08/19/08
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Ednamae Paley, Rehoboth resident
Ednamae Paley, 77, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away quietly at her home Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, surrounded by her family.
Ednamae was born in Philadelphia, Pa., and her family moved to Rehoboth Beach shortly thereafter. She graduated from Rehoboth High School in 1948.
She retired in 1994 after many years in the insurance industry working for Anderson Stokes in Rehoboth and then as manager and partner in the Williams Insurance Agency in Rehoboth Beach. She was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church.
She enjoyed activity in the Sussex County Republican Club. She was a member of Sussex Pines Country Club in Georgetown, where she enjoyed playing golf. Her many interests included playing bridge with her bridge club, reading and spending time with the family at her pool.
She was deeply loved and will be sadly missed by her family and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Edna Paley; and her sister and brother in-law, Beverly and Emory Brittingham.
She is survived by her two nieces, Mechelle Rust and her husband Victor of Rehoboth Beach and Tracy Brittingham of Milford; a nephew, J. Keith Brittingham of Lewes; two great-nieces, Ashley Rust of Rehoboth Beach and Kelby Jefferson of Milford; two great-nephews, Christopher Rust of Rehoboth Beach and Trevor Jefferson of Milford; and one great-great nephew, Hayden Roy of Rehoboth Beach.
Funeral services will beheld at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach.
Family and friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Burial will be in the Epworth Methodist Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
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Theresa DiBuonaventura, Philadelphia native
Theresa DiBuonaventura, 83, of Rehoboth Beach, formerly of southwest Philadelphia, Pa., died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008, at Brandywine Seaside Pointe in Rehoboth.
She was born Nov. 10, 1924, the daughter of the late Raymond and Lena Cirillo.
Theresa was a southwest Philadelphia resident most of her life and was married to Albert DiBuonaventura until his death on Aug. 14, 1991.
Survivors include two daughters, Ann Bailey of Philadelphia, and Denise Grabowski and her husband Daniel of Fort Myers, Fla.; her son, Albert DiBuonaventura and his wife Donna of Mickleton, N.J.; her granddaughter, Rachel DiBuonaventura of Mickleton; and her sister, Louise Shaffer and her husband Ray of Rehoboth Beach.
Her Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Annunciation BVM Church, 401 Brookline Blvd., Havertown, Pa.
Relatives and friends may call from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike at the corner of Lynn Boulevard, Upper Darby, Pa.
A funeral procession to the church will follow the calling hours. Interment will be in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, Delaware County, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Theresa’s name may be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
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Carol H. Ferguson, home consultant
Carol H. Ferguson, 52, of Long Neck, formerly of Wilmington, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving friends and family Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008 at her home.
She was born in Wilmington on Dec. 17, 1955, the daughter of Harold F. Sr. and Ann Vari Haigh. Carol was a home consultant for New Dimension Homes in the Pot-Nets area. She had a strong bond with her friends, customers and community.
Carol was an exceptional mother whose courage, faith and love touched many.
In addition to her mother, Ann L. Haigh, she is survived by a son, Thomas Michael Ferguson; a brother, Harold F. Haigh Jr.; a sister, Ann Louise King; a good friend, T. Michael Ferguson; and kitties Bella and Lacie.
A funeral service will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19, where friends may call after 5 p.m. at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck Road, Millsboro. Interment will be held privately at Gracelawn Cemetery.
Flowers are accepted or memorial contributions in Carol’s name to a charity of choice.
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Harvey James Bunting, retired civil engineer
Harvey James Bunting. 84, of Harbeson, died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
Mr. Bunting was born Nov. 10, 1923, in Bethany Beach, son of the late John Gunzer Bunting and the late Florrie Belle (Fenton) Bunting. He was a retired civil engineer with his career covering service at Ft. Miles, Lewes, from 1942 to late 1950s and then at the Dover Air Force Base until July 1980, when he retired. He was a member of the Groome Untied Methodist Church for many years. His involvement in the community included being a 32nd degree Mason and past master (1987) of the Jefferson Lodge, Lewes, a member and past patron of the Georgetown chapter 9 Order of the Eastern Star, past grand patron of state chapter Order of the Eastern Star from 1969-1970, member of the Scottish Rite, member and former Clown “Eyeballs” at Nur Temple, a founding member of the Delaware Colonials, and past associate Bethel guardian 5 Independent Order of Job’s Daughters. He also had served as a scouting coordinator for the Boy Scouts.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased his by brothers Gunzer, Roy, George and Alvin Bunting and sister Evva Townsend.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, with whom he celebrated their anniversary on Aug. 9, Anne Louise (Wagamon) Bunting; his daughter, Mary Lou (Bunting) Lawlor and her husband Mark of Wilmington; three sons, Stephen K. Bunting of Alexandria, Va., Thomas A. Bunting and his fiancée Jodie Kelly of Annapolis, Md., and the Rev. Dr. Jay E. Bunting and his wife the Rev. Dr. Carolyn Bunting of Oxford, Md.; his granddaughter Jessica Newell and her husband Jeff of Wilmington; his great-grandson Andrew Patrick Newell; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 21, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, with the Rev. William Hopkins officiating. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the funeral home, where OES and Masonic services will be held at 7 p.m. Burial will follow the funeral at Coolspring Cemetery, near Lewes.
In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to Groome United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 299, Lewes, DE 19958; or to the Estaral Fund 124 Oak Road, Seaford, DE 19973; or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriot’s Way, Milford, DE 19963.
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Catherine J. Cooke, homemaker
Catherine “Mildred” Jameson Cooke, 92, formerly of Clinton, Md., and Washington, D.C., died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008, in the Milford Center Nursing Home, Milford.
Mrs. Cooke was born in Bel Alton, Md.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Wilbert T. Cooke and Linton Schell; and her siblings, Ellen, Anna, Paul and Hayden.
She was the mother of Thomas (Ruth), Larry (Sandra) and Dale; the grandmother of 10; and great-grandmother of 18. She was the sister of Virginia, Mary and Edward; and is also survived my many other relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21, at Lee Funeral Home, 6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Road, Clinton, Md., with interment immediately following at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, Md.
Flowers can be sent to Lee Funeral Home or donations accepted by Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
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Betty Burkey Seemans, former business owner
Betty Burkey Seemans of Marshallton, passed away Monday, Aug. 11, 2008, at home.
Born in Gap, Pa., Oct. 17, 1926, the daughter of Roy Herman and Sarah Neuhauser Burkey, she was a graduate of Conrad High School. She grew up on Delcastle Farm where her father was superintendent.
She was employed by Hercules Powder Company and Guardian Fence Company.
She was also an owner of Blanche’s Apparel Store in Middletown, and a licensed real estate salesperson.
Her first husband, John Seemans; her second husband, Lambert Seemans, her brothers Homer, Donald and Roy; and her sister, Olga preceded her in death.
She is survived by her son, Jeffrey, former Rehoboth Art League president, and his wife, well-known Cape Region artist Pam; her daughter, Beverly, and a son-in-law, Jack Ford; and three grandchildren, Misty, Sterling and Jordan Seemans.
A kind and gentle woman, she will be greatly missed, especially by her faithful and loving dog Tammy.
Services were held at McCrery Memorial Chapel, Wilmington, with burial in Silverbrook Cemetery, Wilmington.
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Clarence Carl Griffith Sr., DuPont retiree
Clarence Carl “Griff” Griffith Sr., 73, of New Castle, joined our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008.
Born in Danville, W.Va., April 30, 1935, Mr. Griffith was the son of the late Clarence A. Griffith and Elva E. Chambers Griffith of Whitesville, Lincoln County, W.Va., and the grandson of the late Carl and Lilly Chambers.
Shortly after his graduation from Scott High School, he moved to Delaware in 1955, where he accepted a position with the DuPont Company at the Edgemoor site. He would go on to work for DuPont for the next 38 years, retiring as a plant supervisor in 1994.
A 32nd Degree Mason, Mr. Griffith was a member of Scottish Rite, Valley of Wilmington, and was a member of the Moose Club of New Castle. He was a gifted athlete throughout his life and played fast-pitch softball during the late 1950s and early 1960s for many leagues, including DuPont, Christiana Fire Company and Fairwinds Community. He also bowled with the Golden Age League on Friday mornings at Bowlerama, and greatly enjoyed travel, football, horse racing and the casino at Delaware Park. Most of all Mr. Griffith delighted in spending time with his beloved family. His children and grandchildren were very dear to him, and he found great comfort in having his great-grandchildren around him. He loved and was dearly loved by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Geri Grabowski Griffith; three children, Roni Griffith and her companion, John Hensley, of New Castle, Lisa Orr and her husband, Dave, of New Castle and Clarence C. “Skip” Griffith Jr., and his wife, Betsey, of Wilmington; a family friend, Nancy Griffith of Bear; sister, Karen McClure of Charleston, W.Va.; a brother- and sister-in-law, Steve and Martha Grabowski of Rehoboth; a brother- and sister-in-law, Earl and Irene Marcotte of Rehoboth; grandchildren, Sabrina Griffith, Casey Griffith, David Orr and his wife, Chrissy, Scott Orr, Tyler Hensley, Chandler Hensley, Dustin Hensley, John Hensley, Josh and Yarielys (Skip’s step-children); great-grandchildren, Shane, Julian, Joslyn, Shyan, Julianna, Aubrey, and Logan; and nieces and nephews.
The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of Odyssey Hospice and Home Health Service. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church, Bear, with interment in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.
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Louise C. Moore, Beebe retiree
Louise C. Moore passed on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, from Cadbury at Lewes to be with her Lord.
Born in Oswego, N.Y., July 4, 1909, she was the daughter of Hassell and Maude Lounglgy Clayton. In 1945 she married James A. Moore, also from Oswego, but teaching at Lewes High School. She joined him in Lewes and worked in the business office at Beebe Hospital until she retired. She was still a member of the Beebe Hospital Auxiliary.
Louise was a member of Lewes Presbyterian Church, were she served as the leader of the Mary Martha Circle until 2005. She was a member of the Kelly Class; after she was unable to help with the Rummage Sale, she bought the hot dogs for workday.
Her husband died in January 1980, and she was predeceased by a brother, Hassell, and her sister Margaret. She is survived by her brother, Orville Clayton, of Bradenton, Fla.; a niece and two nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services on Long Neck Road, where friends may call after noon. Burial will be in the Lewes Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Lewes Presbyterian Church Restoration Fund, 133 Kings Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958.
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Samuel Ray Hopkins, retired electrician
Samuel “Sam” Ray Hopkins, 66, of Millsboro, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008, at the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford.
Sam was a retired electrician serving the area for over 40 years. He loved carpentry, plumbing, playing horseshoes, bingo and bidding at auctions during the family reunions. He served four years in the Air Force. He was a past member of the VFW Post 10638 in Millsboro. He was a member of Harmony United Methodist Church in Millsboro. His father, Curtis D. Hopkins, precedes him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Margaret A. Powell Hopkins; his mother, Mary E. Watson Hopkins of Millsboro; his brothers, Daniel C. Hopkins of Ellendale, John S. Hopkins of Millsboro, Robert L. Hopkins (Evelyn) of Millsboro and Nathaniel Hopkins (Edith) of Longo, Md.; a sister, Moezell Hyland (Harvey) of Laurel; his aunt, Annie McLaughlin (John) of Baltimore, Md.; his uncle, Joe Watson of Baltimore, Md.; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 South Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, and from noon to 1 p.m., Thursday. Internment will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro. Pastor Claudia Waters will officiate.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to VFW Post 10638, in care of Albert Clark, 28930 John J. Williams Hwy. Millsboro, DE 19966.
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Lou Ann Stine, Lewes homemaker
Lou Ann Stine, 53, of Lewes, formerly of Baltimore, Md., passed away Monday, Aug. 11, 2008, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Lou Ann was born in Baltimore, daughter of Richard and Betty Fenters.
She was a homemaker.
Lou Ann was preceded in death by a daughter, Terri Lynn Stine-Jones.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by two daughters, Kelly June Stine-Earheart of Manchester, Md., and Buffy Christina Stine-Weitzel of Lewes, seven brothers and sisters and six grandchildren.
A visitation was held Friday evening, Aug. 15.
Local arrangements made by Short Funeral Services in Milton.
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Henry O. Wirtschafter, insurance agent
Henry “Hank” O. Wirtschafter, 66, of Lewes, died Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008, in his home.
He was born Nov. 10, 1941, in Philadelphia, Pa., to the late William M. Rossenfeld and Miriam M. Wirtschafter.
Mr. Wirtschafter was a graduate of Central High School, Philadelphia, and a graduate from Drexel University, class of 1964. He was very involved with the alumni of both institutions.
He was an insurance agent for AFLAC and was also the communications director for the Seaside Jewish Community Center, Rehoboth Beach.
Researching his family genealogy was a hobby of Mr. Wirtschafter’s, and he acquired many friends throughout the country during the process. He was a very kind and generous man. He was an avid sports fan, especially of college football, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Flyers.
A loving father, Mr. Wirtschafter is survived by his son, Michael H. Wirtschafter and his wife Barbara of Newark; his stepdaughter, Lisa Kane-Robbins of Rehoboth Beach; and many cousins.
His most recent spouse and love of his life, Joanne Kane, passed away Aug. 7, 2008.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Seaside Jewish Community Center, P.O. Box 1472, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 or the SPCA, Sussex Chapter, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.
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Robert J. Gaydos, crane operator
Robert J. Gaydos, 76, of Lewes, formerly of Eagleville, Pa., passed away quietly at his home with wife Peg at his side, Tuesday, Aug. 12.
He was born in Coaldale, Pa., son of the late John and Mary Kusko Gaydos.
He was a 1949 graduate of Coaldale High School. Robert served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He worked at Alan Wood Steel Co. as a crane operator, where he also enjoyed playing on the softball team with coworkers and was home run champion.
He was of the Catholic faith and a firm believer in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He had an artistic side that manifested in music, arts and crafts. Moving from Eagleville to Lewes, he finished a home for himself and wife Peggy. At their home in West Bay Park, he enjoyed friends, crabbing, clamming, golf cart rides and splitting wood for his wood stove during winter months.
He is survived by his loving wife Margaret “Peg” Rutter Gaydos; children, Bruce Gaydos (Mary Lynn), Colleen Johnson, John Gaydos, Steve Gaydos (Cindy) and Robert Gaydos; four grandchildren, Lauren, Valerie, Vicky and Justin Gaydos; a brother, Edward Gaydos (Marie); two sisters, Dolores McDonald and Barbara Gaydos; and nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday August 19, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial contributions in Bob’s memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Long Neck.
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Joanne M. Kane, local Realtor
Joanne M. Kane, 66, of Rehoboth Beach, formerly of Newark, went to attend her “Welcome Home Party” in Heaven’s beautiful garden, to celebrate being born to eternal life with our Lord and departed loved ones, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008.
She was born and raised in Wilmington, daughter of the late Isaia Veltre and Mary Prosceno Veltre. She graduated from Wilmington High School in 1959. Joanne was a Realtor for over 36 years, with Harris-Hanby, Patterson-Schwartz and RE/MAX, and loved helping people find their perfect home.
She enjoyed good times with close friends and family, creative home projects, cooking, gardening, movies, shopping, charity events and loved dancing to the oldies.
She is very much loved, will be dearly missed, leaves behind many happy, cherished memories and was the light of many lives.
Joanne is survived by her daughter, Lisa Kane-Robbins; stepson Michael Wirtschafter and his wife Barbara; former spouse, Thomas E. Kane; sisters, Concetta Blunt and Anna Nash; brothers, John Veltre and Francis Veltre; many nieces and nephews; and Sadie, her dear furry friend. Her former spouse, Henry Wirtschafter, died Sunday, Aug. 10. Joanne was predeceased by sisters, Yolanda Ciccone, Josephine Pivinski and Elizabeth Pivinski; brother Anthony Veltre; and Baxter, her faithful, furry companion.
She will be honored with a Memorial Mass at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20, at St. Edmond’s Church, King Charles Avenue and Laurel Street, Rehoboth Beach, where friends may call beginning at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 5005 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, TX 75244. Arrangements handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
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08/22/08
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Carol Jean Gardner, Franklin Mint retiree
Carol Jean Gardner, 61, of Lewes, formerly of Chadds Ford, Pa., passed away Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at home.
She was born Jan. 5, 1947, in Buffalo, N.Y., to the late Jackson and Ann Weitzmann Gardner.
Jean expressed her creative talents through both her professional and personal life. She truly loved her advertising career and retired from the Franklin Mint. She then shared her creative writing and artistic talents with her beloved grandchildren and many friends at the Delaware beach.
A beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many, Jean is survived by her three daughters, Dr. Anne Annone and her husband Philip of Wilmington, Sara Chetkowski and her husband David of Coatesville, Pa., and Molly Glasschroeder of Chadds Ford; one son, Ben Glasschroeder of Chadds Ford; six grandchildren, Ben, Henry and Evan Annone of Wilmington, and Emma, Peter and Ian Chetkowski of Coatesville; three sisters, Ellen Ann Gardner, Mary Ann Haremski, and Ellen Jaeger, all of Royal Oak, Mich.; one brother, Charles Gardner of New Jersey; and her beloved nieces and nephews.
Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Catherine of Siena, 2503 Centerville Road, Wilmington, at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 25, with the Rev. John Hynes officiating. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Children’s Beach House, 1800 Bay Ave., Lewes, DE 19958.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Enterprises Inc., 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.
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Avis M. Williamson, retired manager
Avis Marie Williamson, 91, of Oak Orchard, formerly of Boothwyn, Pa., passed Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008, at the Atlantic Shores Nursing Center, Millsboro.
Mrs. Williamson was born Feb. 18, 1917, in Danville, Pa., to the late John and Mary Ann Cooper Jones.
Mrs. Williamson was a department manager with Strawbridge & Clothier in Wilmington, retiring in 1974 after many years of service.
She was a member of the Marcus Hook Baptist Church, Linwood, Pa. and the Oak Orchard Community Church, Millsboro.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Aaron Wesley Williamson in 1998, and her son, Roger L. Williamson, in 1977.
Mrs. Williamson is survived by two daughters, Gale M. Simpson of St. Charles, Mi. and Linda J. Westerside of Keenwick Sound; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
A service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Oak Orchard Community Church, 32615 Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro, where friends may call at 10 a.m. The Rev. J. Allen Miller will officiate the service. Committal and interment will be 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Lawn Croft Cemetery in Linwood.
In lieu of Flowers the family asks for contributions to the Oak Orchard Community Church at the above address.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.