04/10/09

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Gaiana Swanson, practiced law
Gaiana Swanson, 46, passed away Tuesday, March 31, at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Wayne, N.J.
She is survived by her parents, Ernest and Patricia Swanson of Lewes; and her brother, Eric of Hawthorne, N.J.
She received her B.A. degree from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., and her J.D. from Catholic University School of Law in Washington, D.C. She practiced law in New Jersey and at the time of her passing was employed by Ruotolo Associates. A funeral service was held Friday, April 3, at St. Peter’s in Haverstraw, N.Y., with burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Haverstraw. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 18, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church on Route 1 north of Five Points, Lewes.

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Alfred Michael Gericke, Marine Corps veteran
Alfred Michael Gericke, 60, of Lewes, passed away peacefully at his home Sunday, April 5, 2009. Mr. Gericke was born Nov. 21, 1948, in Baltimore, Md., son of the late Alexander Otto and Estelle Elizabeth Welsh Gericke.
Mr. Gericke worked as a bartender for a number of years at the Sussex Pines Country Club. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam war. He was a member of American Legion Post 17, Lewes, and the Lewes Moose Lodge and a life member of the VFW Post 6984, Milton.
He is survived by three sisters, Naomi DiBacco of Lewes, Alva Diegert of Edgemere, Md., and Frieda Beckner of Spotsylvania, Va.; his brother Alexander Otto Jr. of Baltimore; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, April 10, at Sussex Pines Country Club, 22426 Sussex Pines Road, Georgetown. Interment will be private. Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., Georgetown.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Legion Post 17 Canteen Fund, Legion Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

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Edward Collins Jr., masonry contractor
Edward Collins Jr. (Buddy, as he was affectionately known), of the Seaford-Millsboro area, was born Aug. 30, 1940, to the late John Edward Mumford and the late Christil Collins-Banks in Bishop, Md. He heard the gentle voice of God calling him from labor to reward, Friday, April 3, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his stepfather Willie Banks Sr., and his two sisters, Francis Hall and Crystal Mitchell.
He was raised in Cool Spring. He received his early education at Richard Allen Elementary School and attended William C. Jason High School, both in Georgetown.
Edward “Buddy” especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys football fan. One of his favorite pastimes was searching for construction equipment to purchase. He enjoyed being physically fit, so much so that he purchased a Total Gym, Mr. Juicer, and became extremely interested in the holistic approach to health.
A lover of instrumental music as a young man, he developed a desire to play the saxophone, but was unable to fulfill that desire, until the last few years of his life. He was proud of his accomplishment in learning to play the instrument along with his daughter TyAsia; they played beautiful music together.
Edward began learning the masonry business under the tutelage of George Chaplin. He furthered his work experience with various masonry contractors and eventually had an entrepreneurial spirit and a vision to begin his own masonry contracting construction business which was very successful for over 40 years. He was also known for his lawn care and snow removal services. He was a jack of all trades and mastered them all. Whatever Edward set his mind to do, he did it and wouldn’t stop until it was completed. He was a man of few words, but would say what he meant, and mean what he said.
Edward accepted the Lord as his personal savior while under the pastoral leadership of the late Haywood P. Henry while a disciple of Burton Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Milton. He served in various capacities: he was president of the Usher Board, served as a member of the Steward Board and Finance Committee, and sang on the Men’s Choir. He later moved his membership to Dagsboro Church of God, Dagsboro. Edward was accepted on Christian experience by Pastor K. Tepherbock and was truly loved by that congregation. While he was a disciple there, he diligently served on the Usher Board and loved greeting God’s people with a warm smile and gentle “Good morning.”
Edward loved giving God praise every chance he got and made a joyful noise with his tambourine. He enjoyed his daily quiet time of devotion with the Lord; he even sang to God. As his health began to decline, he was unable to read his devotional alone, his wife would read to him and pray with him. Edward never complained.
He was positive about his illness; strengthened by his belief in God, he said, “God is in control and I am ready for whatever God has for me.” Concerning his love for the word of God, he said, “All of God’s word is so good that I have no favorite.”
Recently, Edward was united in marriage with Amy Louise Maker Collins whom he loved and cared for deeply. He leaves her with a lifetime of fond memories to cherish. Amy was a devoted wife.
Her love and devotion extended well beyond the norm, as she provided Edward with love and tender care, attending to his every need during his illness. Edward was a wonderful husband, father and provider.
He also leaves to cherish loving and lasting memories in the hearts of his wife, Amy Collins, his children, Annette Gibbs of New Bern, N.C., Edward Gibbs Jr. of Smyrna, Michael Gibbs of Georgetown, Brenda Kaye Gibbs of Millsboro, Debra Ann Gibbs of Bridgeville, Raymond Bernard Gibbs of Georgetown, Jacqueline Dunn (Donald) of Cove City, N.C., Edwin Juan Collins (Asuima) of Atlanta, Ga., Vance Dallas Collins (Melissa) of Georgetown, Christil Leticia Maker and TyAsia Mone’t Collins both of Seaford.
He has five sisters, Estelle Mackey (Gilbert) of Millsboro, Gloria Mumford of Washington, D.C., Alice Mumford of Bishopville, Md., Emma Lee Savage (Anthony) of Cool Spring, and Lucille Banks of Cool Spring. He has three brothers, Melvin Lee Collins (Charlotte) of Georgetown, Thomas Mumford of Bishopville, and Reles Atlas Banks, Cool Spring; 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren. He also leaves four brothers-in-law, James Palmer (Joyce) of Dover, Steven Maker (Janet) of Harbeson, Anthony Taylor (Angela) of Lewes, and Curtis Maker of Lewes; four sisters-in-law, Deborah Cannon of Dover, Sherry Henry (Jerry) of Millsboro, Trudy Maker of Milton, and Iona Maker of Lewes; his father-in-law John Maker Jr.; his mother-in-law Ruth Maker of Lewes; and many more relatives too numerous to name here, who loved him and will cherish his memory.
Funeral services will be held at noon, Saturday, April 11, at Dickerson Chapel AME Church in Millsboro. Friends and family may call from 11 a.m. to noon. The Rev. Richard Worthy will officiate.
Interment will be in Zoar Golden Acres, Bishopville, Md.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.

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Henry C. Steigelman, Navy veteran
Henry Charles Steigelman, 87, of Lewes, passed away peacefully Monday, April 6, 2009, at Cadbury at Lewes in Lewes. Mr. Steigelman was born July 6, 1921, in East Rutherford, N.J., son of the late Harry Carson and Louise Moody Steigelman.
Mr. Steigelman was a loyal employee of 40 years with Martin Auto Supply in Baltimore, Md., retiring in 1985. He was a member of the United Church of Christ in Baltimore as well. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of American Legion Post 28. His hobby was woodworking and he could turn a piece of wood into an item of beauty.
Mr. Steigelman is survived by his wife of 66 years, Catharine Elizabeth Hahn Steigelman; his daughter, Kathryn Patricia Potts of Rehoboth Beach; his son John Chapel Steigelman and his wife Dorothy “Faye” of Lewes; three grandchildren, John, Bryant and Blare; three great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Ian and Austin; and two stepgrandchildren, Tara and Gene Mross. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Henry Charles Steigelman.
All services will be private. Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Legion Post 28, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro, DE 19966; or Meals on Wheels, 32409 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Lewes, DE 19958.

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Brenda L. Smallwood, devoted mother
Brenda L. Williams Smallwood, 68, of Milton, passed away suddenly at home Sunday, April 5, 2009.
She was born Jan. 9, 1941, to Carson and Lulamae Todd in Berlin, Md. Brenda worked for Wilgus Dry Cleaners on Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, for more than 20 years and was a devoted employee until her retirement in 2006. She was referred to lovingly in the town as the “the mayor,” because of her social and business associations with the people of Rehoboth Beach. If there was anything going on in town, Brenda knew about it, good or bad.
She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. Brenda found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and cooking for her family and friends. She also loved to crochet blankets for her grandchildren and friends and enjoyed gardening.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Jerry Todd.
She is survived by her two children, Thomas Williams of Rehoboth Beach, and Lisa W. Moore of Lewes; her grandchildren, Tonya Wharton, Ashley Moore, Taylor Moore, Dayton Moore, Blake Moore and Sydney Moore; also her best friend of over 40 years, Gayl Hyland; and her beloved pet cat Hadley.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, April 13, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Long Neck.

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Edna C. King, Sussex caregiver
Edna C. King, 74, of Harbeson, formerly of Philadelphia, Pa., died peacefully surrounded by her loving family at her home Saturday, April 4, 2009.
Mrs. King was born in Philadelphia, daughter of the late George and Martha Thompson Craig. She was a self-employed caregiver throughout Sussex County. Edna was dedicated to her children and also enjoyed going to the casinos.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her daughter Martha Rossiter. She is survived by her three children, Robert C. Rossiter of Harbeson, Kathryn E. Rossiter of Lansdowne, Pa., and Edward J. Rossiter of Harbeson; three grandchildren, Edward J. Rossiter, Kyle-David Rossiter and Taylor Mensch; a great-grandson, Nate Rossiter; a sister, Rosemary Perlingiero; a lifelong friend, Angie Buchanan; and a special friend, Sharon Drew.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 11, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Long Neck. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Edna’s name to the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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James A. Martin, campground owner
James Aubrey Martin Sr., 71, of Charlestown, Md., and Vero Beach, Fla., died suddenly Saturday, April 4, 2009, at home.
Born in Wilmington, Sept. 23, 1937, he was the son of the late John Aubrey and the late Gertrude Barryman Martin.
Mr. Martin was the second-generation owner and operator of Charlestown Manor Beach, Charlestown, Md.
He enjoyed family, boating, driving his tractor and all of his friends at Charlestown Manor Beach Campground.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy M. Martin of Charlestown and Vero Beach; two children, Brenda Elizabeth Martin of Lewes, and James A. Martin Jr. of Elkton, Md.; two stepdaughters, Lisa M. Riffey and Peggy J. Riffey, both of Vero Beach; a sister, Shirley Garland of Middletown; his grandchildren, Sara Elizabeth Martin of Elkton and Jason Riffey of Vero Beach; and a great-grandson, Andrew L. Riffey.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 11, at Crouch Funeral Home, 127 South Main St., North East, Md. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Charlestown Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 111, Charlestown, MD 21914; or Cecil County SPCA, Attn: Memorial Contributions, P.O. Box 665, Chesapeake City, MD 21915

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Kenneth A. Roberge, retired contractor
Kenneth A Roberge, 73, of Dagsboro, passed away Friday, April 3, 2009.
Kenneth was the son of the late Kenneth and Maisie Young Roberge. His wife, Beverly A. Roberge, and one son, Brian Townley, also predeceased him.
He is survived by his children, Billy Townley, Ralph Townley, Scott Townley, Wendy Vishaway, Melody Connell and Sheri Raymond; one sister, Betty Jones; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was a retired self-employed contractor. He loved to build things, work on projects and work with wood. A visitation was held at Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro.

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James Daniel Price Jr., management trainee
James Daniel ‘Dan’ Price Jr., 33, of Palm Cove, Fla., went to be with the Lord Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Dan was born in Dover to parents Dan and Betty Sue Price. He was a 1994 graduate of Lake Forest High School. Dan was a computer graphics designer working for Richard Dix in Delaware. He worked in the same trade in Maryland before moving to Palm Cove, where he worked for Innis Brooke Golf Course in Tarpon Springs, Fla., as groundskeeper and then began management training. Dan enjoyed hunting, fishing and sketching. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Warren K. Price; and his maternal grandparents, Theodore and Nelma Smith. He is survived by a loving family including his wife of eight years, Christina Price of Palm Cove; his parents, Dan Price of Dover, and Betty Sue LeMay of Daytona, Fla.; his stepmother, Cheryl Price of Felton; his brother, Brian Price of Easton, Md.; his three sisters, Lisa Rosado and her husband Pete of Orlando, Fla., Virginia Price of Greenwood, and Fallon Price of Rehoboth Beach; his paternal grandmother, Katie Price of Woodside; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 10, at Barratt’s Chapel in Frederica. Interment will be Friday, immediately following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Dan’s memory to Barratt’s Chapel Building Preservation Fund, 6362 Bay Road, Frederica, DE 19946.
E. Marie Skaggs, devoted to family
E. Marie Skaggs, 85, of Townsend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Sunday, April 5, 2009, in Christiana Healthcare in Newark.
She was born July 18, 1923, in Clayton, the daughter of the late Arthur and Alice Lee Huselton. Marie was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy was caring for her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard R. Skaggs. Marie is survived by two daughters, Rosemary Vanderhoogt of Lewes and Linda Skaggs of New Castle; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
A special thank you goes to the staff at Broadmeadow Healthcare and to the staff of 6E at Christiana Healthcare.
Funeral services were held at Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, Middletown, with interment in Townsend Cemetery.

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Raymond B. Connell, retired decorator
Raymond B. Connell, 89, of Rotonda West, Fla., formerly of Wilmington and Millsboro, died Monday, April, 6, 2009, at Englewood Community Hospital. He was born June 20, 1919, in Christiana, Pa., to John Henry and Cecelia Margaret (Grassl) Connell.
Mr. Connell served in the United States Army during World War II.
He owned and operated an interior decorating business for 46 years.
Upon retiring he moved to Florida in 1991, he was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City, Fla.
Survivors include his daughter, Laura Lee (Jack) Morris of Seaford; his granddaughters, Julia Alcott Morris and Madeline Taylor Morris; his stepdaughter, Carol (Ted ) Connelly and their children; and numerous other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Francis of Assisi Church Wednesday, April 8, 2009.
A visitation will be held at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road Pike Creek from noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 14. Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.

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Francis T. Padula Jr., construction co-owner
Francis Thomas “Frank” Padula Jr., 79, of Lewes, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at his residence surrounded by his family.
He was born Feb. 16, 1930, in Bushkill, Pa., son of the late Francis T. Padula Sr. and Pearl (Klump) Padula.
Mr. Padula owned and operated Padula Construction, an excavating and paving company. He was a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, Indian River Tribe 37, Nassau. He enjoyed NASCAR racing and traveling. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years Dawne Padula; five sons, Leslie Padula and wife Donna of Stroudsburg, Pa., Frank Pinto Jr. and wife Karen of Bangor, Pa., Michael Pinto of Bradenton, Fla., Mark Pinto and wife Veronica of Bangor, and John Pinto of Atlanta, Ga.; one daughter, Kim Webb and husband Fred of Lewes; five grandchildren, Todd Pinto, Adriana Pinto and Alexa Pinto all of Bangor, Duwane Emerick, and Kristy Thibault and husband Dustin all of Lewes; one great-granddaughter, Kayla Pinto of Bangor; and his sister, Beatrice Beam of Allentown, Pa.
All services are private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Betty-Jo Pettyjohn, former CNA
Betty-Jo Pettyjohn, 55, of Bennington, Vt., died Saturday, April 4, 2009, in Berkshire Medical Center.
She was born May 6, 1953, in Lewes, the daughter of Warren Pettyjohn and the late Letty Gay Hunter Pettyjohn.
She was a graduate of Georgetown High School in 1972. Betty-Jo was last employed as a certified nursing assistant at Willowood of North Adams. Before that, she worked at the former CB Sports.
She is survived by her father, Warren Pettyjohn of Georgetown; three daughters, Betty-Jo “Joanna” Rivers, Mary-Ellen Wegner and Debbie Wegner of North Adams, Mass.; 12 grandchildren including Charles Thompson and Katie-Lee Bunn; and many friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, April 9, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, Georgetown, with interment in Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Kidney Foundation, 6110 Executive Blvd.

Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 28052.