02/16/07

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John M. Wheeler,
WWII veteran
John Maxwell Wheeler, 88, long-time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, passed away Feb. 5, 2007 in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Mr. Wheeler was born on July 2, 1918 in Grafton, W.V., the son of Hobart and Nettie Pearl Wheeler. He was a graduate of Clarksburg High School and West Virginia University with a degree in forestry.
After service with the Army Air Corps during World War II in the Pacific theater, Mr. Wheeler settled in the Pittsburgh, Pa. area where he pursued a career in sales in the paper and container industry.
He was a hunter and fisherman, woodcarver, artist, and master gardener well known for his delectable tomatoes.
He truly loved his Labrador retrievers and the daily happy hour he shared with his companions.
Mr. Wheeler is survived by a daughter, Anne Velazquez and her husband Ed of Fernandina Beach, Fla. and a son, John M. Wheeler Jr. and his wife Karen of Selbyville.
The old fellow will be missed by all. He was a long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rehoboth Beach. Services were private. Arrangements by Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors, Fernandina Beach, Fla.

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James Edward Wise,
enjoyed going to church
James Edward Wise, 71, of Millsboro, died Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007, at Green Valley Terrace, Millsboro.
He was the son of the late James P. and Mary E. Godwin Wise.
James loved to watch TV and go to church.
He is survived by his wife, Willa Mae Wise; sons James Hopkins of Salisbury, Md. and Ronnie Hopkins of Lewes; his daughters, Debbie McCray of Millsboro and Delphine Williams of Millsboro; his brothers Junior Lee, Vincent, Wayne and Ronald Wise; and sisters Grace Wilson, Eloise Scales and Betty Wise.
Services were held at Dickerson’s Chapel A.M.E., Route 113, Millsboro, with interment at St. John’s 2nd Baptist Church Cemetery, Millsboro.

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William David Johnson,
truck driver
William David Johnson, 75, of Ellendale, died Feb. 9, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center. He was born in Wilmington, the son of the late Wesley A. and Evelyn (Hayes) Johnson.
He worked as a truck driver for King Cole in Milton for 22 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran, a stock car fan, and enjoyed hunting. He was a loving husband and father and treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Anna Kimmey Johnson; children, Debbie Willey of Lewes, Wendy Jalot of Wilmington, N.C., William E. Johnson of Seaford, Jennifer Johnson of Ellendale, Kim Dorman of Gumboro, and David Johnson of Ellendale; 12 grandchildren, Gina Pepper, Tresa Jalot, Shelby Lynn Givens, Rob Dorman, Suzanne Jalot, Billy Johnson, Gregory Johnson, Brion Johnson, Johnna Jalot, Harvey Dorman, Kelly Voshell and James Johnson; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Myers Johnson of Milton and John Johnson of Seaford; and two sisters, Libby Hastings of Laurel and Jane Riggins of Salisbury, Md.
Services were held at Short Funeral Services, Milton. Interment was in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

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Dorothy Shor,
Seaside member
Dorothy Shor, 89, of Lewes, died Monday, Jan. 29, 2007, at Harbor Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Lewes. 
Dorothy Shor was born in the Bronx, N.Y., where she lived 50 years before moving to Queens, N.Y., where she remained until she turned 83. Dorothy was adventurous and always ready for the next experience. She moved to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 2001, at the age of 83, where she met up with her great friends and enjoyed the next three years till she developed some health problems and went to live with her daughter in Lewes.
After moving to Lewes, Dorothy found her spiritual home at the Seaside Jewish Community in Rehoboth and enjoyed her new friends there. She was active in the Pelican Cove Cheer Center in Long Neck and the Angola By the Bay Women’s Club and game night group. She was an excellent cook and baker who loved to entertain. She was a painter and an avid reader and enjoyed life until the end.
Surviving are her daughter, Sheera (Shay) Lipshitz and her partner Sally Taylor Allshouse of Lewes; her son, David Lakin and his partner Gail Cooper of Arlington, Va.; her brother, Aryeh Malkin and his wife Varda of Israel; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service honoring her life will be at 1 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Seaside Jewish Community building, Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach.
Contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice, Southern Division, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 or to Seaside Jewish Community, P.O. Box 1472, Rehoboth, DE 1997.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

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Jacob Lockwood Wright,
antiques dealer
Jacob Lockwood Wright, 81, of Silver Spring, Md., and formerly of Lewes, passed away Sunday, Jan. 31, 2007, surrounded by his family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn O. Wright. He is survived by a sister, Jane W. Gott of Lewes; two daughters, Barbara Baskin of Rockville, Md., and Carol Bazis of Burtonsville, Md.; a son, Richard Oberlin of Grand Junction, Colo.; and grandchildren Sonya, John, Jacob, Joe, Nick and Lily.
Mr. Lockwood, who was devoted to his family, worked for the U.S. Patent Office and also at the National Archives. He was in business selling antiques, coins and stamps for 30 years. He loved playing and teaching tennis.
A memorial service was held at Liberty Grove Methodist Church in Burtonsville, Md. Interment was in Colesville Cemetery, Colesville, Md.

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Ruth A. Johnson,
flower gardener
Ruth A. (Houy) Johnson, 96, of Milford, died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007, in Bayhealth Medical Center-Milford Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Johnson was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., the daughter of the late Peter Francis and Josephine (Favre) Houy.
She was a homemaker. Mrs. Johnson was extremely active up until a few months ago. She was a member of the Reformation Lutheran Church in Milford and the Milford Senior Center. She enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles and flower gardening. Before his death, she enjoyed traveling with her husband. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Ivar C. Johnson in 2001, and her daughter Janice J. Osterholm in 2006.
She is survived by a sister Rita Peters, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; two granddaughters, Jill Racz and her husband Kelly, of Lewes and Anne Pribble and her husband Greg, of Evington, Va.; five great-grandchildren, Emily and Andrew Racz and Chandler, Connor and Courtney Pribble; a son-in-law Albert V. Osterholm, of Milford and her extended family Jon and Kathy Osterholm, of Rehoboth Beach.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 16, at Reformation Lutheran Church, 613 Lakeview Ave., Milford. The family suggests contributions to the Reformation Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 613 Lakeview Ave., Milford, DE 19963.
Arrangements by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford.

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Howard Leroy Horsey,
salvage worker
Howard Leroy Horsey, 48, of Lincoln, passed away Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007, at Bayhealth Medical Center-Milford Memorial Hospital.
He was born April 28, 1958, and was the son of Lonnie Horsey Sr. and the late Ruth Horsey.
Howard attended Benjamin Banneker Elementary School, Milford Junior High School and Milford Senior High School.
Howard went to work for King Cole, where he worked for many years until it went out of business. Howard then went to work for Donovan Salvage, for which he was still working when he passed.
He leaves to cherish his memories his father, Lonnie Horsey Sr. of Lincoln; five brothers, Lonnie Horsey Jr. of Ellendale, Roland Horsey and Brian Keith Horsey, both of Lincoln, and Jeffery Horsey and William Lloyd Horsey, both of Milford; four sisters, Christine Hazzard of Milford, Linda Horsey of Magnolia, and Melanie Horsey and Paula Horsey, both of Lincoln; one brother-in-law, Reginald Hazzard of Milford; two sisters-in-law, Constance and Michelle Horsey, both of Milford; several aunts and uncles, Cora V. Miller of Rehoboth Beach, Courtland Hood of Lincoln, Thomas and Sheila Hood of Lincoln, Arnold and Edith Hood of Seaford, Ronald and Roger Horsey of Laurel and Katie Parker of Laurel; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 16, in Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church, Slaughter Neck, where friends may call two hours prior. Burial will be in Old Hickory Cemetery, Slaughter Neck.
Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Milford.

02/13/07

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Betty Jane Johnson-Hall,
devoted mother
Betty Jane Johnson-Hall, 57, of Millsboro, died Friday, Feb. 9, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
She began this journey on November 21, 1949 in Millsboro. Betty was the fifth child of the late Willie and Lucille Johnson.
Betty’s joy in life was serving the Lord and being a devoted member of Millsboro 1st Seventh Day Adventist Church located in Millsboro.
On February 25, 1973, Betty was joined in holy matrimony to Walter L. Hall Sr. who lovingly referred to her as “Babe.” From that union were two children, Walt Jr. and Tanya. Betty had so much love to give that she raised her nephew Kenneth Joynes and became a foster parent to Gary Warren, Nakita Teagle, Deon Brunskill, Raheim Brunskill and numerous others.
Betty was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and she leaves a loving family to cherish her precious memories. Survivors include her husband, Walter L. Hall Sr.; four sons, Walter L. Hall Jr. and his wife Serena of Millsboro, Kenneth Joynes and his companion Thayer Stewart of Dover, and Deon and Raheim Brunskill of Millsboro; and one daughter, Tanya A. Hall and her companion Kimwaun L. Gibbs of Lewes. She felt a special love for grandchildren Elisha, Ja’len, Jonathan, KJ and Dristina. She also leaves behind her mother-in-law Edna Harmon and a host of other devoted relatives and friends; six brothers, Sidney L. Murray of Cambridge, Md., Frank Murray Jr. of Washington, D.C., Henry Fordham of Dover, Willie Johnson Jr. of Newark, N.J., Theodore Johnson of New York, Chris Johnson of Salisbury, Md.; and two sisters, Juanita Mosley of Dover and Linda Hudge of Hammond, La.
A musical tribute will be held during the viewing. She was a member of the 1st Seventh Day Adventist Church in Millsboro. She loved to sing, travel, cook and shop. She was involved in national marketing with Prepaid Legal. She won first place in the Mountaire talent contest in 2004.
Services are Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007 at noon at the 1st Seventh Day Adventist Church, Millsboro, where friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon.
Burial will be at the church cemetery. Pastor Colby Matlock will officiate.

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Clarence “Gib” Johnson,
produce farmer
Clarence G. “Gib” Johnson, 90, of Millsboro, died Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007, at home.
He was predeceased by his parents, Dorsey E. and Anna E. Clark Johnson; his wife, Fannie E. Johnson in 2005; two sons, Clarence H. Harmon and Alvin L. Harmon; one granddaughter; four brothers, Chester, Paris Everett and Clyde Johnson, and three sisters, Sylvia, Hilda and Juanita.
He is survived by one son, Troy Johnson of Millsboro; three grandsons, Robert Duff Jr. of Smyrna, Keenan Harmon of Philadelphia Pa., and Kelvin Harmon of New Castle; two granddaughters, Karen Overton and Katrina Harmon of Philadelphia Pa.; three sisters, Olive Walls of Wilmington, Louise Cangelose of Virginia, and Maxine Hitchens of Millsboro; six great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Gib was a produce farmer, a longtime Member of Harmony United Methodist Church in Millsboro, and a member of the Nanticoke Indian Association. He enjoyed farming, cutting grass and just plain work.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 16, at Harmony United Methodist Church, Route 24, Millsboro. Rev. Claudia Waters will officiate.
Friends may call Thursday night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro.
Interment will be in Indian Mission United Methodist Church Cemetery, Millsboro, Delaware.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice Southern Division, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.

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William J. Dixon Jr.,
retired graphic artist
William J. Dixon Jr., 74, of Millsboro and formerly of Norwood, Pa., passed away Friday, Feb. 9, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, he had been a resident of Millsboro for the past 12 years. He was a son of the late William J. Sr. and Marie Mullen Dixon.
Mr. Dixon was employed as graphic artist for Lincoln Graphics in Cherry Hill, N.J. for 45 years, retiring in 1995. After his retirement, he worked in security at the Pot-Nets Community in Millsboro.
He was a former member of St. Gabriel’s Church, in Norwood and a member of Mary Mother of Peace Church in Millsboro where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Burke Council.
He was also a member of the Local Union 14.
Bill was a wonderful husband who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life including fishing and reading. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Linda Anne Dixon; and a brother, Jack Dixon, who died in 2005.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ruth M. Teetz Dixon; three children, Maureen Manlove and her husband, Kenneth, of Newark, William J. Dixon and his wife, Melodee, of Pine Island, Minn. and Patricia A. Pagano and her husband, Peter Jr., of Glen Mills, Pa.; two brothers, Robert Dixon, of Millsboro and Joseph Dixon of Norristown, Pa.; a sister, Marie Bucci, of Harleysville, Pa.; eight grandchildren, Glenn, Peter III, Renae and Nicholas Pagano and Ashlie, Sam, Kristen and Bill Dixon; and three great-grandchildren.
Services were held at Pagano Funeral Home, Bethel Twp., Pa., with interment private.
Contributions are suggested to the Beebe Medical Center, Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Rd., Lewes, DE 19958-0226.

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Sue Julian Campellone,
retired seamstress
Sue Julian “Aunt Sue” Campellone, 103, of Lewes, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007, at Harbor Healthcare in Lewes.
Her great-niece and nephew, Louis and Chris Prata, who cared for her up to the time she entered the nursing home at the age of 100, were by her side.
She was raised at the St. Peter Cathedral Orphanage by the Sisters of Charity.
She was employed as a seamstress for Topkis Company on Market Street and Jim’s Venetian Blind Store on Tulip Street, and later at the Delmor Dairy on Lancaster Ave. She was a Charleston dancer at the old Wilmington Armory. She loved horse racing, the slots at Atlantic City and playing cards. Aunt Sue always loved the holidays with her family. She was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church and the St. Anthony’s Senior Center and volunteered her time at the Italian Festival spaghetti dinners.
Aunt Sue was married for 55 years to the late Dominick Campellone before his death in 1972.
She is also predeceased by her three brothers, Samuel, Joseph and Tony Julian; her sister, Rose Falco; and her daughter, Barbara who passed away at the age of three months.
She is survived by her nephew, Joseph Falco and his wife, Dee; niece, Joanna Haberstoh; and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Harbor Healthcare for their love.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:45 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 9th & DuPont Sts., where friends may call after 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow mass in Cathedral Cemetery.

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H. Ruth Smith,
cook, dietician
H. Ruth Smith, 75, of Milford, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, in her home.
Mrs. Smith was born in Greensboro, Md., daughter of the late James and Hilda (Willis) Baynard.
She worked as a cook and dietician for Caroline Nursing Home, Denton, for 12 years.
Mrs. Smith was a very active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Denton.
She enjoyed traveling, camping with family and treasured time spent with her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Roland Dixon; her second husband, James Germick; her third husband, Robert L. “Buddy” Smith; and a son, Roland D. Dixon.
She is survived by seven children, Judi Coleman of Ellendale, Bonnie Lay and her husband David of Queen Creek, Ariz., Brenda Brown and her husband Grant of Lititz, Pa., Harlene Dixon of Milton, David and Sara Germick of Opelika, Ala., Joseph Germick and his companion Barbara DeSonia, both of Gilbert, Ariz., and Terry Germick and his companion Patricia Ray, both of Milford; a sister and a brother-in-law, Joanna and Tom Maloney of Bossier City, La.; 19 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Services were held in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 N.W. Front St., Milford,

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Hazel S. McCourt,
ret. from insurance firm
Hazel S. McCourt, 101, a resident of Brandywine Assisted Living at Seaside Point, Rehoboth Beach, and formerly of Elkton, Md. and Norwood, Pa., died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
Mrs. McCourt was born in Philadelphia, the daughter of the late Rankin and Edna Short. She was raised in Norwood, and was a resident there for 52 years before moving to Elkton in 1971. She was a resident of Elkton for 31 years prior to moving to Brandywine Assisted Living in Rehoboth Beach in 2002.
She was a graduate of Chester High School in Chester, Pa.
She was employed as a supervisor for the Insurance Company of North America (now Cigna) for 45 years, until her retirement in 1970.
Mrs. McCourt taught shorthand for a period of time years ago at the former Philadelphia School of Business Training. She loved to play the piano and played the piano years ago to accompany the silent movies when they were played at the firehouses in Norwood, Prospect Park and Ridley Park, Pa. She also played the piano at Brandywine Assisted Living, and wrote the monthly newsletter there.
She was a 50-year member of the First Baptist Church of Chester, now Middletown Baptist Church in Media, Pa. and was a longtime member of the Elkton Presbyterian Church in Elkton. She was also a member of the Women’s Club of Cecil County, Md.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas H. McCourt, who died in 1960, and her sister, Ruth S. Davis, who died in 1999.
She is survived by her niece, Hazel Meegan of Millsboro.
A private burial was held in Glenwood Memorial Gardens, Marple Township, Pa.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Elkton Presbyterian Church, 209 E. Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921.
Contributions are suggested to the Elkton Presbyterian Church at the address above.

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Joshua T. West,
ret. brigadier general
Joshua T. West, 91, of Lewes, formerly of Dover, died on Feb. 7, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center.
Mr. West was born on Nov. 21, 1915 in Millsboro to the late Henry J. and Eva Wells West.
He graduated from Millsboro High School in 1933 and from the University of Delaware in 1938, where he was president of Kappa Alpha Fraternity and a member of the Court of Honor. He was student manager of the varsity football team and business manager of The Blue Hen. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Dover. He retired from the Department of Transportation in 1977 after 29 years of service. He was a past president of the Ten Year Club and past president of the Credit Union. He entered the Army Reserves as a second lieutenant in 1938. He served with the Delaware National Guard from 1940 to 1974, including five-and-a-half years of active duty during World War II. He retired with the rank of brigadier general, a three-time recipient of Delaware’s Conspicuous Service Cross.
In 1986, the Delaware National Guard chose Brigadier General (Ret.) West as its honoree for that year and on May 12, 1986, at the Governor’s Day ceremonies, he was awarded the state’s highest award for outstanding military performance, the Conspicuous Service Cross with 2nd Bronze Star. He was a charter member and past president of the Delaware Vets of World War II. He was a 32nd degree mason with Union Lodge 7 and a past president of the Department of Transportation Trowel Club. He worked for a retail credit company out of Dover from 1938 to 1940. From 1946 to 1948, he worked with the Veteran’s Administration in the Dover office. He was “Man of the Year” in the mid-fifties with the Dover Rotary. He was a member of the Caesar Rodney Board of Education from 1963-1982, serving as the president the majority of those years, and a past president of the Delaware School Boards Association. On August 20, 1983 the Delaware School Boards Association presented him with the Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Education. He was active in little league and pony league programs since 1955, including service as coach, manager, umpire and past president of each league.
He was married to the late Frances Handy in 1937; she died in 1999. He was a loving companion to Wilsie Harber of Lewes. He is survived by her two sons, William G. West and his wife Jacki of Median, Ohio and James S. West and his wife Nancy of Newark, De.; his daughter, Kathleen R. Safford and her husband Scott of Smyrna; six grandchildren, Mike Drayton, Chris Drayton, Drew West, Jeff Whisher, Lindsay Robinson and Josh West; and two great-grandchildren, Dillon West and Tyler West.
A memorial service and burial with military honors took place Feb. 11 at Christ Episcopal Church, Dover. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church or the American Heart Association, Walker Road, Dover, DE 19904.

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John M. Burford,
retired policeman
John M. Burford of Lewes and Spring Hill, Fla., formerly of Baltimore, passed away peacefully Feb. 3, 2007, in his home in Spring Hill, surrounded by his loving family. He was 74.
Mr. Burford was born in Mount Carbon, W.Va., son of the late Clay and Tressie (Legg) Burford.
He was a retired Baltimore police officer with 30 years of service.
Mr. Burford was a veteran of the Korean War, serving with the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post 28 of Oak Orchard/Riverdale and Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church in Oak Orchard.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalie M. Burford; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Deborah and Michael Schaier of Spring Hill, and Linda and Gerard Zubrowski of Lewes; five brothers, Jessie Burford and David Burford, both of Ohio, Sherman Burford of Alabama, and Clay Burford and Jerry Burford, both of Ohio; five sisters, Mary Lou Warren of Louisiana, Nora Rothermel of Florida, Frances West of Texas, Sally Jackenheimer of Ohio, Christine Mender of Wisconsin and Sue Burford of Texas; and four grandchildren, Michael J., Daniel M., Scott R. and his wife, and Jonathan.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Feb. 7 in Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church in Oak Orchard. Interment was in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery South in Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 1210 Majestic Blvd., Hudson, FL 34667.

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Rose A. Ward,
doll collector
Rose A. Ward, 85, of Georgetown, died Feb. 7, 2007.
She was predeceased by her parents, Anthony and Mary Calvariese Esopi. Survivors include her husband, Taylor F. Ward; four daughters, Mary Duman and husband Stephen of Angola, Donna Cavanaugh and husband Leonard of New Castle, Sheila Bowden and husband Wayne of Millsboro, and Colleen Smith and husband Kevin of Georgetown; one very special niece, Sister Agnes Gott, O.C., of McLean, Va.; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Ward was a member of Mary Mother of Peace Roman Catholic Church in Millsboro. She loved to crochet and collected dolls. Mass of Christian Burial was offered Feb. 12 at Mary Mother of Peace Roman Catholic Church. Interment was in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.

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William Henry Taylor,
go-cart racing fan
William Henry Taylor, 37, of Dover died Feb. 4, 2007.
He is survived by his parents, John W. Sr. & Virginia Willen Taylor; brothers Clark H. Payne of Florida, Mickey and wife Patty Payne of Georgetown, John W. Taylor Jr. and wife Paulene of Little Heaven, and Lucky Pete Phillip Taylor of Sacramento, Calif.; sisters Aurelia Ellen Turley of Sacramento, Calif., and Brenda Joyce Hopkins of California; children Tabitha Lynn Taylor and Kathleen Taylor of Vermont; nephew and niece Joe and Ashley Payne; and special friend Jason C. Tigg.
William had been a roofer for Tazalar Roofing in Dover. He attended Victory Chapel in Dover. William enjoyed fishing, camping and hunting with his brothers and family. He loved playing with his kids and racing go-carts. He was always a big clown, kidding around with everyone. He would help anyone in need, even a “plain pure stranger.” He loved eating cheese steaks from the Claymont Sub Shop. Services and interment were private. Contributions can be made to Delaware Hospice Southern Division, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown DE 19947.

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William D. Billings,
teacher, coach
William D. “Bill” Billings of Middletown, 82, passed away Feb. 5, 2007, at the Trinity Mission Nursing Facility in Charlottesville, Va.
Mr. Billings was born in Stony Point, N.C., the son of the late William and Claire Billings.
He grew up in an orphanage in Barium Springs, N.C. He graduated from Catawba College, where he earned a degree in physical education. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a veteran of World War II.
He was a teacher and coach for more than 30 years in North Carolina and Delaware. Most noted for his football coaching expertise, Bill was recognized as a premier coach in both states. Bill won numerous state championships and coach of the year awards.
He was elected to the Catawba College Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and to the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. He had 10 undefeated seasons in his tenure. While at Middletown, he led his first six teams to a 53-game win streak, a record that still stands today.
More importantly, he will be remembered for the lives he touched.
He instilled dedication and compassion in his children and grandchildren. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Glen Watts, and a grandson, Drake Billings. He is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Carol (Heatwol) Billings; a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Tom Nash, of Charlottesville, Va.; three sons, Herky Billings of Lewes; Ken Billings of Annapolis, Md., and Freddy Billings and his wife Lisa of Berlin, Md.
He also left behind 10 grandchildren - Brendan, Mary and Katy Nash of Charlottesville, Va.; Abby and Jesse Billings of Lewes; Luke, Laura and Josh Nash of Lewes; and Rose and Claire Billings of Berlin, Md.; three sisters, Mabel Hicks of Richmond, Va., Helen Hatcher of Chesapeake, Va., and Evelyn Crisman of Chesapeake, Va.; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Feb. 10 at the Middletown Volunteer Hose Company. Interment with military honors was Feb. 12 at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Bill Billings Scholarship Fund at Middletown High School, 120 Silver Lake Road, Middletown, DE 19709.

02/09/07

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James ‘Jay’ Smith,
passionate golfer
James “Jay” W. Smith, 79, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away at home with his family by his side Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007.
He was born Sept. 16, 1927, in Shawnee, Okla. His boyhood years were spent in Vernon, Texas. Jay was a proud graduate of the University of Texas and while there was a member of the Longhorn Golf Team.
A 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, he completed 100 combat missions in the Korean War and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters.
In 1955, after serving in Korea, he joined the DuPont Company, holding various positions in the Explosives Department until retiring to Rehoboth Beach in 1983. Jay served on various boards including the Rehoboth Beach Country Club and the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association. He especially enjoyed his time spent volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Jay was a lifelong student of the game of golf, winning club championships across the country. He loved to teach the game to juniors and pass along the character of the game. Golf provided the foundation for many friendships. Second to his passion for golf was his love of all sports teams from Texas.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents, U. J. and Frances Smith; a sister, Carolyn; and brother, Nat.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Priscilla Richardson Smith; three children, son, Curt Smith and wife Elaine of Seaford, daughter Cindy Speake and husband Elliotte of Birmingham, Ala., and son Terry Smith and wife Maureen of Rehoboth Beach; and by seven grandchildren, Erika and Christopher Smith of Seaford, Alden Speake of Birmingham, and Madeline, Molly, Maggie and Beau Smith of Rehoboth Beach. He is also survived by the family dog, Cracker.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m., at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Delaware State Golf Association Scholarship Fund, 240 West Side Drive, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

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Dorothy Tennov,
retired professor
Dorothy Tennov, Ph.D., of Harbeson, died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007, at home.
Dorothy was born Aug. 29, 1928 in Montgomery, Ala.
Dorothy Tennov was a college professor, author and mother. She spent her earlier years in Queens, N.Y. She received her bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College and her Ph.D. from the University of Bridgeport, where she was a college professor for 20 years.
She wrote several books:  “Psychotherapy The Hazardous Cure,” “Super Self, Love and Limerence” and “eBook - The Collected Works of Dorothy Tennov.” She was the author of numerous articles on psychological topics published in scientific and educational journals, and she wrote essays on aspects of women’s social conditions throughout her life. She also wrote a short play about life in a nursing home entitled “Rhoda Halsey at Home.”
Ms. Tennov moved to Delaware in 1986 and lived a majority of her years in Millsboro, where she played piano for a local church, volunteered at the nursing home, gave lectures at the local senior learning academy and volunteered at the community theatre, Possum Point Players. She had a great passion for music, especially classical, which she would play on the piano, and she enjoyed gardening.
She was preceded in death by her son, Randall Hoffman. Dorothy is survived by two sons, Russell Hoffman and wife Sharon of Carlsbad, Calif., and Daniel Hoffman and wife JoAnne of Harbeson. She has three grandchildren, Keith, Lauren and Bryan Hoffman of Harbeson.
All services are private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

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Marianne T. Owens,
retired adjustor
Marianne T. Owens, 77, of Lewes, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 5, 2007, at the Lewes Convalescent Center in Lewes where she was a resident for five years.
Born on July 17, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pa., Marianne lived in Collingdale, Pa. before moving to Lewes in 2000.
For 35 years, Marianne was an insurance claims adjustor for Allstate Insurance.
Ms. Owens was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Mary Owens; brothers, Arthur, James, Patrick, Lawrence and Girard Owens, and nephews Joseph and John “Jack” Owens.
She is survived by sister-in-law and best friend Marilyn Owens. She is also survived by a friend, Bill W. She was a devoted and beloved aunt to nephews James M. Owens, Kevin Owens, Timothy Owens, Brian Owens, Patrick Owens, Lawrence Owens, James T. Owens, Girard Owens and Gerald Owens. She will also be sadly missed by her nieces, Mary Beth Owens, Lois Jaywers, Eileen Longstreath, Kathy Ciccone, Judy Sarnocinski, Mary Gallagher, Jacqueline Giacobbe and Colleen Carlin.
Marianne was a faithful parishioner of Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Darby, Pa. and St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, MacDade Blvd. and Main Street, 1101 Main Street, Darby, at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 10. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, 100 West 10th St., Wilmington, DE 19801.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel in Lewes.

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John Robert Faulkner,
entertainer, volunteer
John Robert Faulkner, also known as “Bob,” of Millsboro, passed away Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007 at a hospital in Delaware after a short illness, with his family by his bedside. He was 76. Bob was born April 9, 1930 in Norristown, Pa. to William Solly Faulkner and Elizabeth Ortman.
He attended school to the 8th grade and served in the U.S. Army in Korea for two years as a radio man. After leaving the service he went to radio and television training school, also trained as a emergency ambulance attendant and served 12 years with the Trappe Fire Department in Trappe, Pa. as a volunteer. He also trained and volunteered as fire police, sheriff’s bomb disposal squad, and industrial fire training. He was a policeman with the Borough of Trappe and joined the Pahrump Valley Volunteer Fire Department and Nye County Sheriff’s Department as a volunteer deputy in Pahrump, Nev. in 1983-1984. Along with all the volunteering work that he did he worked full time for 27 years at Uniform Tubes, Inc., in Collegeville, Pa.
Bob always had his guitar available and loved to entertain, whether it was entertaining his Army buddies in Korea or on stage with his band, Mole’s Melody Makers, back in 1956-1963. They played on the “Ted Mack Amateur Hour” in Philadelphia, country and western shows, the New Jersey shore, and PBS-TV shows in Wilmington, Del.. Bob was a member for 27 years with the Collegeville Fire Company Minstrel Shows, which was an annual fundraiser for the fire department. After moving to Pahrump in 1983 he was on their local “Gong Show,” TV station Channel 41, and was a member of a Good Sam Band called the Nevada Troubadours as well as entertaining folks at campsites with the Pahrump Valley Dust Devils.
After moving to Delaware with his wife, Nancy, in July 2004, he spent many happy hours entertaining at family dinners and at a senior complex in Pennsylvania. He was always requested to sing “Bee-Bop-A-Lu-La,” as he had a very special way of singing that song, and a funny ditty called “Gladys the Cow.” He loved and played Hank Williams songs the most.
Bob is survived by his wife, Nancy, whom he had known since 1954. In 1981 they were married in Las Vegas, Nev. and that is a love story in itself.
He is also survived by a daughter, Karen L. Wilson of Milton; five sons, Daniel Faulkner and Tim Dutton of Schwenksville, Pa., Matthew Faulkner of Limerick, Pa., Randy Faulkner of Collegeville, Pa. and Kevin Faulkner of California.
Bob was cremated and memorial services will be held in Delaware and Pennsylvania at the discretion of his family. Arrangements by the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Millsboro.

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Stephen W. Warrington,
avid hunter
Stephen W. Warrington, 60, of Dover, died Monday Feb. 5, 2007, in his home.
Mr. Warrington was born December 2, 1946 in Milford to Charles E. “Pete” Warrington and Kathleen Phillips Warrington. Mr. Warrington attended the University of Delaware. He worked for the Sheet Metal Workers Local #19 for 35 years in Kent and New Castle counties. Mr. Warrington was an avid hunter who also enjoyed saltwater fishing. He loved his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was a homebody who took great pride in his house and yard and the life he had built with his wife Paula.
Mr. Warrington was preceded in death by his father, Charles E. Warrington; and his brother, Bruce Warrington. He is survived by his mother, Kathleen Phillips Warrington of Harbeson; his wife of 20 years, Paula Kertiles Warrington of Dover; his daughter, Wendi Mills of Hartly; his brother, Mike Warrington of Harbeson; three sisters, Sandy Wyatt of Georgetown, Bonnie Wilkinson of Seaford, and Pat Eye of Harbeson; four granddaughters, Sarah, Katie, Samantha and Danielle; and 1 great-grandchild, Tyler.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 9, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford St., Dover. Friends may call 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 8, at the funeral home. Interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Dover.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to a charity of your choice.

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Olga Traina,
family matriarch
Olga Traina, 97, passed away peacefully, Friday, Feb. 2, 2007, at the home she shared in Angola with her daughter and son-in-law, Helen and Mario DeFede.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., daughter of the late Jacob and Helen Dosin Okolovitch, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Joseph, in 1959, and a brother, Peter Okolovitch.
Ever the optimist, never a complainer, always appreciative of anything done for her, Olga found pleasure in the small joys of life. She will be sorely missed by family and friends, who will fondly remember the sweet smile that always greeted them.
In addition to Helen and Mario, she is survived by a son, Joseph and his wife Donna of Riverhead, N.Y.; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen Wichart and her husband Bill of Staten Island, N.Y.; and a brother, Jack Okolovitch and his wife Jaye of Newark; as well as many nephews and nieces.
Services were held at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Brooklyn, N.Y., with burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Queens, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown DE 19947.

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Lawrence R. Casti,
retired store manager
Lawrence R. Casti, 67, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 6, 1939 in Ehrenfeld, Pa., son of the late Massimo U. and Margaret (Chessa) Casti.
Mr. Casti and his wife moved to Rehoboth Beach from Annapolis, Md. eight years ago. He had worked for Safeway Inc. for 40 years retiring as a store manager in Annapolis.
He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, and a member of St. Edmond’s Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Trina Casti. Mr. Casti is survived by his wife of 43 years, Colleen (O’Herrick) Casti; two daughters, Elizabeth Ireland and her husband Keith of Annapolis, and Michele Reinitz and her husband Kirk of Powell, Ohio; eight grandchildren; three brothers, James Casti, Robert Casti, and Thomas Casti; and two sisters, Louise Wadsworth and Loretta Panick.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 9, at St. Edmond’s Catholic Church, Laurel & King Charles Avenues, Rehoboth Beach; Father Raymond Forrester will be the celebrant. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.

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Fred Krug
business president
Fred Krug, 70, of Rehoboth, died Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007 at his home surrounded by his loving family, after battling cancer. If you knew him, you knew a wonderful man. A father, grandfather, friend, colleague, mentor, he wore different hats to different people; yet to each one he left his mark, and will be missed by all.
Fred will be remembered for the lessons or teachings he shared about life, business, common sense, or just kindness. Chock full of pearls of wisdom, quips of wit, nuggets of knowledge, Fred always knew what to say, when to say it, and most importantly how to say it. 
He served as president of Delmarva Pole Building Supply Company in Wyoming, Delaware. Previously, he was a business consultant in the tristate area.
He was an active member of New Covenant Presbyterian Church of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and was involved in planning for a new church building..
He is survived by his wife Dorothea Krug of Texas City, Texas; three daughters, Leslie Voth of Valley Forge, Pa.; Lorrell Monday of Broomall, Pa., and Lisa Stafford of Friendswood, Texas; five grandchildren, Eric, Brooke, Brittany, Andrew and Emily and one brother Charles Krug of Lancaster, Pa. Fred was also a father to Jennifer Niziolek of Rehoboth Beach and Adam Cayer of Laurel. 
A celebration of his life will held at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 9, 2007 at Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes. His family will receive visitors for one hour prior to the service.
Send memorial contributions to the Building Fund of New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 19331 Lighthouse Plaza, Unit 2, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, 19971. No flowers please.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Home & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

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Rose Maricciano,
Rehoboth homemaker
Rose (DeFeo) Matricciano, 85, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully at Harbor Healthcare & Rehab Center on Monday, Feb. 5, 2007.
She was born in Philadelphia, Pa. on Aug. 24, 1921, daughter of the late Angelo and Serafina (Petillo) DeFeo.
Mrs. DeFeo attended St. Thomas Aquinas grade school and Fleischer’s Vocational School. She was a loving daughter to her father who was widowed early in life and a loving sister to her two brothers, Frank and Joseph, both deceased. She was devoted to her husband, Frank and her two daughters, Joyce and Francine. Her two grandchildren, Krista and Jimmy Blakeslee, were the love of her life.
Rose loved to cook and be a homemaker to her family. When she was well, she loved to throw family parties and did all the cooking herself. She had the gift of hospitality and was very well organized in the kitchen.
She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Philadelphia for 60 years. She and her husband moved to Cape May, N.J. in 1981 and were members of St. John of God Parish. In 2004, due to failing health, they moved to Rehoboth Beach to reside with their daughter, Joyce, where they were ministered to by St. Edmond’s Catholic Church.
Rose is survived by her husband of 65 years, Frank; her daughters, Joyce Blakeslee and her husband Jim of Rehoboth Beach, and Francine Peschel and her husband Reid of Millsboro; two grandchildren, Krista and Jimmy Blakeslee, both of Northern Virginia; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 9, at St. Edmond’s Catholic Church, Laurel and King Charles Avenue, Rehoboth Beach; Father James Downs MSA, will be the celebrant. Friends may call at the church beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Cape Henlopen Food Basket, P.O. Box 567. Nassau, DE 19969.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, DE.

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Harry Hurlock Jr.,
Firefighter of the Year
Harry “Lee” Hurlock Jr., 85, of Clayton died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007 in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover.
Mr. Hurlock was born Sept. 13, 1921, in Clayton, son of the late Kate (Nickerson) and Harry Hurlock Sr.
He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army from August 1942 to November 1945. He served at the Battle of the Bulge.
Mr. Hurlock retired from Hoober Equipment Co. in 1998.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who enjoyed spending time at the beach and Sunday dinners with his family.
Mr. Hurlock was a member of Clayton Fire Co. No. 1, Inc. He joined the company Dec. 8, 1953. He held the office of president in 1963, 1965 and 1970. He was director of equipment for several years and held the office of trustee from 1978-1980.
Mr. Hurlock received awards for most alarms attended in 1975, 1976 and 1977. He also received the Fire Fighter of the Year award in 1999. On Dec. 8, 2003, he was recognized with the 50-Year Membership award, an award that has only been presented seven other times in the history of the Clayton Fire Co., No. 1 Inc.
He served on the apparatus replacement committee for many years and was instrumental in many important purchases of equipment.
In December 2006, he and Bob Berghorn were recognized by having the new Quint Ladder Truck dedicated in their honor.
Mr. Hurlock’s proudest memories of the Clayton Fire Co. were watching his two sons, Jeff and Jay, join the fire company.
He was preceded in death by a son, Harry Hurlock III.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Jeanette Wallace Hurlock; two sons and two daughters-in-law, Jeff A. and Cheryl Hurlock of Clayton and Jay and Therese Hurlock of Clayton; a daughter and a son-in-law, Donna and John Kolakowski of Clayton; two nephews, James Rowlinson of Apopka, Fla. and Edward “Nodal” Rowlinson of Lewes; a special great-nephew, Charles Busker of Harrington; nine grandchildren, Katherine, Helen, Megan, Danielle, Abby, Jaime, Jennifer, Ali and Max; and a great-granddaughter, Gabriella.
Services will be noon Saturday, Feb. 10, in Clayton Fire Hall, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Clayton Fire Co. No. 1, Inc., P.O. Box 1050, Clayton, DE 19938.
Arrangements by Faries Funeral Directors Inc., 29 S. Main St., Smyrna.

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Thelma H. Miller,
loved the outdoors
Thelma Hitchens Miller, 75, of Millsboro died Friday, Feb. 2, 2007, in her home.
Mrs. Miller cleaned houses for 38 years. She loved the outdoors, flowers and especially loved children. She never had enough babies. She was a member of the Nanticoke Indian Association.
Mrs. Miller attended Friendship United Methodist Church in Millsboro.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey E. and Virgie M. Thompson Hitchens; her husband, Edward Sylvester Miller, in 1983; and two brothers, Reginald Hitchens and Harvey Hitchens.
She is survived by a son and a daughter-in-law, Larry S. and Barbara Miller of Millsboro; three daughters and three sons-in-law, Sandra L. and Ambrosio Zacamitzin of Millsboro, Jocelyn L. and Edward Cannon of Millsboro, Sharon K. and Michael Harmon of Millsboro; two sisters, Virgie Rivera of Georgetown and Sarah Johnson of Wilmington; 10 grandchildren, Leslie, Larissa, Dino, Ranada, Aaron, Heather, Jeremiah, Jordan, Michael, Shawnie; and 13 great-grandchildren, Carissa, Larry, Lakota, Tacoma, Nevaeh, Ronnie Jr., Rayna, Mason, Jalen, Christopher, Kaydea, Caleb and Gabriel.
Services were held in Friendship United Methodist Church Millsboro.

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Marjorie Summers,
teacher, principal
Marjorie (Starr) Summers, 85, of Milford died Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes..
Mrs. Summers was born Oct. 22, 1921, in Galena, Md., daughter of the late William Latimore and Elsie Katie Mae (Helm) Starr.
The valedictorian of her class of 1942 at Washington College, Chestertown, Md., she became a career educator who influenced generations of students and teachers in both Maryland and Delaware. Following college graduation, she taught at Havre de Grace High School in Maryland for many years. After marrying Charles Anthony Summers of Milford in 1952, she moved to Milford and began teaching in the Milford School District.
Although Mrs. Summers resigned her position to start a family, she returned to teaching following the sudden death of her husband in 1964. In 1974, she was appointed assistant principal at Milford High School.
Upon retiring in 1984, she became an active volunteer within the Milford community. She served as a Milford Public Library board trustee, chairman of the board for Peoples Place and president of the Milford Memorial Hospital Women’s Auxiliary.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Price Stradley; and a sister, Anna Callaway.
She is survived by three sons, Tony Summers of Rehoboth Beach, Bill Summers of Newark and Tom and his wife Debbie Summers of Magnolia; three grandchildren, Ricky, Jordan and Hannah; a niece and her husband, June and Jeff Allen of Wyoming; three nephews and their wives, Ken and Shirley Callaway of Summit, N.J., Wayne and Jackie Callaway of Washington, and Roger and Helen Stradley of Granville, Ohio. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Ave., Milford.
A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, in Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St., Milford. Burial will be private in Milford Community Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Marjorie Summers Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o of PNC Bank, 655 N. DuPont Highway, Milford, DE 19963.