02/19/08

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Ron Krajewski,
optical firm founder
Ron Krajewski, 61, passed away Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, at his home in Rehoboth Beach. Ron worked in the optical industry for more than 40 years, beginning with Edwin Kuhwald and Co. in Wilmington. After about 15 years of service, the Lord led him to Sussex County, where he began Eastern Shore Optical Co., eventually having locations in both Rehoboth and Seaford. Ron was recognized for his excellent work in eyeglasses and contact lenses. Keeping up with the latest in technology, he held the highest of credentials - the honored fellow status - was invited to teach in many states and was frequently contacted to assist with difficult-to-fit patients. For many years, he also provided services to the DuPont Co. in Seaford for safety glasses for many people in Sussex County.
Some may remember Ron for his radio program, “Here’s Looking at You,” on WGMD with Dan Gaffney every Wednesday morning. They would discuss the latest in optics and community events, always sharing his joke of the day or an encouraging verse.
Ron felt very blessed to live in such a wonderful area and always tried to give back to his community. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Rehoboth Beach for many years, serving as chairman of the Youth Services Committee; was past president of the Parish Council for St. Edmond’s Catholic Church in Rehoboth; was appointed by then-Gov. Mike Castle to serve on the Board of Social Worker Examiners for the state of Delaware; was a Boy Scout leader for Troop 85 of Rehoboth, and attended the School of Leadership and Ministry at Eagle’s Nest Fellowship Church in Milton.
Ron loved fellowship with family and friends, telling silly jokes and playing the occasional polka on the accordion.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Kathy, of Rehoboth Beach; son Ron Jr. and his wife Kate Krajewski of Lewes; daughter Grace and her husband Albert Cosenza of Royersford, Pa.; and grandchildren Sarah and Beth Krajewski of Lewes. His brother Joseph Krajewski and his wife Edna of Wilmington also survive him. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday Feb. 22, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call after 9 a.m. Burial will be private. The family requests memorial contributions to the Crossroad Community Church Building Fund, 18414 Sand Hill Road, Georgetown, DE 19947; www.crossroadcommunitychurch.net.

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Dona C. Zalewski,
Safeway retiree
Dona C. Villa Zalewski, 64, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 16, 2008, at Harbor Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Lewes. Mrs. Zalewski was born April 24, 1943, in Frostburg, Md., daughter of the late Andrew and Ann Cullen Villa.
Mrs. Zalewski moved to the beach from Rockville, Md., 11 years ago. For 29 years she worked for Safeway Food Stores in Washington, D.C., at the Georgetown location. She loved the beach, flowers, reading, playing bingo and the slot machines.
She is survived by her husband of 22 years, John M. Zalewski; a daughter, Margaret Miller and her husband Duane of Fredericksburg, Va.; three sons, Brian Turley and his wife Sharon of Urbana, Md., Steve Turley and wife Bonnie of Greensboro, Md., and John M. Zalewski Jr. and his wife Bobbiejo of Seaford; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild on the way; a brother, Adrian Villa of Cumberland, Md.; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Thibodeau and her fiance Mike Purdy of Lincoln and Maryann Wright and husband Bob of Lowell, Mass.; and a special newphe, Drew Purdy of Lincoln. There will be a Catholic Blessing Service at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 21, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Interment will follow the service at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20. The family suggests contributions to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.

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Rose Montecchio,
active church member
Rose Lupinetti Montecchio, 81, of Rehoboth Beach and formerly of Lenni, Pa., died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008.
Mrs. Montecchio was born in Morton, Pa., and graduated from Media High School in 1944. She was a resident of Lenni for 48 years prior to moving to Rehoboth Beach.
She worked as an assembly line worker from 1963 to 1976 at Container Research. She was an active church member, both in her former church, Church of St. Francis de Sales in Lenni, and then in St. Edmond’s in Rehoboth Beach.
She was a woman devoted to her home and family.
She was preceded in death by her son, James Richard Montecchio, in 2005; her siblings, Joseph, Carmine and James Lupinetti; Sunday Salemi; Julie Borelli; and Annie Boyle.
She is survived by her husband, Bernard J. “Jim” Montecchio; a son, Bernard J. Montecchio and his wife Maureen of Aston, Pa.; a sister, Madeline Barone of Folsom, Pa.; and four grandchildren, Bernadette, Melanie, Ashley and Dominic.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Church of St. Francis de Sales, 33 New Road, Lenni with interment at 2 p.m., Tuesday in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.

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Asa Winfield Gray Sr.,
New Carrollton retiree
Asa Winfield Gray Sr., 92, of Lewes and formerly of New Carrollton, Md., died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008, following a brief illness in Bristol, Tenn.
Mr. Gray was born Jan. 14, 1916, in Burgaw, N.C., the son of the late George Wellington Gray and Sara Elizabeth Wilson.
Mr. Gray served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He retired after more than 30 years of employment with New Carrollton Enterprises. He enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, woodworking and home improvement projects, as well as spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by two children, Asa W. Gray Jr. and Sharon Lee Faber, both of Waldorf, Md.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Clara Lee Rivenberk; three grandchildren, Christine and her husband Kenneth Poole of Union Bridge, Md., Shy and his wife Kelly Raber of Bristol, Tenn., and Jeffrey Gray of Frederick, Md.; a great-grandson, Kenneth Michael Pole of Union Bridge, Md.; a sister, Eve Fussell; and two nieces, Elizabeth Fussell and Gail Barrett, all of Burgaw, N.C.
Services were held at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, Brentwood, Md.

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Charles W. Betts Jr.,
Salisbury State retiree
Charles W. Betts Jr., 89, of Delmar, passed Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008, in Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin, Md.
He was born Aug. 27, 1918, in Millsboro, son of the late Charles W. Betts Sr. and Sarah Catherine (Shockley) Betts.
After high school, Mr. Betts graduated from Beacom Business School with a degree in business.
His career spanned more than 32 years as a business manager at the former Salisbury State Teachers College, where he made many wonderful, long-lasting friendships.
Mr. Betts attended Immanuel Baptist Church in Salisbury, MD and also the Primitive Baptist Church.
He was a member of the Delmar Masonic Lodge 201 and Order of Eastern Star, the Adah chapter 5.
Mr. Betts was an avid gardener and a Master Gardener in Delaware through the Sussex County Extension Service.
He got much pleasure from collecting and finishing antiques.
Spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren was what he cherished most.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie Mai Betts, who passed April 21, 2004; and a granddaughter, Shannon Betts.
He is survived by a son, William D. Betts and his wife, Simmie of Salisbury; two daughters, Doris M. Fields of Cheverly, Md., and Carolyn Mai Massey and her husband Michael of Bishopville, Md.; three grandchildren, William D. Betts Jr. of Salisbury, Matthew Massey and his wife Jill of Chevy Chase, Md., and Sarah McCabe and her husband Draper of Millsboro; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held at Short Funeral Home, Delmar, with interment in St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Delmar.
Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21803; or Immanuel Baptist Church, 1514 Old Ocean City Road, Salisbury, MD 21804.

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Olda Parsons,
Lewes businesswoman
Olda (Keene) Parsons, 75, of Lewes, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008, at her residence in Key Colony Beach, Fla.
She was born in Fenwick Island, daughter of the late Lemuel Augustus Keene and Mary (Kitchens) Keene.
Mrs. Parsons was a graduate of Selbyville High School and Goldey Beacom Business School, where she excelled in basketball at both schools. During the majority of her lifetime she was involved with her husband in ownership and operation of the family business of Fisherman’s Wharf in Lewes.
For many years she volunteered with the Beebe Medical Auxiliary and she was a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church, Lewes. She was known for her green thumb as an avid gardener and enjoyed the local couples club.
Wherever she went she especially enjoyed meeting people and always saw the good in everyone.
In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her brothers, Erwin and Clarence Keene and her sisters, Mary Elizabeth Cameron and Gertrude Ringler.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years Harry Dale Parsons; her son, H. D. Parsons and his wife Ann of Lewes; daughter Keena P. Ross and her husband Paul of Delmar; her grandchildren, Brinleigh, Mackie, Parron, Keara, Parker, Reven; a step-granddaughter, Sarah; her sister Anne Marvel and her husband James of Georgetown; her sister-in-law Ginny Keene of Millsboro; and brother-in-law Clayton Ringler, formerly of Bethany Beach; several nieces and nephews; and Angie Schuck, the Parsons’ AFS German exchange daughter, and Angie’s husband Rolf.
Funeral services with Pastor Fred Duncan officiating will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Akins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call two hours prior to services.
Friends may also call at the funeral home from 6 to 9 p.m., Tuesday. Burial will follow the services at St. Peter’s Cemetery - Pilottown Road, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

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Beatrice Cassanelli,
community volunteer
Beatrice (Balboni) Cassanelli, 95, died Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008, in Rehoboth Beach.
Mrs. Cassanelli was born March 16, 1912, in West Springfield, Mass., daughter of Mary and Aldo Balboni.
She was a resident of Rehoboth Beach since 2006, where she lived with her son Robert Cassanelli and his wife Theresa. Prior to moving to Delaware, she lived in West Springfield for more than 90 years. She worked for the General Fiber Box and later for the town of West Springfield for 25 years, beginning as a school cafeteria assistant and later as a cafeteria manager. After retiring from the town, she began working at Angie’s Tortellini Company.
She was an active member of St. Ann’s Church in West Springfield, serving as Sodality president at one time and volunteering for its fund raising events. She donated many afghans to its annual raffle and for many years made tortellinis for the monthly sale at the church.
While a resident of Rehoboth Beach she was a member of the Harbour Lights Senior Center and also donated lap quilts to local charities. She especially enjoyed talking about the “good old days” growing up in West Springfield, watching classic movies (black and white) and watching Lawrence Welk reruns. She was a great cook and made many traditional Italian dishes for her family and friends. She enjoyed attending parties and get-togethers with family and friends throughout the years.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Ralph in 1985; her son Paul in 2002; and her brother Raymond and sister Margaret.
She is survived by her son Robert and his wife Theresa of Rehoboth Beach; four grandchildren, Craig Cassanelli and his wife Sandy of Glastonbury, Conn., Cheryl Cassanelli of Lewes, Carrie Cassanelli of Nutley, N.J. and Aundrea Leven of Houston, Texas; and two great-grandchildren, Samantha and Amanda, children of Craig and Sandy Cassanelli.
A private funeral was held in St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Thomas Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Delaware, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947. A memorial service will be held in Rehoboth Beach at a time to be announced.

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Colleen Jackson,
beloved mother
Colleen S. Jackson, 52, of Milton, loving mother, grandmother and wife, passed away Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008, in her home, surrounded by her loved ones.
Colleen was born on Jan. 26, 1956, daughter of Margaret (Smith) Stout and the late William Stout.
She worked at Coastal Towing as a service manager until she was forced to retire due to illness.
Colleen was a loving mother, grandmother and wife who will be missed by all who knew her. She always put her family and friends first and would do anything for them that was needed. She loved all animals and had many pets at home.
Colleen is survived by her mother, Margaret Stout; her husband of 36 years, Norman Jackson Jr.; a daughter, Susan Isaacs and her husband Trey; three sons, Norman (James) Jackson and friend Deanna Savage, Richard (Dickie) Jackson and his wife Jenn and 8-year-old Garrett; four grandsons and two granddaughters, all of Milton; and six brothers and three sisters.
A memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal Street, Milton where friends may call after 6:30 p.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.

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David ‘Peanut’ Roach,
retired brick mason
David Charles “Peanut” Roach, Continued from page 14
55, of Georgetown, died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford. David was born in Milford, son of John S. Roach of Georgetown and the late Myrtle E. (Truitt) Roach.
He was a brick mason for Henlopen Masonry for 34 years, retiring in 2006.
David was a member of the St. John’s United Methodist Church, Georgetown.
In addition to his father, he is survived by two children, Candi Lee Roach of California and David Wayne Roach of North Dakota; a grandchild; two sisters and two brothers, Jacqueline Wilson and her husband Kenneth Sr. of Georgetown, James D. Roach and his wife Shirley F. of Laurel, Steven Roach Sr. and his wife Louise of Laurel, and Deborah A. West and her husband Ronald Sr. of Georgetown; six nieces and nephews, Kenny Wilson Jr. and his fiancée, Stacy Collins and her son Chase Fetterman, Timothy C. Roach and his wife Allison K. and their children Logan M. and Kylie N., Jamie E. Roach and her fiancé Joe Cathcart and their daughter Bailey Erin Cathcart, Stevie Roach Jr. and wife Beth and their children Hayley, Troy and Brett, Ronald West Jr. and his wife Cindy and their son Ian, and Robert West and his wife Beth and their sons Jackson and Ethan.
Funeral services were held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, Georgetown, with interment in Union Cemetery, Georgetown.

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John “Johnny” Cannon,
Bookhammer’s retiree
John “Johnny” Cannon, 83, of Rehoboth Beach, died Monday, Feb. 11, 2008, at Renaissance Nursing Home, Long Neck.
Mr. Cannon was born July 15, 1924, in Milton, to the late Ed and Anne Cannon. He was the third oldest of four children.
He attended the 196-C School in Milton. He also attended night school at Richard Allen School in Georgetown. Mr. Cannon attended Sunday school at Bethel AME Church, Milton.
He was employed by Bookhammer’s Saw Mill from 1941 to 1943. Mr. Cannon served in the U.S. military for nearly two years, from 1943 to 1945. After returning home in 1945, he married Kathryn Smith Cannon, and to this union three children were born.
Mr. Cannon returned to work at Bookhammer’s Saw Mill in Angola from 1946 to 1971.
He was a family man. Mr. Cannon enjoyed fishing, motorcycles, softball and playing horseshoes. He enjoyed talking and had very keen sense of humor that would keep one laughing.
He was preceded in death by his wife; a daughter, Geraldine M. Cannon Pettyjohn; a stepson, Earl Smith Sr.; a grandson, Keith A. Cannon Jr.; two brothers, Raymond and William Cannon; and a sister, Anne Cannon.
He leaves to cherish his memories two sons, Kenneth L. Cannon of Rehoboth Beach and Keith A. Cannon of Harbeson; one stepdaughter, Ida White of Dover; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two nephews; and a host of cousins and friends.
Funeral services were held at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Milton.
Charles G. Scott Jr.,
equipment operator
Charles G. Scott Jr., 82, of Millsboro, died Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. He was the son of the late Charles G. Sr. and Fannie Scott.
Charles was a retired heavy equipment operator. He worked until he was 80 years old. He loved horses and loved to help people take care of them. He was a hard-working man.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mildred T. Scott; his stepson, Lou Hall and his wife Judy of Millsboro; two grandchildren, Kevin and Curtis Hall; and two great-grandchildren, Kylee and McKenzie. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro, with the Rev. Robert Hudson officiating. Interment will be private.

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Elwood C. Burton,
worked for Townsend
Elwood C. “Woody” “Sam” Burton, 70, of Frankford, died Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
Mr. Burton was born in Dagsboro on Aug. 6, 1937, son of the late Harry and Etta (Robinson) Burton. He worked for Townsend and Mountaire farms. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Teresa Burton; four children, Tremaine Burton and Jeytes’ Burton, both of Frankford, and Peggy Burton Thomas and Kathy Burton, both of Paterson, N.J.; five grandchildren; and five siblings, Doris Hall of Millsboro, Mary Ann Atkins of Georgetown, Freddy Burton of Whaleyville, Md., Patsy Oliver of Salisbury, Md., and Gerald Burton of Dagsboro. Services were held at the Church of Christ, Frankford.
Interment will be at the adjoining cemetery.

02/29/08

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Helen R. Metzler,
professor emeritus
Helen R. Richardson Metzler, 95, of Lancaster, Pa., passed away Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, at the Mennonite Home. Born in Harrisburg, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Frank Irvin and Margaret Baughman Richardson. She was the wife of the late Robert S. Metzler.
She received her teaching certification and bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg State University and her master’s and associate’s degrees from Penn State University. Helen was a professor emeritus from Millersville University. Prior to that she taught third grade at Manheim Township Elementary School. Her specialty at Millersville University was reading and language arts.
Helen was an avid sports enthusiast who faithfully followed the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles. She liked to watch Penn State football games and also enjoyed reading mysteries and biographies. Her other interests include the Civil War, antique post cards and Beatrix Potter figurines. She took great pride in her home, and it was always beautifully decorated for the holidays. Helen and her late husband were benefactors to many, especially Millersville University, Shippensburg University and Penn State University.
Mrs. Metzler is survived by her son, Duwayne R. Litz of Rehoboth Beach; grandchildren, Adrienne Barto, Lancaster, wife of Jere; Jennifer Bates, Lititz, Pa., wife of Thomas; and Justin Litz, Exton, Pa., husband of Chryssa; and seven great-grandchildren, Theodore, Taylor, Colin, Jourdan, Christian, Kyler and Eleni. Helen also leaves behind caregivers, Linda Schopf, Millersville, Pa., Nancy Thomas, Conestoga, Pa., and Christine Esh of Lancaster.
Services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 29, at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Inc., 441 North George St., Millersville, where friends may call after 9 a.m. Interment will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park, Camp Hill, Pa. Memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s memory to Millersville University Foundation, checks earmarked: Metzler Endowment, Millersville University, PO Box 1002, Millersville, PA 17551.

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James Stephen Messick,
masonry worker
James Stephen “Steve” Messick of Milton and Rochester, N.Y., 53, died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
Steve was born Dec. 24, 1954, in Milford. He was a graduate of Milford High School and served in the U.S. Navy.
He was employed in the masonry field for many years.
Steve loved football, baseball, and NASCAR racing, and he enjoyed trips to the Poconos, the Great Lakes of New York and The Gathering in Wellsville, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice Jane Glasco Suttcliff.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Karen Rook Messick; parents, James P. and Susanne Messick of Milton; two sisters, Beverly Young and Karen Appell of Georgetown; a stepsister, Michele Warren of Milton; a stepbrother, Miles Norwood of Milton; and the five children in his life, Brittany Cunningham, Thomas Graham and his wife Valerie, Jennifer Maylone and her husband Daniel, John Graham, Michael Bostwick and his wife Raechel. His most joyful moments were those spent with the grandchildren, Malechi, Desiree, Dana, Xavier, Kaitlynn, Hailey and Daniel. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Sharon Murray; a brother-in-law, Thomas Frisch; six nieces, Jennifer, Lori, Sherri, Patricia, Rosemary and Cathleen; two great-nieces, three great-nephews and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, March 1, in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St., Milford, where friends may call after 1 p.m. Interment will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. A reception will be held at the home of Thomas and Valerie Graham, 113 N. Fairfield Drive, Dover. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Central United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 26, Wellsville, OH 43968, the church of his choice far and near; or Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.

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Sandra Mae Dawson,
hospice volunteer
Sandra Mae Dawson went home to be with the Lord Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, surrounded by her loving family.
Sandra was born May 18, 1941, to Evelyn and John Anderson. Her brother, John Anderson Jr., is also with the Lord. She grew up in Bellefonte. She was a nurse at Riverside Hospital for more than 30 years. She spent her life caring for others. She loved to dance on “American Bandstand.” She was the first female car racer at Cecil County Drag Strip.
After she retired she relocated to Rehoboth Beach, where she volunteered for hospice. She loved spending time at the beach and riding the grandchildren around in the golf cart.
Sandra is survived by her husband, James Dawson; daughters, Karen Nightengale, April Dawson and Robyn Perez; and a son, Lawrence Warwick.
She was a devoted grandmother of 14 grandchildren. She will always be remembered as a passionate, caring and gentle woman who would always bring a smile to your face.
Family and friends may visit with the family from 1 to 2 p.m., Monday, March 3, at the Gracelawn Memorial Park chapel, with a service to follow at 2 p.m. Interment will be in the adjoining memorial park.

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Sara Winkler,
restaurant owner
Sara Winkler, 90, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008.
Born Oct. 23, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Elva Howell. She was a graduate of Wilmington High School and Goldey Beacom Business School. Her husband and family operated Winkler’s Restaurant at Fourteenth and French streets. A member of St. Patrick’s Church, she was an accomplished pianist.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Bob Howell in 1970, and Edwin Howell in 1988; and by her son Paul in 2001. Sara is survived by her husband of 71 years, Henry; and their children, Henry Jr. and his wife Carol of Lewes, Edwin and his wife Karen of Paradise Valley, Ariz., Maryellen of Newark and Peggy Castorani and her husband Steve of Hockessin. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 29, at St. Patrick’s Church, 1414 King St., Wilmington, DE 19801, where visitation will begin after 9 a.m. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Patrick’s Church at the address above.

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Haywood I. Buck Jr.,
retired electrician
Haywood I. Buck Jr., 87, of near Georgetown, passed away Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, at Genesis Seaford Center, Seaford.
Mr. Buck was born Feb. 9, 1921, in Columbus, Ga., to the late Haywood I. Sr. and Thelma Thompson Buck.
He was an electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union for many years.
Mr. Buck was a member of the Dagsboro Gospel Fellowship Church.
He was a member of Franklin Masonic Lodge #12 A.F. & A.M., Georgetown, and the Scottish Rite. Also, Mr. Buck was a past Grand High Priest and past Grand Master of Council of the York Rite.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Bruce Haywood Buck and Keith George Buck.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Louise Houts Buck; two daughters, Carol Jean Conn of Millville and Kathy Louise Skumautz of Hamilton, Ga.; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 29, at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro.
There will be a Masonic Service conducted before the service.
Friends may call at the funeral home at 6 p.m.
Pastor James Burton will officiate the memorial service. Burial will be private.
The family asks that donations be made to the Dagsboro Fellowship Church, PO Box 7, Dagsboro, DE 19939 in memory of Haywood Buck.

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William J. Elder Jr.,
Bell Telephone retiree
William J. Elder Jr., 85, of Millsboro, and formerly of Secane, Pa., passed away peacefully Monday , Feb. 25, 2008, at the Little Flower Manor Nursing Home in Darby, Pa..
He was born in Kensington, Pa., son of the late William J. and Elsie (Kerschner) Elder.
He was a Bell Telephone installer, retiring in 1982 after 38 years of service.
William served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of American Legion Post 28 in Oak Orchard and a member of the Telephone Pioneers.
He enjoyed gardening, fishing and reading and was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan. William loved his family very much and enjoyed spending time with them.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, M. Jane Elder, in 2001.
He is survived by two sons, William J. Elder III and his wife Susan of Drexel Hill, Pa., and Gary H. Elder and his wife Margaret J. of Broomall, Pa.; his daughter, Janet E. Whitehill and her husband Joseph of Orefield, Pa.; his sisters, Elsie Cope and her husband William of Orlando, Fla., and Florence (Sis) Steer of Cannonsburg,, Pa.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 29, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services on Long Neck Road in Millsboro, where friends may call after 12:30 p.m.
Interment with military honors will be held at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in William’s memory to, American Legion Post #28, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.

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Robert R. Updegrave,
store manager
Robert R. Updegrave, 93, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008, at Gilpin Hall.
Born in Minersville, Pa., Mr. Updegrave was the son of the late Roy and Minnie (Miller) Updegrave.
An Army veteran of World War II, he was a captain serving in Panama.
For 48 years, he worked for Woolworth’s, retiring in 1979 as a manager.
His wife, Claire L. (Fry) Updegrave, predeceased him in 1995.
Mr. Updegrave is survived by his daughters, Carol Lewis of Lewes, formerly of Wilmington and Cheryl Broomall of California; his son, Robert R. Jr. of West Virginia; six grandchildren, Eileen, Joseph, Robert, Tracie, Rebecca and Evan; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Joseph Church, Wilmington, with burial in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Joseph Church, 1014 French St., Wilmington, DE 19801.

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Annie Marie Johnson,
active in community
Annie Marie Johnson, 89, of Lewes, passed away Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008, at home.
Mrs. Johnson was born July 4, 1918 in Lewes, to the late Joseph S. and Estella E. Morris Johnson.
She was an elevator operator many years ago for the Pennsylvania School Board.
Mrs. Johnson attended the Israel U.M. Church in Lewes and the Christ Church in Harbeson. She was active with Lewes Senior Citizens, loved taking care of people, was active in the PTA at Rabbit’s Ferry School and prepared the school for opening in the fall, and was an attendant at the Lewes CHEER Center. She loved children, loved her nieces and nephews, “she always did for people” and will be greatly missed.
In addition to her parents Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph M. Johnson in 1971; two brothers, Joseph and Calvin Johnson; and two sisters, Hilda and Margaret Johnson.
She is survived by two brothers, Walter Johnson and Winston Johnson of Lewes; a host of nieces, nephews and a special close niece, Shirley B. Street and her husband Roy of Milton.
Services will be held at noon, Friday, Feb. 29, at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call one hour before the service.
The Rev. Thomas Johnson will officiate. Interment will be in Christ Church Cemetery, Hollymount, near Harbeson.

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Kent Douglas Noble,
Oak Grove manager
Kent Douglas Noble, 60, of Kitty Hawk, N.C., and formerly of Rehoboth Beach, died of pneumonia Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008, in Kitty Hawk.
He was born Aug. 3, 1947, in Glasgow, Mont. He graduated from Yorktown High School in Arlington, Va.
Kent was employed as property manager for Oak Grove Motor Court in Rehoboth Beach for 18 years.
He loved all flowers, especially the iris.
He distributed energy-saving light bulbs to friends and acquaintances long before they became the eco-friendly way to go.
He enjoyed creating bedtime reading materials out of highlighted newspaper clippings and sending them to his friends.
Kent had a huge heart and was a giver extraordinaire who enjoyed finding ways to provide friends with things they had expressed an admiration for.
He was generous beyond words and would share his last dollar with someone in need.
Kent is survived by his sister, KayLani Noble of Falls Church, Va., and her husband, Alfred Savastano.
Arrangements for services will be announced at a later date.
Donations in Kent’s name may be made to Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary of Sussex County, PO Box 430, Nassau, DE 19969.