Robert C. Zych Sr., Navy veteran

Robert Charles "Bob" Zych Sr., 87, of Lewes passed away Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, at his residence. He was born Sept. 6, 1927, in Wilmington, son of the late Joseph C. Zych Sr. and Anna Margaret (Maier) McNeal.

Zych proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy, earning a Victory medal and American Theatre Ribbon. He then embarked on a 37-year career with Conrail as an assistant yard master, retiring in 1988. His other favorite pastimes were trains, wood crafts and tending to his vegetable gardens.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Joseph McNeal; a sister, Eleanor Miles; and a brother, Louis Zych. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty (Thompson) Zych; a daughter, Beverly Thompson and husband Charles of Lewes; three sons: Robert Zych Jr. of Bellefont, Brian Zych and wife Michelle of Milton, and Blair Zych and wife Carly of Lewes; five grandsons: Mark Thompson of Elkton, Md.; Michael Thompson of Harbeson; Jason Zych of Wilmington; Daniel Thompson of Bear; and Christopher Zych of Milton; six granddaughters: Shannon Ciconte of Columbia, Md.; Sondra Ambler of Wilmington; Kelsey Zych of Milton; Brandi Tillman of Wilmington; Sydney Zych of Lewes; and Sophia Zych of Lewes; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 17, at Gracelawn Memorial Park Chapel, 2220 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will immediately follow services in Gracelawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holly Oak United Methodist Church, 1511 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19801.