Friends, family honor Dewey Beach’s Joyce Pool

Friends, family and coworkers gathered July 21 to bid a fond farewell to Town of Dewey Beach Administrative Assistant Joyce Pool, who retired July 15 after 34 years.

Past and current commissioners, mayors and staff assembled at Hyatt Place Dewey Beach in what served almost as a reunion of town employees and volunteers.

As guests lined up to speak at the podium, a consistent theme emerged in their words: gratitude for Pool’s consistently helpful nature and friendly spirit.

Town Manager Bill Zolper teased Joyce about her office typewriter, present among her gifts and which she used as recently as her last week of work. 

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Joyce,” Zolper said. “You’re really going to be missed, not only by the office, but by the town.”

Dewey Beach Patrol Capt. Todd Frichtman said he began working for the town in 1996.

“Ten minutes into my tenure, I quickly learned who to turn to for assistance and help, just like most anyone else in town,” Frichtman said. “It was perfectly clear to anyone and everyone in town who actually ran the town.”

Assistant Town Manager Jim Dedes said he served as Pool’s assistant all these years. He said he first met her in 1989, when he was registering to vote.

“She helped me fill out all this information, and I think she actually voted for me,” Dedes said to laughter from the audience.

An emotional Sam Mackert, who recently retired as police chief, said Pool helped him his very first day on the job. She was a mother figure who never had a bad day and always put a smile on everyone’s face, Mackert said.

“Joyce, we love you to death,” Mackert said.

Commissioner Paul Bauer concluded the event with a slideshow complete with photos from 1988, Pool’s first year with the town. Pool had worked with 42 commissioners, Bauer said, and the town has only had 45 in total.

“Everybody raise a glass,” Bauer said. “Cheers to Joyce.”