Search Archived Marriage Records
Gertrude Cronin McHale, 85
DOVER - Gertrude Cronin McHale of Dover died Monday, Oct. 7, 2002, in Capital Health Center, Dover. She was 85.
Mrs. McHale was born in Massachusetts, daughter of the late Timothy J. and Mary D. Hohman Cronin. She had moved to Dover in 1964.
She had been employed at the Holy Cross School cafeteria for many years until her retirement in the early 1990s.
Mrs. McHale was a longtime active member of the Holy Cross parish. She had been a faithful member of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality and will be remembered by her friends as a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas McHale, in 1998.
She is survived by two children, Richard T. McHale of Dover and Master Sgt. Mary McHale of the U.S. Air Force of Medical Lake, Wash.; two brothers, Ed Cronin of Foxboro, Mass., and Arthur Cronin of Dorchester, Mass.; and two grandchildren, Clint McHale and Chelsey McHale of Arizona.
Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday in Holy Cross Catholic Church, South State Street, Dover.
Burial will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.
Arrangements by Michael J. Ambruso, Funeral Director, Dover.
Richard Marshall Morgan, 84
LINCOLN - Richard Marshall Morgan of Lincoln died Monday, Oct. 7, 2002, in the Milford Center, Genesis Elder Care. He was 84.
Mr. Morgan was born near Lincoln, son of the late Aaron Marshall and Mae (Kirby) Morgan.
He moved to the "Hill Top" farm on Old State Road in Lincoln with his family when he was 9 months old. He lived there and farmed the land all his life, first with his father and then with his son, until becoming disabled in August 2002.
He enjoyed traveling with his family to California, Alaska and New England.
Mr. Morgan received the Governor's Conservation Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Sussex Conservation District in 1995 and the Delaware Department of Agriculture 2000 Century Farm and Historic Structures Award, presented to him in 2000 by the Delaware House of Representatives.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Aaron M. and Nelson Morgan; and three sisters, Nellie Wharton, Loretta Webb and Etta Carey.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Catherine (Halfen) Morgan; two sons, Richard M. Morgan Jr., and his wife, Deborah, and David W. Morgan, and his friend, Sharon, all of Lincoln; a sister, Helen Hudson of Milford; four grandchildren, Daryl, Kyle, Laura and Tiffany; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be 1 p.m. Friday in Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Ave., Milford, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Burial will be in Lincoln Cemetery, Lincoln.
James F. Sanderson, 83
MILFORD - James F. Sanderson of Milford died Monday, Oct. 7, 2002, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. He was 83.
Mr. Sanderson was born Oct. 25, 1918, in Rochester, N.Y. As a young boy, he came to the home of Harry and Cora Prettyman of Slaughter Neck as a foster child.
He was a retired truck driver, having driven for Sun Oil Co., Burris Foods and finally retiring from the city of Milford.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy (Wilson) Sanderson in January 1983; a sister, Clara Willms; a grandson, Ray Miller; and a great-grandson, Christopher Hill.
He is survived by his second wife, Florence (Harrington) Sanderson; a son, James B. Sanderson of Port Charlotte, Fla.; two daughters, Florena Shields of Milford and Jacqueline Folwell of Jennings, Fla.; six grandsons, David and Timothy Helsdon of Lincoln, James Browning of Salisbury, Md., Tony and Chuck Miller of Florida and Matt Sanderson; two granddaughters, Lois Rodriguez of Milford and Lisa Justice of Millsboro; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Friday in Slaughter Neck Methodist Church Cemetery, Argo's Corner, Milford.
Arrangements by Berry-Short Funeral Home, Milford.
George Johnson 'Johnny' Steward, 100
FELTON - George Johnson "Johnny" Steward of Felton died of natural causes Monday, Oct. 7, 2002, in Millsboro Nursing Home, Millsboro. He was 100.
Mr. Steward was born Nov. 3, 1901, in Canterbury, the eldest of Joseph Steward and Nellie Johnson Steward's five children.
He went to school in Felton and the old Caesar Rodney High School for his senior year. Half a credit short of graduating, he went back to Felton the next year to finish high school. After high school, he went to Detroit to study automotive repair.
When he returned to Felton, Mr. Steward bought a repair shop, Steward's Garage, which also operated school buses and tow trucks. He drove those school buses, starting in 1931, until 1977, with 46 years of accident-free driving, logging over half a million miles and driving thousands of pupils in the Lake Forest School District. In his garage, he was known to be able to fix anything, to be very generous and to help out anyone who came to his repair shop.
In 1928 he married Pauline Welch, who died a number of years ago. They had one daughter, Thelma, who died July 31, 2001.
In his spare time, Mr. Steward enjoyed fishing. If he was not fishing from his boat, his friends would invite him to fish with them in their boats. Rumor was, if Johnny Steward was invited to go fishing, they were guaranteed to catch fish. Sometimes, when he felt like fishing during the day, he would immediately close shop and go. Gardening was another favorite activity for him. He maintained a large garden up until he turned 99. Even at that age, he enjoyed working in his garden. His garden was always bountiful and fed not only his family but the whole community.
On his 100th birthday, he was given a surprise birthday party at the Felton Community Fire Hall. With more than 200 friends and family present, he was honored, applauded and given community-wide recognition for his loyalty and devotion to the fire company. In his honor, a new $400,000 pumper was dedicated to him.
Mr. Steward joined the Felton Lodge No. 30, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in the spring of 1923, and remained a member without any interruptions, making him a member for 79 years. Although he had never progressed through the chairs of the lodge, he served in several capacities. For the past 12 years, he was lodge chaplain. He had always been active in the lodge, participating in all the lodge activities, including road cleanup, cutting firewood for sale, picking and cleaning crows' feet for Christmas wreaths and the making and delivery of fruit baskets. These were some of his favorite activities. He also did work on the Odd Fellows Park in Felton. He served on the Lodge Corp. board of directors since its incorporation. He was also a member of the Milford Masonic Lodge and was an advocate of the Shriners Hospital for Children. He belonged to the Junior Order of United American Mechanics of Camden.
Most importantly, he will be remembered for his role in the Felton Community Fire Co., Station 48. He was an avid and visible supporter from the outset, and was one of the first to help organize the Felton Fire Co. in 1939. Not only was he one of the last charter members of Felton, but he held the distinction of being Delaware's oldest firefighter. He was the company's first first assistant chief under Chief W.C. Milbourn, was president for nine years and held many other offices. He worked side by side with other dedicated firemen to enable the company to buy its first fire truck, a 1926 Seagrave, for $600. It was not new when they bought it, but he kept his boots by the side of his bed, a true sign of dedication. If he was working in his shop while the fire whistle blew, he would grab Jimmie Havelow, Bill Lane and anyone else in his shop to help with the fire, and would immediately close the shop. With his background as a mechanic, he helped take care of the company's motorized equipment. He used his skills and gave of his time freely, never expecting compensation. His only issue was that the equipment be ready for whatever came when the whistle blew.
He is survived by a grandson, Gary McWhite, as well as Mr. McWhite's fiancee, Annabelle Almine, both of Millsboro; a sister, Elizabeth Gamble of Charlottesville, Va.; three great-grandchildren, Robert Hannahs-McWhite of Millsboro, Jennifer Hughes of Harrington and Layla Cox of Felton; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. Du Pont Highway, Harrington.
Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home. The Rev. Danny Tice, pastor of the Gumboro Fellowship Church, will officiate.
Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to any of the following: Felton Community Fire Co., P.O. Box 946, Felton, DE 19943; Felton Lodge No. 30, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, c/o Marvin Brown, 5022 Killens Pond Road, Felton, DE 19943; or the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital, 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140.
Essie Selena Dillworth Thomas, 70
FELTON - Essie Selena Dillworth Thomas of Felton died after a long illness Friday, Oct. 4, 2002, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 70.
Ms. Thomas was born July 25, 1932, in York, Ala.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Rosetta Watkins Swinney; and a sister, Annie Johnson, who had lived in Star Hill.
She is survived by a sister, Mary Watkins of Houston, Texas; four brothers and four sisters-in-law, John Henry Thomas and Erline Thomas of Alabama, Mathew and Dorthy Watkins of Felton, Morris and Emily Watkins of Woodside and Eddie and Treasa Watkins of Dover; a goddaughter, Shaniece Harris; two godsons, Carl Simmons Jr. and Leon Simms; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other family and friends.
Services will be noon Saturday in Whole Truth Temple Church, Felton, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Arrangements by Minus Funeral Home.
Charles M. 'Charlie' Wallace Sr., 67
MIDDLETOWN - Charles M. "Charlie" Wallace Sr. of Middletown died Monday, Oct. 7, 2002, near Newark, surrounded by his loving family. He was 67.
Mr. Wallace was born March 13, 1935, in Millington, Md., son of the late William and H. Elizabeth Smith Wallace.
He grew up playing baseball and was nicknamed "Foxxy" as a teen; his mother was a cousin of Baseball Hall of Famer Jimmy Foxx. He was inducted into the Kennett Square (Pa.) Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. He was a cornerstone of the Delaware Semi-Pro Baseball League for more than 30 years, owning a league franchise since 1966. From 1975 through 1982, he co-sponsored Colonial-Wallace team, which won five championships in a row.
He ran a successful Nationwide insurance agency from 1974 until retiring in May 2000. During his career, he had many accomplishments and awards, such as President's Conference, Champion Conference and LUTCF.
Mr. Wallace, an avid golfer and sports enthusiast, was a member of several area golf clubs, Capitol Trail Lions Club and the Wilmington Traffic Club. He was well-known for his generous support of his community and church. He sponsored and supported youth organizations including Capitol Trail Little League, numerous high school booster clubs, Wallace Football Club and soccer teams. He officiated boys soccer for high school and college teams. He was a member of Marshallton United Methodist Church and had taught Sunday school.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Helen Park Wallace; a son and daughter-in-law, Charles M. Wallace Jr. and Cindy Wallace of Havre de Grace, Md.; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Kim and Alex LeBorys of Havre de Grace and Lisa and Neal Lawson of Newark; a brother, William E. Wallace of Grays Lake, Ill.; a sister, Phyllis Kendall of Hacks Point, Md.; and four grandchildren, Julie Emanuel, Charles M. "Chip" Wallace III, Neal Lawson II and Amanda Lawson.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, 118 W. Cross St., Galena, Md.
Services will be 1 p.m. Friday in the funeral home, where friends also may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Crumpton Cemetery, Crumpton, Md.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Capitol Trail Little League, 2148 Elder Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808; or to the Marshallton United Methodist Church, 1105 Stanton Road, Wilmington, DE 19808.
Leola Beatrice Wright, 73
CHESTERVILLE, Md. - Leola Beatrice Wright of Chesterville died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002, in Seaford Center, Seaford, Del. She was 73.
Mrs. Wright was born April 6, 1929, in Virginia, daughter of the late Fred and Charlotte Wright. She resided in the Chesterville area for the majority of her life.
Mrs. Wright was a high school graduate.
She worked with Vita Foods and Campbell's Soup for several years.
Mrs. Wright enjoyed fishing.
She is survived by two nephews, Robert Wright and Francis Wright; and three nieces, Karen Gibbs, Tia Jones and Carolyn Wilson, whom she raised.
Graveside services will be 11 a.m. today in Chesterville Cemetery, Chesterville.
Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, Millington.
Hazel Frances Grizzard Janeka, 66
HIGH SHOALS, N.C. - Hazel Frances Grizzard Janeka of High Shoals died of lung cancer Thursday, Nov. 4, 1999, in her home. She was 66.
Mrs. Janeka was born on March 21, 1933, in Troup County, Ga., the daughter of Gena Hull Grizzard of LeGrange, Ga., and the late Emmitt Grizzard.
She was an employee of Aunt Bessies Restaurant in Lincolnton, N.C.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Janeka of Felton, Del.; five daughters, Mrs. Freda Sammons of Henderson, Md., Mrs. Reda Heafner of Lincolnton, Mrs. Marguerite Eichelberger of West Grove, Pa., Mrs. Michelle Barnett of Florida and Ms. Deborah Masten of Charlotte; a sister, Mrs. Janice Morris of Georgia; two step-sons, Robert Hamilton of Maryland and David Hamilton of Delaware; two step-daughters, Mrs. Cheryl Etheridge of Belmont and Mrs. Donnie Lore of Texas; 24 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Southside Baptist Church, Lincolnton. The Rev. Stephen Curtis and the Rev. Charles Ingle will officiate.
Friends may call 7-8:30 p.m. tonight at Warlick Funeral Home, Lincolnton.
Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Family suggests memorial contributions to: Southside Baptist Church, 1725 Southside Road, Lincolnton, NC 28092.
W. Martin 'Marty'Shaffer Jr., 60
DENTON, Md. - W. Martin "Marty" Shaffer Jr. of Denton died of heart failure Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1999, in Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis. He was 60.
David W. Watlack, 46
FELTON - David W. Watlack of Felton died Thursday, Nov. 4, 1999, in Bayhealth Medical Center, Milford. He was 46.
Mr. Watlack was born in Woodbury, N.J., the son of the late Stephen and Barbara Watlack
He worked as a newspaper carrier for the Delaware State News for years.
Mr. Watlack was a member of Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge #10, Felton.
He is survived by a sister, Dawn M. Freeman of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and several nephews and nieces.
Service will be 1 p.m. Sunday at Melvin funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington. Pastor Bruce Tribbet will officiate.
Burial will be private.
Susan Anderson Huber, 43
BOONE, N.C. - Susan Anderson Huber of Boone died as a result of an automobile accident Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1999. She was 43.
Mrs. Huber was born on March 21, 1956, in San Marcos, Texas, the daughter of William John and Doris Trace Anderson of Abilene, Texas.
She worked as a loan processor in the student financial aid office at Appalachian State University, Boone.
Mrs. Huber was of the Methodist faith.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Richard Allen Huber of Boone; a son, Christopher Huber of Boone; two sisters, Sandra Salazar and her husband, Ernesto, of Phoenix, and Leslie Montisano and her husband, Jon, of Houston, Texas; and a number of nephews and nieces.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, N.C. The Rev. Kathleen Campbell will officiate.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: Seby Jones Regional Cancer Center, Watauga Medical Center, P.O. Box 2600, Boone, NC 28607.
Arrangements by Hampton Funeral Service, Boone.
Donald E. Wilkins Sr., 76
LINCOLN - Donald E. Wilkins Sr. of Lincoln died Friday, Nov. 5, 1999, in Bayhealth Medical Center, Milford. He was 76.
Mr. Wilkins worked as a farmer for his father and other farmers in the area. He also worked for Bennett Security as a security guard.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Coverdale Wilkins in Sept. of 1991.
He is survived by four sons, Donald Wilkins of Dover, Richard Wilkins of Lincoln, and Ronald and Joseph Wilkins, both of Milford; two brothers, Howard Wilkins of Lincoln and Norman Wilkins of Canterbury; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front Street, Milford, where friends and family may call 7-9 Monday.
Burial will be in Lincoln Cemetery, Lincoln.
Charles Edward Gale, 82
EASTON, Md. - Charles Edward Gale of Easton died Thursday, Nov. 4, 1999, in Easton Memorial Hospital. He was 82.
Mr. Gale was born on Oct. 17, 1917, in Easton, the son of the late Wilbur and Mary Gibson Gale.
He attended schools in Easton.
Mr. Gale worked for the State of Maryland as custodian of the Easton Armory, retiring in 1982, after 29 years of service.
Mr. Gale was a member of Bethel AME church, Easton, serving on the Usher Board and in early years working and singing with the "Men of Bethel".
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lillian Rosalee Sewell Gale; two children, Charles Samuel Gale of Williamsburg and Catherine Ann Gale of St. Michaels; a grandson, Charles Samuel Gale Jr. of Williamsburg, four great-grandchildren; and other relatives.
Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Bethel AME Church, Easton, where friends may call 6-8 Monday.
Burial will be private.
Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Easton.
Sherman K. Hudson, 80
GEORGETOWN - Sherman K. Hudson of Georgetown died Friday, Nov. 5, 1999, in Bayhealth Medical Center, Milford. He was 80.
Mr. Hudson was born on Dec. 25, 1999, in Harbeson, the son of the late Louis C. Hudson and Nettie E. Bowdel.
He worked for DuPont in Seaford as an industrial mechanic.
Mr. Hudson was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Georgetown.
He is survived by his wife Jane Davis Hudson of Georgetown; a son, Phillip D. Hudson of St, George's; a daughter, Nancy E. Workman of Georgetown; a brother, James B. Hudson of Seattle, Wash.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Dodd-Carey Chapel, 307 North Bedford Street, Georgetown, where friends may call one hour prior to service. The Rev. Richard Vance will officiate.
Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Georgetown.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: Wesley United Methodist Church, 102 E. Laurel, Georgetown, DE 19958.
William Puchalsky, 80
DOVER - William Puchalsky of Dover died Friday, Nov. 5, 1999, in Bayhealth Medical Center, Dover. He was 80.
Mr. Puchalsky was born in New York, N.Y., the son of the late Andrew and Anna Soroka Puchalsky.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, moving to Dover in 1950.
H worked in retail with the Sears & Roebuck Co., retiring in 1985, after 35 years of service.
Mr. Puchalsky was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Dover, where he served as Usher for many years, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4182, a member of the fourth degree, Bishop Cartwright Assembly, and held a long term membership with the BPO Elks Lodge #1903, Dover and the Harrington Moose Lodge.
He was preceded in death be his wife Sophie Semus Puchalsky in 1990.
He is survived by two daughters, Arlene Gordon and Deborah Osika, both of Dover; a brother, Paul Puchalsky of Dover; a sister, Joan Collins of Dover; four grandchildren, Brian Gordon of Frederica, Kerrie Gordon-Marsland of Philadelphia, and Jonathan Osika and Jason Osika, both of Dover.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Dover.
Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Monday at the Funeral Home of Michael J. Ambruso, 1175 S. State Street, Dover.
Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: Holy Cross Catholic Church, S. State Street, Dover, DE 19901
Joseph F. 'Bucky' Long Sr., 32
CLAYTON - Joseph F. "Bucky" Long Sr. of Clayton died Thursday, Nov. 4, 1999, in Christiana Hospital, Newark. He was 32.
Mr. Long was the son of Raymond E. Long Jr. and Rosealee A. Long of Clayton.
He graduated from James H. Groves Adult Education Center, Newark.
Mr. Long worked as a HVAC Foreman with the Plumbing Works, Inc., Newport, for four years.
He was an avid NASCAR fan, a member of Jeff Gordon Fan Club. He collected miniature NASCAR cars and driver's autographs.
Mr. Long enjoyed working out at Sharp Bodies Gym, Smyrna, and enjoying time with his family. He will be sadly missed by both family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of nine years, Corinne A. Murphy Long; a son, Joseph F. Long Jr. at home; three brothers, Raymond C. Long of McConnellsburg, Pa., Samuel T. Long of New Castle, and Timothy A. Long of Newark; and a sister, Kimberly A. Eveleigh of Townsend.
Service will be 1 p.m. today at Spicer-Mullikin funeral Home, 214 Clinton Street, Delaware City, where friends may call two hours prior to service.
Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: Joseph F. Long Jr. College Fund, c/o PNC Bank, 1 Penn Mart Center, New Castle, DE 19720.
Baby Girl Angel Marie Steinruck, one hour old
MILFORD - Angel Marie Steinruck of Milford died Friday, Nov. 5, 1999, in Bayhealth Medical Center, Milford. She was one hour old.
She was the daughter of Michael D. and Joanna L. Steinruck of Milford.
She is survived by a brother, Lane M. at home; maternal grandparents, Dawn and Joseph Hammer of Sandusky, Ohio; and paternal grandparents, Dottie Steinruck of Milford and David Steinruck of Benton, Pa.
Graveside service will be noon Monday in Barratts Chapel Cemetery, Frederica.
Arrangements by Rogers Funeral Home, Milford.
Ramon Pierre Fletcher, 19
FEDERALSBURG, Md. - Ramon Pierre Fletcher of Federalsburg died Thursday, Nov. 4, 1999, in Seaford. He was 19.
Mr. Fletcher was born on Dec. 21, 1979, in Cambridge, the son of Sabrina Ricketts and the late Alonzo Fletcher.
He attended Federalsburg Elementary School and Colonel Richardson High School.
He was preceded in death by his father on July 5, 1989.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his stepfather, Ronald Ricketts; a brother, Alonzo Fletcher of Georgetown; a god-brother, Freddie Deshields of Hurlock; three sisters, Serena Fletcher of Hurlock, Carmesha Fletcher of Federalsburg and Monique Ricketts of Federalsburg; a grandfather, David Brown Sr. of Cambridge; a grandmother, Margaret Cephas of Hurlock; seven uncles; 11 aunts; four great-uncles; six great-aunts; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Service will be Wednesday at Mission Hill Apostolic Church, Hurlock.
Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Hurlock.
Burial will be in Federal Hill Cemetery, Federalsburg.
