Obituaries
Joseph E. Clough, 88
Joseph E. Clough, 88, of Ocean View, Del., passed away Monday, April 15, 2013, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Del. He was born in Wilmington, Del., on Aug. 31, 1924, son of the late Edgar Thomas and Anna Mae (Garvey) Clough.
Clough grew up and raised his family in Wilmington. He enjoyed a lifelong membership of Defiance A.A. in Wilmington, where he enjoyed putting on several shows to raise money for charity. Clough retired to Ocean View 26 years ago and enjoyed putting his golf game in full time. He loved to golf, watch golf, talk about golf and run benefit golf tournaments.
Cough was a parishioner of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Bethany Beach, Del., and the VFW Post 7447 in Rehoboth Beach, Del., where he loved to hang out with the boys. Clough will be remembered for his great singing voice and his way of entertaining a group like no other. He was known as devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and dear friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Clough was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Ruth E. Clough, who passed away exactly one month earlier, on March 15, 2013, and his brother, William T. Clough. He is survived by his two daughters and their husbands, Karen and George Marshall of Ocean View and Constance VanOrmer and Richard of Wilmington; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A celebration of the Cloughs’ lives was to be held at a later date. Arrangements were being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Clarksville Chapel, in Ocean View, Del. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Post 7447; 101 State Rd.; Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Condolences may be sent online at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
Milton G. Eisenhardt, 82
Milton G. Eisenhardt, 82, of Millsboro, Del., formerly of Baltimore City, Md., passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, April 19, 2013.
Eisenhardt was born in Baltimore on Oct. 26, 1930, son of the late Milton G. and Mary (Salvador) Eisenhardt. He was an auto mechanic there, retiring in 1997 after 20 years of service. In his spare time, Eisenhardt enjoyed building and flying model airplanes and was a member of the Lewes R/C Club.
In addition to his parents, Eisenhardt was also preceded in death by a grandson. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Elaine E. (Fefel) Eisenhardt; two sons and their wives, Wayne and Patricia Eisenhardt of South Carolina and Bryan and Sandra Eisenhardt of Wiesbaden, Germany; a brother, Louis Eisenhardt and his wife, Virginia, of Pennsylvania; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Services and burial were to be private. Arrangements were by the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services in Delaware. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
Edward Laurence Kieffer, 75
Edward Laurence Kieffer, 75, of Lewes, Del., passed away peacefully Monday, April 8, 2013, at Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa. He was born Nov. 12, 1937, in Lewes, Del., son of the late Edward and Mildred (Buchanan) Kieffer.
Kieffer worked a lifelong career as a manufacturer’s representative, serving various territories along the East Coast and Midwest. Those who knew and loved him remember his voracious appetite for reading, joy in telling stories, passion for cooking and sharp intellect. Kieffer loved sports, especially football, and cherished his early days as a lifeguard on the beach at Sussex Shores in Delaware.
He was strong in body and character, with a booming voice and a bear-like hug. Above all, he was known as a good man and true gentleman who touched many with his kindness and grace. Kieffer is one who truly left this world better than he found it.
In addition to his parents, Kieffer was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 33 years, Connie (Plog) Kieffer, in December of 2012, and a daughter, Kathlene Davis, in August of 2012. He is survived by a daughter, Kimberly Brown and her husband, Robert, of Hummelstown, Pa.; his son, Jason Welch and his wife, Amy, of Concord, Ca.; and his five grandchildren, Allison and Katie Brown, Jaxon and Logan Welch, and Bailey Davis.
A private family burial at sea was planned; but friends are being invited to post their memories and thoughts of Kieffer on his memorial Web page at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com. These memories will be incorporated into his service to further celebrate his life well lived. Arrangements were being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes, Del. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society; P.O. Box 163; Salisbury, MD 2180.
Evelyn Knight, 80
Evelyn Knight, 80, of Millsboro, Del., passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at the age of 80.
Knight was born on May 9, 1932, in West Chester, Pa., to the late Warren M. and Thelma Voss Rowe. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Jerl Knight, in 2004, and brother-in-law, Kester Knight.
She is survived by her in-laws and their spouses, Patty Phillips, Jimmy and Catherine Knight, Leroy and Pat Knight, Henry and Sue Knight, Stanley Knight, and Peggy and Dean Hoxworth; a special friend, Kathy Aquilla; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
A funeral service was scheduled for April 20, 2013, at Watson Funeral Home in Millsboro, Del., officiated by the Rev. Robert Hudson. Burial was to be private. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.
Evelyn R. Langrall, 91
Evelyn R. Langrall, 91, of Millsboro, Del., passed away Sunday, April 21, 2013, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Del.
Langrall was born in Gumboro, daughter of the late, Thomas and Elizabeth (Wells) Moore. She sold Stanly Home Products for several years.
She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Herman Rogers, in 1943, and second husband, the Rev. James Langrall, in 2004; her brothers, Howard and Harley Moore; and sisters, Edna Tull and Hazel Bunting.
Langrall is survived by her son, Herman Rogers and his wife, Josephine; grandson, Michael Herman Rogers and his wife, Laura; and great-grandson, Henry Michael Rogers.
Evelyn M. Dunbar, 87
Evelyn M. Dunbar of Millsboro, Del., passed away Friday, April 5, 2013. She was 87 years old.
Dunbar worked in retail sales for various stores in the area. She was a member of the Millsboro VFW Post 7422 and loved playing bingo. She was remembered as a loving mother and grandmother who had a good heart and was a hard worker.
In addition to her parents, Dunbar was also preceded in death by five children, Melvin, Bill, Eugene, Cheryl and Nina; a sister, Lois; a brother, Otto; and one great-great-grandchild. She is survived by a daughter, Mary Williams and her husband, Robert, of Millsboro; four brothers, Don Crumb of West Virginia, Lester Crumb of Pennsylvania, Richie Crumb of Arizona and Wilbur Crumb of New York; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2013, at Carey’s Cemetery in Millsboro, Del., with the Rev. Denny Crumb officiating. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.
Alice K. Ellis, 91
Alice K. Ellis, 91, of Millsboro, Del., passed away peacefully on Friday, April 5, 2013, at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, Del., with her loving family by her side. Ellis was born May 16, 1921, in St. John, Thibodaux, La., daughter of the late Andrew and Adeline Schexnayder Keller.
Ellis grew up in Louisiana before moving to Millsboro in 1944. Prior to joining the Women’s Army Corps, she attended the Chevalier Beauty School in New Orleans. She honorably served in the U.S. Army during World War II, which is when she met her husband, Gordon, at Camp Edwards in Massachusetts.
Ellis was a member of VFW Post 7234 in Ocean View, Del., American Legion Post 28 in Millsboro and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Georgetown, Del. Ellis loved traveling with her husband to Spain, Paris and Africa, but most of all, traveling home to Louisiana every year. She cherished her Southern heritage and family. She enjoyed dancing, reading, laughing and enjoying life to the fullest.
In addition to her parents, Ellis was also preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Gordon Ellis, and her three siblings who resided in Louisiana. She is survived by her two daughters, Susan McNatt and her husband, Jerry, and Sharon Montague, all of Millsboro; two granddaughters, Pamela Montague of Lewes, Del., and her significant other, John Peters, and Amy Russell and her husband, Kirk, of Salisbury, Md.; and great-grandchildren David, Anjaliece and Clayton.
The family acknowledged and offered gratitude to the staff of the Delaware Veterans Home, especially those who welcomed her as the first lady to reside there in 2007, and treated her with such dignity and respect to her last days, as a part of their family. Additionally, the family thanked Delaware Hospice for their concern of her care and needs.
A Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled for April 16, 2013, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Georgetown, Del., with interment with military honors at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, Del. Arrangements were being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium in Lewes. Memorial contributions may be made to Home of the Brave Foundation (Women Warriors Reintegration Program); 6632 Sharps Road; Milford, DE 19963. Condolences may be sent online at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
Kenneth O. Grinnell, 63
Kenneth O. Grinnell, 63, of Millsboro, Del., formerly of Harford County, Md., passed away on Monday, April 8, 2013, surrounded by his loving family, at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del., as the result of an automobile accident.
Grinnell was born Nov. 14, 1949, in Wytheville, Va., son of the late Harold and Nellie Mae (Windle) Grinnell. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served in the United States Army. Grinnell retired in 2000 from work as a truck driver for Super Fresh with the Local Trucker’s Union #355 in Baltimore, Md. He then worked for a short time for Mountaire as a truck driver in Millsboro after moving to Delaware. Grinnell loved being a truck driver and traveling throughout the United States and also enjoyed watching NASCAR and spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, Grinnell was also preceded in death by a brother, Joseph L. Grinnell, and sister, Donna M. Grinnell. He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Katherine E. (Wood) Grinnell; a daughter, Carol Hastings and her husband, David, of Harford County, Md.; a sister, Phyllis M. Evans of Harford County, Md.; stepson, Gerald Gayleard of Millsboro; two grandchildren, Jennifer Rose Hastings and David Wayne “D.J.” Hastings Jr., both of Harford County, Md.; two step-granddaughters, Tara Gayleard of Essex, Md., and Kristin Gayleard of Millsboro; two nieces, Amanda and Amy Evans, and a nephew, Alex Evans, all of Harford County, Md.
A memorial service was to be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2013, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, Del., where friends and family may call after 1 p.m. Interment was to be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to the American Lung Association of Delaware; 630 Churchmans Rd., Suite 202; Newark, DE 19702. Online condolences may be sent at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
Ruth T. Hazzard, 94
Ruth T. Hazzard, 94, of Selbyville, Del., passed away Thursday, April 11, 2013, at Berlin Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Md. She was born in Bishopville, Md., daughter of the late Josiah E. and Frances (Bunting) Timmons.
Hazzard had owned and operated the Seabonay Motel in Ocean City, Md., for 25 years. Previously, she had been a secretary for the former L&M Distributors in Selbyville. She was a graduate of Strayers Business School in Philadelphia, a member of Atlantic United Methodist Church in Ocean City and an avid bridge player.
Hazzard was preceded in death by her husband, Davis G. Hazard, in 1996; a brother, Elton J. Timmons; and a sister, Pauline T. Johnson. Her brother George L. Timmons died the day after she did. She is survived by a son, James W. Latchum and his wife, Kim, of Bishopville, Md.; a daughter, Elaine Paddy and her husband, Roland, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; a brother, Josiah E. Timmons of Bishopville; five grandchildren and their spouses, Jay and Patty Latchum, Jamey and Tiffany Latchum, Ryan and Casey Savage, Stacey Cipollaro, and Michele and Tony Refosco; and five great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was scheduled for April 15, 2013, at Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville, Del., with the Rev. George Godfrey officiating. Interment was to be in Sunset Memorial Park in Berlin, Md. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963, or to Atlantic United Methodist Church; P.O. Box 88; Ocean City, MD 21842. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hastingsfuneralhome.net.
Annette Emily Holston, 34
Annette Emily Holston, 34, of Milton, Del., passed away in the loving care of her family on Monday, April 15, 2013, at home. She was born in Milford, Del., on Dec. 31, 1978, daughter of Ralph W. Holston Jr. and Tanya Mitchell Holston.
Holston was known as a very caring person who loved the Lord with all her heart, and had a special way with, cared for and nurtured children. She was talented at making balloon animals and catered to the kids at church. She was active in Sunday School and made sure at all holidays that she had gift bags so that each child received a gift. Holston loved her job as a greeter at Walmart, where she worked for nine years, and loved helping people find the things they needed. She loved collecting things and was a very structured and decisive person. In spite of a long illness, she never complained. She was a member of The Journey, a Wesleyan Church in Millsboro, Del.
Holston was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Ralph W. Holston Sr. and Sallie Ruby Holston; maternal grandfather, Joshua B. Mitchell; and her cousin, Sabrina L. Rickards. In addition to her parents, Holston is survived by her sister, Natalie Ann Holston Cullen and her husband, J.P., of Laurel, Del.; her maternal grandmother, Elsie Mitchell; nieces Sarah and Rebekah Cullen; a nephew, Isaac Cullen; her dear friend Susan Schwartz; and many extended family members and friends.
A viewing was to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2013, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington Street, Millsboro, Del. Friends may also call on Saturday, April 20, 2013, from noon to 1 p.m., with the funeral beginning at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Millsboro Cemetery. The Revs. Wesley McCallum and Marilyn Searcey were to officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial donations to Christiana Care Visiting Nursing Assoc.; 2116 S. DuPont Hwy, Suite #3; Camden, DE 19934, or to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963; or to The Journey Millsboro Wesleyan Church; P.O. Box 371; Millsboro, DE 19966, or to Mardela Springs Wesleyan Church; 501 Rail
William Edward ‘Bill’ Kardash Jr., 68
William Edward “Bill” Kardash Jr., 68, of Dagsboro, Del., passed away Saturday, April 13, 2013, after a long battle with cancer.
Kardash was born to the late William and Mary Kardash on March 5, 1945, in Troy, N.Y. He graduated from Niskayuna High School in 1962, earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Clarkson University in 1967 and received master’s degree in education from Towson University in 1976.
Kardash joined the military in 1967, serving as an Army Ranger in the 82nd Airborne. He served with honor and valor in the Vietnam War, receiving the Bronze Star. Afterward, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a special agent, where he worked until retiring in 1997. He then worked as an engineering consultant until 2000.
Kardash married his wife, Carol, in 1966, and they lived in many places, as required by the Army and the FBI, before settling in Burke, Va., where they lived for 22 years. They relocated to Dagsboro in 2000. Kardash was an avid boater and fisherman. He was also known for his ability to fix anything and his willingness to use this skill to help his family, friends and neighbors. He was a member of Saint Ann’s Catholic Church, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Board of Bay Colony Marina.
Kardash is survived by his wife, Carol; two children, Christine Kardash of Arlington, Va., and Michael Kardash of Haymarket, Va.; three sisters, Anna Miles-Reich of Summerfield, Fla., Pauline Battaglia of Rotterdam, N.Y., and Janet Chepulis of Lake Nancy, N.Y.; a daughter-in-law, Rebecca Kardash; and three grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial was to be celebrated on Friday, April 19, 2013, at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 35318 Church Road, Frankford, Del., where a visitation will begin at noon. Interment was to be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, Del.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to Millville Volunteer Fire Company; P.O. Box 64; Millville, DE 19967, or to Peninsula Regional Medical Center; 100 East Carroll St.; Salisbury, MD 21801. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
Patrick Michael Knight, 37
Patrick Michael Knight, 37, of Selbyville, Del., passed away Friday, April 12, 2013, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, Md. He was born in Wilmington, Del.
Knight had been a songwriter and singer for many years.
Knight is survived by his father, Richard Knight of Wilmington; his mother, Karen A. (Phillips) Knight of Selbyville; a brother, Phillip Knight of Berlin, Md.; a sister, Jennifer Robinson of New Castle, Del.; his maternal grandmother, Jerry Phillips of Selbyville; and his nieces and nephews Kevin, Kaylynn, Marly, Mercedez and LaBella.
A funeral service was scheduled for April 17, 2013, at Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville, Del., where friends may call an hour before the service. Interment was to be in Roxana Cemetery. A memorial service was to be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2013, at Brandywine Valley Funeral Care, 412 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, Del., where friends may call beginning at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ocean City Surfrider Foundation; P.O. Box 3342; Ocean City, MD 21843, or to St. Matthews By-The-Sea United Methodist Church; 1000 Coastal Hwy.; Fenwick Island, DE 19944. Condolences may be sent online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.net.
Deborah Lynn Reilly, 47
Deborah Lynn Reilly, 47, of Delray Beach, Fla., and Bethany Beach, Del., passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Delray Beach, due to complications caused by pancreatic cancer.
She was born Nov. 16, 1965, to Robert W. Reilly and the late Carol K. Reilly in Annapolis, Md.
Reilly graduated from Severn School in Glen Burnie, Md. in 1983. She earned a business administration degree from the University of Delaware in 1987 and became a successful entrepreneur, who owned and operated businesses in Palm Beach County, Fla., and Sussex County, Del. Most recently in Florida, she was general manager of Pineapple Podiatry LLC, a private medical practice, with her sister, Elizabeth Reilly, DPM. Reilly also owned the Key West-inspired office building where the medical office is located.
Before moving to south Florida, her Bethany Beach business interests were varied and successful, including her Shore Fun Amusement Center. After the untimely passing of her mother, Carol, in 2004, the Reilly family members moved to Florida, and the Amusement Center became Arnie’s Arcade. The move to Florida meant the sale of the commercial building (that now holds Bethany Blues restaurant), including her sister’s podiatric medical facility.
Before Mango’s restaurant was constructed on the boardwalk, Reilly and her sister operated the Holiday House restaurant, also known as Bethany’s, for its final year. She was general manager of Peninsula Foot and Ankle Center, P.A., from 1997 to 2004, which operated offices in Bethany Beach, and in Berlin and Salisbury, Md. From youthful customers at her arcade to senior citizens at her medical offices, those in contact with Reilly walked away with smiles on their faces.
Reilly’s political career became a piece of Bethany folklore. When she ran for Bethany Beach Town Council, few insiders thought she would actually win the 1998 council race. In previous council meetings, she was admonished to run for election if she thought she could do a better and more efficient job. Aided by her family and others, she took the challenge, mailed letters, pounded on doors and ran as a businessperson and “fiscal conservative practitioner.” She beat the odds, and her winning was even reported in the State Briefs section of USA Today. Reilly aimed to be an active and compassionate member of the town council with the town’s best interests at heart.
Reilly was known as a happy, cheerful, sensitive and approachable person whom people instinctively trusted. The loves of her life were her niece, her sister, her mom and her dad. She loved traveling and taking her niece, Reilly Arena, to New York City for acting and voice lessons and Broadway shows. The emphasis on a well-rounded education was a family tradition perpetuated by Reilly’s mother, who was an educator. Reilly was also blessed with an exceptional memory, with an unusual ability to remember personal and work details, both great and small, even dinner orders for large parties of people.
Reilly truly loved Bethany Beach and Delray Beach equally and was involved in civic and charitable organizations in both towns. On the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors, she served as board secretary from 1997 to 2002. She was on the Town of Bethany Beach Parking and Budget committees. Reilly was also a major contributor to the Christmas Toy Drive in Bethany and participated in healthcare screenings and seminars at numerous local health fairs and conferences.
In Delray Beach, Reilly was a Pineapple Grove Main Street board member; was local co-chair for the Delray Beach Share Your Soles Christmas Shoe Drive; and received 2004 “Volunteer of the Year” award for her Christmas Program and support of the Caring Kitchen for to needy families.
For many years, she helped organize the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral. In Ocean City, Md., Reilly was a marketing and project manager for East Coast Promotion & Research Group and Ocean City Advertising Agency. In Florida, she held a real estate license; owned the Polished pedi-spa; was retail consultant for Williams Sonoma, Talbot’s and Nordstrom; and was customer service consultant for the U.S. Census Bureau, Palm Beach County and the City of Boynton Beach.
Reilly was preceded in death by her mother, Carol, in 2004. She is survived by family in Delray Beach, including her father, Robert; sister, Elizabeth, and niece, Reilly Arena. Lifelong friend Judy Labashosky of Unionville, Pa., and fiancé, Paul Jankovic of Bethany Beach and Boca Raton, Fla., also survive her. Reilly was a true animal lover, helping many rescue cats to find good homes. She will be missed by her dog and cat, Herbie and Ty-Ty.
Reilly’s battle with pancreatic cancer lasted about 18 months. She spent more than a year near Stanford Medical Center, Calif., for treatment and medical trials. In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Viewing and burial were private, in Delray Beach, Fla.
Hazel M. Robinson, 93
Hazel M. Robinson, 93, of Bishopville, Md., passed away Sunday, April 7, 2013, at Berlin Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Berlin, Md. She was born in Bishopville, daughter of the late Ollie Lee and Addie (Murray) Hall.
Robinson was a homemaker and a retired poultry farmer. She enjoyed the outdoors, being with her family and friends, her daily walks and horseracing. She loved being with her children and grandchildren at the Sunday family gatherings. She attended Friendship United Methodist Church in Berlin.
Robinson was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Francis Robinson, and a son, Raymond I. Robinson. She is survived by a son, Gary E. Robinson, and two daughters, Joan R. Davis and Margaret E. Hammond, all of Bishopville; eight grandchildren, Harry Hammond Jr., Teresa Willey, Brooks and Patty Gray, Wendy Pettit, Heather Parson, Casey and Raymond Robinson Jr.; and eight great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was scheduled for April 11, 2013, at Redmen’s Cemetery in Selbyville, Del. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Showell Vol. Fire Dept.;11620 Worcester Hwy.; Showell, MD 21862, or to Friendship United Methodist Church, c/o Lou Taylor; 12329 Vivian St.; Bishopville, MD 21813. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hastingsfuneralhome.net.
Pete E. Rendina, 79
Pete E. Rendina, 79, of Selbyville, Del., and Venice, Fla., and formerly of northeast Philadelphia, Pa., passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2013, with his beloved wife and son by his side. Born in Masontown, Pa., he was the son of the late Riccardo and Rose (Eppolito) Rendina.
Rendina had been a truck driver for the Oscar Meyer Company prior to his retirement. He was a member of the Marine Corps League, First State Detachment, and during the Korean War, he joined the Marine Corps in Philadelphia and saw combat with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines.
Redina was a member of the Olde Tymers Softball League and had been a player/manager with the Delaware Diamonds.
He was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church in Ocean City, Md., and had been active in youth sports and high-school sports at Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia, touching the lives of hundreds of young people.
Rendina is survived by his wife, Barbara M. (Scherer) Rendina; three children, Peter R. Rendina and his wife, Rebecca, Kathryn Rolle and her husband, Walt, and Geraldine Nielson and her husband, Terry; seven grandchildren, Tyler, Tessa and Tayah Rendina, Stephanie Johnson, Walter Rolle, Holly Rosten and Eric Nielson; two sisters, Theresa Childs and Julia DiLella; and many beloved family members.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 19, 2013, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, Ocean City, Md., where friends may call after 10 a.m. Interment with Marine Corps Honors was to be at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, Del. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Marine Corps League, First State Detachment; P.O. Box 434; Ocean View, DE 19970. Arrangements were by Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville, through which condolences may be sent online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.net.
Debbie A. Eaton, 38
Debbie A. Eaton, of Georgetown, Del., passed away on Friday, April 5, 2013. She was 38 years old.
Eaton is survived by her husband of nine years, David Eaton of Georgetown; her father, Reuben Franklin Sr., and his wife, Vicki, of Frankford, Del.; her mother, Sarah Tribbett and her husband, James, of Laurel, Del.; three children, Brittany A. Jefferson, Bryant Weathers and Tyler Franklin, all at home; two brothers, John Short Jr. and Reuben Franklin Jr.; two sisters, Toni Townsend and Reba Franklin; a mother-in-law, Ann Taylor; a father-in-law, Donald Eaton and his wife, Sue; a brother-in-law, John Eaton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A funeral service was scheduled for April 10, 2013, at Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro, Del., with interment at St. John’s United Methodist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested donations to the Delaware SPCA; 22918 DuPont Blvd.; Georgetown, DE 19947. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.
Ernest M. ‘Ernie’ Fair, 67
Ernest M. “Ernie” Fair, 67, of Rehoboth Beach, Del., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at Christiana Care, Newark. He was born Jan. 8, 1946, in Baltimore, Md., son of the late Albert and Rose (Price) Fair.
Fair was a 1964 graduate of Dundalk High School in Maryland and was soon drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served proudly during the Vietnam War. Fair worked briefly with Bethlehem Steel in Dundalk before attending the Police Academy in Baltimore County. Upon completion at the academy, he began a lifelong career in law enforcement with the Baltimore County Police Department. Most of his career had been with the SWAT team, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Fair loved computers and learning anything new in the world of computers. He was always among the first to own the latest and greatest products on the market. He and his wife would travel cross-country to one of his favorite historical sites, Yellowstone National Park.
Fair loved Shelties, especially his companion “Chaps.” Another favorite pastime was spending time with his best friends Bill, Charlie and Gary, talking over a pot of fresh-brewed coffee. The conversation often came full circle to computers, which Fair always enjoyed discussing. He will be remembered as a loving husband, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.
Fair is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carolyn (Myers) Fair; two cousins who were like brothers, Dale Price and his wife, Kathleen, of Carroll County, Md., and Gary Price of Towson, Md.; two brothers-in-law, Steven Myers of Catonsville, Md., and David Myers and his wife, Barbara, of Catonsville, Md.; three nieces and their husbands, Lisa Myers-Stamp and her husband, Clay, Amy Morse and her husband, Scott, and Jennifer Bates and her husband, Kyle; one nephew, Michael Myers and his wife, Shelley; numerous grandnieces and grandnephews; and his beloved Sheltie, Chaps.
Services were to be announced at a later date. Arrangements were by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium in Lewes, Del. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital; 501 St. Jude Place; Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences may be sent online at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
Christine Derrickson Griffin, 91
Christine Derrickson Griffin passed away peacefully on April 3, 2013, at the age of 91, at Manor Care in Wilmington, Del.
Born Aug. 10, 1921, Griffin was the daughter of Orlando and Orna Derrickson and grew up in Roxana, Del. She was happily married for 50 years to Alvin Griffin. She is survived by her daughters, Joy Cmorik and Verna Griffin-Tabor; son-in-law Tom Tabor; granddaughter Megan Scantlan; grandson-in-law, Tim Scantlan; granddaughter Chrissy Cmorik; and great-grandson, Eli Scantlan.
In the 1950s, Griffin enjoyed singing on the weekly “Precious Memories” radio show, with the quartet of the same name. She was active in leadership roles with the Eastern Star in the mid-1960s through the early 1970s. She and her husband were very proud of their work in their local Gideons organization, and she provided leadership in her work with widows in the Gideons.
Until becoming ill, she was quite active in the Oak Orchard Community Church. Griffin’s life was guided and driven by her love for the Lord and her family.
Services were scheduled for April 7, 2013, at Watson Funeral Home in Millsboro, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that memorial donations be made to the Center for Community Solutions at www.ccssd.org or to Gideons International at www.gideons.org. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.
Barry Lee Kehler, 65
Barry Lee Kehler, 65, of Frankford, Del., passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at the Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Del.
Kehler was born in Shamokin, Pa. He was part-owner of the La Mirage Beauty Salon in Ocean View, Del., and was a U.S. Navy veteran. Kehler was a member of the East Sussex Moose Lodge #2542 in Roxana, Del., and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Ocean View, Del., and he enjoyed camping.
Kehler is survived by his loving partner of 29 years, Tommie S. Adams; two daughters, Nicole Neary and her husband, Dan, of Coal Township, Pa., and Kelly Ebersole of Paxinos, Pa.; a son, Barry Kehler and his wife, Vanessa, of Shamokin, Pa.; six grandchildren, Kelsey McAndrew of San Diego, Calif., Ty and Gavin Neary of Coal Township, Pa., and Clorissa Troutman, Mason Kehler and Kirstyn Kehler, all of Shamokin, Pa.
Services and burial were to be private. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
Joshua A. ‘Josh’ Messick, 69
Joshua A. ‘Josh’ Messick, 69, of Delmar, Del., and formerly of Millsboro, Del., passed away Saturday, April 6, 2013. Born in Millsboro, he was a son of the late Everett and Clarabel English Messick.
Messick was a graduate of Millsboro High School and Wesley College. He was employed by Bunting Construction as a customer service representative for 23 years, having retired in 2005. He will be remembered as an accomplished jokester, for his unselfish heart and his contagious smile.
In addition to his parents, Messick was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Messick; a brother, Ronald Messick; a sister, Bonita Messick; and a grandson, Jason Messick. Messick is survived by his son, Allan Messick and his wife, Dawn, of Whaleyville, Md.; his daughter, Melissa Potter, of Geneva, N.Y.; a sister, Jane Johnson and her husband, Bob, and a twin brother, Phillip Messick and his wife, Eloise, all of Millsboro; a sister-in-law, Doris Messick of Georgetown, Del.; a brother-in-law Jack Hudson of Hebron, Md.; three grandchildren, one great-grandchild and many nieces, nephews and their families.
A graveside service was scheduled for April 10, 2013, at the Messick Family Cemetery, Phillips Hill Road in Millsboro, Del., with the Rev. James Burton to officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963. Condolences may be sent online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.net.
