
worked in family business
Sandra F. Burchenal, 55, of Dover, died Tuesday, June 7, 2005, at home.
Ms. Burchenal was born April 20, 1950, in Dover.
She graduated from Dover High School, class of 1968.
Ms. Burchenal had worked for the telephone company early in her life and later worked in the office of the family oil business, Burchenal Oil, Wyoming.
Her hobbies included flower arranging and reading. She will always be remembered for her generosity to others and her love for animals.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Pauline Burchenal, on Feb. 21, 1999.
She is survived by her father, Caleb Burchenal of Dover; a brother and sister-in-law, Terri and Shari Burchenal of Dover; a sister and brother-in-law, Suellen and Larry Gray of Woodside; and four nieces, Kristin Gray of Lewes, Laurie Hake and her husband David of Woodside, Brooke Gray of Woodside and Paula Pokorny and her husband Scott of Camden.
Graveside services were held in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Kent County Chapter of the SPCA, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden DE 19934.

Constance Jeanne Doran,
active volunteer
Constance Jeanne “Connie” Doran, 27, of Milford, died Monday, June 6, 2005, in Lincoln.
Ms. Doran was born Nov. 2, 1977, in East Ridge, Tenn., daughter of William Dennis and Beverly Brown (Walsh) Doran.
She graduated from Milford High School in 1995 and moved to Idaho, where she attended Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg for two years.
Ms. Doran then moved to Utah, where she lived for three years. In 2004, she moved back to Milford, where she was working on establishing a clientele for her massage-therapy business. She also worked at Pac-Sun in the Rehoboth Outlets.
She was an artist; she loved to sing and she enjoyed spending time in the sun as a lifeguard in the Lewes and Rehoboth Beach area. She also served as the peacemaker of her family. Her passion, though, was volunteer work.
Ms. Doran was involved with the Milford Parks and Recreation Venture Crew 643, which was recognized as Crew of the Year for the Delmarva Council in 2005. She was also involved in helping the Milford Parks and Recreation put on an archery clinic each year, assisting with the annual turkey shoot at area nursing homes at Christmas time, restoration of the Milford Union Cemetery on North Rehoboth Boulevard, Milford and helping with various other service projects throughout the year. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints near Harrington for 27 years.
She is survived by her parents, William Dennis and Beverly Brown (Walsh) Doran of Milford; four sisters and a brother-in-law, Katie Morris and Elizabeth Doran, both of Lincoln, Mary Doran of Orem, Utah and Amy and Robert Masten of Prime Hook Beach; five brothers and two sisters-in-law, James Doran and Daniel Doran, both of Milford, John Doran of Harrington, Christopher and Wendy Doran of Wilsonville, Ore., and William Robert and Amanda Doran of Ridgely, Md.; paternal grandmother Gloria Kirchner of Point Pleasant, N.J. and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held in the Church of Latter-day Saints, Harrington, with burial private.

Jeannine H. Chesler,
retired from AHA
Jeannine H. Chesler, 76, of Wilmington, died Wednesday, June 8, 2005, at Shipley Manor.
Mrs. Chesler retired from the American Heart Association after 30 years of service. She was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and was also the treasurer of the Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Mrs. Chesler was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Chesler, in 1964.
She is survived by her son, David H. Chesler and his wife Laurie; her daughter, Sandra Hanley and her husband James Hanley; a sister, Charlotte Martin and her husband Ned of Lewes; and two grandchildren, Sarah E. Hanley and Andrew J. Hanley.
Services were held at McCrery Memorial Funeral Home, Talleyville, with burial in Silverbrook Cemetery, Wilmington.
Contributions are suggested to Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Road, Wilmington DE 19810.

Lillian E. (Goodwin) Bradt,
Millsboro homemaker
Lillian E. (Goodwin) Bradt “Aunt Noonie,” 87, of Millsboro, died Sunday, June 5, 2005, at Green Valley Terrace Nursing Home in Millsboro.
Mrs. Bradt was born in Palmyra, N.J., daughter of the late Leroy and Lillian (Umstead) Goodwin. She had been a homemaker.
She is survived by one son, Stephen B. Bradt, and a grandson, Russell T. Bradt, both of Pa.; three nieces, Judith Stevenson and family, Carol Givens and her husband Toby and Brenda Brasure and her husband Preston, and a nephew, William Shedaker and his wife Diana.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas B. Bradt, in 1979, and two sisters, Dorothy E. Shedaker and Mildred S. MacLachlan.
Services will be held at a later date and burial will take place in Hillside Cemetery, Roslyn, Pa.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, c/o Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, 601 N. Caroline Street Suite 5064, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Dodd-Carey Chapel, Georgetown.
On-line condolences may be sent to condolences@parsellfuneralhomes.com.

Lawrence E. Bowman,
retired district manager
Lawrence E. Bowman, 90, of Rehoboth Beach, died Saturday June 11, 2005, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. 
Mr. Bowman was born in Wilmington, son of the late James D. Bowman and Elsie Dougherty Bowman.   He had formerly been employed by Suburban Propane Company as a district manager for 32 years, retiring in 1979. He had also worked for the DuPont Company and was employed at the old Rehoboth Airport for four years.
Mr. Bowman was a 32 degree Mason and was a member of  Jefferson Lodge #15 AF & AM, Lewes.  He was also a member of the Ocean Wave Lodge #43 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Bowman was a charter member of the Rehoboth Beach Lions Club and was a life member of Lions International.  He had served as past Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer of District 22D of Lions International.
Mr. Bowman is survived by his daughter, Lynne W. Bowman of Rehoboth Beach; a sister-in-law, Shirley Lipp of Gaithersburg, Md.; and  a brother-in-law, Jay Wingate of Rehoboth Beach;  numerous wonderful nieces and nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Hazel J. Wingate Bowman,  in 2001, a brother James Bowman and two sisters,  Lucy A. Monigle and Elizabeth Bowman.
Graveside services will be held at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach, Thursday June 16, at 11 a.m.
Contributions are suggested to the Rehoboth Beach Public Library, 226 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE  19971 or to a charity of choice.   Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium.

06/10/05

Rosemary Christiansen,
retired telephone operator
Rosemary Christiansen, age 77 of Lewes, died Sunday June 5, 2005, at her home.
She was born in Wilmington, daughter of the late John and Nellie Procek. Mrs. Christiansen worked as a telephone operator for 15 years for Bell Atlantic in Wilmington and Georgetown, and for the NCR Company of Millsboro as a line worker for more than 10 years. She was devoted to her family and was a very good neighbor.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Martin King, in 1956.
She is survived by her husband, Sigurd E. Christiansen; one son, Michael L. King, and his wife, Jane, of Marietta, Ohio; granddaughters Marty Baumgartner and husband, Mike, and Laura King, all of Marietta; and one brother, Frank Procek, of Wilmington.
Funeral services will be Tuesday June 7, at 11 a.m., at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, with the Rev. William Hopkins officiating. Private burial will be at Henlopen Memorial Park, near Milton.

Ada Anderson Miller,
Sunday school teacher
Ada Wilson Anderson Miller, 92, of Seaford, formerly of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, died Wednesday, June 8, 2005, at Methodist Manor House.
Ada was born to Lucian Zelnor Anderson and Annie Evelyn Porter Anderson Dec. 3, 1912, on their farm near Paris, Tenn. She was home-schooled by her mother for several years and graduated from high school at age 15. She attended Bethel College in McKenzie, Tenn., where she met her future husband.
Ada was active in Sunday school teaching, curricula writing, and women's activities in the various churches where her husband, Haskell, served as pastor. She was also president of Church Women United in the Washington, D.C. area. For several years, she taught in public schools.
Ada was an accomplished homemaker, hostess, an excellent seamstress, and quilter. She also enjoyed growing flowers and making flower arrangements. Most of all, Ada loved her family - her parents, husband, children and grandchildren and her husband's extended family.
Ada was preceded in death by her son, James Morris Miller, who died as a young child; and by her husband of 73 years, Haskell Morris Miller, who died in 2004.
She is survived by three children and their spouses, Jo and Ed Kicklighter of San Diego, Ca., Helen and Bob Quave of Potomac, Md. and Tom and Linda Miller of Lewes; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Wednesday, June 15, at 4 p.m., at Epworth Methodist Church, 20 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach. Burial will be private.
The family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer's Association - Delaware Chapter, P.O. Box 625, Georgetown, DE 19947; or the Haskell & Ada Miller Scholarship Fund at Wesley Theological Seminary, 4500 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016. Burial will be private.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

Carl Ph. Mulveny
medical doctor
Carl Phillip Mulveny M.D., 64, of Newark, died Tuesday, June 7, 2005, at Christiana Hospital.
He was the son of Frank Mulveny of Charlestown, Md., and Viola Kanicki of Wilmington, and the stepson of William Kanicki of Wilmington and Verna Mulveny of Rising Sun, Md.
Dr. Mulveny was a 1953 graduate of St. Thomas Choir School in New York City and a 1959 graduate of Wilmington High School. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 1963 and from Jefferson Medical College in 1967, followed by internship and residency at the Delaware Hospital from 1967 to 1969 and a Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania in 1971. He practiced gastroenterology for 33 years, retiring in 2003. He was a Staff Physician at Christiana Hospital; St. Francis Hospital; Union Hospital in Elkton, Md.; and Wilmington Hospital. In addition, he was an emergency room physician for more than 10 years, acting as vice president of DFES (Doctors for Emergency Service); staff physician for Little Sisters of the Poor for over 20 years; and a medical consultant for University of Delaware. He also served as a captain in the Delaware National Guard, retiring in 1975.
Dr. Mulveny was a member of a number of clubs and organizations, including the Delaware Medical Society; the Delaware State Drug Utilization Review Board; and O.P.E.K. (Organization of Physicians for Education and Knowledge). He was president of the Lewes Harbor Marina Co-operative in Lewes.
Dr. Mulveny was predeceased by his parents and stepfather; and by his sister, Virginia Kelly Beck.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Tracy Ann Mulveny; three sons and their spouses, Jeffrey and Missey Mulveny of Broadkill Beach, Daniel and Tracey Mulveny of Wilmington, and Jason and Jennifer Mulveny of Washington, D.C.; four granddaughters, Brynley, Josey, Leila, and Peri Mulveny; three nephews, Stephen, Thomas and Timothy Kelly; and one niece, Christine Marvel; six grandnieces and three grandnephews. He will be missed by his family as well as his fellow fishermen and wine connoisseurs.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 13, at 10 a.m. in Old Swedes Church, 606 Church Street, Wilmington. Friends may call Sunday evening, June 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike north of Wilmington.
,Memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Delaware, 100 West 10th Street, Suite 209, Wilmington, DE 19801.

Jacob L. Reynolds,
St. John’s member
Jacob L. Reynolds, 23, of Sylvan Acres, Milton, passed away at home Wednesday, June 8, 2005.
He was born in Milford, the son of Randall Reynolds and Pamela Revelle Walpole. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Milford and attended Howard T. Ennis School.
He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Pam and Keith Walpole of Milton; his father, Randall Reynolds of Milton; a sister, Morgan Reynolds; three brothers, Jordan Reynolds, Dyland Reynolds and Briar Reynolds, all of Milton; his paternal grandfather, Gerald L. Reynolds and wife, Sally, of Milton; and paternal great-grandmother, Louise Workman of Milton. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and close family friends who will also miss him dearly, as we was truly “special” to all of them.
Services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 11, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, where friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton.
Contributions are suggested to Ronald McDonald House, 1901 Rockland Rd., Wilmington DE 19803.

Bernice Warner Fennell,
Baptist church member
Bernice Warner Fennell, 73, passed away Friday, June 3, 2005, in Wilmington. Bernice worked as a domestic and was a member of New Mt. Enon Baptist Church.
She was the sister of Marguerite Parks of Virginia, Charmaine Dunning Thomas of Lewes, Lewins Dunning Jr. of Lewes, Kenneth Dunning Sr of Lewes. and Robert Matthews of Frankford.
A funeral service was held June 3, at New Mt. Enon Baptist Church in Wilmington. Interment was at Gracelawn Memorial Park.

Melvin E Franklin,
government worker
Melvin E. Franklin, of Wilmington, died Sunday, June 5, 2004, at Thomas Jefferson Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.
Mr. Franklin had worked for the United States government for 37 years.
He was preceded in death by his son, Glenn Franklin.
He is survived by his wife, Eugena (Eagen) Franklin; his daughters, Elaine Beideman, Tina Wright, and Lisa Franklin, all of Lewes and Paula Armstrong of Townsend; his sons, Dennis Franklin of St. Petersburg, Fla., Albert Franklin of Lewes, Benjamin Franklin of New Castle, Willard Franklin of Lewes, Phillip Franklin of Middletown and Barry Franklin of New Castle; 21 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call one hour prior to services. Cremation will follow the services with private burial.
Contributions are suggested to Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes DE 19958.

Alexandra P. Ibach,
avid golfer
Alexandra Pachides Ibach, of Wilmington and formerly of Rehoboth Beach, died Monday, June 6, 2005, at Christiana Hospital, following a short illness.
Alex married W. Fred Ibach in Philadelphia, Pa. on April 10, 1950. She was an avid bowler and golfer and as a member of the DuPont Country Club, was active in its 9-Hole group until her death. She and her friends maintained a bridge group for more than 35 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 2001; and her sister, Constance P. Brinkley in 2004.
She is survived by her daughter and her husband, Carol I. and Dr. Frank Straus of Richmond, Va.; her son and his wife, Thomas I. and Georgiana W. Ibach of Rehoboth Beach; seven grandchildren; and a sister, Helen P. Holmgren of Rehoboth Beach.
Services were held at Chandler Funeral Home, Wilmington, with burial in All Saints Cemetery, Harbeson.
Contributions are suggested to the Thomas Jefferson School Scholarship Fund, Wilson Road, Georgetown DE 19947.

Ida W. Bunting,
package store owner
Ida W. Bunting, 81, of Dagsboro, died Monday, June 6, 2005, at the Country Rest Home in Greenwood.
Mrs. Bunting was born in Frankford, the daughter of the late Clinton and Irene Watson.
She was a homemaker and former owner of Bunting’s Package Store in Frankford. She was a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star Frankford chapter 12, and a member of the Frankford United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Howard Bunting; and a grandson, Christian Bunting.
She is survived by two sons, George H. Bunting Jr. of Bethany Beach and James Bunting of Dagsboro; her sister, Dr. Ruth Lewis of Virginia Beach; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Services were held at Melson Funeral Services, Thatcher Street, Frankford. Burial was private.
Contributions are suggested to a charity of choice.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services, Frankford.

Gene E. Walters Sr.,
truck driver
Gene E. Walters Sr., 64, of Ridgely, Md., died Monday, June 6, 2005, in Memorial Hospital at Easton.
Mr, Walters was born in Hillsboro, Md., the son of the late James Earl and Edith Magdeline Worth Walters. He was a self-employed truck driver under the business name of Gene Walters Trucking in Ridgely.
On June 25, he and his wife would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. In addition to his family and friends, he loved Gold Wing motorcycles, trucks and John Deere tractors.
Mr. Walters was a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Mildred Pennington, Barbara Eaton and Ellen Anthony; and a brother, Paul Walters.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Adams Walters of Ridgely; a son and daughter-in-law, Gene F. Jr. and Lisa Marie Walters of Ridgely; three daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa W. and Dale Palmer of Denton, Md., Lori Ann and Harry E. Richard Sr. of Goldsboro, Md. and Amy W. and Rick Lorenz of Millington, Md.; eight grandchildren, Gina Marie Walters, Jimmy Walters, Brian Palmer, Becky Palmer, Harry Richard Jr., Herbie E. Richard, Abby Lorenz and Alex Lorenz; two brothers, James Worth Walters of Moody, Ala. and Philip Walters of Millville; and a sister, Shirley Hutson of Milton.
Services wee held at Moore Funeral Home, Denton, with burial in Greenmount Cemetery, Hillsboro.

William J. Esham Jr.,
funeral home founder
William J. Esham Jr., 83, of Georgetown, passed away Tuesday, June 7, at Seaford Retirement and Rehabilitation Center.
Mr. Esham was born in Millsboro, the son of the late William J. Sr. and Mary Mitchell Esham. In 1964 he founded and was the proprietor of Esham Funeral Home in Georgetown until retiring in June, 1989. He served as past president and a former member of the Delaware State Funeral Directors Association.
Mr. Esham served in the U.S. Army during World War II when he became a POW in Germany. He was a life member of the disabled American Veterans, Ex-POW group, Raymond Reynolds VFW Post 2931 and was past commander and life member of the Sussex Post 8 American Legion and past captain of the American Legion Ambulance.
His memberships also included past worthy patron of Georgetown Chapter 9, Order of the Eastern Star, past president of the Georgetown Lions Club and a 55-year member of Franklin Lodge 12 AF&AM.
He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Georgetown and enjoyed helping others and being with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Edna Tull Esham; a son and daughter-in-law, William J. III and Aleta Esham of Millsboro; a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Kenny Hedges of Seaford; an adopted son, Harry Fletcher Jr. of Georgetown; an aunt, Louise Mitchell Holbrook of Columbia, S.C.; four grandchildren, Jennifer Grassett of Seaford, Logan Esham of Millsbor,, Joshua Hedges of Yulee, Fla. and Marcus Hedges of Seaford; and four great-grandchildren, Connor, Nick, Taylor and Zoey.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 12, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, where friends may call at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Georgetown.

06/07/05

Russell B. Mears,
first Troop 7 captain
Russell B. Mears of Lincoln, 80, died Saturday, June 4, 2005, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
He was born and raised in Sussex County and was a graduate of Bridgeville High School. He worked as a dry cleaner, a Lewes town police officer, a Delaware State Police trooper and was the first full-time captain of Troop 7. After retiring, he worked briefly as the public safety director in Lewes.
During his employment with the Delaware State Police, he functioned for 13 years as the director of Camp Barnes with his wife as the camp nurse. He was a member of the Jefferson Lodge in Lewes. He loved his family and friends. He liked to fish and crab and was an avid gardener.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marian M. of Lincoln; two daughters and their husbands, Laura and Lewis Tunnell of Frankford and Adele and Phil Wemlinger of Lincoln; two sisters and their husbands, Jane and Donald Horner of Salisbury, Md., and BettyLee and Terry Carmine of Lewes; a step-grandson, Philip Wemlinger and his fiancee, Toni Alvaro of Lincoln; and several nieces and nephews.
A brief memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 9, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call one half hour prior to the service. Delaware State Police Chaplain Father Joseph James will officiate. Interment will be private.

Elizabeth A. Marvel,
Georgetown homemaker
Elizabeth A. “Betty Ann” Marvel, 79, of Millsboro and formerly of Georgetown, died Saturday, June 4, at Green Valley Terrace in Millsboro, her residence for the past three months.
Mrs. Marvel was born in Milford, daughter of the late John R. and Minnie Conaway Hitchens.
She was a homemaker, an avid reader, and enjoyed sports and crossword puzzles.
She graduated from Georgetown High School and worked with Judge Thompson at Family Court in Georgetown. She had also sold real estate and had been involved with the Republican Women’s Committee. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Georgetown where she taught Sunday school several years ago.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Nutter D. Marvel Jr.; a sister, Olive Lingo; and a niece, Patricia Lawson.
She is survived by three sons and a daughter-in-law, Nutter D. Marvel III, John Marvel and his wife Janet, and William T. Marvel, all of Georgetown; two daughters, Nancy Marvel of Lewes and Sara Marvel of Millsboro; four grandchildren, Bo Marvel, Rodney Marvel, Megan Marvel and Ashley Marvel; four great-grandchildren; and a brother-in-law, Joe Lingo of Millsboro.
Services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 8, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market Street, Georgetown, where friends may call after noon. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Georgetown.
Contributions are suggested to the Georgetown Public Library Building Fund, 10 West Pine Street, Georgetown DE 19947.
Arrangements by Short Funeral Services, Long Neck.

Abraham L. Jones Sr.,
Marine veteran
Abraham L. “Schoch” Jones Sr., 66, of Rehoboth Beach, died Sunday, May 29, 2005, of natural causes in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
Mr. Jones was born in Lewes. He attended Jason High School and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving four years.
After leaving the service, he became a short-order cook, drove a truck for Butch McQuay and worked for the Rehoboth Golf Course.
He was a beloved father and a wonderful friend. He was cheerful and had a great sense of humor and all who knew him will miss him greatly.
He was preceded in death by a son, Abraham Lincoln Jones Jr.
He is survived by his beloved companion of 40 years, Gwendolyn E. Harris; five daughters and a son-in-law, Ann Harris, Evette Harris and Angeline Jones, all of Rehoboth Beach, Sophia Porterfield of New Jersey and Mary and Andrew White of North Carolina; two sons, Lydell Harris and Alonzo Harris, both of Rehoboth Beach; two stepdaughters, Carol Hazzard and Sylvia Hazzard, both of Rehoboth Beach; three aunts, 24 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins and friends.
Services were held at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, Rehoboth Beach, with burial in Peoples Cemetery, Lewes.

Sarah Ellen Walls,
“Mom Sarah”
Sarah Ellen Walls, 75, of Slaughter Neck, died Tuesday, May 31, 2005, on the way to Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford.
Ms. Walls was born Jan. 8, 1930, in Milford, daughter of the late Purthenia Young and Joseph South Walls.
She received her elementary education at Slaughter Neck and Benjamin Banneker schools and her GED from the James Grove School in Georgetown.
She worked at Milton Poultry, King Cole, Little Drapers and Seawatch and worked faithfully until she became ill.
Ms. Walls enjoyed playing cards, doing puzzles and fishing and she loved to listen to gospel music. She was known in Slaughter Neck as Mom Sarah. She opened her home to everyone.
She was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Pearl and John L. Banks.
She is survived by two daughters and two sons-in-law, Patricia and John Thomas of Slaughter Neck and Constance and William Kittrell of Rehoboth Beach; seven grandchildren, Paula Cannon, Jamal Woodlin, Antine Felton, Maureen Horsey-Felton, William Kittrell II, James Kittrell and Amy Kittrell; eight great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; a special friend and cousin, Thorris R. Brown; a special nephew she called her son, Linwood Banks; nine godsons, Brandon Smith, James Harris Jr., George Curtis, Wardell Allen Jr., Haywood Burton, Edwin Burton, Andre Mifflin, Jeremy Reed and Andy Reed; two goddaughters, Irene Allen and Debbie Fowler; a brother-in-law, Joseph Felton and his wife Virginia; and a host of nieces, additional nephews, additional cousins and friends.
Services were held at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Slaughter Neck, with burial private.

Helen N. Hammond,
retired secretary
Helen N. Hammond, 70, of Georgetown, died Thursday, June 3, 2005, at home.
Mrs. Hammond was born in Dover, the daughter of the late George and Frances (Dutko) Nechay. She worked as a secretary for the Delmarva Poultry Industry Inc. for 14 years, retiring in 1996. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Georgetown.
She enjoyed square dancing and was a member of the Whirlaways Square Dancing Club, the Diamond Lace-A-Ways Camping Club and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary at Sussex Post 8 in Georgetown. She enjoyed traveling, volunteering, playing scrabble and especially spending time with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Randall Jones, and four brothers, Peter Nechay, Aleck Nechay, Paul Nechay and Noel Nechay.
She is survived by her husband, Harrison Hammond of Georgetown; her sons, Glenn Jones and his wife Patricia of Felton and Larry Jones and his wife Laura of Salisbury, Md.; a stepson, Jerry Hammond and his wife Maria of Georgetown; and six grandchildren, Benjamin Jones, Michael Jones, Leianna Jones, Jerry Hammond Jr., Todd Hammond and Devan Just.
Services were held at Short Funeral Services, Georgetown, with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Sandtown.
Contributions are suggested to Georgetown American Legion Post 8 Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 202, Georgetown DE 19947 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury MD 21803 or Delaware Hospice, 600 DuPont Highway, Georgetown DE 19947.
Arrangements by Short Funeral Services, Georgetown.

Dorothy J. Mann,
auxiliary member
Dorothy J. Mann, 79, of Millsboro, passed away Friday, May 27, 2005, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
Mrs. Mann was the daughter of the late David Witmer and Margaret Henry Haugh. She was a homemaker and a member of VFW Post 7045 Ladies Auxiliary of Hellam, Pa.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William, May 15, 2005; her daughter, Margaret Ellen Keller; a brother, David Witmer; and a sister, Edith Palmer.
She is survived by two daughters, Deborah Kauffman and Susan Silar; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m., Thursday, June 16, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck Road. Burial will be private.
Contributions are suggested to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Delaware, 2 Mill Road, Suite 106, Wilmington DE 19806.

Rosemary Christiansen,
retired telephone operator
Rosemary Christiansen, age 77 of Lewes, died Sunday June 5, 2005, at her residence.
She was born in Wilmington, daughter of the late John and Nellie Procek.  Mrs. Christiansen worked as a telephone operator for 15 years for Bell Atlantic in Wilmington and Georgetown, and for the NCR Company of Millsboro as a line worker for more than 10 years.  She was devoted to her family and was a very good neighbor.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Martin King, in 1956. She is survived by her husband, Sigurd E. Christiansen; one son, Michael L. King, and his wife, Jane, of Marietta, Ohio; granddaughters Marty Baumgartner and husband, Mike, and Laura King,  all of Marietta; and one brother, Frank Procek, of Wilmington. 
Funeral services will be Tuesday June 7, at 11 a.m., at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes,  with the Rev. William Hopkins officiating.    Private burial will be at Henlopen Memorial Park, near Milton.

 

 

06/03/05

Arthur H. Pettyjohn Sr.,
Milton area farmer
Arthur H. Pettyjohn Sr., 64, of Milton, passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2005, at home.
He was the son of the late William H. and Hilda Joseph Pettyjohn. Mr. Pettyjohn graduated from Milton High School in 1959. He worked as a farmer in the Milton area. He was a life member of Bethesda United Methodist Church, Georgetown, and United Methodist Men. He was an active member of the Delaware Farm Bureau and a charter member of the Henlopen Ruritan Club where he held many offices. He served as president in 1994 and was honored with Ruritan of the Year in 1989.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Carol Pettyjohn.
He is surviv