10/30/09

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John R. Fredericks, retired truck driver
John R. “Jack” Fredericks, 71, of Millsboro, formerly of Tuckerton, N.J., passed away Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009. He was born Jan. 27, 1938 in Nanticoke, Pa., son of the late Gilbert and Edyth Thomas Fredericks.
He was a retired truck driver. He loved his family and was a strong-willed person who valiantly fought against chronic illnesses for several years. He loved to work in his yard, to paint and to work on birdhouses. He was surrounded by his loving family when he passed and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Louise M. Fredericks of Millsboro; and five children, his sons, Richard John Fredericks and his wife Jennifer of Egg Harbor City, N.J.; Robert Jay Fredericks of West Creek, N.J. and Joseph G. Fredericks and his wife Sherry of Camden; his daughters, Luann Cimino of Millsboro, and Janel Rawstern and her husband Rocky of Central Point, Ore. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Melissa, Christopher, Angela, Robert, Mark and Joshua; and one great-grandchild, Madison.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or the Tunnell Cancer Center, Beebe Medical Foundation, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

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Blanche Ada Musgrove, Ohio native
Blanche Ada Brunner Musgrove, 86, of Lewes, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at Harbor Healthcare in Lewes. Born Jan. 13, 1923, in Toledo, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Milton James Sr. and Estella Rebecca Cullen Brunner.
Blanche followed her daughter to the Lewes area in 2000 from Silver Spring, Md., where she was a member of the Colesville Baptist Church. She loved her church family and involved herself in the women’s group and Sunday school classes. Blanche was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
In addition to her parents, Blanche was preceded in death by her husband, Norris W. Musgrove Sr. in 2005; one son, Norris W. Musgrove Jr. in 1985; one daughter, Rebecca Lynn Musgrove in 1947; one brother, Milton J. Brunner Jr. in 1979; and one great-granddaughter, Amber Koehler in 1993.
She is survived by her one daughter, Noreen Koehler and husband Paul of Lewes; and one sister, Lillian B. Grigsby of Waldorf, Md.; five grandchildren, Melinda Moser, Kenneth Koehler, Kathleen Kidd, Jennifer Price and Edward Musgrove; eight great-grandchildren, David, Gannon, William, Tiffani, Montana, Justin, Jonathan and Eddie; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate Blanche’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Colesville Baptist Church, 13100 Andrew Drive, Silver Spring, Md. Interment will be private in Union Cemetery, Spencerville, Md.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.

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William W. Swayze III, avid Blue Hens fan
William W. “Bill” Swayze III, a resident of the Methodist Country Home, died Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at the age of 93.
The son of William and Fanny Swayze, Bill was born June 20, 1916, in Wilmington. He grew up on Madison Street with his sisters, Miriam and Jean, and graduated from Wilmington High School in the class of 1934. Bill received his B.A. degree in business administration from the University of Delaware in l938, and he was commissioned a lieutenant in the Army Field Artillery in that same year. He subsequently served in various military theatres during World War II until his discharge from active duty with the rank of major in 1945. He continued his service to the nation in the United States Army Reserve, from which he retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He also was one of the three founders of the Delaware Veterans Post No. 1 on Naamans Road. Following his military service, Bill returned to his beloved Wilmington and embarked on a 40-year career with Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. He served initially as corporate secretary, but in 1952 he was elected its president and CEO. His job afforded him the opportunity to visit with independent agents throughout the state, many of whom he counted among his best friends. He retired from Farmers Mutual in 1983. Bill Swayze was dedicated to his community. In addition to his association with the DelVets, he was also active with the Wilmington Lions Club, Delaware ACES, the Lincoln Club of Delaware, the Masonic Home, the Y’s Men’s Club and The University & Whist Club. As a devoted supporter of the University of Delaware, in l987 Bill received its award as the outstanding alumnus of the year, recognizing him as the longest continuous contributor. He was a lifelong member of the Hanover Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and a trustee. Bill was an avid golfer at Wilmington Country Club. He enjoyed his annual winter escapes to Siesta Key, Fla., and his worldwide travels with his wife, family and friends. His 50-year unwavering support of the Fightin’ Blue Hens was the embodiment of the “thrill of victory, the agony of defeat.” Especially in this last year, Bill was his wife’s mind and she was his eyes.
Surviving him are his wife of 67 years, Barbara Stewart Swayze; his sister, Jean Guenveur of Rehoboth Beach; three children: David of Wilmington, Bruce of Chadds Ford, and Patricia Ball of Park City, Utah; and five grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 2, at the Hanover Presbyterian Church, 18th and Baynard Blvd., Wilmington. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his name to The University of Delaware at 5 West Main St., Newark, DE 19716.

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Paul Burton Moore, watchmaker
Paul Burton Moore, 91, of Millsboro, died Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Elsmere. Mr. Moore was born Dec. 4, 1917, to the late Lorenzo B. and Nina Hudson Moore.
Mr. Moore assisted in the family business on Main Street during his youth. Upon his graduation from Millsboro High School in 1935, he was employed by the DuPont Corporation.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in October 1941 and was assigned to the 440th Ordnance Group. In November his unit was assigned to Del Monte Airfield on the island of Mindanao, Philippine Islands. On Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked the Philippine Islands and by April 1942 the U.S. forces on the Philippines had surrendered to the Japanese. Mr. Moore became a prisoner of war.
During the ensuing 3 1/2 years he was imprisoned in camps in the Philippines and Japan. He and his fellow prisoners were used as slave laborers for the Japanese; malnourished and often beaten, they worked from sunup to sundown. Mr. Moore ended up in a camp in Yokohama; he well remembered the fire-bombing raids on Tokyo. Upon his liberation with the surrender of the Japanese in September 1945 at six-feet-one-inch tall he weighed less than 100 pounds. He attained the rank of sergeant and he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart during his World War II service. Upon his return to the United States and his convalescence he returned to Millsboro.
At a local dance he met Maude Ollie Clogg and they married Feb. 20, 1947. The Moores moved to Queens, N.Y., where Mr. Moore enrolled in the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking. Upon completing the school they returned to Millsboro where he joined his father in the family jewelry and watch business. L.B. Moore and Son continued in business until he retired in 1980. He loved to travel and was an avid duck hunter.
He attended the Grace United Methodist Church in Millsboro. Mr. Moore was active in many civic and veterans’ organizations. He was a member of the VFW and the Freemasons, was a past Virginia state commander of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, served as state commander of the Delaware Department of the Disabled American Veterans, was instrumental in the development of the Delaware Veterans Cemetery, served on the Millsboro and Indian River School District boards, and served on the Millsboro Town Council. He will be sorely missed.
Mr. Moore was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Florence; his brother-in-law Robert Seymour; and his wife, Maude. He is survived by his daughter Ginger of Hamilton, Va.; his son Patrick and wife Nathalie; his grandson Andrew of Camden; and his niece, Marjorie Koble of Dover.
Services will be 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30, at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call after 11:30 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Disabled American Veterans, 183 South St., Camden-Wyoming, DE 19934.

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James Ritterbusch Jr., retired claims manager
James “Jim” R. Ritterbusch Jr., 62, of Millsboro, formerly of Baltimore County, Md., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
Mr. Ritterbusch worked as a claims manger in the insurance industry with 35 years of service before retiring. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
Jim loved listening to ‘40s and ‘50s music, collecting thirty-three-and-a-third records, decorating and rearranging his homes and had an uncanny ability to recall movie facts. He had a huge heart and loved talking to people. Jim was known for his sense of humor and his contagious laugh.
He was preceded in death by his father, James R. Ritterbusch Sr.; and his stepfather, Jack L. Deeley.
Jim is survived by his beloved friend, Bob Powers of Millsboro; his mother, Ann Christine Walters Deeley of Baltimore, Md.; a daughter, Beth Slater and her husband Keith; a grandson, Brady James Slater of Baltimore; a brother, Jack L. Deeley Jr. and his wife Mary of Baltimore; two nieces and many cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 30, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro. A visitation will be held after 10 a.m., Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Baltimore National Cemetery, 5501 Frederick Ave., Baltimore.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in James’ name to the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Harold ‘Gene’ Lentz Jr., Post 17 member
Harold E. “Gene” Lentz Jr., 71, of Millsboro, formerly of Chanceford Township, Pa., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, at Renaissance Healthcare in Millsboro.
Mr. Lentz was born Nov. 17, 1937, in Red Lion, Pa., son of the late Harold E. and Nancy Whiteford Lentz.
Gene retired as a sheet metal worker for the Local Union 19B of York, Pa., after 25 years of service.
Mr. Lentz had proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of numerous organizations such as American Legion Post 17 in Lewes, AMVETS Post 2 in Millsboro, VFW Post 1446 in Red Lion, the Indian River Yacht Club, the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge in Lewes, and was a past member of the York Furnace Sporting Club.
Gene enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching NASCAR.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Suzanne Hamm Lentz; four children, Lisa Lentz of Millsboro, Larry Lentz and his wife Tiffany of Norfolk, Va., Lori Hood and her husband Brian of Manassas, Va., and Lynne Anderson and her husband Christopher of Orlinda, Tenn.; five grandchildren, Michael Lentz, Joshua Hood, Emily Anderson, Lorissa Hood and Elizabeth Anderson; an aunt, Libby Dellinger of Red Lion; and numerous granddogs.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends and family may call after 9:30 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Gene’s memory to the SPCA, 22918 DuPont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947; or the Delaware Food Bank, 14 Garfield Way, Newark, DE 19713.

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Clifford Alan Elliott, state champion
Clifford Alan “Cliff” Elliott, 31, of Bridgeville, passed away Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, at home.
Clifford was a graduate of Sussex Technical High School class of 1996. One of his proudest moments was to play in the Blue-Gold Game as a state champion. Clifford served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps as a diesel mechanic and was honorably discharged in 2001 as a lance corporal. He was employed at Perdue Farms in Georgetown as a forklift operator. He spent his free time with family, friends and his dog Bruce.
Clifford is survived by his daughter, Emily A. Lamoureux of Erwin, Tenn.; mother, Marlene A. Crowe of Bridgeville; father, Norval E. Elliott Jr. and wife Karen of Seaford; grandparents, Wilburt T. and Mary Beth Adams of Georgetown, and Betty J. Elliott of Millsboro. He is also survived by brothers, Norval A. Elliott III and wife Karen of Seaford, and Wilburt Adam Elliott and wife Mandi of San Diego, Calif.; sisters, Loni N. McCleary of Bridgeville and Leslie A. McCleary of Bridgeville; stepsister, Kandice Conner of Seaford; many nephews and one niece; many aunts and uncles; and beloved K-9 friend Bruce.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call at 2 p.m. The Rev. Phyllis Walton will officiate. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Delaware SPCA, 22918 DuPont Highway, Georgetown DE 19947.

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Robert ‘Bob’ Casseday, auto salesman
Robert “Bob” H. Casseday, 82, of Lewes, passed away peacefully at his residence Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
He was born Jan. 15, 1927, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Howard and Pearl Casseday.
As a young boy, Bob moved to Wilmington. He served in the Navy and enjoyed 35 years as a real estate agent. Bob was a quiet man but also a real daredevil. He piloted his own plane, drove his own drag racing car and made many parachute jumps. Upon his retirement Bob moved to Lewes where he and his son founded Below Book Auto in Lewes.
He developed many everlasting relationships with people from the surrounding communities. He was a life member of American Legion Post 28. Bob had a great sense of humor and loved to dance, watch the news, listen to music and watch movies.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister Jean Cammock. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 57 years, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Nickle of Lewes; his son, Bob Casseday of Lewes; daughter, Deborah Sheing and husband Harry of Lewes; a brother, Harry Casseday and wife Janie of Fairfield, Ohio; a sister, Christiana Martin and husband Edward of Vineland, N.J.; and a brother-in-law, Nelson Cammock of Lewes.
A memorial service was held at the Chester Bethel United Methodist Church, Wilmington, with the Rev. Dr. Edward Evan Martin Jr. officiating. Interment followed at the Chester Bethel United Methodist Cemetery.
Arrangements were handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Gull House, 38149 Terrace Road, Rehoboth Beach DE 19971; or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford DE 19963.

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Richard Cathcart, U of D graduate
Richard “Wayne" Cathcart, 57, of Rehoboth Beach, died Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at his residence. Born in Wilmington, he is the son of Rita R. (Rogerson) Cathcart of Rehoboth Beach and the late Robert G. Cathcart Jr.
In addition to his mother, he is also survived by his son, Stephen P. Cathcart of New Castle; one sister, Michelle Kachmar; and one nephew, Ian Kachmar, both of Hockessin. Wayne is a 1969 graduate of Brandywine High School and a 1974 graduate of the University of Delaware. He will be sorely missed by his family.
All services are private.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Inc., 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.

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Elwood P. Hudson, Harbeson native
Elwood “Woody” Hudson, 94, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. The son of Stephen and Ella Joseph Hudson, born Sept. 4, 1915, in Harbeson, he was a graduate of Rehoboth High School class of 1933.
Woody served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the China-Burma-India theater and was active in the CBI Veterans Association. He worked as a government consultant for American Cystoscope Manufacturing Inc. before retiring in 1980, and was recognized as an honorary member of the Mid-Atlantic Section of the American Urological Association. Woody was a member of Elks Lodge 2606, VFW Post 5690, American Legion Post 103, all of Florida; Jefferson Masonic Lodge No. 15, AF&AM, Lewes; and a number of other Masonic groups.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Louisa Wiggins Smith. Woody will be greatly missed by his wife of 10 years, Fran Dwyer-Hudson of Port Charlotte. Survivors include his daughter, Nancy Ellen Truitt of Lewes; brother, S. Paul Hudson of Lewes; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Woody’s life was held Oct. 19 at Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services, Punta Gorda, Fla. Memorial donations may be made in his name to The Shriners of North America, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1460.