03/13/09

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		Dr. William Markell, left, told friends and family that one of the proudest moments in his life was the night his son, Jack, (right) was inaugurated as Delaware governor, said a Markell administration official.
Submitted photo

William Markell, governor’s father
William Markell, born March 18, 1923, died Wednesday, March 11, 2009.
Dr. Markell retired in 1993 after a 35-year career as a professor and administrator at the University of Delaware. For many of those years, he served as chairman of the Department of Business Administration and later as chairman of the Department of Accounting. He was named the Arthur Anderson professor of accounting at the University of Delaware in honor of his distinguished service and reputation.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities at Delaware, he was a Fulbright scholar and devoted himself to studying accounting practices around the globe, teaching in countries such as Botswana, Israel, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Bulgaria, France and Slovakia.
Dr. Markell was a board member of a variety of organizations, including United Way, the Jewish Federation of Delaware, the Newark Free Library, the Newark Symphony, the American Accounting Association and Temple Beth El, where he once served as principal of the Hebrew School. Dr. Markell also served on the audit committee of the University of Delaware, and on the audit committee of the state of Delaware pension fund.
A man of few words, Dr. Markell demonstrated through actions his commitment to his family and his community. He leaves as powerful legacies both the careers of thousands of University of Delaware accounting students and the outstanding reputation of the university’s accounting program.
Dr. Markell was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He studied and became fluent in Russian through the Army Specialized Training Program and served in Europe during World War II.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Leni; as well as three children, David and daughter-in-law Mona of Tallahassee, Fla.; Judy Weinstein and son-in-law Alan of Mendham, N. J.; and Jack and daughter-in-law Carla, of Wilmington. He also leaves behind nine loving grandchildren, Lauren, Russell, Dena and Sassy Weinstein of New Jersey; Rebecca, Jenny and Rachel Markell of Florida and Molly and Michael Markell of Delaware.
Services will be at 1 p.m., Sunday, March 15, at Temple Beth El in Newark. Shiva will be observed at the Markell home at 222 Hullihen Drive, Newark, at 7 p.m., Sunday through Tuesday, March 15-17.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Markell Scholarship Fund at the University of Delaware, Hullihen Hall, Newark, DE 19716; Hadassah c/o 2302 Swynford Road, Wilmington, DE 19810; or the Jewish Federation of Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Wilmington, DE 19801.

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Joanne Patchell Wetzel, retired banker
Joanne Patchell Wetzel, 79, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2009, at Renaissance Healthcare in Millsboro.
She was born April 11, 1927 in Dover, daughter of the late Howard and Marian Patchell.
Mrs. Wetzel attended Goldy Beacom College in Wilmington. She retired from Citizens Bank, formerly known as Farmer’s First when she began working. She was a member of the ladies auxiliary, American Legion, Post 28 and enjoyed the many activities available at the Cape Henlopen Senior Center.
Mrs. Wetzel is survived by her husband of 55 years, Charles Wetzel; two grandchildren, Lauren Mary Hauser and Carl Corwin “Corey” Hauser, both of Elk Mills, Md.; and her brother, H.H. “Dick” Patchell of Wilmington. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Cheryl Dawn Wetzel, in 2004.
All services are private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., Lewes. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Salvation Army, 110 S. Bedford St., Georgetown DE 19947 or a charity of choice.

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Joseph J. Vicere, Elks member
Joseph J. Vicere, 75, a resident of Long Neck, formerly of Penns Grove, N.J., passed away at home with his wife holding his hand Wednesday, March 11, 2009.
Born and raised in Penns Grove, he was the son of the late Joseph Vicere of Penns Grove, and the late Rose Gerace Wright of Pennsville, N.J.; and the brother of the late Jean Tice of Oakland, Calif. and the late Elsie Gambino of Carneys Point, N.J.
Joe was a member of the American Legion Squadron 28, where he was American Legion State Squadron chaplain for three years; member of the Order of Sons of Italy and member of the AMVETS Post 2 He is most proud of his membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks commencing in 1963, chairing many committees and serving as an officer, and being elected exalted ruler in 1976 through 1978, serving two consecutive years in Penns Grove Lodge No. 1358.
While a member of Penns Grove Lodge, Joe served as New Jersey State Elks Association ritual judge for two years, as state vice president from 1980-81; as district deputy grand exalted ruler from 1981-82; and as state trustee from 1982-84.
During this time, he was instrumental in obtaining from the South District, 10 ortho-biotic wheelchairs to give to the Vineland Memorial Home and a whirlpool bath to the Salem County Vo-Tech School for the handicapped.
Joe was honored with honorary/lifetime member status in 2001. More recently, he served as exalted ruler of Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge No. 2540 from 2004-07. Joe was elected and served as state trustee for Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C. State Elks Association for 2006-08.
Joe is survived by his wife of 39 years, Dorothy A. Vicere; his son, Michael J. Vicere and his wife, Tracy, from North Carolina; his daughter, Karen Vicere Meloni from Delaware; his son, Perrino S. Vicere and his wife, Tamara, from Delaware; his son, Joseph A. Peary, from Virginia; grandchildren Jimi Johnson and Salvatore Vicere from North Carolina, Danielle Johnson, Eddie Johnson, Julian Vicere, Antonio Vicere, Marisa Vicere and Jeremy Cancelo; and great-granddaughter Alexandra Elizabeth Laughlin, all from Delaware.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Elks Lodge of Sorrow/Memorial Service at Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge, 18544 Beaver Dam Road, Lewes, at noon, Tuesday, March 17. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to help defray medical expenses be made in Joe’s name, c/o Karen Vicere Meloni, 611 W. Pompeii Drive, Bear, DE 19701.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Long Neck.

William C. Zook, retired state trooper
William C. “Billy” Zook, 58, formerly of Milford, died suddenly Friday, March 6, 2009.
Mr. Zook was born Jan. 5, 1951, in Milford, son of the late Robert L. and Dorothy V. Howard Zook. He graduated from Milford High School with the class of 1969. Following graduation, he worked with his father in his construction business before applying for a position with the Delaware State Police.
He was accepted as an applicant and became a trooper in 1974, serving with the state police as an officer for 20 years, retiring as a master corporal in 1994. After retirement, Billy started his own business doing repairs and remodeling, reverting back to his special talents as a carpenter and his love of woodworking.
He filled a need for many friends and family who wanted a small job done to perfection. He and his wife, Linda, moved to Florida in 2001 to enjoy the warmer climate, a relaxed lifestyle and times together at the beach.
While living in Florida, Billy enjoyed going to see the New York Mets during spring training, as well as their minor league affiliate during regular season. He also loved a good game of golf, fishing and watching NASCAR racing. Billy was a member of the Milford Elks Lodge 2401.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda S. Zook; his son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Mary Zook of Ocean View; a brother and sister-in-law, Robert L. Zook Jr. and Connie Zook of Milford; his mother-in-law, Olga Kovach of Milford; a brother-in-law, Jerry Kovach and his wife Jan of Milford; a sister-in-law, Shirley Kovach of Lewes; an uncle/brother, George Howard of Milford; two granddaughters, Ellie Grace Zook and Kari Faith Zook, at home in Ocean View; many other aunts, uncles and cousins, two nieces and a nephew; and many friends.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave., Milford. Services and an Elks service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, March 14, at the funeral home.
Burial with Delaware State Police honors will be at Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery in Frederica.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to the charity of your choice in Billy’s memory.

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David R. Stevenson, carpenter
David R. Stevenson, 59, of Lincoln, died Sunday, March 8, 2009, in his home. David was born in Milford, the son of H. Jane Stevenson, formerly of Lincoln, and the late Charles Reese Stevenson. He worked at the A & P/Superfresh for 20 years, Food City for 10 years, and then became a self-employed carpenter. David enjoyed his family, hunting, fishing, NASCAR racing, John Wayne movies and playing Wii. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Donna; three children and their spouses, Reese and his wife Carrie of Felton, Kevin and his wife Shae of Harrington, daughter, Stefanie of Lincoln; and five grandchildren, Danielle, Dennis, Daisie, Brandt and Drew. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers, Lynn Silicato and her husband Dennis of Millsboro, Peggy Johnson and her husband Gary of Lincoln, Trisha Davis and her husband Mark of Milford, Glen Stevenson and his wife Karen of Milford, Kenny Stevenson and his wife Diane of Tennessee, and Terri Campbell and her husband David Lee of Virginia; and special cousins, Tom and Linda Davis who were a constant support; his devoted friend and neighbor, Cecil Donovan; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews who often referred to him as “Uncle.” Funeral services were held Thursday, March 12, with burial private. Contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, Memorial & Honor Program, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312; or the American National Kidney Foundation, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 28052.

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Norma Lee Copsey, NARFE member
Norma Lee Roach Copsey, 83, of Georgetown, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
She was born March 3, 1926, in Georgetown, daughter of the late Herman and Irma Bailey Roach. Mrs. Copsey retired in 1984 after many years of service with the Social Security Administration. She was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees where she had served as secretary and president of the local chapter. She was also a member of the Georgetown Historical Society and a lifetime member of Grace United Methodist Church, Georgetown.
She is survived by her son, Bobby Lynch and his wife Wanda of Georgetown; granddaughter, Alison B. Emerson; grandson, Buddy Lynch and his wife Stepanie; great-grandson, Austin Bailey Emerson; and two great-granddaughters, Abigail B. Emerson and Baylee Raygan Lynch, all of Georgetown.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 14, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Dodd-Carey Chapel, 307 North Bedford St., Georgetown, with the Rev. Mike Magee officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to services. Interment will follow the services in Union Cemetery, Georgetown.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Grace United Methodist Church, King and Market streets, Georgetown, DE 19947.

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Thomas G. Meisten Jr., former postal clerk
Thomas G. Meisten Jr., 42, of Ocean View, previously of Dover and New Jersey, died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009, at his residence.
He was born May 24, 1966, in Westwood, N.J., son of the late Thomas G. Meisten Sr. and Hildegard Feuerborn Meisten of Milton.
Mr. Meisten was a U.S. postal clerk for many years.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by a brother, William Meisten of Lodi, N.J.; and a sister, Darlene Piserchia and her husband Frank of Paramus, N.J.; and a niece and nephew, Nicole and Frank Piserchia, both of Paramus.
All services are private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial & Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.

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Esther B. Pritchett, seafood plant worker
Esther Blondell Pritchett, 79, of Cambridge, Md., passed away at the Mallard Bay Care Center in Cambridge Saturday, March 7, 2009.
She was born at Bishops Head, Md., Sept. 6, 1929, and was a daughter of the late Wilson Davis Pritchett Sr. and Mildred Mills Pritchett. She attended schools at Bishops Head and Crapo. Most of her life was spent working at the Crocheron Brothers Seafood, Goose Creek Seafood and several other seafood plants. Some years ago she had attended the Pilgrim Holiness Church at Bishops Head.
She enjoyed fishing, and she was a member of the Lakes & Straits Fire Co. Auxiliary. Miss Pritchett had been in failing health for the past several months and had been a patient at the Mallard Bay Care Center since the end of January.
Survivors include one sister, Lucille P. Rigby and her husband Jack Rigby of Seaford; three brothers, Rufus W. Pritchett and his wife Charlotte Pritchett of Cambridge, J. Oneal Pritchett and Lois Pritchett of Milton, and Melvin R. Pritchett and his wife Peggy M. Pritchett of Toddville, Md.; two sisters-in-law, Cleta Pritchett of Crocheron, Md., and Beatrice Pritchett of Staunton, Va.; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by three sisters, Henrietta Pritchett, Mary Anne Thomas and Nancy Lee Pritchett; and two brothers, W. Davis Pritchett Jr. and Robbie S. Pritchett.
A service was held at the Thomas Funeral Home in Cambridge. Interment followed at the Pritchett Family Cemetery at Bishops Head. Contributions may be made to the Activities Fund of the Mallard Bay Care Center, 520 Glenburn Ave., Cambridge, MD 21613.

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Joseph E. Mullen, Crystal worker
Joseph E. Mullen, 89, of Greenwood, formerly of Annapolis, Md., passed away peacefully Saturday, March 7, 2009, at Country Rest Home in Greenwood. Mr. Mullen was born Nov. 14, 1919, in Washington, D.C., son of the late Daniel Willard and Mary Elizabeth Mullen. Mr. Mullen was employed for 40 years by Griffith Energy Services Inc. of Cheverly, Md., initially as a service technician and retiring from a managerial position. He was a sportsman who particularly enjoyed boating and fishing. Mr. Mullen served with the U.S. Army during World War II and on D-Day was on Omaha Beach. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Annapolis and the American Legion in Delaware. For many years, Mr. Mullen was a great helping hand and morning greeter at The Crystal Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lottie Alice Newman Mullen; two daughters, Joann Brandenburg and her husband Don Ebner of Lewes, and Maryann Smith and her husband Ken of Greybull, Wyo.; a son, Daniel J. Mullen and his wife Jean of Edgewater, Md.; seven grandchildren, Kimberly Dove and husband George of Calvert County, Md., Holly Mullen of Centerville, Md., Doug Stewart of Edgewater, Chuck Stewart of Virginia, Misti Fisher of Hagerstown, Md., Jason Hurley of Hagerstown, and Jimmy Bradshaw of Edgewater; 11 great-grandchildren, Douglas and Sydney Stuart, Daniel and Rachel Dove, Heather, Jimmy and Shaw Bradshaw, Trenton and Laci Fisher, Kayla Hurley and William Aikins. Graveside services at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville, Md., will be private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc. Lewes. The family suggests memorial contributions to American Legion Post 28, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro DE 19966.

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Hilda H. Toomey, loved her family
Hilda H. Toomey, 84, of Gumboro, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury Md. Hilda attended Gumboro Wesleyan Church. She loved her family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Sadie Truitt Jarman; her husband of 52 years, Ralph Toomey; a brother, Arzie Jarman; and three sisters, Bessie Lawson, Lydia Gordy and Ethel Adkins. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters, Sue Stanley and husband Earl of Gumboro and Carol Hearn and husband Wayne of Gumboro; grandchildren, Lisa and Dale Clifton, Kim and Stewart Baker, Brent and Lori Brittingham, Glenn Hearn and Crystal and Matt Rowe; four great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog Sassy. Services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 13, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call at 1 p.m. Interment will be in Millsboro Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Gumboro Wesleyan Church, 36842 Millsboro Highway, Millsboro, DE.
19966.