09/29/09

~

Halton G. Cropper, DuPont retiree
Halton Granville Cropper, 89, of Wilmington, passed away at Windsor Place Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009.
Born in Ocean City, Md., Hal was the son of Granville and Anna Hudson Cropper. He attended Ocean City High School, Western Maryland College and Beacom College. He went to work for the DuPont Company in 1941 and retired in 1982. Hal was a member and elder of Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, had been active on the Linden Knoll Condo Association board and also in the Dickinson Theater Organ Society.
His wife, Marjorie Rue Cropper, passed away in 2006. Hal is survived by his daughter, Nancy Cropper of Hockessin; his son, Alan Cropper and his wife Kathleen of Long Neck; and his granddaughters, Aimee Sethness and her husband Ryan and their daughter Kailey of Maryville, Tenn., Elizabeth Clues and her husband Jonathan of Atlanta, Ga., and Paula Smith and her daughter Melanie of Hockessin.
Special thanks go to the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice who looked after Hal.
Family and friends are invited to the funeral service at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, 500 McKennan’s Church Road, Wilmington, at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Halton Cropper’s memory to Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, 500 McKennan’s Church Road, Wilmington, DE 19808.

~

James M. Johnson, retired mechanic
James M. Johnson, 77, of Slaughter Beach, died peacefully at his home Friday, Sept. 25, 2009.
He was born in Milton, the son of the late Elijah Ward and Enola Johnson of Farmington. Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1954-56. He received his diploma from Atlanta General Depot in Atlanta, Ga., and then was stationed in Augsburg, Germany. Jim worked as a mechanic for the Delaware State Police from 1972-91. During retirement he enjoyed carpentry and wildlife. He loved feeding his deer named Molly, ducks, bunnies and hummingbirds. He was a member of the Harrington Moose Lodge 534 since 1976.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ida Belle Robertson; and two brothers, Paul “Johnny” Johnson and Wesley W. Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ida G. Johnson; three brothers, Harold Johnson of Burnsville, N.C., William “Bill” Johnson of Greenwood, and Wayne Johnson of Millsboro; a sister, Gail Johnson of Bridgeville; his daughter and son-in-law, Sharon L. and Edward W. Farrall of Harrington; his son and daughter-in-law, Dennis J. and Trish Johnson of Seaford; two granddaughters, Chrissy L. Fannin and fiancé Joe L. Taylor of Harrington, and Candy R. Johnson of Harrington; and two grandsons, Eddie W. Farrall II and his wife Carrie, and Dennis J. Johnson II of Felton.
Family and friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Fleischauer Funeral Home, Greenwood. Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, at the funeral home. Interment will be held at St. Johnstown Cemetery in Greenwood.

~

Eolyne K. Tunnell, charitable donator
Eolyne Kelly Tunnell, 84, of Georgetown, died Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, surrounded by her family.
She was a generous contributor to numerous local charitable organizations, including the Tunnell Cancer Center at Beebe Medical Center, the Tunnell Center of Easter Seals, Georgetown Public Library and the Owens Campus of Delaware Technical & Community College.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Robert White Tunnell Sr.
Eolyne was the proud mother of Paulyne Tunnell and her husband Paul Clifford of Belmont, Mass., Bonney Eggleston and her husband Charlie of Milford, and Robert Tunnell Jr. of Lewes; loving grandmother of Ashley Piraino and her husband Antonio of Bethesda, Md., Chesley Nonemaker and her husband Justin of Mahopac, N.Y., Robert Tunnell III and his wife Mindi of Long Neck, Sarah Tunnell of Brooklyn, N.Y., Laine Tunnell of Dagsboro, Sadie Tunnell of Lewes, Sienna Tunnell of Lewes and Sage Tunnell of Lewes; and loving great-grandmother of Cole Piraino and Camilla Nonemaker.
A funeral service will be held at Georgetown Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, where friends may call at 10 a.m., with burial services immediately following at Blackwater Church, Frankford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Delaware MS Society, 2 Mill Road, Suite 106, Wilmington, DE 19806. Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Millsboro.

~

Calvin ‘Maurice’ Weldie, Delmarva Power retiree
Calvin M. “Maurice” Weldie, 90, of Millsboro, formerly of Wilmington, passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at Renaissance Healthcare in Millsboro.
Mr. Weldie was born in Philadelphia, Pa., March 8, 1919, son of the late Samuel and Edna Phillipps Weldie.
Maurice was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He retired from Delmarva Power in Wilmington in 1979 and moved to Long Neck.
Mr. Weldie was a member of the East Gate Presbyterian Church in Long Neck and enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Helen Davis Weldie in 2008; and three sisters, Laura Virginia Low, Ann Louise Burr and Ida Mae Craig. He is survived by three nephews, Bill Craig, David Low and John Low; and two nieces, Ann Llewelyn and Pat Kesmodel. The family also greatly appreciates the excellent care provided to Maurice by the staff of Renaissance Healthcare in Millsboro and Harbor Healthcare in Lewes.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009, at East Gate Presbyterian Church on Long Neck Road in Millsboro, where friends and family may call after 9:30 a.m. Interment will be held at 1 p.m. at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Calvin’s name to East Gate Presbyterian Church, 34806 Church Lane, Millsboro, DE 19966. Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Millsboro.

~

Angela Lynn Smith, avid nature lover
Angela Lynn Hennessy Smith, 32, of Lewes, passed away suddenly Friday, Sept. 25, 2009.
She was born June 1, 1977, in Milford, daughter of Melvin C. and Patricia H. Lankford Hennessy, of Lewes. Angela was a 1995 graduate of Cape Henlopen High School. She had formerly worked for Family Court in Georgetown. She loved spending time on the beach and was an avid nature lover. She also enjoyed cooking and gardening. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband Robert F. Smith Jr.; and her maternal grandmother, Evelyn Lankford of Milton.
Funeral services with the Rev. William Hopkins officiating will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call two hours prior to services. Burial will be at Bethel Methodist Cemetery, in Lewes. Memorials may be made to Jusst Sooup Ministry, 17256 Queen Anne Way, Lewes, DE 19958.

~

Robert M. Martin, Marriott retiree
Robert “Bob” M. Martin, 83, of Rehoboth Beach, formerly of North East, Md., and Newark, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009.
Bob was born July 26, 1926, to Angus Kemper and Lucille Martin, in High Point, N.C., known as “The Furniture Capital of America.” He served in World War II, participating in the Battle of the Bulge - the largest battle of the European war. After the war, like many southerners, he traveled to Washington, D.C., seeking employment. There, he met his first wife, Marcella “Marcy.” In 1949, he became employed with Hot Shoppes, now known as Marriott Inc. He was a vital part in its expansion, managing numerous locations in the Washington, Maryland and Virginia areas, as well as opening the first motor hotels for Marriott in Philadelphia, Pa., and Virginia. His last 10 years were spent at Delaware Turnpike Services on I-95. It was there he met his second wife, Virginia “Ginny” Buckson. He retired in 1979 and in 1990 was contracted by Marriott as a consultant on a new hotel project in Cancun, Mexico.
Bob was a longtime Washington Redskins fan, NASCAR enthusiast, avid boater, golfer, jazz aficionado and dog lover. His ability for storytelling, a ready laugh and willingness to help others gained him many friends throughout the years and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death in 2000 by Ginny, his wife of 32 years. Ginny was survived by her three children, Becky Buckson of Newark, Bruce Buckson of Tallahassee, Fla., and Craig Buckson of Charlestown, Md.; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by sisters, Marion Cottingham and Elizabeth “Lib” Greene of Winston-Salem, N.C.; daughter Robin of Rehoboth Beach; sons Rand of Olympia, Wash., and Mark of Ft. Collins, Colo.; grandchildren Kaitlyn, Joshua and great-granddaughter Hannah; and his beloved dog, Sparky.
The family greatly appreciates all the help and support of Delaware Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford DE, 19963.
Private services will be held by the family. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a gathering at American Legion Post 28, Route 24, Millsboro, from 1 to 3 p.m., Monday, Oct. 19.

~

Maureen Van Bergen, Bell Telephone retiree
Maureen Van Bergen, 88, passed away peacefully at her home Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., the daughter of Alphonsus and Gertrude O’Kane. Maureen’s strong Catholic faith developed early in her childhood years, which were spent at the Sisters of Christian Charity boarding school in Danville, Pa. She returned to Philadelphia to attend West Philadelphia Catholic Girls High School. After graduation she was employed by the Bell Telephone Company. Following her marriage, she spent one year in the Netherlands at the end of World War II while her husband completed his service in the Royal Dutch Navy. After raising her children, she returned to work as a secretary for a Philadelphia physician.
As a devoted mother and grandmother, she always supported her children and grandchildren in their many endeavors. She was a longtime member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Maureen also volunteered in past years at Emmanuel Dining Room and for R.S.V.P.
Maureen was predeceased by her husband Klaas Van Bergen; her brother Gerard O’Kane; and her sister Gerri Conyngham. She is survived by her sister, Nancy Osburn of Cleveland, Ga.; her children Cathy M. Tatman of Lewes and Peter H. of Wilmington; her beloved grandchildren, Kevin, Jacquelyn, Julie, Jocelyn and Peter; and her great-granddaughters, Alessandra and Elsie.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Concord Pike at Sharpley Road, Wilmington. Burial will be private. Friends may call at the Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to her favorite charities: Covenant House New York, Attn: Funding and Development Department, 460 West 41st St., New York, NY 10036; or Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, PO Box 304, Maryknoll, NY 10545.

~

Edwin B. Mowen, retired analyst
Edwin Bentley Mowen, 76, of Millsboro, passed away Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, at home.
Mr. Mowen was born Sept. 22, 1932, in Hagerstown, Md., to the late James Thurman and Mary Catherine Basore Mowan.
Mr. Mowen retired from the United States government as an analyst for National Security Agency after 38 years of service and was a U.S. army veteran of the Korean War. He attended of Mary Mother of Peace Roman Catholic Church, Millsboro.
He is survived by a son, James Adam Mowen and wife Anna Joest Andersen of Vennjeberg, Denmark; a daughter, Onna Outten and husband Gregory J. of Georgetown; a brother, Donald R. Mowen of Hagerstown; and two grandchildren, Olivia and Nicklas. Mr. Mowen was preceded in death by his wife, Hannah Mowen, in 2006.
A memorial service was held at the Central Worship Center, Sycamore Road, Laurel. Pastor Tim Dukes officiated. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday, Sept. 29, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Hagerstown. Fr. Colin Poston will officiate.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.

~

Elaine J. Feinstein, pet lover
Elaine Janice Feinstein, 75, passed away in her home Sunday, Sept. 20, 2007, from heart complications.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., raised in Bristol, Conn., and a longtime resident of Nashville, Tenn., she made Lewes her home in 1995. Although there were sad times - the loss of her husband, Harvey; and her mother, Sophie Safran, as well as of her beloved dogs Charlotte (an old soul, Elaine always said) and Ben (bearer of a constant goofy grin that forever made her smile) - she loved her home by the sea. The friends she made there and those she rediscovered from her youth filled her soul with joy and her heart with love.
They, along with her best friend in Nashville, Beverly, were her home.
Now, if the universe is kind, she is frolicking with Harvey, every single dog she ever loved, and her beloved son, Matthew. Elaine is survived by her daughters, Sharon and Pam; and Annie, a furry girl who thought the sun rose and set on her two-legged mommy, and never hesitated to let her know.
Arrangements were handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.

~

Francis T. Hartnett Jr., retired teacher
Francis T. “Hardy” Hartnett Jr., 83, formerly of Levittown, Pa. and Lewes, died peacefully Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at the Delaware Veterans Home, surrounded by his four children.
He was born March 12, 1926, in Wilmington and attended St. Paul’s Catholic School and H. Fletcher Brown Vocational High School. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 1959. Francis was affectionately known as “Hardy” by family and loved ones.
He was a devoted father and grandfather, and, above all, a teacher. He taught economics for 26 years at Holy Ghost Preparatory School and was named teacher emeritus.
In 1990, he received an award for distinguished service to Catholic education from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. But his favorite subject was life and its many lessons that he taught to all.
He touched people’s hearts and minds, young and old, wherever he was, and made their lives better.
His second love was the U.S. Air Force and he proudly called himself “airman.” He was valedictorian of his high school class but unable to give the speech because he had to report to basic training.
He served as a medical technician first in the Army Air Corps during World War II and then in the Delaware Air National Guard, where he retired after 42 years of service to the country in 1986.
He was a devoted husband for 58 years to Kathleen “Kitty” Hartnett, who preceded him in death in 2006.
He is survived by four children, Francis Hartnett (Bev), David Hartnett (Terry), Andrew Hartnett (Pat) and Kathleen Hartnett; 10 grandchildren, Beverlie, Jessica, Francis, Joseph (Megan), Timothy, Andrew and James Hartnett, William, Christopher and Kathleen Eckard; a brother, Lawrence Hartnett; and many nieces, nephews and friends, especially Janet Anderson.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Madeleine Hartnett.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, in the chapel of Holy Ghost School, 2429 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, Pa., and from 7:45 to 8:15 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 1010 W. 4th St., Wilmington, where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 8:30 a.m. Interment will be in Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Bear.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to St. Paul Roman Çatholic Grade School, 3rd & Van Buren sts., Wilmington DE 19805.

~

Regina L. Taylor, dietitian
Regina L. Taylor, 48, of Georgetown, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at Bayhealth/Milford Memorial after a long illness.
She was born Jan. 11, 1961, in Williamsville, to the late Clifton and Rosie Elsie Mae Smith.
Mrs. Taylor was a food service dietitian at the Atlantic Shores Nursing Home in Millsboro. Regina was a member of the Word Alive Ministry; she loved her sons (her babies), loved to cook, and loved animals of every kind.
She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Bruce O. Taylor; two sons, Bruce O’Keith Taylor of Dover and Kawan David Taylor of Georgetown; a godson, Duane Smith; four brothers, James Smith of Seaford, Martin Smith and wife Edna of Frankford, Clifton Smith of Dagsboro and Marcus Smith of Snow Hill, Md.; five sisters, Loretta Matthews and husband Robert of Camden, N.J., Gwenda Smith of Camden, Sarah Cannon of Bridgeville, Christine Smith of Camden and Darline Smith of Bridgeville; two “special” sisters, Rachel Bivens of Frankford, and Judith Bess of Philadelphia, Pa.; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Services were held at the Calvary Pentecostal Church, Bishopville, Md. Interment will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro, at a later date.

~

Vivian Petrowski Barry, community activist
Vivian Ann Barry (nee Petrowski), 72, passed on to her reward in the hereafter Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at the Delaware Hospice Center after fighting a valiant yearlong battle against cancer.
Vivian was born on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, 1937, in Middleboro, Mass., where she graduated from high school in 1955.
After graduating from Fisher College in Boston she was employed by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Washington, D.C.
She had postings in Europe and Central and South America as well as in Miami, Fla.
Vivian took early retirement from the agency in 1982 and returned to school where she earned a degree in hotel and restaurant management.
She then started her own catering company and soon afterward converted into a bed and breakfast the beach house in Dewey Beach that she owned with her husband Bob.
They had met in Dewey Beach in 1964 and married in 1966. Together they operated the Gull Cottage Bed and Breakfast for 22 years.
Vivian was extremely active, vocal and visible in Delaware as a community volunteer and civic leader.
She held positions in the Red Hat Society, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Delaware Democratic Party and the CIA Delmarva Retirement Group.
The Delaware General Assembly recognized Vivian for her passion and leadership regarding animal rescue, environmental and land-use issues.
Vivian was a founder of the nonprofit Historic Lewes Cat Society and served as its president for 10 years, until her death.
Vivian is survived by her husband of nearly 43 years, Bob Barry; two nieces; five grandnieces and grandnephews; numerous cousins; and a multitude of friends.
Her smile will be missed, her memory will be cherished and she will continue to live in the hearts of all.
Anyone wishing to make a donation in Vivian’s honor should send it to the Historic Lewes Cat Society, P.O. Box 353, Lewes DE 19958.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for mid- to late October at Ruddertowne in Dewey Beach. Attendance by those who knew Vivian and shared her values will be welcomed.
Scheduling details will be announced.