11/10/09

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Alden S. Hopkins Jr., former ag secretary
Alden S. Hopkins Jr., 83, was born near Lewes May 11, 1926, to Alden S. Hopkins Sr. and Margaret Reynolds Hopkins. He died at home Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009.
Alden was a lifetime farmer on the family farm near Cool Spring. He was a licensed local pastor in the former Peninsula Conference of the United Methodist Church, serving churches in the Bridgeville, Greenwood and Harrington areas during the late 1940s and 1950s. He served as Delaware secretary of agriculture in 1979 and 1980, during the Pete DuPont administration.
He was a 32nd-degree Mason, Grand Lodge Award of Honor recipient, served 35 years as chaplain of Jefferson Lodge AF & AM, member of the Shriners, Delaware Valley of Scottish Rite and Lower Delaware Shield & Square.
Alden was on the board of Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation. He was a member of Improved Order of Red Men, Indian River Tribe 37. Alden was a founder and lifetime member of the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company, a past vice president of the Delaware Farm Bureau and a member and longtime adult Sunday school teacher at Conley’s United Methodist Church.
Alden was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Marilyn Bown Hopkins in 2004. He is survived by his brothers, William N. Hopkins and George W. Hopkins of Lewes; sisters Grace H. Hitch and Gladys H. Phillips of Seaford.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the funeral home; Masonic Services will begin at 7 p.m. Interment will be at Conley’s U.M. Church Cemetery near Angola. The Rev. Michael Hurley will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Highland Masonic Home of Delaware Inc., 4800 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807-9985.

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Diane Elizabeth Grant, beach lover
Diane Elizabeth Grant, 65, beloved wife of the late Elmer “Moe” Nalley, was given to the Lord Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009.
Diane was born Aug. 24, 1944, the firstborn of five children, the big sister to all.
She is survived by her mother, Manitta “Jean” Moore, 87; brothers James “Bucky” (Brenda) Grant, and Charles Clagett; and twin sisters Brenda (Kelly) Williams and Glenda Dyer. She was a wonderful aunt to seven nieces and nephews, Michael (Amy) Grant, John (Brenna) Scribner, Geri Wilson, Curtis Dyer, Sherry Goforth, Charlie Goforth and Brendan Clagett. She is also survived by loving extended family and a host of great friends.
Diane worked for the government most of her life and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary with the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department in Maryland. After retiring she moved to Lewes, to enjoy her love of the beach and work with antiques. While there she made many new incredible friends whom she loved very much, the way we all loved her.
The exceptional person she was will never be forgotten. She will be missed terribly.

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Debra L. Zelensky, fond grandmother
Debra L. Zelensky, 57, of Reston, Va., and formerly of Milford, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009. She was born April 28, 1952, in Milford. She was the daughter of the late H. William Lynch and Gladys M. Lynch. She graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 1970. After graduation, she was a stay-at-home mom for many years until moving to Reston, where she pursed a career as an administrative assistant. During her life she enjoyed shopping, going to the beach and spending time with her friends. She dedicated lots of time to the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Most of all her biggest joy came from her grandchildren who were the center of her world.
She will be dearly missed by her beloved husband of 39 years, Stephen J. Zelensky; daughters, Pam Marcelle, Kristen Shockley and Megan Zelensky, all of Milford; sisters, Beverly Webb and Kimberly Billings, both of Milford; brother, William Lynch of Milford; and grandchildren Hannah and Noah Marcelle and Zoe and Lexi Shockley.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 506 Seabury Ave., Milford, where family and friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. with mass to follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations payable to Megan Zelensky, 6170 Kirby Road, Milford, DE 19963 as a memorial fund. Arrangements by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford.

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David C. Bishop, business owner
David C. Bishop, 75, of Frankford, passed away Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. He was born Nov. 5, 1934, to the late Alonzo B. and Virgie E. Billings Bishop in Bud Mountain, W.Va. Mr. Bishop owned and operated a blade sharpening business for many years. He attended Millsboro Wesleyan Church in Millsboro. He was a wonderful husband, father and Pop Pop. He was physically handicapped and had many health issues, but you never heard him complain. He loved watching ball games, playing Scrabble, reading, and playing the banjo, guitar and harmonica. He also did needlepoint and was even better at it than his wife, Sadie. “He loved to watch the grass grow while sitting under the maple tree.”
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Loretta Clark. Mr. Bishop is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sadie Hylton Bishop; three sons, David Bishop and wife Kathy of Millsboro, Daniel Bishop and wife Lesley of Laurel, and Carlos Bishop and wife Beth of Frankford; three daughters, Rebecca Muncer of Sunbury, Pa., Beverly Brown of Frankford, and Glenda Roberts and significant other Eric Bollinger of Frankford; a brother, Johnny Bishop of Elkton, Md.; four sisters, Charlotte Fish of Tallahassee, Fla., Glenda McKinney and Janice Clark of Bud, W.Va., and Gay Palmer of Rehoboth Beach; 13 grandchildren, Amanda, Ashley, Anthony, Raymond, Seth, Christopher, Matthew, David, Chris, Robert, Seth, Nathan and Logan; and three great-grandchildren, Jaden, Gracie and Alyssa. A viewing and visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro. A graveside service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at the Bell Cemetery, Bud, W.Va. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to the Division of Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, 256 Chapman Road, Oxford Building, Newark, DE 19702.

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Mildred E. Morgan, retired bus driver
Mildred Elizabeth Morgan, 88, of Milton, formerly of Ellendale, passed away Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. She was the daughter of the late Frank Joseph Murphy and Rose Scott Murphy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dorsey Gilbert Morgan Jr. in 1992. Mrs. Morgan worked as a bus driver for Pepper Bus Service for 25 years, retiring in 1982. Mrs. Morgan was a member of the Harrington Moose Lodge for 50 years, a lifetime member of the VFW, and a member of the Ellendale Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary since 1965. She owned and operated Mildred’s Country Kitchen in Ellendale for 10 years. She is survived by her daughter, Constance White and her husband Roy E.; and a son, John W. Morgan, both of Ellendale; eight grandchildren, Roy E. White Jr., Douglas A. White and wife Kay, Bruce G. White, Denise Lindner and husband Rodney, Chris Morgan and wife Sandy and Bob Morgan, Mandy Morgan and Anna Morgan; and two great-grandchildren, Lance A. White and Jack Lindner.
A memorial service will be 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, where friends may call after 6 p.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ellendale Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 75, Ellendale, DE 19941.

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Margaret A. Vickers, retired housekeeper
Margaret A. “Pocahontas” Vickers, 71, of Milton, passed away Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in Delaware Hospice Center, Milford. Margaret was born in Lewes, daughter of the late James E. and Mildred Andrie Phillips. She was a housekeeper with the Delaware Pilots Association from 1979 until her retirement 23 years later in 2002. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two sons, Jeff and Charles Vickers; two sisters, Thelma Sockriter and Nancy Faye Phillips; and a brother, Robert Andrie. She is survived by four daughters, Donna Slater (Donald) of Georgetown, Brenda Reynolds (Mike) of Milton, Diane Stewart (Bill) of Eddystone, Pa., and Billie Jo Vickers of Lewes; eight grandchildren, Dana Taylor, Diana Brode, Nathan Reynolds, Heather Hitchens, Joshua Vickers, Cassandra Stewart, Kayleigh Vickers and Kenneth Morris; five great-grandchildren, Rachael and Riley Taylor, Addison Brode, Kaleb Hitchens and Emma Reynolds; her companion of many years, John Mizell; and four sisters, Doris Parson of Pittsville, Md., Jeanette Clark of Milton, Marian Diorio of Wilmington, and Joyce Adkins of Lewes.
A memorial service will be 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, where friends may call after 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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John A. Salin, former commissioner
John “Jack” A. Salin of Whiting, N.J., formerly of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009 at his residence with his family by his side. He was born Aug. 14, 1913 in Washington, D.C., son of the late Charles S. and Florence King Salin.
Mr. Salin graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in electrical engineering. He was an IEEE Life Senior Member and a reserve officer with the U.S. Navy who was called to duty during World War II. He enjoyed an illustrious career with extraordinary opportunities to grow and share his knowledge. He retired to the Delaware beach in 1978 where he served as a commissioner for the city of Rehoboth Beach for nine years. He loved the city and serving his community. To be closer to his son, he relocated to New Jersey in 2006.
Mr. Salin is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Frances Roach Salin; two sons, Charles A. Salin and wife Marjorie of Chatham, N.J., and John F. Salin and wife Jacqueline of Westbrookville, N.Y.; three grandchildren, Amy Salin Mullin and husband Eugene of Califon, N.J., William Salin and Rachel Salin, both of Westbrookville; two great-grandchildren: Brendan Mullin and Madeline Mullin; and a brother, Robert K. Salin of Springfield, Va.
Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov. 8, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, with the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Baker officiating. Interment will be at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Rehoboth Art League, 12 Dodds Lane, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971; or Rehoboth Beach Historical Society, PO Box 4, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

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William F. Cook, chiropractor
Dr. William Franklin Cook, 96, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at his residence. He was born Feb. 16, 1913, in Washington, D.C., son of the late William Henry and Hazel Davis Cook.
Dr. Cook completed his chiropractic studies at Lincoln College of Chiropractic Medicine of Indianapolis, Ind., and became a second-generation chiropractor in the Cook family. Immediately after graduation, he worked for the DuPont Company completing time studies.
He then entered into the private sector eventually taking over his father’s practice in Wilmington.
He was a chiropractor for 35 years and was the first appointee to the Delaware State Board of Chiropractors. Dr. Cook was a Mason in Washington, D.C. Upon his retirement, Dr. Cook moved to the beach to pursue his love of sailing the Rehoboth Bay.
Dr. Cook is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Elizabeth E. Maloney Cook; two sons, Franklin Davis Cook and his wife Janet of Elkton, Md., and Robert Stephen Cook and his wife Carol of Lewes; and his brother, Richard Davis Cook and his wife Leslie of Booth Bay Harbor, Maine.
All services are private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 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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Frederick Gunther Jr., wedding coordinator
Frederick “Fred” Gunther Jr., 80, of Millsboro, formerly of Baltimore, Md., passed away Saturday, Oct. 17, at Milford Memorial Hospital in Milford.
He was born in Baltimore, son of the late Frederick and Martha Over Gunther. He was a retired wedding coordinator at the La Fontaine Bleue Banquet Hall in Glen Burnie, Md.
He played football in high school and loved wallpapering, woodworking and fishing.
Fred is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Betty E. Gunther. He was a devoted father of Frederick H. Gunther, Colleen M. Clay, Marie M. Sprouse, Judith L. Dunkle, Julia L. Moscynski, Lisa F. Galatolo, Stephanie A. Galatolo and 16 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1008 W. 37th St., Baltimore, MD 21211.

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Patricia A. Stevenson, active in community
Patricia “Pat” Alice Stevenson, 73, of Millsboro, formerly of Reading, Pa., passed away Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at her home.
Mrs. Stevenson was born Dec. 8, 1935, in Reading, daughter of the late Elmer and Alice Mae Weinhold Pennypacker.
She worked many years at Northmont Beneficial Association in Reading.
Mrs. Stevenson was a fun-loving spirit who never met a stranger.
Pat was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and seemed to make friends wherever she went. She was a member of the American Legion Post 28 Ladies Auxiliary for 14 years, a Ladies Auxiliary member of Mid-Sussex Rescue Squad Inc., and a member of the Long Neck United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Richard “Red” Stevenson; a daughter, Sherry L. Gresh and her husband Joseph of Myerstown, Pa.; a son, Richard A. Ganster and his wife Elizabeth M. of Leesport, Pa.; three stepchildren, Donna Clemens and her husband Tom of Reiffton, Pa., Jeffery Stevenson and his wife Lisa of Shillington, Pa., and Barry Stevenson of Reading; five grandchildren, Sarah, Adam and Rachel Gresh, and Katie and Molly Ganster; a brother, Elmer “Bud’ Pennypacker and his wife Shirley of Riverview Park, Pa.; an uncle, William “Bunce” Pennypacker of Reading; five step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was held Monday, Nov. 9, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Service.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Patricia’s name to the Sussex County Paramedic Association, P.O. Box 556, Dagsboro, DE 19939; or to the SPCA Sussex chapter, 22918 DuPont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.

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Joseph W. Copeland III, avid bird watcher
Joseph William Copeland III, 64, of Rehoboth Beach, formerly of Waldorf, Md., passed away Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. He was born July 29, 1945, in Norfolk, Va., son of the lat Joseph and Edith (Goss) Copeland.
Mr. Copeland enjoyed a long career with the federal government, retiring in 2003. He and his wife moved to the beach in 2003, to enjoy the areas peaceful tranquility. He loved birding and was particularly taken with cardinals, which led to his collection of cardinal memorabilia. He also was taken with the Miss Piggy character and Daffy Duck. He loved his Miss Piggy doll and often referred to himself as Daffy.
Mr. Copeland is survived by his loving wife of 13 years, Patricia Ann Miller; a son, Andrew Copeland and his wife Judy of Charlotte Hall, Md.; a daughter Marjorie Gilroy and her husband Donny of Bryans Road, Md.; three grandchildren: Holly, Logan and Justin; a brother Michael Copeland of Westminster, Md.; and a sister Emily Presnell and her husband Ronald of College Park, Md.
A Catholic prayer service will be at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 2:30 p.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Jusst Sooup Ministry, 17256 Queen Anne Way, Lewes, DE 19958.