07/10/09

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Colleen S. Smith, special ed teacher
Colleen S. Smith, 56, of Heritage Park, Wilmington, passed peacefully Wednesday, July 8, 2009. A graduate of Corpus Christi High School and the University of Delaware, she taught special education at Sussex Central Junior High School in Millsboro for 13 years before moving to Wilmington.
She was a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. She was taken from us, we believe, before her time, but in her years here, we were blessed with her presence. She always made sure everyone was taken care of, above and beyond her own needs. She touched countless hearts with her loving, caring and giving ways. One of her greatest joys in life was spending time at the beach with her family and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, John T. and Betty J. Shannon. She is survived by her loving husband, Fred G. Smith II; sons, Brett G. Smith and Dane T. Smith; sisters, Cheryl Markiewicz, Elizabeth Christian, Jacquelyn Shannon Gaunt and Jean Rickards; brother, Michael Shannon; and nephews Justin Markiewicz and Brian Christian. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, July 12, at Mealey Funeral Homes, Limestone and Milltown roads, Wilmington. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m., Monday, July 13, at St. John the Beloved, Milltown Road, with interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, Christiana Hospital Campus, 4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713.

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Nicholas L. Tuozzo, retired machinist
Nicholas L. Tuozzo, 80, of Millsboro, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
Mr. Tuozzo was born Feb. 21, 1929, in Chester, Pa., to the late Nicholas A. and Corrie Tomms Tuozzo.
Mr. Tuozzo worked for Boeing Aircraft helicopter division, where he worked as a machinist and retired as the supervisor of the tool and die shop. He was a member of the Community Church of Oak Orchard. He was a member of the Blue Lodge in Chester, the Scottish Rite and Nur Temple, Wilmington. Mr. Tuozzo loved fishing, hunting and was an avid outdoorsman.
He was preceded in death his wife Lorraine Tuozzo in December 2007; and a son Ronald in 1996. Mr. Tuozzo is survived by two sons, Rick Tuozzo and his wife Melinda of Crownsville, Md., and Scott Tuozzo of Jacksonville, Fla.; a daughter, Pamela O’Hare and husband Patrick of Essex, Md.; daughter-in-law Sandra Tuozzo of Utah; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday July 14, at the Community Church of Oak Orchard, 32615 Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro. Pastor J. Allen Miller will officiate. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, July 12, at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro. Interment will be in the St. George’s Church Cemetery, Clarksville.

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Paul Baich, servant of God
Paul Baich of Wilmington passed away at Christiana Hospital Monday, July 6, 2009, and entered heaven where he met his beloved son, Paul Conrad Baich. During his sudden illness he was surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Paul was born in 1933 in Johnstown, Pa. Paul was the son of the late Demitri and Julia Baich and was the 12th of 14 siblings. Paul retired from Sun Oil Company at the age of 50 and enjoyed many seasons at his home on the North East River with his family. He marveled at every wave and every sunset. His prevailing spirit noticed all that was good and he never allowed for triteness or negativity. Paul was an active member of Holly Oak United Methodist Church for the past 45 years. He was a servant of God, ushering on Sunday mornings, belonging to the men’s club and assisting in the daily operation of the maintenance of the church and the day-care center. He also was on the board of trustees. No task was ever too small nor too large for Paul. Paul was a member of the Sun Oil Honors Club where he had lasting relationships with club members. However, Paul’s greatest legacy was his love for family, the devotion to others, and he lived his life every day as an example for all.
Paul is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ethel M. Gartside Baich; his daughters, Debra Baich-Pietlock (Donald) of Hockessin and Marianne Baich-Foard (Christopher) of Magnolia; his granddaughters, Rachel Anne Foard of Magnolia and Noelle Julia Baich of Lewes; and his grandson, Dane Baich (Alexa Allen-Baich) of Rehoboth Beach.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held Saturday July 11, at Holly Oak United Methodist Church, 1511 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. with services immediately following at 10 a.m. and Christian burial following at Mount Hope, Aston, Pa.
A gift can be made in Paul’s memory to Holly Oak United Methodist Church, 1511 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809.

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Ella V. Lawson, avid Redskins fan
Ella V. Lawson, 46, passed away Friday, July 3, 2009. She was born Jan. 15, 1963, in St. Paul, Minn., to the late Donald and Lillian Patterson Grose. Ella was a bartender at the Touchdown Restaurant. She was a pool player in a league. She was an avid Redskins fan. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Grose; mother, Lillian Patterson; and son, Jerry Grose. She is survived by daughters, Crystal Lawson of Rehoboth and Candice Lawson of Dover; brother, Bill Grose of Felton; and sister, Barbara Heverin of Wilmington.
Remembrance services will be 1 p.m., Monday, July 13, at Trader Funeral Home in Dover, where friends may call after 11 a.m. Burial will be at the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden. The family requests that memorial contributions be given to the Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus St., Dover, DE 19901 to defray funeral expenses.

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Nancy V. Gooch, lifelong Lewes resident
Nancy Virginia Gooch, 76, died Tuesday, July 7, 2009, in Harbor Healthcare after a brief illness. She was born in Lewes Dec. 30, 1932, to the late Ernest and Letha Daisey Gooch. Nancy grew up in Lewes and attended Lewes public schools and Richard Allen in Georgetown. She spent her entire life in Lewes. She worked more than 30 years as a nurse’s aide at Beebe Hospital, then as a quality control supervisor at the Doxsee clam factory in Lewes. Nancy was a member of Lewes Presbyterian Church. Ms. Gooch is survived by five sons, Michael E. and Denise Gooch of Milford, Ronald A. and Dawn of Milton, Wayne R. and Mark T. Gooch of Harbeson, Eric L. and Gerry of Milton; two daughters, Linda Jo and Gerald Echols of Newport News, Va., and Nancy J. and William Collick Sr. of Milton; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four brothers, Ernest Gooch Jr. of Lewes, James and Louise Gooch of Lewes, Robert Gooch of Lewes, and Ernest Allen Jr. of Milford; and three sisters, Dorothy Midge and Verdell Johnson of Atmore Ala., Berdie M. Banks of Lewes, and Agnes Allen of Lincoln. Services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, July 11, at Eagle’s Nest Church, 26633 Zion Church Road, Milton. Friends may call at the church two hours prior. Arrangements by Miller Funeral Services.

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Robert “Bob” Dispoto, former antiques dealer
Robert “Pops” Dispoto went home to be with his Lord Monday, July 6, 2009, surrounded by his loving family.
Bob was born Dec. 15, 1943, in Jersey City, N.J., son of Irene and Angelo Dispoto. He married Carol Ruth Borloz Jan. 21, 1966, and together they had two sons, Christopher Robert and Anthony Robert. Bob was in the auto body business in New Jersey for more than 34 years and was an antiques dealer in New York. Since his retirement to the Long Neck area in 2001, he could be found every day at the Rehoboth Car Wash, his son Christopher’s business.
In addition to Bob’s wife Carol Ruth Dispoto, Bob leaves his son Anthony Robert Dispoto and his wife Nichole Dispoto of Warwick, N.Y.; his son Christopher Robert Dispoto and his wife Marie Dispoto of Lewes; and grandchildren Christian, Ben and Grace Dispoto. Bob also leaves his brother Joseph Dispoto of Florida; brother Alfred Dispoto of New Jersey; and sister Linda Beeghly of Florida.
An informal memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 14, at Melson’s Long Neck Funeral Chapel, Long Neck Road, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made in Bob’s name to the Grace of God Lutheran Church Building Fund, PO Box 1251, Millsboro, DE 19966.

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Dorothy A. Poole, enjoyed boating
Dorothy A. Poole, 85, of Lewes, went home to be with the Lord Monday, July 6, 2009, at Brandywine Assisted Living in Rehoboth Beach.
Mrs. Poole was born in Upland, Pa., and lived in Boothwyn, Pa., until retiring to Long Neck in 1988 with her husband. She and her family enjoyed many happy years boating and fishing from their vacation home in White House Beach. Mrs. Poole was proud to have earned her G.E.D. diploma from Delaware Technical & Community College Owens Campus at the age of 73.
Mrs. Poole is survived by her son, Claude E. Poole III and wife Gwen of The Villages, Fla.; her daughter, Patricia A. Nichols and husband Barry of Lewes; her brother, Joseph J. Feeley Sr. and wife Geraldine of Claymont; five grandchildren: Claude “Chip” Poole IV and wife Betty of Smyrna, Jonathan G. Poole and wife Mary of Orlando, Fla., Brian N. Poole and wife Cindi of Swedesboro, N.J., Douglas E. Nichols and wife Patricia of Milton, and Christopher A. Nichols and wife Kelly of Milton; and nine great-grandchildren. Mrs. Poole was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Claude E. Poole Jr.; her parents, James and Margaret Feeley; and two brothers, James and Francis Feeley.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, July 10, at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial will be held in Henlopen Memorial Park, Route 1, Milton.

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Rita Adamucci Love, retired manager
Rita Adamucci Love, 88, of Lewes, passed away Monday, July 6, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
She was born Oct. 4, 1920, in Elm, N.J., daughter of the late Antonio and Louisa Trotta Adamucci.
Mrs. Love moved to Delaware from Haddon Township, N.J., in 2003. Until the age of 75, she had worked as office manager for Independence Press in Philadelphia, which her brother John founded in 1948.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Andrew R. Love in 1984; five brothers and five sisters. She is survived by two sons, Robert A. Love and wife Janice of Rehoboth Beach, and Ronald A. Love and wife Melissa of Downers Grove, Ill.; four granddaughters; two grandsons; and a brother, Michael Adamucci of West Grove, Pa.
All services are private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958; or to the Cadbury Foundation, Attn: Annette Palen, 17028 Cadbury Circle, Lewes, DE 19958.

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Joseph Murabito, retired teacher
Joseph Murabito, 88, of Lewes, passed away peacefully at his residence Sunday, July 5, 2009, surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Murabito was born Sept. 1, 1920, in Oswego, N.Y., son of the late Rosario and Carmella Rapisardo Murabito.
Mr. Murabito moved to Lewes in 1959 where he taught industrial art in the Cape Henlopen School District. He retired in 1984 after 36 years of teaching. He touched the lives of many young people as a teacher, giving them guidance and sharing his wisdom. He was known throughout Lewes for his beautiful garden. One of his greatest pleasures was to share his flowers and vegetables with his family, neighbors and many friends.
He was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church, serving on the board of trustees and many committees. He also served his country during World War II with the Army Air Force where he taught radio mechanics. While stationed in St. Louis, Mo., he met his loving wife Ethel of 63 years who was then serving with the U.S. Navy. In his leisure time, he loved to fish and garden but most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He was always a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his wife Ethel Murgatroyd Murabito; son Joseph L. Murabito and his wife Christine of Dover; daughter Joy Bartell and husband Carl of Lewes; daughter Susan Best and husband Randy of Lewes; son Roy Neal Murabito and wife Mary of Lewes; eight grandchildren: Lisa Parsons, Rebecca Pepper, Sharon Andrews, Joseph Murabito II, Jennifer Montag, Andrew Best, Adam Murabito and Laura Murabito; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mary O’Neil of Chambersburg, Pa.
Funeral services were held at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Interment with military honors followed at Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or to Bethel United Methodist Church Building Fund, 139 W. 4th St., Lewes, DE 19958.

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Anna May LaForce, former housekeeper
Anna May Valentine LaForce, 66, of Lewes, passed away Friday, July 3, 2009, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
Mrs. LaForce was born Feb. 23, 1943, in Baltimore, Md., daughter of the late Charles and Alberta Nixon Valentine.
Mrs. LaForce relocated to the beach from Baltimore with her husband in 1994. She was a former housekeeper for AmericInn, Rehoboth Beach, and a bartender at the Lewes-Rehoboth Beach Moose Lodge on Route 9. She was also a member of the Lewes American Legion Post 17 Auxiliary. She loved doing crafts and devoted her life to her husband, children and grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Marg Ulbig and her stepson-in-law, Darren D’Achino. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 17 years, Laurence J. LaForce Sr.; two sons, Michael McGrady and his wife Angie, and Victor McGrady and his partner Vincent Kuczinski, all of Baltimore; three grandchildren: Melba, Tabitha and Savannah McGrady; three brothers, Jimmy Valentine of Baltimore, Richard Valentine of South Carolina and Carl Valentine of Wisconsin; two sisters, Shirley Woodruff and Janet Ulbig, both of Baltimore; a stepson, Laurence J. LaForce Jr. and his wife Pamela of Shavertown, Pa.; stepdaughter, Dorothy D’Achino of Baltimore; and two stepgrandchildren, Stefanie LaForce and Danielle D’Achino.
All services are private. Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.

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Joyce A. Mullins, newspaper woman
Joyce A. Mullins, 69, of Frederica, died Saturday, July 4, 2009, in BayHealth Medical Center, Dover.
Born in Chambersburg, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Lewis Mullins and Lena Mullins Kersey. Joyce was a graduate of Wesley College and Delaware State University and went on to be an accomplished journalist. Her assignments included the Philadelphia Bulletin, Wilmington News Journal, Delaware Today magazine, Delaware State News, Au Courant, the Dover Post and the Delaware Coast Press.
She was a composer of neo-classical music and had shared her talent teaching piano for many years. In her quieter moments, Joyce enjoyed the pursuit of American and biblical history. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother and will be remembered as one who sought to live an authentic life. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. Joyce is survived by three sons, Marc V. Clery of Florida, David A. Cephas of Magnolia and Jonathan A. Cephas of Collingswood, N.J.; four grandchildren, Cassandra Clery, Ryan Davis, Connor Cephas and Keenan Cephas; and two brothers, Jerry Mullins of Georgetown and Timothy Mullins of Wilmington. There will be a memorial service announced at a later date. Arrangements are by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director Inc., Dover.

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Cheryl Brice Moore, Phillips manager
Cheryl Brice Moore, 47, of Ocean City, Md., was welcomed into heaven by Nana and the Lord Sunday, July 5, 2009.
For over 22 years, Cheryl was an office manager for Phillips Crab House at 141st Street, Ocean City.
Kind in spirit, dedicated to the love of her life, Bruce, and her family of associates at Phillips, she was innately talented, inordinately bright and generous to a fault. She graduated from Indian River High School in 1980 with honors and received her associate in arts degree from Delaware Technical & Community College in 1982, also with honors.
She enjoyed working with her hands, creating lovely shell artistry and crochet work.
She is survived by her beloved companion of many years, Bruce Holland; her mother, Maxine McWhorter Ungerbuehler; stepfather, Chuck Ungerbuehler; father, Charles H. Brice III; stepmother, Joanne Brice; sister, Bette Ann Brice of Brasure, Md., and her husband Darrell E. Brasure; and a brother, Shane M. Brice.
She is also survived by her grandparents, Harold Meeds McWhorter and Helen Ball McWhorter, Mary Rambo Brice Fischetti and Charles H. Brice II; her niece, Nicole Elizabeth Brasure, preceded Cheryl in death.
These words so aptly describe Cheryl’s love for her companion: “I wish for you a life of one hundred years; and, for myself, one hundred years less one day, for my life is with you.”
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 10, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher St. in Frankford, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Burial will be in Christ Church of Milford Churchyard Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Cheryl’s memory to Bear Hugs for Babies, 20200 Coastal Highway, Suite 196A, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

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Dolly E. Mickel, bait and tackle owner
Dolly E. Mickel, 82, of Lewes, passed away Friday, July 3, 2009, at Harbor Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Lewes.
She was born March 18, 1927, in Reading, Pa., daughter of the late Howard and Lillian Zohner.
Mrs. Mickel owned Dolly’s Bait and Tackle at the foot of the Love Creek Bridge in Lewes for 10 years, beginning in the middle 1960s. Customers came from as far as Philadelphia to purchase fresh clams from the gregarious businesswoman. A professional softball pitcher, she signed a contract with the Women’s All-American League in Kenosha, Wis., and played for years in Reading.
Her husband Harry F. Mickel preceded her in death.
She is survived by three sons, Ronald L. VanSciver of Hollywood, Fla., James H. VanSciver of Salisbury, Md., and Gary VanSciver of Lewes; a daughter, Holly L. VanSciver of Lewes; and a sister, Jean Yergey and her husband Ronald of Temple, Pa. She was given custody of and raised a baby granddaughter, Katie VanSciver, now living in Charlottesville, Va. She also has five additional grandchildren, Gary VanSciver of Lewes, Ryan VanSciver of Baltimore, Md., Lindsay VanSciver of Columbus, Ohio, Shane VanSciver of Baltimore and Clint VanSciver of Salisbury.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, July 11, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends may call after 12:30 p.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests making a donation in Dolly’s memory to the charity of choice.

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Rocco N. Esposito Sr., Lewes resident
Rocco N. Esposito Sr., of Lewes, beloved husband of the late Rose Marie Esposito (nee Ferrera), passed away Saturday, June 20, 2009. He was the loving father of Maria T. Faries and husband William, Diane E. Meek and her husband Paul, and was preceded in death by Rocco N. Esposito Jr.; cherished grandfather of Rocco N. Esposito III and wife Lisa, Michael N. Gieron and Christopher P. Meek; great-grandfather of Rocco N. Esposito IV, Jonathon N. Gieron, Raphael C. De Jesus and Jose J. De Jesus; dear brother of Mary Cascio and preceded in death by Antoinette Baccala. Family and friends honored Rocco’s life at Evans Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services, Parkville, Md., with a funeral service held Thursday, June 25, and interment at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions imay be made to the American Diabetes Association, 800 Wyman Park Drive Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21211..
or to the American Cancer Society, Mid-Atlantic Division, P.O. Box 43025, Baltimore, MD 21236.