03/30/07

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Virginia E. Reese,
former retail manager
Virginia E. Reese, 87, of Long Neck, passed away Friday, March 23, in Lewes.
She moved to Long Neck in 1994 and was formerly a resident of Laurel, Md. She retired from Woodward & Lothrop where she worked in sales and as a manager for 25 years in Wheaton and Columbia, Md.
Mrs. Reese was predeceased by her husband, Donald C. Reese Sr., and a daughter, Judith Reese, who lived in Lewes. She was also preceded in death by a twin brother, Vernon Hanson, and a sister, Thelma Ryan.
She is survived by four daughters, Karen Shiflett and Cheryl Powell, both of Rehoboth Beach, Joyce Hare of Lewes, and Christine Brooks of Ellicott City, Md; and a son, Donald C. Reese Jr. of Vienna, Va. She is also survived by a brother, Robert Hanson and his wife Lawanda of San Jose, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Florence Hanson of Wonder Lake, Ill., and a sister-in-law, Betty Reese of The Villages, Fla. Virginia was the loving grandmother of 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and had numerous nieces and nephews.
Family services were held in Howard County, Md., with burial at Crestlawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.

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Ellen Jane Meyerson,
emergency operator
Ellen Jane Meyerson, 85, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Monday, March 26, 2007 at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
She was born in Philadelphia, daughter of the late Donald and Ellen Proctor. She was a retired emergency reporting operator for Prince George’s County in Maryland.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Meyerson, on March 10, 2007.
She is survived by a son, John A. Meyerson of Glen Burnie, Md.; three daughters, Diane Didomenico of Rehoboth Beach, Rosalind Morton of Davidsonville, Md., and Daryl Meyerson of Wilmington; seven grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
Services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 29, at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the charity of choice.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Long Neck.

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Lemuel A. Ross,
Knights member
Lemuel A. “Jack” Ross, 86, of Lewes, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, March 27, 2007.
Jack was born June 30, 1920 in Lost Creek #2, Pa., son of the late William and Helen Coyle Ross.
He worked for Locust Coal Company until they closed in 1954. Jack then went to work for Tasty Baking Co., in Philadelphia. He and his family lived in King of Prussia until 1984. He retired and moved to Lewes with his wife, Sarah.
Jack was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Cartwright Assembly in Dover and an honor member of the Knights of Columbus, Star of the Sea Council, Rehoboth Beach, Knights of Columbus, Bridgeport, Pa., a member of The Men of Malvern, Elks Lodge #2540; Cape Henlopen Senior Center and the Lewes Senior Center; and Lewes Historical Society.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded by a daughter, Maureen Ross; a son, Paul Ross; four brothers; and two sisters.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Sarah; three sons, Lemuel A. Ross Jr. and his wife Nancy of Clifton Heights, Pa., Michael Ross and his wife Susan of Phoenixville, Pa., and Jeremiah Ross and his wife Barbara of Uncasville, Conn.; two daughters, Sarah E. Ross of Lewes, and Anne Pugliese and her husband Ralph of Phoenixville, Pa.; six granddaughters, Katie, Sarah, Nicole, Alexandra, Theresa and Lauren; one grandson, Stephen; and one great-granddaughter, Cloe.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church, Route 1, North of Five Points, Lewes, at 10 a.m., Friday, March 30. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to Mass. Interment will be held Monday, April 2, at St. Augustine Cemetery in King of Prussia, Pa.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to: St. Jude The Apostle Church Building Fund, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, DE 19958.

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Anne G. Urffer,
retired sales associate
Anne G. Urffer, 90, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2007, at her residence.
She was born Feb. 9, 1917 in Woldorf, Germany.
Mrs. Urffer was employed as a sales associate at Stewart’s in Baltimore, Md.
She is survived by two nieces, Ingrid Burger and her husband, Willie of Sandhausen, Germany and Catherine Delcamp and her husband William of Fleetwood, Pa.; and a dear friend, Charles Seigle of Rehoboth Beach. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Urffer.     
All services are private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes. 
Memorial contributions can be sent to Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary of Sussex County, PO Box 430, Nassau, DE 19969.

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Lawrence W. George,
self-employed contractor
Lawrence W. George, 76, of Rehoboth Beach died Friday, March 23, 2007, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
Mr. George was the son of the late Joe and Dorothy Evano George. He was a self-employed contractor throughout the Philadelphia area for most of his life before retiring in 2000.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Thomas George, in 2003.
He is survived by his wife, Maria Burgl George; two sons, Larry George of New York City and Michael E. George of Rehoboth Beach; two brothers, Louis George of Philadelphia and Cory George of Ontario, Canada; 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Services were held in the funeral home of Michael J. Ambruso, 1175 S. State St., Dover. Burial was in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden.
Arrangements by the Funeral Home of Michael J. Ambruso, Dover.

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Jean Paul A. Cyr,
retired engineer
Jean Paul A. Cyr, 78, of Lewes, passed away Monday, March 26, 2007, at Harbor Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Lewes. He was born Nov. 12, 1928 in Fort Kent, Maine, son of the late John O. and Edna (Daigle) Cyr.
Mr. Cyr was raised in Maine. He was an electrical engineer who owned and operated Acquisitions Management, Inc. He and his wife Doris moved to Delaware in 1995. He was a member of St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jay Peter Cyr and his wife Jeannie.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Doris E. (Langevin) Cyr; three daughters, Shawn Elizabeth Riggin and her husband Stephen of Columbia, Md., Anne Moira Sanders and her husband Michael of Georgetown, and Deirdre Eileen Perini of Ashburn, Va.; two sons, James Michael Cyr and his wife Jennelle of Garner, N.C., and Dennis Padraic Cyr and his wife Kathleen of Beltsville, Md.; 17 grandchildren: Joseph Sanders and his wife Jessica, Courtney Sanders, Sarah Sanders, Matthew Sanders, Emily Sanders, Stephen Paul Riggin, Brittany Riggin, Jason Riggin, Stephanie Perini, James Peter Cyr, Caitie Cyr, Mary Elizabeth Cyr, Kayla Cyr, Amanda Cyr, Olivia Isner, Savannah Isner and Erica Isner; two brothers, Renaud J. Cyr and his wife Pauline of Livermore Falls, Maine, and Roderick J. Cyr of East Hartford, Conn.; and one sister, Delores Levesque of Saco, Maine.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Monday, April 2, 2007 at St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church, Delaware Rt. 1 north of Five Points, Lewes. Interment will follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro, DE. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m., Sunday April 1, 2007 at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimers Association, Delaware chapter, 2306 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805.

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Thomas Henry,
retired teacher
Thomas Henry, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2007 at Beebe Medical Center. Mr. Henry was born in Meadville, Pa., son of the late Donald and Kathryn Henry. 
Mr. Henry graduated from Edinboro University, Pa., with a degree in elementary education. He taught fifth and sixth grades at Pine Crest Elementary School for 30 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.  
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Laura Henry; one son, Erik Henry and his wife Rachel; and two grandsons. 
A Prayer Service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 30, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Interment will be private. 
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to American Lung Association of Delaware, 1021 Gilpin Avenue, Suite 202, Wilmington, DE 19806 or to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.

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Fred B. Kacena,
aviation pioneer
Fred B. Kacena, 89, of Lewes, formerly of Newark, passed away Friday, March 23, 2007, in Harbor Health and Rehabilitation Center, Lewes.
Mr. Kacena was born Aug. 1, 1917, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the eldest son of the late Fred and Bertha Kacena.
After completing high school, he joined the U.S. Army, serving in the field artillery. He later enrolled in the Luscombe School of Aeronautics in Trenton, N.J. While living in Trenton, he met Josephine A. Pierozak and the couple married in Aug. 1941.
Mr. Kacena began working at Kellett Autogyro Co. as a welder and also taught night school courses in Philadelphia. He then moved on to the Iowa Airplane Co.. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor caused the shutdown of civilian aircraft businesses so he contacted the Air Corps Flight School in Uvalde, Texas, and was hired as a PT-19 expert.
After three years in Texas, he moved to Davenport, Iowa, where he worked on Aeroncas and Navy N3N-3s at a Navy V-12 program. Later, at Fleetwings in Bristol, Pa., he participated in engine buildup for an experimental Navy dive bomber and then moved into experimental welding. When this project shut down, he “civilianized” military surplus aircraft at the Old Star Airport in Langhorne, Pa.
Mr. Kacena and his family moved to Newark in 1948 when he began working as a control surface specialist for TWA. When the airline moved to Kansas City, he remained in Delaware where he worked for two years on an atomic power program at the University of Delaware, while also being employed reconditioning Navy blimps at the General Development Corp. in Elkton, Md.
His next endeavor was an airplane shop at Lovett Airport in Elkton that his friends called “Fat Freddie’s Fly Factory.” He passed the authorized inspector examination for the Federal Aviation Administration and when Lovett Airport was sold, he set up shop as a foreman at Chester County Aviation. When the next opportunity to join the FAA arose, he jumped at it and then spent the next 15 years commuting from Newark to Baltimore Airport.
After retiring from the FAA, Mr. Kacena was given the responsibility of a designated area representative authorized to certify amateur-built and restricted aircraft and to re-issue standard certificates for the FAA.
He became interested in the Experimental Aircraft Association in the 1950s and became a lifetime member. Twice he served as president of Chapter 240 (Wilmington and Toughkenamon, Pa.); he was chief fundraiser for the chapter house/hanger. For many years, Fred taught courses at the EAA Academy at Oshkosh, Wis. He was also a member of the OX-5 group and the QBs.
Mr. Kacena received numerous awards and honors from the aviation community. He was most pleased by the Experimental Aircraft Association Major Achievement Award for Outstanding Service to the EAA and Recreational Aviation presented to him in 2004. This was a fitting end to more than 60 years dedicated to his love of flight. He retired because of ill health in 2004.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Josephine; and a brother, Charles Kacena.
He is survived by a brother, Leo Kacena of Hawthorne, Calif.; two daughters, Janina K. Darling of Cornelius, Ore. and Marianna K. Dyal of Lewes; three grandchildren, Mark W. Preston of East Norriton, Pa., Deborah A. Dignan of Middletown and David A. Darling of Palo Alto, Calif.; and four great-grandchildren, Erin Dignan, Laura Dignan and Kelly Dignan, all of Middletown, and Sean Preston of East Norriton.
A gathering for family and friends will be 2 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle.
Burial will follow in the adjoining memorial park.
A memorial service will be announced at a future date.
Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Society of America, 7910 Woodmont Ave., Ste. 300, Bethesda, MD 20814.

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Richard Walker Ewing,
retired police officer
Richard Walker Ewing, 74, of Daytona Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 14, 2007, in his home, surrounded by his family after a long illness. He was 74.
Mr. Ewing was the son of the late J. Benjamin Ewing and Gertrude Morgan Ewing, the grandson of Benjamin B. and Catherine Lingo Ewing of Rehoboth Beach and the grandson of W. Y. and Clara Morgan of Warsaw, Va.
A native of Rehoboth Beach, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952, and was attached to the Marine Embassy Guard. His duties included security detail for former Secretary of State John Foster Dulles and he accompanied Secretary Dulles to NATO conferences throughout Europe. Later, he was assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, Austria, where he met his wife, Fran, a staff member of the Embassy. They were married in the Hofburgkapelle, the Imperial Palace. The Vienna Boys Choir sang at the ceremony.
They returned stateside and settled in northern Virginia, where they raised five girls.
After discharge from the Marines, he became a police officer in Arlington County, and later a business owner. In 1994 they moved to Daytona Beach where Mr. Ewing enjoyed painting, fishing with his wife and friends and socializing with the wonderful friends they made in the area.
Those who will lovingly remember him include his wife of nearly 50 years, Fran; his daughters and sons-in-law, Suzanne Ewing and Tripp Kline, Julie Ewing, K-Lee Ewing, all of Pennsylvania, Robin and David Smith of Maryland and Trudi and Brad Vogel of Port Orange; a brother, State Rep. J. Benjamin Ewing, Jr. of Bridgeville; a sister, Kathryn Ewing Brewer of Stuart, Fla.; four grandchildren, Jessica, Kayla, Tyler and Emily.
A memorial Mass will be 8:30 a.m. Friday in Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 4675 S. Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129.

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Brooks Byard Cannon Sr.,
retired mason
Brooks Byard Cannon Sr. of Seaford died Wednesday, March 21, 2007, in Seaford.
Mr. Cannon was born April 2, 1915, in Federalsburg, Md., son of the late Charles and Rosa Cannon. He was one of 15 children.
He received his formal education in the Maryland School System. He graduated from Loockerman High School, Md.
Mr. Cannon was employed by James Julian and George and Lynch Construction companies for a short period of time as a mason. He retired from James A. Hill Construction Co. as a mason after 31 years of service.
He married Catherine Nichols Oct. 16, 1940, in Seaford and had eight children.
Mr. Cannon enjoyed traveling when he was able and listening to gospel music. He always asked for and enjoyed the company of his granddaughter, Tonya and his great-granddaughter, Brittany.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Robert Cannon; and his siblings, Jules, Elmer, James, Adam, Eve, Granville, Steven, Isaac, Herbert, Carville, Betsy, Catherine, Belle and Martha.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Catherine Cannon; five sons and four daughters-in-law, Brooks R. Cannon Jr., Donald L. and Henrietta Cannon, Melvin E. Sr. and Alfreda Cannon, all of Seaford, Wayne L. and Alicia Cannon of Dover and Ronnie A. and Venita Cannon of Milford; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Barbara D. and James Harmon Sr. of Lewes and Theresa C. and William Justice of Seaford; 26 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; six adopted children, JoeAnn White, Ralph and Pat Lee, William Cannon and Freddie and Vickie Ricketts; very special friends, Myrtle Banks and family, Ida Mae Jenkins, the Middleford family; five sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Ronell and Robert Brown, Novella Pinder, Venetta and Robert Waples, and Helen Cannon, all of Seaford, and Ethel Robinson of Milford; four brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Juan and Sharon Roach of Middletown, Guy and Darlene Roach and Terrence Roach, all of Seaford, Jackie and Phyllis Robinson of Dover; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Church of God, Seaford.
Funeral services will be noon Monday in the church, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Easton.

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Marian Grace Garvin,
former Newark resident
Marian Grace (Spellman) Garvin, 84, of Columbus, Ohio, and formerly of Newark, died Saturday March 24, 2007, at Mother Angeline McCrory Manor. Formerly of Newark, DE.
Mrs. Garvin was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Preston J. Garvin; parents, James and Grace Spellman.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Preston and Margaret Garvin; her grandchildren, Kristina of Washington, D.C., Karyn of Washington, D.C. and Preston of Columbus; her sisters, Bette Spellman and Clare Holmes, both of Wilkes-Barre; a nephew, John Holmes of Wilkes-Barre; her sisters-in-law, Carol Knisely of Carlisle, Pa. and Laura Pruitt of Newark and Anna Olewnik of Lewes; a brother-in-law, Ernest Garvin of Carlisle; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 9:30 to 10 a.m., Friday at Mother Angeline McCrory Manor, 5199 E. Broad Street, where the Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Joseph Chapel. The family wishes to thank the staff of Homereach Hospice and Mother Angeline McCrory Manor for their exceptional care and support.
In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to Mother Angeline McCrory Manor in her memory.

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Evalyn B. Hickman,
school administrator
Evalyn B. Hickman, 86, of Seaford, formerly of Bayard, died peacefully, Tuesday, March 27, 2007, at the Methodist Manor House in Seaford, where she lived for the last eight years and had many close friends.
She was born Dec. 21, 1920, daughter of the late Edna Elizabeth and James Frank Johnson.
She retired from the Indian River School District in December, 1978 with 32 years of service as a school administrator. She was president of Hickman Beach Plaza, LLC in Bethany Beach at the time of her death.
She was an active woman, who liked to travel and belonged to many professional and social organizations. She was a long-time member of the Roxana United Methodist Church, the Frankford Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, Delta Kappa Gamma honor sorority, and American Association of University Women. Her recent affiliations included serving on the financial board at the Methodist Manor House, and membership in the Women’s Auxiliary Roxana Volunteer Fire Company and the Red Hat Kats chapter of the Red Hat Society.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Lemuel H. Hickman in 1993.
She is survived by her daughter, Dianne H. Archut; son-in-law, Russell W. Archut; and grandson, Brenton H. Archut.
An Order of Eastern Star service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 31, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services on Thatcher Street in Frankford, where a funeral service will follow . Visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Prince George’s Cemetery in Dagsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Methodist Manor House Employee Appreciation Fund, 1001 Middleford Rd., Seaford, DE. 19973, or Delaware Hospice Inc. 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE. 19947.

03/27/07

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David F. Mulligan,
IBM manager
David F. Mulligan, 62, of near Lewes, died Sunday, March 25, 2007, at his residence.
Mr. Mulligan was born in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late George and Anna Fuhs Mulligan. He had been employed as an area manager for the IBM Company. Mr. Mulligan moved to Sussex County, about 20 years ago from Thorndale, Pa.
He enjoyed boating and crabbing.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Ruth Ann (Tucker) Mulligan; three daughters, Christine A. Mulligan of Lewes, Susanne L. Mulligan of Charlotte, N.C. and Sharon L. Mulligan of Raleigh, N.C.; a brother, George Mulligan and wife Joyce of Lake City, Fla.; a sister, Mildred Friel and husband Donald of Fort Washington, Fla; and one granddaughter, Kaite Mulligan.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday March 30, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins- Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, with Pastor Randy Booth officiating.
Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday March 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will be at Conley’s United Methodist Cemetery, near Lewes
Memorial contributions are suggested to the S.P.C.A., 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.

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Carol A. McComb,
square-dancer
Carol A. McComb, 70, of Rehoboth Beach, died Friday, March 23, 2007.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Clara Godet Morgan.
She is survived by her husband, Lawrence McComb of Rehoboth Beach; two sons, Shawn W. Brown of York, Pa. and Timothy M. Brown of Walkill, N.Y.; a sister, Jeannette Leatherman of Williamsport, Md. and three grandchildren.
Carol was a member of the 1st Seventh Day Adventist Church of Millsboro. She was also a member of the Rehoboth Senior Center and the Cancer Survivors Group of the Wellness Community. She loved to crochet, do ceramics, square-dance, listen to gospel music, drive her trucks and her 1984 Caddy convertible and go pistol shooting. She had a green thumb and loved her houseplants and flowers.
Services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 30, at the 1st Seventh Day Adventist Church, Millsboro, where friends may call two hours prior. Pastor Colby Matlock will officiate.
Interment will be in the 1st Seventh Day Adventist Church Cemetery, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Delaware Hospice Southern Division, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21803.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.

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Bernard M. Stiefel,
Dry Dock trustee
Bernard M. Stiefel, 69, of Lewes, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 21, 2007. Mr. Stiefel was born June 22, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Samuel H. and Alberta Miller Stiefel.
Bernie was employed as program director, Fellowship Health Resources, Georgetown and served as a trustee of The Dry Dock in Lewes.
Prior to becoming a counselor, he had a long and successful career in marketing and financial services.
He was active in the Rotary of Georgetown-Millsboro. He was a proud graduate of Lafayette College, Easton, Pa., and loved following Lafayette sports teams, especially basketball.
A man of many interests, Bernie followed the Phillies and Eagles as well as being an avid history buff. He served honorably in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves.
He is survived by his loving partner, Joan Procaccio; his daughter, Adriene Heath Stiefel and her partner, Neil Callander of New York, N.Y.; a grandson, Finn Dale Callander; and a cousin, Jay Robert Stiefel (Ann Chambondour) of Philadelphia, Pa.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 31, at Epworth U. M. Church, 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, with the Rev. Jack Abel officiating.
Interment will be private.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Lafayette College, 307 Markle Hall, Easton, PA 18042 or to Epworth U. M. Church Building Fund, 12-Step Room, 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

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Diane M. Roach,
former waitress
Diane M. Roach, 50, of Long Neck, formerly of Delaware County, Pa., passed away at home on Tuesday, March 13, 2007.
She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., daughter of the late William Roach and Catherine Peters Roach.
Diane was a former waitress at Perkins Restaurant at the Philadelphia Air Park and Bob Evans in Rehoboth Beach.
She was a member of American Legion Post #28 of Oak Orchard/Riverdale.
Diane loved to sing and enjoyed talking with people, giving them advice and guidance.
She is survived by her loving partner of 23 years, Diane Gibson; her daughter, Jamie L. Gibson of Philadelphia; a brother, William Roach and his wife Patricia of Philadelphia; her sister, Catherine McGarrigle and her husband Joseph of Cape May, N.J.; a nephew, William McBride; two nieces, Colleen Snow and Dinean Rulon; and five great- nieces and -nephews.
Services have been held.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, Sussex County Unit, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21805.

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Anne E. McDermott,
Wilmington Trust retiree
Anne E. McDermott, 88, of Millsboro, previously of Wilmington, passed away Thursday, March 22, 2007 at Beebe Hospital in Lewes.
Born in Wilmington, Mrs. McDermott retired from Wilmington Trust Company as a PBX operator .
She was a lontime member of St. Elizabeth Church.
She was predeceased by her husband, James H. McDermott, Jr., in 1972; by her children, Patricia Gorman and James McDermott, III; and by her grandson, Steven Marshall.
She will be dearly missed by her children and their spouses, Margaret and Edward Marshall, of Ocean View and Pike Creek, Rosalie and Thomas Burns, of Wilmington, John and Kathleen McDermott, of Wilmington, Joseph and Adrienne McDermott of Pennsylvania, Anne Marie and Edwin Ortiz of Maryland, Robert McDermott and Claire of Pennsylvania and Barbara and John Albanese of Millsboro; 17 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 27, at St. Elizabeth Church, Cedar and Clayton streets, Wilmington, where visitation will be between 9:30-10:45 a.m. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either the American Heart Association, 1501 Casho Mill Road 1, Newark, DE 19711; or St. Elizabeth Building Fund, 809 South Broom St., Wilmington, DE 19805.

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David Robert Littleton,
auto shop owner
David Robert Littleton, 37, of Laurel, son of Robert and Winifred Littleton of North Port, Fla., departed this world on Monday, March 5, 2007, as a result of an automobile accident.
David graduated from Indian River High School in Frankford in 1988. He attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., and was a graduate of Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix, Ariz., where he majored in automotive technology and business management.
David was the proud owner of Littleton Motorsports Inc., a high- performance auto shop in Laurel. His specialty was custom engine building.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Lucinda Beth Littleton of Pacific Beach, Calif.; half-brother, Chris Littleton, his wife, Celeste and nephews, Michael and Brendan of Midlothian, Va.; half-sister, Karen Baker and niece, Stacie of Millsboro; his maternal grandmother, Ruth Neumann of Newington, Conn.; uncle and aunt, Jonathon and Cynthia Fairbanks of Damariscotta, Maine; and cousins, Christopher and Aaron; uncle and aunt, William and Terri Pelletier of Rocky Hill, Conn.; cousin, Nicole; and cousins, Mark Riddle, Kenny Riddle and Billy Riddle of Frankford.
A family memorial service will be held in North Port, Fla.
A memorial celebration of David’s life was held at Littleton Motorsports, Laurel.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Bell Fund of Grace United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 566, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Frankford.

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Ralph A. Figueroa,
business owner
Ralph A. Figueroa, 52, of Dover passed away Wednesday, March 21, 2007, in Cancún, Mexico.
Mr. Figueroa was born April 16, 1954, on Landstuhl Army Base, Germany.
He resided most of his adult years in Dover. Together with his wife, he grew and ran two successful businesses, The Pool Doctor and The Touchdown Restaurant. He and his son also recently began a new real estate buy-and-flip venture under the name F.S. Investors.
Mr. Figueroa filled his free time with entertaining guests, water skiing, hunting, fishing and other hobbies.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Donna Figueroa of Dover; a son, Ralph Figueroa Jr. of Dover; two daughters, Ashley Figueroa and Domenica Figueroa, both of Dover; two granddaughters, Aloni Figueroa and Alexia Figueroa, both of Dover; his parents, Ralph and Evelyn Figueroa of Dover; and three sisters, Dee Little and Yvonne Frankis, both of Rehoboth Beach, and Michelle Loewer of Baltimore.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, March 28, in the Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Rd. (Route 10), Dover. Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday, March 29, in Holy Cross Catholic Church, 631 S. State St., Dover.
Burial will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover.

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Dorothy J. Bonser,
Long Neck homemaker
Dorothy J. Bonser, 87, of Long Neck, died Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., daughter of the late Edward and Natalie Soltner.
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, George in 1999; daughter, Dorothy Thompson in 2002; and son, George in 1956.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Steer and her husband Daniel of Millsboro; son-in-law, Ronald Thompson of Long Neck; a brother, Frank Soltner; sister, Natalie Alloway; three grandchildren, George Thompson and his wife Tammy, Jeffrey and Kimberly Steer; and four great- grandchildren, Nathan and Brett Thompson, Cheyenne Dally, Rylee Hart.
Funeral services were private.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Long Neck.

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Helen R. McIlvaine,
worked for U.S. court
Helen R. McIlvaine, 94, of Rehoboth Beach, died Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at Harbor Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Lewes.
Ms. McIlvaine was born in Washington, D.C. and had been employed by the U.S. Court of Claims in Washington until her retirement.
She was predeceased by her parents, Luther J. and Loretta B. Llewellyn McIlvaine; her sisters Ethel M. Bram and Miriam E. Howard and a brother, Ceylon L. McIlvaine.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews and extended family who will miss her.
Services were private.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

03/23/07

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Reynolds J. Harris Sr.,
retired social worker
Reynolds J. Harris Sr., 80, of Camden, departed this life Monday, March 19, 2007, at Bayhealth Medical Center, Dover.
He was the son of the late Isaac P. and Helen D. May Harris, and was born June 26, 1926.
Mr. Harris was educated in the Reeves Crossing public school in Felton, Booker T. Washington in Dover and Delaware State College. He graduated from Delaware Technical & Community College in Georgetown.
He was a member of M.F. Chase Unity Memorial Church in Star Hill, where he served as church treasurer and then as an ordained elder. He was a strong pillar of M.F. Chase who facilitated the construction of the new church building and ensured a smooth transition from the old to the new church facility. He was president of the men’s department. He established the annual men’s fundraiser known as the oyster feast. He was a member of the senior choir and the male choir.
Mr. Harris was employed at General Foods for several years. He retired as a state social worker after 20 years of service.
He enjoyed bowling, fishing, gardening and going to Spencer’s sale. Most of all, he loved singing with his brothers, the Harris and Hawkins Singers.
Mr. Harris was married to Marian Scott July 7, 1956. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends July 8, 2006.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one beloved sister, Louise Harris Pritchett; and two brothers, Isaac Jr. and Lester Harris.
He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Marian Scott Harris; three sons, Lorenzo Clark and his wife Elaine of Charlotte, N.C., Reynolds Harris Jr. and his wife Sharon of Selinsgrove, Pa., and Garry Harris and his wife Yvonne of Corona, Calif.; four daughters, Helen Gladney of Wilmington, Jacquelyn Hill and her husband Andre of Camden, Janice Clark of Dover and Janell Barganier and her husband Rodney of Decatur, Ga.; six brothers, Charles Harris of Felton, William Harris of Lewes, James Harris and his wife Agnes of Dover, Nelson Harris and his wife Eva of Dover, Kenneth Harris and his wife Margaret of Dover and Paul Harris of Felton; 19 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws and friends.
Services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 24, in Bibleway Temple C.O.G.I.C., Dover, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Arrangements by Minus Funeral Home, Dover.

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Edward Blodgett,
retired engineer
Edward Blodgett, 89, of Seaford, died March 7, 2007, at Bayhealth Medical Center-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford.
Mr. Blodgett was born and raised in Ithaca, N.Y., son of the late Professor Forest M. and Elsa James Blodgett. He acquired a B.S. in engineering from Cornell University. He was a major in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked as an engineer for Eastman Kodak Co. in Rochester, N. Y.; for Sealright Co. in Fulton, N. Y.; and for H.P. Snyder Manufacturing Co. in Little Falls, N. Y. He retired early and made a profession of his hobby of magic, giving hundreds of school assembly performances which he marketed personally and through the Antrim lecture bureau. He also spent several weeks in Costa Rica where he assisted a bicycle factory as a volunteer for the International Executive Service Corps. In his later years he moved to Seaford, where he played golf at the Seaford Golf and Country Club and took up art. He produced hundreds of paintings, which he exhibited in art competitions and at Adult Plus+ at Delaware Technical & Community College in Georgetown, where he painted regularly.
Mr. Blodgett was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Eckley Blodgett. He is survived by two sons, James Blodgett and Robert Blodgett; a sister, Catherine Partyka; a brother, Allen Blodgett; three grandchildren, Amy Mayer, David Blodgett, and Jonathan Blodgett; a great-granddaughter, Michelle Mayer; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 2, in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Stein Highway, Seaford. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws St., Bridgeville.
Memorial contributions are suggested to a charity of choice.

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Olga W. Stevens,
former seamstress
Olga W. Stevens, 91, formerly of Milton, died Tuesday, March 13, 2007, in Green Valley Terrace, Millsboro.
She was the daughter of the late William and Susie Patrick Mary. She was a seamstress for Graves Manufacturing in Milton for many years.
She is survived by two nephews, Lawrence Palmer of Milford and Kenneth Palmer and his wife Marge of Wilmington.
Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford.

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Doris T. Mitchell,
school secretary
Doris Tippett Mitchell, 97, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at home on March 17, 2007, surrounded by family and friends.
Doris was born on August 25, 1909 in Bement, Ill. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She worked for 35 years as a secretary to high school principals in Illinois and Delaware, then for the state Rehabilitation Agency in Wilmington where she retired in 1974. She lived previously in Boca Raton, Fla., and Stone Harbor, N.J. She was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. She loved spending time with her family and friends.
She was preceded in death She was preceded in death by two husbands, James Herrick Tippett and Thomas A. Mitchell, and two sisters. She is survived by her son, Richard B. Tippett and wife Judy of Wilmington, two stepdaughters, Ann Mitchell of Ithaca, N.Y., and Vicki Hasson and husband Jack of Lewes; four grandchildren, John Tippett of Wilmington, Jim Tippett of Atlanta, Ga., Kathy Carruthers and husband Scott of Garnet Valley, Pa., and Bob Tippett and wife Sandra of Stone Mountain, Ga.; three step-grandchildren, Bob Heiser, Katrina Cross, Geoff Ott and wife Leigh, all of Newark; eight great-grandchildren, Chris and Richard Tippett of Atlanta, Ga., Bobby, Maddie, and William Tippett of Stone Mountain, Ga., Katie, Ryan and Caroline Carruthers of Garnet Valley, Pa.; two step-great grandchildren, David and Shannon Cross of Newark; her niece, Marilyn Milligan of Atlanta, Ga. and numerous cherished friends and caregivers.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, March 23, at Shipley Manor, 2723 Shipley Rd., Wilmington. Burial will be private in Monticello, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Compassionate Care Hospice, 5610 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE 19808.
Arrangements by Cremation Service of Delaware.

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Hilda Reed Ford,
former business owner
Hilda Reed Ford, 87, of Wilmington, joined the Church Triumphant on Tuesday, March 20, 2007.
She was the last grandchild of John B. Maberry, one of Delaware’s Congressional Medal of Honor winners in the Civil War. Hilda was the daughter of the late Howard N. and Bessie T. Maberry Reed. She was born on Boxwood Road on August 17, 1919 and grew up in Clayton. She was a graduate of Smyrna High School. Hilda married and moved to Wilmington with her husband Lawrence P. Ford in 1940. She graduated from Goldey-Beacom College and worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Philadelphia during WW II. She started a family and worked alongside her husband building five houses and renovating over 50 homes in the city of Wilmington. Hilda was the owner of one of the first vending machine businesses in Wilmington during the 1960s, Ford’s Vending Service, and co-owner of The Wed-Lock wedding coordinator service with her daughter in the 1980s.
God and family have been the center of Hilda’s life. Hilda was a former member for 28 years and an ordained deacon of Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church. She was a member of First & Central Presbyterian Church for a total of 31 years. Hilda was a circle leader and Bible study teacher at this time. She loved to dance, read and spend her summers in Cape May and Rehoboth Beach. She lived life to the fullest and felt very blessed.
Hilda was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Lawrence P. Ford, in 2001. She is survived by one daughter and her husband, Sue Anne and Charles E. Hill, M.D., of Wilmington; one son and his wife, Robert Alexis and Marilyn R. Ford of Yakima, Wash.; five grandchildren, Amy B. Hill of Kauai, Hawaii, Nancy L. Hill of Wilmington, Pamela Ford Carson and her husband Sean of Bellingham, Wash., Annie Ford Ausink and her husband Gregory of Yakima, Wash., and Robert A. Ford II and his wife Kendra of Ellensburg, Wash.; and three great-grandchildren, Gabriel Carson, Aleya Carson and Anson Ausink.
Family and friends are invited to attend the memorial service to celebrate Hilda’s life at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 24, at First & Central Presbyterian Church, 11th and Market Sts., Wilmington. A private graveside service will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in memory of Hilda R. Ford to First & Central Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements by McCrery Funeral Homes Inc.

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Charles Ernest Smith Jr.,
retired Navy Reservist
Charles Ernest “Chick” Smith Jr., 73, of Rehoboth Beach, died Tuesday, March 13, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
Mr. Smith was born in Wilmington, the son of the late Charles E. Sr. and Violet V. Brown Smith.
He graduated from Brown Vocational Technical School in Wilmington. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served in the Navy Reserves for 33 years, retiring in 1994.
He was a member of the Order of DeMaley, AARP and the American Legion in Rehoboth Beach.
He was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed science fiction books.
He is survived by his sons, Scott A. Smith of Wilmington and Charles E. “Chuck” Smith III and his wife Marci of Covington, La.; his daughters, Andrea L. Deputy and her husband Clifton of Houston, Lisa M. Semans and her husband Michael of Felton and Susan R. Smith of Milford; seven grandchildren, Donna Smith, Karen Akeson, Michael “Mikie” Deputy, Stacey Deputy, Andrew Seamans, Emily Semans and Autumn Peffley; five great-grandchildren, Savannah, Harmony and Paulina Akeson, Haley Smith and Evan Smith; a sister, Norma Salisbury and her husband Elmer of Wilmington; a brother, Richard Smith and his wife Donna of Wilmington; and his nephews Keith, Eric and Christopher Smith.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 26, in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St., Milford. Interment will be at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.
Contributions may be made in Charles’ name to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury MD 21803-0163.

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Ella E. D. Gramling,
retired from Dressco
Ella Elizabeth Downes Gramling, 86, lifelong resident of Georgetown, passed away Monday, March 19, 2007 at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
Mrs. Gramling was born in Georgetown, daughter to the late Thomas Henry and Lottie Mae King Figgs.
She was employed for 30 years with Dressco Sewing Factory, retiring in 1980. Ella always took pride in her appearance and enjoyed being a sales representative for 25 years with Avon, four years with Sarah Coventry Jewelry and 8 years with Beline Fashions.
Ella loved her family and was always involved with their activities through the years, especially enjoying family gatherings.
She was a member of the CHEER Center in Georgetown and its Red Hat Ladies. She was a former member of McColleys U.M. Church in Redden and past member of Harrington Moose Lodge.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gramling was preceded in death by her first husband: James B. Downes, her second husband, Howard C. Gramling, a son: Daniel T. Downes, a grandson: Gary Ray Stoeckel, and her sisters Hester King and Elsie Downes; and a brother, Clayton Figgs.

She is survived by three children, Sylvia Stoeckel and her husband Gerald, and Allen Downes , all of Georgetown, and Karen Adams and her husband Eric; a sister, Marian Wilson; six grandchildren, Larry Stoeckel and wife Lisa, Ronald Stoeckel and wife Kim, Kevin Stoeckel and wife Kara, Jamie Adams, Curtis Downes and Jennifer Adams; six great-grandchildren, Jason Stoeckel, Justin Stoeckel, Eric Stoeckel, Kami Goin, Jeremy Stoeckel and Brooke Stoeckel; and four great-great-grandchildren, Joey Stoeckel, Billy Stoeckel, Trent Goin and Chase Goin. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 23, 2007 in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, where friends may call after 1 p.m.

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Eleanor L. Caruso,
beloved grandmother
Eleanor Leanora Caruso, of Blenheim, N.J., formerly of Philadelphia, Pa., died at home, Saturday, March 17, 2007, surrounded by family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank V. Caruso, whom she married March 3, 1944. She is survived by her children, Joseph Caruso and his wife Amy of Philadelphia, Patricia Stahl and her husband Dennis of Blenheim, N.J., Richard F. Caruso and his wife, Teresa, of Lewes, and her grandchildren.
Services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, March 23, at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Philadelphia.

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Dale L. “Banjo” Miller,
Ohio city worker
Dale Lewis “Banjo” Miller, 55, of Lyndhurst, Ohio, and formerly of Chardon, Ohio and Rehoboth Beach, died Friday, March 9, 2007, in Lewes. Mr. Miller was born April 5, 1951, in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Chardon High School and attended Kent State University.
He was employed by the City of Chardon Water Treatment Department for 18 years.
He is survived by his parents, Carol and Lester Miller of Eustis, Fla.; a brother, John, and sister-in-law, Kathy; nieces,, Ashley and Kaitlin of Huntsville, Ala.; a nephew, Martin Miller of Vail, Colo.; a sister, Marcia Schneider and brother-in-law, Robert of Avon Lake, Ohio; a niece, Cara Muchmore of Sheffield Lake, Ohio; and his fiancée, Anita Marie Holleufer of Lewes.
A private family gathering was held March 14, with a celebration of life to be held at a later date in Delaware. For information about the celebration of life, call Anita Marie at 644-0268.