Kent County, Delaware Obituary Collection (Obits and death notices from Various Funeral Homes in Kent County, Delaware.
Many obituaries from Camden, Dover, Smyrna, and surrounding area.
DOVER - Trudy R. Ruehrmund of Dover died of breast cancer Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1998, in her home. She was 69.
Mrs. Ruehrmund was born April 5, 1929, in Jersey City, N.J., the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Rienzi.
She graduated from Ferris High School in 1944 and studied voice with Leonard Rudke in New York City.
Mrs. Ruehrmund then sang with James Morielli and the NBC Orchestra in New York. She also had worked as a secretary for the Baker Chocolate Co. in Hoboken, N.J., where she met her late husband, Max E. Ruehrmund Jr.
She was very active in local theater organizations. She served as the president and member of the board of the Community Singers and acted in and directed numerous productions, including 'Oklahoma!,' 'Carousel,' 'Mame,' 'Fiddler on the Roof,' 'Destry Rides Again,' 'Show Boat,' 'The Wizard of Oz,' 'Cinderella,' 'On Golden Pond' and 'The Shadow Box.' She also was involved with the Patchwork Playhouse and the Children's Theatre.
Mrs. Ruehrmund was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Dover and had served on the board of the Women of Christ Church and on the Altar Guild, and was a member of the choir for over 33 years.
She loved her family, friends and music, and was an inspiration to all.
She is survived by a son, Max E. Ruehrmund III of Chestertown, Md.; two daughters, Kim R. Ferrell of Henderson, Md., and Erika L. Paradee of Dover; a sister, Margaret Cackowski of Philadelphia; and six grandchildren, Betsy, Lindsay, Olivia, Max, Marissa and Cassandra.
Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Christ Episcopal Church, State and Water streets, Dover.
Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. today at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford St., Dover.
Burial will be in Christ Churchyard, Dover.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made for a vocal student scholarship at the University of Delaware and sent to: University of Delaware, Office of Development, Academy Building, Newark, DE 19716, in memory of Gertrude Ruehrmund.
A. Marie Williams, 73
DOVER - A. Marie Williams of Dover died Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1998, in Westminster Village Health Center, Dover. She was 73.
Mrs. Williams had worked as a laboratory technician for the Delaware Department of Agriculture, retiring in 1990.
She was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9962 Ladies Auxiliary, Dover, where she held many offices.
Mrs. Williams enjoyed gardening, doing needlework and spending time with her great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy F. Williams, in 1988.
She is survived by her mother, Clara Cox of Dover; two daughters and a son-in-law, Connie and Wayne Stultz and Sheila R. Williams, all of Dover; a sister, Ruth Clampitt of Smyrna; a sister-in-law, Ruth Malone of Linglestown, Pa.; two grandchildren and their spouses, Tracey and John Green of Dover and Sean and Kim Stultz of Fayetteville, N.C.; and four great-grandchildren, Taylor Green of Dover and Desiree Stultz, Rebecca Stultz and Robert Stultz, all of Fayetteville.
Service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus St., Dover, where friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Sunday.
Ruth A. Bordenkecher, 70
DECATUR, Ill. - Ruth A. Bordenkecher of Decatur died Friday, Dec. 11, 1998, in St. Mary's Hospital, Decatur. She was 70.
Mrs. Bordenkecher was born May 3, 1928, in Wilmington, Del., the daughter of William and Alfreda (Ruston) Conard. She graduated from Dover High School in 1946, then attended the University of Delaware.
She worked in the laboratory at the former International Latex Corp. until her marriage Nov. 19, 1955, to Charles W. Bordenkecher in Holy Cross Church, Dover.
Mr. and Mrs. Bordenkecher then resided in Indianapolis until 1975, at which time, they moved the family to Decatur. For a brief time, she taught grade school at St. Rita's School in Indianapolis.
Among her many accomplishments, she played high school basketball and was a Red Cross swimmer; she was an avid gardener and a thoughtful friend to many. She was very much a participant in the activities, schools and lives of her children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Lawrence Byron Bordenkecher; and a sister, Shirley Marty.
She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Charles W. Bordenkecher Sr., of Decatur; a son and daughter-in-law, Charles W. Bordenkecher Jr. and Marlene Bordenkecher, both of Decatur; three daughters and three sons-in-law, Nancy and Albert Wheelock, Barbara and David Lehman and Ruth and John Snider, all of Decatur; 11 grandchildren, Lillie Bordenkecher, Ruthie Wheelock, Madalyn Wheelock, Albert Wheelock Jr., Amanda Bordenkecher, Andrew Bordenkecher, Catherine Lehman, Jeremy Lehman, Ryan Morrow, Hannah Snider and Justin Snider, all of Decatur; six step-grandchildren; a great-grandchild, Addie Marie Haney; and six step-great-grandchildren.
Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday in St. Patrick Catholic Church, Decatur.
Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. today in J.J. Moran & Sons Funeral Home, Decatur, following a 4:45 p.m. vigil prayer service.
Burial will be in Northfork Cemetery.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Visiting Nurses Association.
Dillon James Hegman
SMYRNA - Dillon James Hegman of Smyrna died shortly after his birth Thursday, Dec. 10, 1998, in Christiana Hospital, Newark.
He is survived by his parents, Rodney and Lori Hegman of Smyrna; his twin brother, Austin Tyler Hegman of Smyrna; a half-sister, Adrienna Hegman of Little Creek; his maternal grandmother, Sandy Carty of Townsend; his paternal grandmother, Helen Hegman of Little Creek; and his maternal great-grandparents, Helen and Sam Austin of Townsend.
Service and burial will be private.
Arrangements by the Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, Middletown.
Harrington William Robinson Sr., 86
HURLOCK, Md. - Harrington William Robinson Sr. of Hurlock, died, after a long illness, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1998, in Chesapeake Woods Center, Cambridge. He was 86.
Mr. Robinson was born in 1912 in Dorchester County, the son of the late Houston and Martha Robinson.
He received his education in Dorchester County public schools.
Mr. Robinson worked at the Acme Market Cannery for over 30 years.
He always had a winning smile and encouraging words for others.
Mr. Robinson had been a very active member of the Hurlock United Methodist Church for most of his adult life. He was a faithful and dedicated lay speaker until his health failed. He also served on the Building Committee.
He was preceded in death by a stepson, whom he raised, Edward Dotson, earlier this year; and by a sister, Lula Wongus.
He is survived by his wife, whom he married in March 1950, Rosalie Dotson Robinson; a son, Harrington Robinson Jr. of Denton; two daughters, Beverly Robinson of Hurlock and Geraldine Cannon of Laurel, Del.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Hurlock United Methodist Church, where the Rev. David Lee is pastor.
Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the church.
Burial will be in Washington Cemetery, Hurlock.
Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Hurlock.
John W. 'Jack' Thompson, 83
CHESTERTOWN, Md. - John W. 'Jack' Thompson of Chestertown, died of heart failure Friday, Dec. 11, 1998, in the Kent & Queen Anne's Hospital, Chestertown. He was 83.
Mr. Thompson was born in Rock Hall, the son of the late John M. and Mary C. Thompson.
He spent his formative years in Rock Hall and was a graduate of Rock Hall High School.
Mr. Thompson enjoyed the farm life in his early years, farming for many years. After leaving the farm, he went to work for Holiday & Jones Gulf Oil Co. in Chestertown, where he drove a delivery truck, retiring in 1981. Upon retiring, he enjoyed his gardening.
Being family-oriented, he enjoyed being with his family and participating in family activities. He was happiest when he was with his wife and children and his grandchildren. He also enjoyed life and being with his friends. He was well-known in all of Kent County, particularly at this time of year, as he would dress as Santa Claus and visit the hospital patients, area banks, the senior citizens and a host of others, bringing joy and smiles to all those lives he touched.
Mr. Thompson had been active in the Wesley Chapel Church in Rock Hall, the Senior Citizens Organization and the Rock Hall Planning Group.
He was preceded in death by a brother, J. Merritt Thompson, in 1977.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Katharine of Chestertown; two daughters, Joan Plummer, and her husband, Tommy, of Worton and Mary K. Spray of Chestertown; two sons, James W. Thompson, and his wife, Helen, and William M. Thompson, all of Chestertown; a brother, William Thompson of California; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at the Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown.
Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. tonight at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Chester Cemetery, Chestertown.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in his name to the Kent Agricultural Center, P.O. Box 386, Chestertown, MD 21620.
Priscilla Caldwell, 80
WYOMING - Priscilla Caldwell fell asleep to the Lord, Friday, Dec. 11, 1998, in Bayhealth Medical Center-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 80.
Mrs. Caldwell was born Sept. 19, 1918, daughter of the late Edward and Mary Goldsborough in Wyoming.
She received her education at Paul Lawrence Dunbar School in Camden.
She worked as a domestic technician for 71 years.
She was united in holy matrimony to Mr. Allan Thomas Caldwell on Sept. 19, 1940, where they remained faithfully together until his passing on Jan. 23, 1985.
Mrs. Caldwell served in the community as a Republican chairwoman for the 32nd District in the 1970s, she was a volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the American Cancer Society.
She was a dedicated member of Zion A.M.E. Church since 1929. She served as a Sunday School teacher, missionary vice president, trustee steward, president of willing workers, and a member of local area and conference branch missionaries.
She is survived by a daughter, L. Lorraine Harris of Dover; a son-in-law, William Harris Jr.; two granddaughters, Donna Mason of Dover and Tina Harris of Fredericksburg, Va; one grandson-in-law, Robert Mason III; one great-granddaughter, Amani Mason; two sisters, Florence Goldsborough of Dover and Ella Bordley of Camden; a brother, Fred Goldsborough of Delaware City; a sister-in-law, Virginia Goldsborough of Wyoming; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Going home service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, Dover, where friends may call two hours prior to service. Friends may also call from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Zion A.M.E. Church in Camden.
Burial will be in Whatcoat Cemetery, Dover.
Arrangements by Benny Smith Funeral Home, Dover.
Stephen John Bell, 26
FELTON - Stephen John Bell of Felton, died in the early morning of Thursday, Dec. 10, 1998, as the result of injuries suffered in an automobile accident. He was 26.
Mr. Bell was born in Finland, Ohio, the son of John Bell of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Marilyn Pinks of Winter Haven, Fla.
He worked as a carpenter. He loved to make things with his hands. He also loved to help his wife do house work.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Brenda, of Felton; a stepdaughter, Whitney, of Felton; a brother, Nathan Bell, of Winter Haven; and a nephew, Nathan Bell, also of Winter Haven.
Service will be 1 p.m. today at the Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington, with the Rev. Ken Huffman officiating.
Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be in Hollywood Cemetery, Houston.
Rocco J. DiGioacchino, M.D., 61
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. - Rocco J. DiGioacchino, M.D., of Bridgeport, died following several months' illness, Saturday, Dec. 12, 1998, at the home of his sister, Anna T. McConnell, in Pennsville, N.J. He was 61.
Dr. DiGioacchino was born and raised in Penns Grove, N.J., the son of the late Rocco J. DiGioacchino Sr. and Aminta M. DiTommaso DiGioacchino.
He had been a resident of Clarksburg for the past 12 years, and had been living with his sister for the past two weeks.
Dr. DiGioacchino was a graduate of St. James High School, Penns Grove, N.J. He then studied at La Salle College (now University), Philadelphia, receiving a bachelor of science degree in 1959. He then went on to graduate studies at Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pa. Thereafter, he went to the University of Bologna in Bologna, Italy, to earn his doctorate in medicine. He performed his residency at the Wilmington Medical Center, Wilmington, Del., now Wilmington Hospital of Christiana Care.
During the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps.
He formerly worked on the staff of the Beebe Hospital, Lewes, Del., in the radiology department. For the past 12 years, he worked in the radiology department of the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Clarksburg.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lisabetta DiGioacchino.
He is survived by his wife, Nelda F. Young DiGioacchino of Bridgeport; two sons, George R. DiGioacchino of Alameda, Calif., and Rocco C. DiGioacchino of San Mateo, Calif.; a daughter, Nicole H. DiGioacchino of Lewes; four sisters, Madeline O'Connor of Newark, Del., Josephine Lopes and Anna T. McConnell, both of Pennsville, N.J., and Theresa Panunto of New Castle, Del.; and a granddaughter, Caroline M. DiGioacchino of San Mateo.
Mass of Christian burial will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Queen of the Apostles Roman Catholic Church, South Broadway, Pennsville, where friends may call one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be private.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Hospice of Salem County, 390 N. Broadway, Pennsville, NJ 08070.
Arrangements by Lougherty Funeral Home, One N. Broadway, Pennsville.
Evelyn F. McDowell, 70
BRIDGEVILLE - Evelyn F. McDowell of Bridgeville, died Saturday, Dec. 12, 1998, in Bayhealth Medical Center, Milford. She was 70.
Mrs. McDowell was born Jan. 10, 1928, daughter of the late J. Frank and Florence Marvil Willoughby.
She graduated from Bridgeville Consolidated School in 1946.
She owned and operated McDowell's Market in Bridgeville for 44 years with her husband, retiring in Dec. 30, 1992.
Mrs. McDowell enjoyed family genealogy and making scrapbooks.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Marion C. Monk McDowell; a daughter, Judy M. Derrickson and son-in-law, Dennis B. Derrickson of Bridgeville; two sisters, Anna R. McDowell of Greenwood and Virmadel McAllister of Laurel; two brothers, William E. Willoughby of Greenwood and Ormond L. Willoughby of Bridgeville; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Service will be 1 p.m., Tuesday at Hardesty Funeral Home, 202 Laws St., Bridgeville, where friends may call one hour prior to service.
