10/24/08

~

Susie Bell O’Hazza, Great Dane breeder
Susie Bell Waple O’Hazza, 82, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008, at Harbor Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Lewes. She was born Dec. 24, 1925, in Washington, D.C., daughter of the late Marshall J. and Ida Marie Van Ryswyck Waple.
Mrs. O’Hazza, formerly of Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Va., owned and operated Elpaw Kennels of Alexandria, where she bred, raised and showed champion Great Danes. She was president of the National Capital Kennel Club for 30 years. Mrs. O’Hazza had a life-long love for dogs. When she was a child, her parents moved the family from Washington to Alexandria, where they owned and operated a horse and dog farm. In 1978, Mr. and Mrs. O’Hazza relocated to Rehoboth Beach, and became active in St. Edmond’s Catholic Church. Mrs. O’Hazza was involved with a number of church organizations. Through the years the O’Hazzas traveled extensively and spent 17 winters in the Cayman Islands.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. O’Hazza was preceded in death by her husband, Francis “Guy” O’Hazza, in August 2008 (they would have celebrated 58 years of marriage this month) and by her sister, Elizabeth Moran. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Marie Brown and her husband Brian of Rehoboth Beach; two sons, Guy Richard O’Hazza of Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., and John Waple O’Hazza and his wife Margaret “Terry” of Rehoboth Beach; five grandchildren, Jacquelyn J. O’Hazza of Grand Cayman, Josh P. O’Hazza of Palos Verdes Estates, Robert G. Taylor, Cayman L. Taylor and Kiana Taylor, all of Millsboro; and her brother, Marshall J. Waple Jr., D.V.M., of Whitestone, Va.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 24, at St. Edmond’s Catholic Church, King Charles Avenue and Laurel Street, Rehoboth Beach, with the Rev. Raymond Forester as the celebrant. Friends may call at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Entombment will be at be Henlopen Memorial Park, Route 1, Milton. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Edmond’s Catholic Church at the address noted above.

~

Wilson B. Jones Sr., maintenance supervisor
Wilson B. “Bill” Jones Sr., 75, of Milton, died Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008, at Bayhealth/Milford Memorial Hospital.
Bill was born in Elkins, W.Va., the son of the late Herbert W. and Hilda Poe Jones.
He was a maintenance supervisor for Vlasic Foods for 20 years, retiring in 1996. He also was a teacher for the Sussex Tech Adult Education Program.
He was a member and head usher at the Crossroads Community Church.
He enjoyed working on the computer, going to the beach, traveling and family gatherings.
The love of his life was his great-grandson, Manny.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Bill Jones Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sharon Jester Jones; children, D. Bruce Jones of Dover, Jennifer Lanza of Wildwood, N.J., Wendy Ryvacki and Leslie Laughlin, both of Milton; sister, Jackie Betts of Milton; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Crossroads Community Church, 20684 State Forest Road, Georgetown, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton. Contributions may be made to Crossroads Community Church, 20684 State Forest Road, Georgetown, DE 19947. Arrangements handled by Short Funeral Services, Milton.

~

Florence E. Calloway, Eastern Star member
Florence E. “Babe” Calloway, 80, of Middletown, died Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008, at the Broadmeadow Nursing Home.
Florence was married to William C. Calloway Sr. for over 52 years until his death in 1998. She was predeceased by her grandson, Steven Beckley, who died in 1993.
She is survived by her sons, William C. Calloway Jr., with whom she lived, and Arthur J. Calloway of Middletown and his wife Candace; her daughters, Ellen Mucha and her husband Edward of Lewes, Beverly J. Beckley and her husband James of New Castle; her sisters, Irene Burris of Georgia, Josephine Garrett of Maryland, Francis Nowakowski of Bear and Vada Lockerman of Hockessin; her brother, Thomas Sweeny of Newark; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, St. John’s chapter 4 for 46 years and was a current member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Namoi chapter 11.
A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26, with an Order of the Eastern Star service at 7 p.m. in the McCrery Memorial Chapel, 3710 Kirkwood Highway at Duncan Road.
The funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 27, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, DuPont Highway, Wilmington.

~

Grace Lingo Baker, community volunteer
Grace Lingo Baker, 89, of Millsboro, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008, at the Methodist Manor House, Seaford, in the company of her devoted husband of 67 years, Charles Roland Baker, and youngest son, Daniel.
Born in Dagsboro, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Ora Cannon Lingo. Grace attended Millsboro High School where she played basketball and then graduated from Juniata College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. She taught Latin and French before her marriage.
In 1941 she married Charles just prior to his Marine Corps assignment in the Pacific during World War II. Due to her husband’s military assignments, Grace with her husband and children lived in China, England and various parts of the United States before settling with their children in Falls Church, Va., in 1963 where Charles became assistant principal of George Marshall High School.
After her husband’s retirement from the school system, they returned to Millsboro to Grace’s family home. Grace was known for her volunteer work and hospitality as well as her love of cooking, gardening, bowling, golf, cards and word games. She was a lifetime member of Sussex Pines Country Club. She passed her enthusiasm and zest for life to her children and grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, Grace is survived by her four loving children and their spouses, Donald and Carol Baker of Mesa, Ariz., Richard and Sandra Baker of Walkersville, Md., Daniel and Rebecca Baker of Great Falls, Va., and Brenda and Michael Mayer of Weems, Va.; a brother, Raymond Dee Lingo and his wife Ruth of Millsboro; eight grandchildren, Carolyn Remsburg, Julie Gurnee, Katie Grace and Charles Baker, Jeffrey and Julie Grace Baker, and Megan and Andi Mayer; and two great-granddaughters, Taylor Marie Remsburg and Willa Grace Baker. Grace was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Griffith and Bertha Mae Vickers.
A funeral service in memory of Grace will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends are invited one hour before the service.
The Rev. Ed Kuhling will officiate.
Interment will be in Millsboro Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, PO Box 566, Millsboro, DE 19966.

~

Robert ‘Bob’ Apfl, retired engineer
Robert “Bob” W. Apfl, 69, of Millsboro, formerly of Eddystone, Pa., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Joseph and Rose Apfl.
He was an engineer for Westinghouse in Philadelphia, retiring in 1996 after 37 years of service.
Bob enjoyed boating, socializing and singing. He was a member of the “Down State Harmonizers” barbershop quartet and the Long Neck United Methodist Church.
Mr. Apfl was a former Master Mason and currently a member of Masonic Lodge 30 of Millville.
He is survived by his wife of five years, Barbara; a son, Charles D. Apfl; a brother, Joseph Apfl; and grandchild, Alexis Apfl.
A funeral service will be held at noon, Monday Oct. 27, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services on Long Neck Road, where friends may call after 11 a.m.
Burial will be in Conley’s Chapel Cemetery near Angola.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Bob’s name to the American Diabetes Assoc., 100 West 10th St., Suite 1002, Wilmington DE 19801.

~

Bill Gillespie, restoration expert
Bill Gillespie, 62, of Lewes and Wilton Manors, Fla., died Monday, Oct. 20, of complications from liver failure.
He renovated and restored homes in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Lewes and Wilton Manors, and was employed by IBM for more than 20 years in Baltimore and Washington.
His crowning achievement was the restoration of the 120-year-old “Theodora Kane House” in Lewes, once owned by the 20th century Washington artist.
A gentle soul, famed for his culinary and entertaining skills, he frequently hosted lavish spur of the moment dinners for friends.
His crab cakes, like his life, had no filler.
Bill is survived by his partner of 30 years, Roger France. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Food and Friends, Washington, DC.

10/28/08

~

Rufus Lee Carpenter Jr., VA retiree
Rufus Lee Carpenter Jr. of Waco, Texas, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, in Lewes. Born in McLennan County, Texas, on Aug. 24, 1920, Mr. Carpenter was the son of Rufus Lee Carpenter Sr. and Willie Thomas Yowell Carpenter. After graduating from Waco High School, he attended Texas A&M University, graduating in 1943 from Officer Candidate School with a degree in agriculture management. He married Helen Mitchell of Waco in 1944.
Mr. Carpenter was an officer in the European theatre of World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge, receiving among other honors the Bronze Star. After his discharge, he began working for the Veterans Administration, eventually transferring to Washington, D.C., where he was the director of records management. Mr. Carpenter also continued his military career, attaining the rank of colonel in the Army Reserve.
Retiring in 1977, the Carpenters returned to Waco. A lifelong member of the Chalk Bluff Baptist Church, Mr, Carpenter served as deacon and treasurer of the church for many years. He loved gardening and having his grandchildren visit during summers. Mr. Carpenter also was an avid fan of the Aggie football team throughout his life.
Mr. Carpenter is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen Carpenter; son John Lee Carpenter of San Francisco, son James Rufus Carpenter and his wife Patricia of Lewes; six grandchildren, Andrew Carpenter and his wife Nerina of Belmont, Calif., Lauren Carpenter of San Rafael, Calif., and James, Joseph, Laura and Elizabeth Carpenter of Lewes; two great-grandchildren, Callum and Aidan of Belmont, Calif.; two sisters, Billie Jo Brooks and her husband Thomas of Houston, Texas, and Barbara Maceiras of Austin, Texas; along with nephews and nieces.
Funeral services were held Thursday, October 23, in Texas. Delaware arrangements were handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.

~

James Simmons, retired plant manager
James “Jim” Simmons, 76, of Laurel, passed away Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008, surrounded by his loving family in Lewes.
He was born in Monticello, Ark., a son of the late Ira Newton Simmons and Gretchen Simmons.
Mr. Simmons was a retired plant manager for JP Price and also a substitute teacher at the Laurel High School, where he was a member of the Laurel Football Booster Club.
Jim was a member of the Laurel Church of Christ and a Boy Scout leader where he was a member of the Brotherhood of the Arrow. He proudly served in the Arkansas National Guard for 10 years. He was also a member of the Optimist Club in Arkansas.
He is survived by his wife, Guylene Burks Simmons; his sons, James “Bubba” Simmons Jr. and his wife Kathy of Laurel, and Guy Burks Simmons of Hoopers Island, Md.; his daughters, Louann West and her husband James of Laurel, and Suzanne Simmons of Lewes; grandchildren, Jessica and J. Rodney Simmons, both of Laurel; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Laurel Church of Christ. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Compassionate Care Hospice, 31038 Country Garden Blvd. Suite D2, Dagsboro, DE 19939; or the Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes DE 19958.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.

~

Gladys Mae Bowden, Milford homemaker
Gladys Mae Jefferson Bowden, 83, of Milford, died Friday, Oct. 24, 2008, at Genesis Healthcare, Milford. Born in Concord, daughter of the late Helen O’Day and Edgar J. Jefferson, she was a homemaker. Gladys was a member of the Greenwood United Methodist Church. She is survived by two sons, Gerald B. Bowden of Greenwood and Terry B. Bowden of Milford; a daughter, Nancy M. Betts of Milford; a brother, James E. Jefferson of Milford; sisters, Grace Hastings of Seaford, Louise King of Lewes and Jenny Lee Mauler of Clayton; other siblings; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Burton Bowden, in 1990. Services will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Watson-Yates Funeral Home, Front and King streets, Seaford, where friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Seaford.

~

Jessica M. Smith, Dover resident
Jessica M. Smith, 21, of Dover, was picked from the garden of life suddenly on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008, in her home.
Ms. Smith is survived by her son, Trenton Brady Smith; parents, Laura F. Smith and James A. (Sharon) Smith of Harrington; her adoptive parents, the Hon. M. Jane Brady and Michael E. Neal of Lewes; brothers, James, Brian, Janere and Rashad; sisters, Jennifer, Latisha and Nicole; and maternal grandparents, Laura Smith and George Polk Sr.
Funeral services were held at Asbury United Methodist Church in Harrington, with burial at Williamsville Cemetery, Williamsville.
Memorial donations can be made to Trent Brady Smith Educational Trust Fund, c/o Wilmington Trust Co., Georgetown, DE.

~

Esther Piper Soto, worked at DAFB
Esther Marie Piper Soto, 53, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008, in her home. Esther was born Jan. 12, 1955, in Milton, daughter of the late Herman D. Piper Sr. and Frances Burton Piper.
Esther grew up in Milton and attended Cape Henlopen School District, and made several long-lasting relationships with her classmates. She graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 1973. She then went on to continue her education at Salisbury State University. She graduated from Delaware Technical & Community College in Dover, where she was on the dean’s list and received a degree in business administration.
She worked at Dover Air Force Base from 1991 to 1998, and Catalog Resources from 1993 to 1998.
Esther was known for her hard work and dedication; she was a very determined, spirit-filled and ambitious woman, full of fun and very loving. Everyone who knew her loved her. She loved to make use of her skills, making her famous desserts.
In her earlier years, Esther attended Bethel AME Church in Milton, and later attended several churches. She fell in love with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and attended First State Christian Community Church of Dover were she was a member under the leadership of Pastor Charles Washington III.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Russell, Alfred, Herman Jr. and Richard Piper; and one sister, MaryAnn Piper.
Esther is survived by her only child, LaNisha R. Soto; her fianc?é, Eric Tidwell of Dover; two grandchildren, Jalen Soto and Shakyla Soto, both of Dover; baby, Jamya Esther Soto-Tidwell (due to enter this world in four weeks); a sister, Martha M. Piper of Ellendale; five brothers and three sisters-in-law, David and wife Ardith Piper of Ellendale, Samuel Piper of Milford, Arthur and wife Elvenlene of Ellendale, Noah and wife Eunice Piper of Milton, and Paul Piper of Bridgeville; one aunt, Roberta Burton of Milton; her best friend, Dorothy Scott of Dover; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and an extended church family of friends.
Celebration of Life services were held at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover, with burial in Whatcoat Cemetery, Dover.

~

Lucius Robbins Webb, dairy farmer
Lucius “Bob” Robbins Webb, 84, of Milford, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008, in Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital in Milford.
Mr. Webb was born July 31, 1924, in Milford, son of the late Lucius C. and Alice Robbins Webb.
He was a self-employed dairy and grain farmer all his life. Mr. Webb enjoyed a wide variety of activities: gardening, fishing, golf, duck hunting and square dancing as a member of the Whirl-A-Ways.
He loved to camp and was a member of the Holiday Rambler Camping Club. He also looked forward to wintering each year with his wife, Kathryn, in Ft. Myers, Fla. He was a 70-year member of the Avenue United Methodist Church in Milford where he was active on many church boards.
Mr. Webb was a member of 4-H, the Cedar Field Ruritan in Milford, Future Farmers of America, the Farm Bureau, a charter member of the Milford Southern States Co-op Board, and received many honors in his association with the Interstate Milk Producers Cooperative.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Kathryn I. Webb.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kathryn D. Webb; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Howard A. and Kay Webb, Lucius R. Webb Jr. and Lloyd R. and Nancy Webb, all of Milford; a daughter and son-in-law, Connie E. and Jack Bushey of Milton; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Orpha and Grover Ashton of Milford and Margaret Osborne of Dover; nine grandchildren, Kristin Patey, Andrea Wall, Andy Webb, John Bushey, Josh Bushey, Jonathan Webb, Scott Webb, David Webb and James Webb; and three great-grandsons.
Services were held at Avenue United Methodist Church, Milford, with burial private.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to the Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St., Milford, DE 19963.

~

Ann Eleanor Brown, restaurant worker
Ann Eleanor Brown, 82, passed away peacefully Monday, Oct. 20, 2008, at Heartland Hospice House.
Born in Pittston, Pa., she was the daughter of Eleanora and Allessandro Sabbatini. She graduated from Dallas Township High School, Dallas, Pa.
Ann lived in Ridley Park, Pa., and worked for Red Coach Inn Restaurant and as an executive secretary for Glen Mills School and the Delaware County Intermediate Unit. In the 1980s she and her husband moved to Lewes and she worked as a secretary and later a hostess for the Lamp Post Restaurant. She loved boating, the beach, gardening and cooking for her family and friends.
Ann was predeceased by her parents; her husband, John E. Brown; and her brothers, Leroy and Angelo Sabbatini.
She is survived by her daughters, Jacqueline Riemenschneider and her husband Bill of Newark, and Aura Lee Buckworth and her husband Bill of Selbyville.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, William Riemenschneider and his wife Anne of Charlestown, W. Va., Kurt Schwichow of Philadelphia, Stacey Reimenschneider of Bear and Dana McCarnan and her husband Darren of Northeast, Md.; and two great-grandsons, Mark Riemenschneider and Robbie McCarnan.
The family would like to thank the staff at Manor Care, Pike Creek for their care and kindness to Ann for the last seven years. Burial will be private.
Contributions may be made in Ann’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware chapter, 1005 Main St., No. 011, Smyrna, DE 19977.

~

John Thomas Scott, DuPont retiree
John Thomas “Tommy” Scott, 69, of New Castle, passed away Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Ann Sheridan Scott, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage.
Born in McComas, W.Va., he was the son of the late John W. and Virginia Helmandollar Scott.
Tommy was a chemical operator for the DuPont Company, Chambers Works, in Deepwater, N.J. After his retirement, he worked as a security guard at the DuPont Experimental Station and Astra Zeneca.
He was a 1958 graduate of Wilmington High School. He was an umpire for 25 years and was a member of the Interstate Umpires Association. He enjoyed going to Delaware Park and especially vacations with his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Michael T. Scott and his wife Yuri of Collegeville, Pa., and Kevin J. Scott and his wife Kelly of New Castle; a daughter, Noreen Scott Garrity and her husband Bruce of Penns Grove, N.J.; five grandchildren, Sean, Moira, Kieran, Patricia and Andrew; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Tom and Georgia Sheridan of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Peter and Retta Feeney of Rehoboth Beach.
Friends are invited from 2:30 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Gebhart Funeral Home, 531 Delaware St., New Castle. A memorial service follows at 3 p.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE 19810.

10/31/08

~

Anthony Banaszewski, retired mechanic
Anthony “Tony” Stanley Banaszewski, 77, of Lewes, passed away Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
He was born Aug. 19, 1931, in Baltimore, Md., son of the late Joseph and Pauline Kazza Banaszewski.
For 35 years, Tony worked for Bethlehem Steel, Sparrows Point, Md., retiring as a maintenance mechanic. He was a former member of the Elks in Baltimore, a current member of American Legion Post 28 and he was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. While living in Baltimore, he served as a former grand knight and district deputy with the Knights of Columbus. Since moving to Lewes in 1997 he was a member of St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church and was active with the local Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife, Marlene Lillian Frazier Banaszewski; two daughters, Deborah Tartal and her husband Ray of Lewes, and Brenda Cohee and her husband Don of Stevensville, Md.; seven grandchildren, Rick Pedrick Jr. and his wife Karen of Easton, Md.; Amanda Wilson and her husband Justin of Centreville, Md.; Raymond Tartal, Jacob Tartal and Aaron Tartal, all of Lewes; and DJ Cohee and Christine Cohee, both of Stevensville; and four great-grandchildren, Ricky and Kirsten of Easton and Ashley and Kylie of Centreville. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Father Mark Connelly, at 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 3, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Churchat Five Points, Lewes; there will be no calling hours prior to Mass. Interment will follow at All Saints’ Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Knights of Columbus, Assembly 2413, c/o 29 Circle Drive East, Milton, DE 19968.

~

Constance L. Baker, retired cashier
Constance L. Baker, 75, of Millsboro, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, at the Renaissance Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Millsboro.
Mrs. Baker was born Aug. 1, 1933, in Millsboro, to the late Oscar E. Harmon Sr. and Lillian E. Davis.
She was a cashier for A&P and Superfresh for more than 20 years, starting in Newark and then transferring to Rehoboth Beach.
She graduated in 1951 from Jason High School in Georgetown, followed by two years of business school.
Connie moved to Philadelphia in 1951 and in 1972 she left to take her daughter to a better environment after she had been shot and paralyzed by a stray bullet.
She then moved to New Castle, where they lived for 20 years before moving to Millsboro. Connie was baptized at the First United Pentecostal Church of Newark in 1984 and her greatest love was her love of Jesus.
She was preceded in death by her daughters, Dorothy Harper and Letitia “Tish” Duff; and her brother, Oscar Harmon Jr.; in addition to her parents.
Mrs. Baker is survived by her sons, Robert L. Duff Jr. and wife, Judith, of Smyrna, and Juano K. Duff and wife, Rose, of Gastonia, N.C.; her daughter, Monique A. Watkins of Wilmington; three sisters, Carrie, Shirley and Ardith; one brother, Edward; 10 grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 South Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call one hour prior to the service.
The Rev. Anthony Trout will officiate. Interment will be private.

~

James R. Van Sickel, avid sportsman
James R. Van Sickel, 83, of Millsboro, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. He was born Aug. 26, 1925, in Chicago, Ill.
Mr. Van Sickel was a resident of Delaware for 32 years. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed boating and fishing; he was most avid about hunting. Mr. Van Sickel had a long career with the Ford Motor Company in Mahwah, N.J., as a material handler. He served with the U.S. Navy as an ordnance man during World War II. He was devoted to his wife of 40 years, Albina Luciano Van Sickel.
In addition to his wife Albina, he is survived by his son, Jimmy Van Sickel; a daughter, Cathy Van Sickel; three stepsons, Thomas Monroe, Robert Monroe and Christopher Gagg; several grandchildren; and a niece, Debbie Watson.
A chapel service and interment will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.

~

Isabella M. Harrocks, apartment manager
Isabella Mitchell Harrocks, 84, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, at Atlantic Shores Nursing Home in Millsboro. She was born May 22, 1924, in Scotland to the late Robert Greig and Isabella Brown Mitchell.
Previously from Pittsburgh, Pa., Mrs. Harrocks moved to the Rehoboth Beach area in 1970. She was employed as an apartment manager and enjoyed sewing and quilting.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Harrocks was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas James Harold Harrocks (1983); a brother, James Mitchell; and three sisters, Christina Haigh, Margaret Dowler and Roberta Mitchell. She is survived by one daughter, Patricia Levering and her husband Bradford of Newark; one son, Thomas James Harrocks of Champaign, Ill.; two brothers, John Mitchell and his wife Evelyn of Cranberry Township, Pa., and Robert G. Mitchell Jr. and his wife Virginia of Rehoboth Beach; two sisters, Mary Hughes and her husband William of Elwood City, Pa., and Sandra Jenkins and her husband Frank of Shaler Township, Pa.; six grandchildren, Courtney, Bradford and Kelsey Levering of Newark, and Jill Shelton, Jessica Booth and Susan Harrocks of Champaign; and three great-grandchildren.
All services are private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21803-0163 or to a charity of your choice.

~

Reba Ostroski, retired waitress
Reba Ostroski, 90, of Milford, passed away after a long battle with cancer Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, in her home surrounded by her family. Mrs. Ostroski was born April 23, 1918, in Eastport, Maine, daughter of the late David and Anna Hunter Laskey. She was a waitress most of her life, working in various restaurants in Pennsylvania and in Milford until she retired. Reba enjoyed crocheting and plastic canvas work and loved the simple pleasure of getting out of the house with her husband to take a ride in the car. She loved everyone and was a very sweet and caring person to all she came in contact with. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Mrs. Ostroski was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Milford.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Andrew J. Ostroski Sr.; a son and daughter-in-law, Andrew J. Jr. and Sharon R. Ostroski of Lewes; two grandsons; Andrew J. Ostroski III and his wife Janell S. of Newark, and Mark Ostroski and his wife Loretta B. of Lewes; four great-grandchildren, Sydney R. Ostroski, Audrey J. Ostroski, Jackson T. Ostroski and Jacob A. Ostroski; and three nieces, Reba Durham of Milford, Florence Lorenz of Norton, Pa., and Ruth Furris of Winter Haven, Fla.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 31, at Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave., Milford, where friends may call one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held in Henlopen Memorial Park, Milton.
The family wishes to thank Delaware Hospice for taking such loving care and to the compassionate individuals that are part of that organization.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, Lotus Plaza, 911 S. DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE, 19901; or to the First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 172, Milford, DE 19963.

~

Matilda M. Marth, St. Jude member
Matilda M. Ferguson Marth, 79, of Lewes, formerly of Bethlehem, Pa., passed away Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Harrison Senior Living Center, Georgetown.
She was the wife of the late Paul C. Marth, who died Feb. 6, 2005. Born in Linwood, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Robert and Helen Carey Ferguson. She was a member of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Lewes.
Matilda is survived by her loving family, a daughter, Ellen M. Hermansader of Milford; sons, Peter P. of Hellertown, Pa., Michael M. of Nazareth, Pa., Paul C. of Carlisle, Pa., and Bernard J. of Nazareth. Matilda was very proud of her 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Thursday, Oct. 30, in Nazareth, with burial in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Matilda M. Marth, 240 N. James St., Suite 100A, Newport, DE 19804.

~

Donald F. Gray, veteran, IBM retiree
Donald F. Gray, 76, of Seaford, passed away Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
Donald was predeceased by his parents, John and Mabel A. Dobson Gray. He was a retired service technician for IBM Corp. He was a Korean War veteran who loved bowling and fishing. Donald will be greatly missed.
His sons survive him, Donald L. Gray and his wife Cindy of Beaver Creek, Ohio, and John Gray and his wife Teresa of Fredericksburg, Va.; two sisters, Mary Jane Rohlfing and her husband Edward of Millsboro, and Patricia Johnson and her husband Richard of Millsboro; a nephew, Jack Mundorf of Millsboro; and grandchildren, Nicole, Christopher, Andrew, Ashley, Courtney; and his beloved feline companion, Nosey.
Services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call one hour prior. Burial will be at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. The Rev. Ed Wilkins will officiate.
In lieu of flowers the family request contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 1138 Parsons Road, Salisbury, MD 21801.

~

Paul F. Dunion Jr., retired chemist
Dr. Paul F. Dunion Jr., 70, of Millsboro, died Friday, Oct. 24, 2008, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
Paul was a graduate of St. James High School, Mt. St. Mary’s College and the University of Delaware, where he earned his Ph.D. in radiation chemistry.
In 1963 he began working as a chemist for the DuPont Company at Carney’s Point, N.J., the Experimental Station and Chestnut Run. In 1988 he received the Polymer Products Department Marketing Excellence Award and in April 1995, the DuPont Co. recognized him for excellence in engineering. He retired in 1998 as a senior technical specialist.
Paul volunteered for Meals on Wheels, was a member of Long Neck CHEER Fitness and Senior Center and was a member of the Delaware Seashore Parrot Head Club. His interests included reading, travel, sports, personal fitness, RVing and the Outer Banks. In 2006, he was a spokesperson for the Rehoboth Beach Light the Night for Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul F. Dunion Sr. and Helen Cardwell Dunion.
Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Tricia Dunion; his children, Kevin Dunion and his wife Sharlene and their children, Olivia, Jake and John; Tara Dunion and her husband Gary Guggolz and their children, Nate and Kyle; and Christopher Dunion and Jenn Rivera and their son, Christopher Jr.; his sister, Joan Davis and her husband Francis; and his former wife, Patricia Dunion. He is survived by Chessie and predeceased by Sandie.
The family would like to thank both the Beebe Medical Center and the Tunnell Cancer Center for the compassionate and outstanding care Paul received over the last six years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, where friends may call from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Tunnell Cancer Center, c/o Beebe Hospital, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

~

Raymond A. Hood, George Long employee
Raymond A. “Tuck” Hood, 93, of Millsboro, died Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008, at Renaissance Healthcare in Millsboro.
He was born in Dagsboro, on Old Hood Farm, son of the late Jesse and Mary Elizabeth Hood. He was employed by George Long for many years and his last employment was with Hudson Wallpaper & Gas Company.
He was preceded in death by his lifelong companion, Estella M. Conquest of 53 years; his son, Richard A. Conquest; his sister, Shirley Jackson; a granddaughter, Helen McNeil; and his four brothers and five sisters.
He leaves to mourn three sons, John E. Young of Washington, D.C., Roger (Ruth) Conquest of Ellendale, and Marcus (Paulette) Conquest of Georgetown: six daughters, Doretta (Donald) Hitchens of Millsboro, Kathleen (William) Bowen of Millsboro, Dorren Conquest of Ellendale; Claretta (Billy) Jackson of Millsboro, Jeanette (Peter) Davis of Dover, Patricia (Rufus) Jones of Millsboro; and a son-in-law, Ronnie Jackson of Millsboro; 44 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren; two special granddaughters: Latisha Strand and Tonya Pumphrey: and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A special thanks to Renaissance Healthcare and Compassionate Care Hospice staff. Services were held at Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro, with interment in Harmony Cemetery, Millsboro.

~

Dorothy B. Green, longtime secretary
Dorothy “Dot” Baker Green, 85, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, at her son’s home surrounded by her loving family.
Dot was a Delaware native who graduated from Georgetown High School in 1942 and had a 32-year career with the state of Delaware, as a secretary for Legislative Hall in Dover and the Division of Public Health in Georgetown.
She and her husband both retired in February 1989 and enjoyed many happy years of retirement together. Dot was a fastidious homemaker with a passion for decorating. She also displayed a flair for fashion with style and elegance. She was a devoted wife and mother with many hobbies including shopping, decorating, socializing, playing bridge and helping those in need in any way she could. She knew no strangers and always made everyone feel welcome. Her extensive knowledge of antiques was respected and admired by many. She loved the beach (but not the water!). She was a past member of the Indian River Yacht Club, a member of the Georgetown Presbyterian Church and was active with Democratic political party.
Dot was predeceased by her precious daughter Diane; and Bob, her loving husband of 57 years; two brothers: Ollie (Sonny) and Charles Baker; and three brothers-in-law, Dallas D. and Joseph H. Green and James Hurst. She was the daughter of Mary and Ollie Baker of Georgetown and is survived by her son, Rocky Green and his wife LeeAnn; two grandsons and their wives, John and Kim Webb, and Neal and Ashley Green; two great-grandchildren, Jordan and Haley Webb; two sisters, Helen Hurst and Doris Stauffer and her husband Emerson; three sisters-in-law, Janie Baker, Carolyn Green and Carolyn Swett; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her sense of humor and welcoming spirit will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.
Services were held at Short Funeral Services, Georgetown, with burial in Union Cemetery, Georgetown.
Donations may be made to the Georgetown Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 46, Georgetown, DE 19947; or Delaware Hospice Inc., 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.