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Blessing of the Fleet held at Fisherman’s Wharf

Capt. Dale Parsons and JB Walsh honored during Lewes ceremony
Captain HD Parsons, son of Dale Parsons, places the memorial wreath in the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal to honor his father. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
May 23, 2025

The annual Blessing of the Fleet was held May 18 on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal at Fisherman's Wharf in Lewes.  

This tradition is celebrated worldwide with prayer for a safe and bountiful fishing season along with remembrance of sailors who have died in the previous years.

Wreaths were placed in the canal this year in remembrance of Capt. Dale Parsons, a local fisherman who died July 24, 2024, and JB Walsh, who died Jan. 10. 

Dale Parsons was the previous owner and operator of Fisherman’s Wharf, now run by his son HD Parsons. Walsh owned and operated Anglers Marina.

 

The Master, captained by Michael Cerchio, moves by the wreaths honoring Capt. Dale Parsons and JB Walsh.
The Island Time is part of the blessing of the fleet. It is captained by Joe Apaluccio.
Capt. Jack Stewart floats through as part of the Blessing of the Fleet.
Dale Parsons’ daughter Kenna Parsons Ross, left, shares a moment with her sister-in-law Sharon Ross.
Deacon Al Barros of St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes reads a prayer during the Blessing of the Fleet.
The Cape JROTC color guard stands at attention for the presenting of the colors.
Capt. Drew Johnson and his wife Karen participate in the Blessing of the Fleet in their Boston Whaler.
Bob Snyder plays taps at the event.
The Jay Sea II, captained by Jamar Campbell and Kevin Flarerty, turns to pass the wreaths.
The Pirate King, captained by Jackie Hamilton, passes the memorial wreaths.
The Cape Water Tours water taxi passes the memorial wreaths.
Family members and mates place the memorial wreaths into the water. Shown are (l-r) Capt. Bryson Walsh, his crew member Bryson Jr. on the Aquatic Narcotic, and HD Parsons and Matt Tarbox on the Lewestown Lady.
Pappy’s Lady, captained by Eric Desbonnet, goes by the memorial wreaths.
The Pilot Boat Pennsylvania, captained by JB Walsh’s grandson Hunter Walsh, floats by the memorial wreaths.
Jane Thompson, JB Walsh’s longtime companion, holds his memorial wreath after the ceremony.
Keena Parsons Ross, right, Dale Parson’s daughter, and her sister-in-law Sharon Ross hold the Dale Parsons memorial wreath after the ceremony.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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