05/01/09

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Mark E. Matushik, store supervisor
Mark E. Matushik, 56, of Rehoboth Beach, died Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. He was born in Throop, Pa., May 16, 1952, son of the late Theresa Barone Matushik and Edward P. Matushik of Rehoboth Beach. Mr. Matushik was a graduate of Salesianum and the University of Delaware where he received his degree in business administration. For over 25 years he has been working for Anderson Floor Coverings of Rehoboth Beach, most recently as a supervisor. Mr. Matushik was a very personable individual to many. He was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman.
In addition to his father, he is survived by two sisters, Adrienne Madison and husband George of Bear, and Diane Kracher and husband Steve Leckrone of Baltimore, Md.; former stepchildren, Erin Marsh of Rehoboth Beach and Brandon Marsh of San Diego, Calif.; and a large extended family in Scranton, Pa., and New York state areas. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m., Tuesday May 5, at St. Edmond’s Catholic Church, King Charles and Laurel streets, Rehoboth Beach. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, May 4, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Interment will be at All Saints’ Cemetery, Wilmington at 11 a.m., Wednesday May 6. In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to Delaware Lung Association, 1021 Gilpin Ave., Wilmington, DE 19801.

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Elsie Beebe Swezey, active in AAUW

Elsie Beebe Swezey, 100, of Lewes, died at her residence on Saturday April 25, 2009.  She was born July 5, 1908, in Lewes, daughter of the late Dr. James Beebe Sr. and Elsie Kirkland Beebe.  She was a graduate of the college of William and Mary, where she was a member of Chi Omega and also Phi Kappa Phi and Mortar Board Honorary Societies.

She was active in the American Association of University Women and served as president of both the Seaford and Wilmington branches and also of the Delaware State Division.  She was made an honorary 50-year member of the Wilmington branch and the National Association.

She was active in volunteer work and served for 20 years on the board of the Delaware Lung Association, formerly the Delaware Acute Tuberculosis Society.  She also served for 20 years as a trustee of the Children’s Beach House, which included a term as president.  She was a guide at the Hagley Museum for 12 years.

After retiring to Lewes with her husband, she became an active member of the Beebe Hospital Auxiliary and served for two terms as its president. Her church membership was in Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rehoboth Beach.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death in November 1999 by her husband of 68 years, Frank R. Swezey; three sisters, Elizabeth Marvel, Jean Ingram and Margaret Williams, all of Lewes; and a brother, William Beebe of Malvern, Pa.

She is survived by her daughter Joan Bird-Eisenhauer and her husband Richard Eisenhauer of Lewes and Naples, Fla.; six grandchildren, Anne Fonseca of North Andover, Mass., Jane Mazerall of Lowell, Mass., Edward Bird Jr. of Matthews, N.C., John David Bird of Chanhassen, Minn., Susan Bird of Montrose, Colo., and Christine Bird of Long Beach, Calif.; eight great-grandchildren; and brothers, Dr. James Beebe Jr. of Rehoboth Beach and Allen Beebe of Windsor, Conn.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 30, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.  Burial will be private at Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Beebe School of Nursing, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958; or to the Scholarship and Memorial Fund of Wilmington Branch of American Association of University Women, 1800 Farifax Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19803-3199; or to the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Ann F. Sweeney, registered nurse
Ann Forrest Sweeney, formerly of Wilmington, New Rochelle, N.Y., Alexandria and Kilmarnock, Va., and Navarre, Fla., died April 22, 2009, in Pensacola, Fla.
She was born May 29, 1930, in Wilmington, the youngest of six children of George and Mary Forrest. She attended Christ Our King School and P.S. du Pont High School, graduating in 1948.
She became a registered nurse after graduating from the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1951 and served as a nurse in Hollywood, Fla., Wilmington, and Kilmarnock, Va. She served her communities through her nursing career, raising her family, and as a parishioner, choir member and cantor in several Roman Catholic parishes. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Robert H. Sweeney of Pensacola; five children and their spouses, Carole S. Reda (Louis) of Rocky Mount, N.C., Mary S. Bowman (Jesse) of Woodbridge, Va., Teresa S. Sydow (Douglas) of Gulf Breeze, Fla., Robert H. Sweeney Jr. (Patty) of Huntington, W.Va., and C. Leslie Sweeney (Sarah) of Evergreen, Colo.; and 10 grandchildren. Also, she is survived by her brother, James Forrest of Lewes; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother and three sisters. Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, April 30, at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church in Wilmington with interment at All Saints’ Cemetery, Wilmington. The family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633; or the Community of Poor Clares, 225 Stonehedge Drive, Alexandria, VA 22306-2451.

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Irene D. Crumlish, enjoyed the beach
Mrs. Irene D. Crumlish, 58, of Wilmington, died Monday, April 27, 2009, at home surrounded by family after a long, courageous battle with synovial cell sarcoma.
Irene was born March 15, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pa. She was raised in the Roxborough section of the city and attended the public schools in Roxborough. She was the daughter of the late Arthur E. Disley and Corinne Brown Disley. Irene moved to Lewes in the late 1960s and moved to Wilmington in 1988. Irene was devoted to her family and never wavered in her battle with cancer. She lived a dignified life and always put others before herself.
She was a homemaker and at times worked seasonally or part-time as a waitress, running her own cleaning business, at J.C. Penney, St. Mark’s High School cafeteria and at the Division of Motor Vehicles. Irene enjoyed time with her family, praying the rosary, crossword puzzles, evening tea, time at the beach and Coca-Cola. She also enjoyed time with a variety of neighbors and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Arthur Disley and foster brother Fred Simon.
She is survived by her beloved husband of over 20 years, Kevin M. Crumlish; son Kevin M. Jr.; and her daughter Doris C., all at home; son Arthur M. Miller (Danielle) of New Castle; son Bill Disley of Rehoboth; son Frank Miller (Kim) of Millsboro; son John Miller (Millie) of Middletown; grandchildren, Alexis Miller, Joey Scalia, Danielle Miller and Frankie Miller; brothers-in-law, Terry Crumlish (Peggy), John Crumlish III (Sharon), David Crumlish; sisters-in-law, Maureen Zingo (Mike), Kathleen Giorgianni (Nick); nieces, nephews, and a large extended family, friends, co-workers and neighbors.
The family extends its thanks to the staffs at the Helen Graham Cancer Center and at Penn Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia for the care they gave Irene.
Friends and family are invited to visitation from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m., Friday, May 1, at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 pm. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Helen Graham Cancer Center, 4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713.

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Ronald G. Allen, former Teamster
Ronald G. Allen, 51, of Hockessin, passed away Friday, April 17, 2009, in the Veterans Hospital.
He was born Oct. 5, 1957, in West Chester, Pa. Ron was the son of Betty Allen and the late Gene Allen. He was a U.S. Navy veteran.
He was a past member of the Teamsters Union Local 169. Ron enjoyed fishing, the outdoors and spending time with his family and his dogs. Ron will be remembered for his smile and his big heart, always trying to help someone.
He is survived by his daughter, Jeanine Alyse Allen; his mother, Betty Allen of Millsboro; his brother, Jeffrey R. Allen of Millsboro and Hockessin, and his beloved puppies, Precious “Killer” and Buddy “Ripper.”
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Ron at 2 p.m., Friday, May 1, at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek, where visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Burial will be held privately with the family.

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Kathleen E. Miller, Greenwood resident
Kathleen E. Miller, 74, of Greenwood, formerly of Linthicum, Md., died Monday, April 27, 2009, at Milford Memorial Hospital in Milford.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents and son, Glenn C. Miller Jr. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Glenn C. Miller Sr. of Greenwood; two daughters, Shirley J. Miller of Fair Haven, Md., and Cindy J. Miller and her friend Richard Shilling of Milton; and three grandchildren, Glenn III, Jeffery and Ola Wise. Arrangements by Fleischauer Funeral Home, Greenwood.
Graveside services will be 11 a.m., Friday, May 1, at St. Johnstown Cemetery outside of Greenwood.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Food Bank, 1040 Mattlind Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Lola M. Lockerman, Milton native
Lola M. Lockerman, 99, of Milton, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2009, at home.
Lola was born in Milton, the daughter of the late Thomas and Ida Mitchell. In 1925, Lola and her husband, Leighton Lockerman, opened Drawbridge Auto Parts, which eventually became Lockerman Auto Parts in Milton. She enjoyed gardening and cooking. She was a member of the Grace Church in Milton, where she always enjoyed attending church events. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leighton Lockerman in 1988; a son, Robert Lockerman; daughter, Margaret Ann Dexter; and granddaughter, Lisa L. Chanoux.
She is survived by her son, George “Les” Lockerman and his wife Irene of Milton; five grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services were Thursday, April 30, at Grace Church, Milton, with interment in Henlopen Memorial Park, Milton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements handled by Short Funeral Services, Milton.

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Diane Eames, Dover Downs worker
Diane “Punkin” Eames, 62, of Dover, passed away Monday, April 27, 2009, at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover.
She was born Feb. 26, 1947, in Dorchester, Md., to Clifford Thomas Bramble and Audrey Iona Robbins Latsha. Diane was known as “Punkin” to many.
She worked at Dover Downs in food service. She loved to travel. She was preceded in death by her father, Clifford Thomas Bramble.
She is survived by her husband Richard “Rick” Eames of Dover; mother, Audrey Iona Latsha of Dover; daughter and her husband, Paula and Mark Kelly of Florida; sons, Edmund “AJ” and his wife Wendy Goldsboro of Dover, Edward J. Goldsboro Jr. of New York, Derek Eames of Lewes, and Ryan Eames of Lewes; brother, Clifford “Buddy” Bramble of Felton; sisters, Carla Russum and Angela Johnson, both of Dover; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many adopted sons and daughters.
Remembrance services will be 2 p.m., Friday, May 1, at Trader Funeral Home, Dover. Burial will be at Sharon Hill Memorial Park, Dover.

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Ronald J. Fink, professional painter
Ronald James Fink, 43, of Long Neck passed away Sunday, April 26, 2009.
He was a self-employed professional painter and handyman. His father, David E. Fink, predeceased Ronald in 1993.
He is survived by his mother, Beverly W. Fink of Long Neck; two brothers, Jeffrey W. Fink and wife Brenda of Mohnton, Pa., and David A. Fink and wife Taryn of Dallastown, Pa.; two sisters, Heidi L. Jones and husband Tim of Boyertown, Pa., and Cindy Wilton and husband Bruce Ballantine of Millsboro; paternal grandmother, Anna (Honey) Fink of Rochester, N.Y.; maternal grandmother, Blanche M. Williams of Silver Creek, N.Y.; and 10 nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Friday May 1, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call at 2 p.m. Pastor Jeff Hudson will officiate. Burial will be private.

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Edward S. Rojewski, registered nurse
Edward S. Rojewski, 61, of Seaford, formerly of Philadelphia, Pa., passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford. He was born March 27, 1948, in Philadelphia, son of the late Stanley and Eleanor Lebiedzinski Rojewski.
Edward Rojewski worked as a registered nurse, most recently at Beebe Medical Center, and was active with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Lewes chapter.
He is survived by two sons, Edward Rojewski Jr. and Timothy Rojewski, both of Pennsylvania; and two sisters, Dorothy Smith and her husband John of New Jersey and Carol Duggan of Florida, formerly of Lewes.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, June 5, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society - Delaware Chapter, Two Mill Road, Suite 106, Wilmington, DE 19806.

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Jeffrey Dean Potter, general contractor
Jeffrey “Jeff” Dean Potter, 38, of Georgetown, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2009.
Jeff was self-employed as a general contractor. He was a family man who loved being with his wife and daughter. He also spent quality time with his daughter, Taylor, doing outdoor activities such as fishing, tracking and hunting deer, riding their four-wheeler and teaching her how to use a bow and arrow and BB gun. Jeff was an avid hunter. He was very talented in building all types of wood projects, including bird feeders and houses, which led him into becoming interested in bird watching.
He was preceded in death by his father, Nelson Potter.
He is survived by his wife Kim; daughter Taylor, age 7; mother Marta Potter Lyons; stepfather Drew; grandmothers Marie Moody and Betty Potter; and other family members; and his loving pets, Cooter, Champ and Shiann.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday May 2, at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Georgetown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to benefit his daughter, Taylor, may be sent to Marta Lyons at 5 Castleberry Lane, Georgetown, DE 19947.

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Virgie B. Nicoletos, retired clerk
Virgie Gaster Beaman Nicoletos, 81, of Lewes, died Friday, April 24, 2009, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
She was born July 7, 1927, in Sheffield, Pa., daughter of the late John Q. Gaster and Elsie V. Broadwater Gaster.
She retired after 24 years as a deputy courtroom clerk for the Superior Court in the state of California, county of Santa Clara.
Mrs. Nicoletos enjoyed playing piano, reading, traveling and going to the theatre and opera. She was a member of the Lewes Presbyterian Church.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, Virgie Elaine Flynn; and sisters Anna V. Ruby, Maxine P. Riley, Ethel I. Smith, Freda H. Wilson and Dorcas E. Louie.
She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Nicholas G. Nicoletos; a grandson, Robert Flynn of Gilroy, Ca.; a sister, Betty J. Louie of Oakland, Md.; and a brother, John Q. Gaster of South Plainfield, N.J.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 2, at Lewes Presbyterian Church, Kings Highway. Burial will be private at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Bear.
Memorials may be made to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; Lewes Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958; or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21803-0163
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., Lewes.

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Lillian Mae Lynch, tackle shop owner
Lillian Mae (Banghart) Lynch, 80, of Lewes, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
She was born Jan. 27, 1929, in New Jersey, daughter of the late Lottie (Malson) and Otto Banghart Sr.
Mrs. Lynch was the owner and operator of Lil's Bait and Tackle in Lewes for 30 years before her retirement. She was predeceased by her husband, Felix W. Lynch, in January 2000.
Mrs. Lynch is survived by three brothers, Joseph Banghart of Waterloo, N.J., William Banghart of Port Jervis, N.J., and Clarence Banghart of Kenvil, N.J.; two sisters, Evangeline McGuire of Lake Hopatcong, N.J,. and Nancy Hill of Philadelphia, Pa.; and a niece, Lovene E. Davidson of New Castle. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by two brothers, Otto Banghart Jr. and Kenneth Banghart; and two sisters, Rose Jordan and Harriet Fulwieler. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 1, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Whites Chapel Cemetery in Milton.

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Frank Shaw Miller, retired colonel
Lt. Col. Frank Shaw Miller, USAF (Ret.) died peacefully Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
Frank was born May 26, 1918, in the Bronx, New York City, N.Y. He was the son of U.S. Naval communications officer Frank Saxe Miller and Violet Shaw Miller. His family moved from the Bronx to a farm outside of Wyalusing, Pa. when he was a child, and then later to a home in the town of Wyalusing. Frank played the trombone in the school band, and was an avid runner, excelling in track.
He graduated from Wyalusing High School in 1936 and attended Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, Pa., then the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., as well as Drexel Institute.
As a teenager and young man, he spent much time enjoying, building and flying model airplanes. He was able to transfer his love of planes and flying to a career in the U.S. Air Force. He became an aviation cadet in November 1941, and in 1942 became a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps with a pilot rating. He trained for combat in the Martin B-26 bomber at Barksdale Field in Shreveport, La. He flew 40 combat missions with the 442nd Bombardment Squadron of the 320th Bombardment Group while in North Africa and Sardinia during World War II.
His assignments after the war included flight instructor at Selfridge Field in Michigan, flying safety officer at Shaw Field in South Carolina, commandant of the FEAF Aircraft Specialist School at Yokota Air Base in Japan and operations officer at the Air Force base in Keflavik, Iceland. He trained and served at many other locations, and received a number of awards throughout his career, including the Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with four bronze oak leaf clusters. While stationed in Okinawa in the 1950s, Frank met and fell in love with Joan Woodman, an American school teacher. They were married April 13, 1957, in Okinawa. Frank and Joan moved to Dover in 1958 where he became AACS Squadron commander at Dover Air Force Base. Frank retired from the Air Force in 1963 and the family moved to Rockville, Md. He then began a 20-plus-year career with the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. He worked as a park guide and then a supervisory park guide. He later served as a budget analyst for several years before he retired in late 1984. Frank was very much involved in the lives of his three children and his grandchildren. He was an exceptional photographer and enjoyed traveling and camping. Frank and Joan moved to Rehoboth Beach in 2002. Frank had many friends, neighbors and relatives who loved him dearly and will miss him. Frank was predeceased by his parents; two sisters; and a brother. He is survived by his wife, Joan Woodman Miller; his children, Kevin Miller of Camp Hill, Pa., Maureen Miller of Germantown, Md., and Alan Miller of New Market, Md.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 2, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Olive Avenue, Rehoboth Beach. Friends may call at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, May 1. Burial with full Air Force honors will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Millsboro. Memorial contributions may be made to the: Alzheimer's Association, Delaware Valley Chapter, P.O. Box 625, Georgetown, DE 19947.

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Robert T. Ray Sr., property manager
Robert T. Ray Sr, 66, of Millsboro, formerly of Wilmington, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side Thursday, April 30, 2009, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. He was a retired property manager for Geller Associates in Pennsylvania.
Robert was a member of Mary, Mother of Peace Catholic Church in Oak Orchard/Millsboro, and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed riding the ferry from Lewes to Wildwood, N.J.
Along with his parents, he was preceeded in death by his brother, Travis J. Ray II and three grandchildren, Ashlee, Brittany and John Ray. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Joanne L. (Casalvera) Ray; their children, Robert T. Ray Jr. and his wife Tammy of Georgetown, Jody Howell and her husband John of Millsboro, John P. Ray I of Rehoboth Beach and Peter Ray at home; three grandchildren, Thomas Ray of Texas, Michael Merchant of Millsboro and Amber Daisey of Millsboro; a brother, Bennie Lee Ray of Olympia, Wash.; and sister, Rosemary Bailie of Irvin, Calif. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m., Monday, May 4, at Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, Route 24 and Mt. Joy Road, Oak Orchard/ Millsboro. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, May 3, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery , Dagsboro. The family suggests memorial contributions in Robert’s memory to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, 202 Edwards St, Georgetown DE. 19947 or a local Knights of Columbus.