John Clendaniel, former A&P meat cutter

John Clendaniel, 83, of Seaford, died Sunday, June 17, 2012, after battling acute lymphocytic leukemia. Born in Rehoboth Beach, he was the son of the late Harry and Laura Clendaniel.

John graduated from Rehoboth High School in 1947. He worked for 37 years as a meat cutter for A&P Supermarket. After retiring from A&P, he joined Tull Brothers, where he worked another 18 years. John was a gifted athlete and an avid sports fan, and he particularly enjoyed the Baltimore Orioles baseball and Ravens football teams. John also was an active member of St. John’s United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher and helped with fundraising events. In addition to his church activities, he was a member of Widow Person Services. He enjoyed many trips and gatherings with this group, and he developed many longtime friendships that he cherished.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Jane Robinson Clendaniel, and two siblings, Helen Lingenselter and Bill Clendaniel. He is survived by two daughters, Jill Buchert and her husband David of Salisbury, Md., and Nancy Dix and her husband Charles, also of Salisbury; two grandchildren, Katharine Racicot and her husband Alexander of Germantown, Md., and Patrick Dix of Salisbury; two sisters, Marguerite Becker of Rehoboth Beach, and Barbara Pettit of Milton; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 21, 2012, at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Seaford, with a viewing from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a service in the church. Interment will be at Odd Fellows Cemetery, and a celebration of John’s life will be held in St. John’s Fellowship Hall immediately following the interment.

In lieu of flowers, and in appreciation for a group loved by John, donations should be made to WPS (Widow Person Services), 100 Meadow Drive, Seaford, DE 19973.

Arrangements by Watson-Yates Funeral Home Inc. of Seaford.