Donald L. Rose, T.S. Smith employee
Donald L. Rose, 78, of Bridgeville, passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family Friday,, Jan. 11, 2013. He was born Oct. 26, 1934, in Bridgeville, son of the late Jessie James and Florence (Stewart) Rose.
Mr. Rose spent his life dedicated to family and work. He was employed by T.S. Smith & Sons for 55 years; he started working in 1957 and worked as a mechanic up until he could no longer get out of bed due to his illness. Mr. Rose served his country with the U.S. Army from 1953-56 during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Rose was a member of the National Rifle Association, Moose Lodge 1728, Virgil Wilson VFW Post 4961 and American Legion Nanticoke Post 6.
His interests included stock car racing in his younger days, NASCAR racing, and attending auctions. He loved deer hunting which he discovered in 1957; he never missed a season until 2012. His favorite pastime of all was spending time with his family; he loved making people laugh as he loved to see people smile. He never had a bad day himself so he took pleasure in brightening everyone’s day. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Geraldine (Hastings) Rose; his stepson Ricky Absher of Laurel; three stepdaughters: Vicky Hollis of Bridgeville, Darlene Dahling of Bridgeville and Wanda Baker of Harrington; seven granddaughters: Angela Heck, Niki Russell, Danielle Hollis, Amanda Hollis, Lori Beth James all of Seaford, Valerie Showell of Beaufort, S.C., and Deanna Baker of Lincoln; five grandsons: Jonathan Absher of Seaford, Joshua Dahling of Bridgeville, Gregory Baker of Greenwood, Brandon Baker and R.J. Baker both of Harrington; eight great-grandchildren; his nephew and great-nephew Alton Rose Jr. and James Rose, both of Bridgeville; his niece and great-niece Jackie Rose and Rhonda Franz both of Hurlock, Md.; and several other nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 18, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws Street, Bridgeville. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home beginning at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Bridgeville Cemetery, Bridgeville.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the NRA, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030, or to American Legion Nanticoke Post 6, 601 Bridgeville Hwy., Seaford, DE 19973.
