Friday, Feb. 5, 2010

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Charles Cavanaugh, retired manager
Charles “Bud” B. Cavanaugh, 74, of Millsboro, formerly of New Castle, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Bud was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., son of the late Edward and Elizabeth (Fetterman) Cavanaugh.
He served with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. He was a warehouse manager at Noramco, which is a division of Johnson & Johnson in Wilmington, retiring in 1989 with 15 years of service. Bud loved fishing, hunting, camping and traveling. He was a member of Stahl Post 30 of New Castle, Elks Lodge 2281 of Newark, and AMVETS Post 2 in Millsboro. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Cavanaugh; and a nephew, Kevin Cavanaugh. He is survived by his loving wife with whom he recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, Arlene (Savage) Cavanaugh; two daughters, Maureen Kaufman and her husband Randy of Middletown, and their two children Grant and Erin; Lori Cavanaugh of Millsboro and her son Joshua Stephon. “Bud” is also survived by two brothers, Carl Cavanaugh and his wife Suzanne and Harold Cavanaugh and his wife Connie, all of Newark; and a sister, Cheryl Thornton and her husband Lawrence of Smyrna.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 5, at Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, 30839 Mt. Joy Rd., Millsboro. A memorial service will also be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 8, in the Chapel of Gracelawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 2220 N. DuPont Hwy., New Castle, where friends and family may call after 10 a.m. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Bud’s name to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or to a charity of choice.

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Jean Lucille Ware, retired secretary
Mrs. Jean Lucille Catterton Ware, 82, of Millsboro, passed away Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. She was the daughter of the late James R. and Florence Catterton of Washington, D.C.
Mrs. Ware graduated from Eastern High School in 1946. She worked as a stenographer for three years at AAA. She attained a civil service position at the U.S. Soldiers Home as a private secretary until her retirement. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school in the Washington and Maryland areas until she and her husband moved to Lewes in 1987. Mrs. Ware was a 45-year member of Ruth Chapter No. 7 of the Order of the Eastern Star in Hyattsville, Md. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Leroy Ware in 2003; and a brother, James Elwin Catterton in 1950. She is survived by her nephew, James Edwin “Ted” Catterton and his wife Fran of Bowie, Md. Burial will be private.

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Elizabeth Ewing Pooler, retired bookkeeper
Elizabeth Ewing Pooler, 78, of Rehoboth Beach passed away peacefully at her residence Monday, Feb. 1, 2010.

She was born Sept. 9, 1931, in Rehoboth Beach, daughter of the late Clarence Adolphos Ewing and Eugenia Holland Ewing. Mrs. Pooler worked as an assistant manager from 1960-72 at Farmer’s Bank in the Baymart Center, Rehoboth Beach. She then began work as a desk clerk for the Oceanus Hotel for several years. In 1985 she joined her son’s business as a bookkeeper for Hazzard Auto Parts, a position she held until her retirement for health reasons in 2007. She was a former Lioness with the Rehoboth Beach/Dewey Beach Lions Club. She is survived by three sons, John Hazzard and wife Patricia of Norfolk, Va., Sanford L. Hazzard and wife Nina, and Greg H. Hazzard, all of Rehoboth Beach; five grandchildren, Jayme, John Charles, Katie, Brandon and Leeanne; and three great-grandchildren, Braydon, Braxton and Hayden. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Holland Ewing; her first husband, John Charles Hazzard; and her second husband Joseph W. Pooler.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, with the Rev. Michael Hurley officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach. Contributions may be sent to Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958; to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or to the Beebe School of Nursing, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

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K. David Knotts, retired supervisor
K. David Knotts, 53, of Harrington, died Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital. Born in Newark, he was the son of the late Kenneth David and Edith Ann Knotts.
Mr. Knotts retired as a supervisor for social services for the state of Delaware. After his retirement, he remained active in the Lake Forest School District as a substitute teacher. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and watching football. The Eagles was his favorite team. David enjoyed sharing the word; everywhere he went, he told people about his faith. Even while teaching in school, he witnessed to the students. David also liked to have fun and liked to tease his family. He had a contagious laugh and could be heard and recognized from far away. Above all, he cherished spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. His grandsons could always count on him to help with their homework. He will be sorely missed. Mr. Knotts was a former member of the Asbury United Methodist Church of Harrington and a current member of the Calvary Wesleyan Church of Harrington. He taught Sunday school at Asbury for eight years, and also at Calvary. At Calvary, he was also active with the youth group and any youth fundraisers, so that his daughter Meghan and others could go on mission trips and teen retreats. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Laverne Jerread. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Sandra M. Knotts of Harrington; daughters and son-in-law, Meghan M. Knotts of Harrington, and Tara R. and Ken Bless of Harrington; grandchildren, Marc and Jacob Stewart of Harrington, and Kevin Bless of Oxford, Pa.; sisters, Karen Swartz of Smyrna, Jill Walters of Smyrna, and Kathy Pepper of Lewes.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6, at Calvary Wesleyan Church, Harrington, where a visitation will be held two hours prior to the service. Interment will be in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritans Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000; or to World Vision, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063-9716. Arrangements are by the Melvin Funeral Home, Harrington.

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Todd Michael Colbert, construction worker
Todd Michael Colbert, 21, of Ocean City, Md., passed away Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, at his sister’s home in Millsboro.

Todd was a construction worker, and enjoyed drawing and tattoos, and especially the time hanging out with his nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his father and stepmother, Brandon Colbert and Anna Fuhrer of Ocean City; his mother and stepfather, Kathy Reade of Ft. Myers, Fla., and Brett Markley of Newark; two sisters, Erica Colbert of Millsboro, and Samantha Colbert of Ocean City; brother, Jason Colbert of Ft. Myers; two stepsisters, Jamie and Jennifer Fuhrer of Ocean City; his paternal grandparents, Sherman and Maryann Colbert of Newark; and maternal grandmother, Janice Greer of Harbeson. Also surviving are some very dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Todd’s life was held Thursday, Feb. 4, at the American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, Ocean City.

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Mary Cleary Ritzert, devoted homemaker
Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Cleary Ritzert, 88, of Fairfax, Va., died peacefully at her home in Lewes, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010. 

Betty was married for 59 years to the late John E. “Jack” Ritzert and is survived by their five children, John E. Jr. (Sandra), Christopher D., Timothy A., Gerald M. (Lynda), and Teresa A.; and six grandchildren, Lauren, Britney, John E. III, Emma, Cara and Zane.  Beloved “Sis” to Alice C. Vermillion and James L. (Nancy) Cleary and the late Margaret C. Gray, Daniel J., John Eugene and Robert E. Cleary.  She also leaves many devoted nieces and nephews.  A native Washingtonian, Betty graduated from Western High School and worked until she and Jack started their family, after which she devoted her boundless love and energies to them. 

The family will receive friends at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 12, and 9:30 to 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 13 Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon, Saturday, Feb. 13, at Saint Leo the Great, 3700 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, with burial at Fairfax Memorial Park immediately following. 
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Little Sisters of the Poor, 4200 Harewood Road NE, Washington, DC 20017, or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Herman Gilbert Konin, retired from IBM
Herman Gilbert Konin, 72, of Rehoboth, formerly of Clinton, Conn., entered glory Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010.

Herman was retired after many years of employment with IBM. He served in active duty in both the Army and Navy. Herman was a very active member of First Baptist Church, especially with the RU ministry. He was also a very active member of the Cape Henlopen Senior Center where he enjoyed ceramics, and among other things, he volunteered to assist members to complete their tax returns. Herman enjoyed watching basketball, especially the University of Connecticut. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. Herman was preceded in death by his first wife, Lenore Konin. He is survived by his wife of five years, Diana Konin; his sons and their spouses, Jeff Konin (Gina) of Tampa, Fla. and Brian Konin (Jennifer) of Old Saybrook, Conn.; stepdaughters Denise Haines and Kelly Quinn (David), all of Mt. Holly, N.J.; grandchildren Kyle, Christopher and Katie and step-grandchildren Nichole and Daniel.

A memorial service was held Thursday, Jan. 28, at First Baptist Church, Lewes, with burial private. The family suggests contributions to the First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 1001 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958; or the American Cancer Society, 92 Read’s Way, Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720.

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Evelyn E. Cleary, Legion member
Evelyn E. Cleary, 84, of Millsboro, formerly of Lindenwold, N.J., passed away Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.

She was born in Camden, N.J., daughter of the late William and Emma Hawk Ingling. She enjoyed gardening and was a member of American Legion Post 28 Auxiliary of Oak Orchard/Millsboro.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence G. Cleary, in 2009. She is survived by her children, Linda Minner and Richard Witworth of New Jersey, Mary Kate Cleary of Millsboro, Colleen Patterson of Lewes, Dorothy Cleary of New Jersey, and Larry and Kevin Cleary of Millsboro; a sister, Jean Sewell of Florida; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, at the chapel of the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE 19966.

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Pauline J. Monismith, Dover resident
Pauline J. Monismith, 86, of Dover, passed away Monday Feb. 1, 2010, in Bayhealth/Kent General Hospital. She is survived by her son, Edward L. Monismith, with whom she lived; two brothers, Harry A. Jarrell of Venice, Fla., and Winvert J. Jarrell of Lewes; and a sister, Mary Ann Lambertson of Dover.

Services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, in the Faries Funeral Chapel, 29 South Main St., Smyrna, where friends may call two hours prior to the services. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Cheswold United Methodist Church, PO Box 191, Cheswold, DE 19936.

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Mary E. Duffy, pharmacy technician
Mary E. Duffy, formerly Mary E. DaCosta, 71, of Stanton, Wilmington, died in Christiana Hospital Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010.

Mrs. Duffy was a native of New Bedford, Mass., and moved to Delaware in 1955. She was a graduate of Claymont High School and the daughter of the late Edward B. and Doris B. DaCosta. She worked for several years as a pharmacy technician for Happy Harry’s and as a medical secretary in the Wilmington area. Mrs. Duffy was the former executive director of Meals on Wheels of Lewes and Rehoboth, and also president of the board of the Lewes Senior Center. While residing in Sussex County, she was a member of the Seasiders, a musical singing group, and appeared in many local performances with the group. A member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Mrs. Duffy was a lifelong poet and short story writer and has many unpublished works. She married her current husband, Edward J. Duffy, in 1992.

Mrs. Duffy is survived by her husband, Edward; her five children, Kenneth M. Parsons, Christopher T. Parsons and Rick Parsons, all of Wilmington, Donna E. Weaver of Bear and Dana E. DaSilva of Middletown; her eight grandchildren, Erin Taggart, Sean Weaver, Nolan Weaver, Brandon Warner, DeAnna Warner, Noah Cicogna, Gabriel DaSilva and Justin Parsons; and her great-grandson, Michael Taggart. She is also survived by her sister, Theresa Fisher; and her brothers, Edward, John and Francis DaCosta.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Wilmington, Wednesday, Feb. 3. Interment followed in Cathedral Cemetery. The viewing was held privately for her family. Please make donations in memory of Mary to Catholic Charities, 2601 W. 4th St., Wilmington, DE 19805; or St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 301 N. Bancroft Parkway, Wilmington DE 19805.

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Marjorie Predeoux, Millsboro homemaker
Marjorie Predeoux, 81, of Millsboro, passed away at home Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010.

Her parents, Daniel and Mary Gaines Giles; her husband, Herbert Predeoux Sr.; sons, Herbert Jr. and Lawrence Predeoux; and daughter Shirley Predeoux; two brothers, Mose and Bill, predeceased Marjorie. She is survived by her sons, Perlis Predeoux and wife Torey of Millsboro; Bruce Predeoux of Salisbury, Md.; daughters, Barbara Predeoux of Baltimore, Md., Ernestine Miller and husband Reginald of Millsboro, and Mary Harmon and husband George of Frankford; 21 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends around the area.

Funeral service were held Thursday, Feb. 4, at the Pentecostal Prayer Room Holy Church Inc., Old Landing Road. Pastor Larry Johnson officiated. Internment was in Zoar Golden Acres, Bishopville, Md. Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro.

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Gabriella V. Kennedy, ‘Our Barefoot Contessa’
Gabriella Valentini Kennedy, 80, of Rehoboth Beach, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Rehoboth Beach.

Born in Piacenza, Italy, Gabriella came to the United States in 1952. She was a homemaker in the Washington, D.C. area for over 20 years. In 1973, she relocated to Rehoboth Beach, marrying Frank Kennedy. They were married for 34 years before he passed away in 2007. Gabriella’s family and friends will forever remember her as a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, beloved wife and caring friend. Gabriella’s timeless inner and outer beauty was remarkable. Her elegance, true grace and class were unparalleled. She was Rehoboth Beach’s most beautiful “Barefoot Contessa.” The family would like to express special gratitude to Silvana Lenici and Lisa Hartley for the love and selfless support they provided Gabriella and the family during the final stages of Mrs. Kennedy’s life.

Gabriella is survived by her daughter, Carla Barbiero; her granddaughter, Alessandra Barbiero; her son-in-law, Victor Barbiero; and her nephews and niece in Italy, Alberto, Gian Marco and Alessandra Valentini.

There is no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any remembrance dear friends may wish to make be in the form of a contribution in her memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.

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Patricia A. Wanthouse, retired teacher
Patricia Anne Wanthouse, 73, of Lewes, died Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.

For many years Mrs. Wanthouse was an elementary school teacher. She was a member of the Lewes Presbyterian Church where she was involved in the Prison Fellowship Program, as a Sussex County AIDS Committee volunteer, as a deacon of the church, former chairwoman of the nature committee, member of the Evangelism Committee "Callers," the Kelley Class, and she started the Women on Their Own ministry as well as the Stephen Ministry. She was born Aug. 8, 1936, in Pottsville, Pa., daughter of the late James Delowery and the late Kathryn DeLozier Delowery
She is survived by her daughter Mary Anne Hicks and husband Ross Benjamin Hicks of Milford; a son, William Thomas Wengert Jr. of Philadelphia, Pa.; a sister, Mary Rosaire Lockhart and husband William of Littleton, N.H.;, and one grandson, Ross Benjamin Hicks II.
All services are private.

In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to Lewes Presbyterian Church Restoration Fund, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958

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Marie Vickers McNeal, Milton homemaker
Marie Vickers McNeal, 79, of Milton, passed away Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, at her residence in Milton. Born on May 19, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Bessie Fitchett.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 5, at Friendship Baptist Church, 500 NW Fourth Street, Lewes, where friends may call two hours prior to the service.

Interment will be in Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, Lewes. Arrangements are being handled by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.