Delaware Obituary Collection
(Obits and death notices from Various Funeral Homes in Delaware [with many Maryland obits that are associated with Delaware]).
Many obituaries from Dover and Rehoboth Beach.
Memorial services for Malvin Gelof, 92, of Dover, will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at Congregation Beth Shalom, North Queen Street, Dover. Dr. Gelof died Thursday, April 17, 2008, as a result of complications related to a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Gelof was born July 8, 1915, in New York City.
He was admitted into Dartmouth College’s Class of 1935 at age 15. While at Dartmouth he received the recognition “Men of Distinctive Scholastic Accomplishment.” He majored in economics with a minor in chemistry zoology.
In 1935, in his final year at Dartmouth, the Depression caused him to return to Delaware to manage the family Delaware Poultry Co. During his 20 years in the poultry industry he pioneered innovation in ventilation and heating systems of chicken houses.
In 1943 Dr. Gelof entered the U.S. Army, completing “toughest school ever,” at Fort Benning, Ga., Officer Infantry School on July 31, 1943. He then was commissioned a second lieutenant.
Within two months of D-Day, he was traveling across France, later into Germany and into combat in the Battle of the Bulge. He fought with distinction as part of the 3rd Armored Division, 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, commanding a light tank unit and being awarded two Purple Heart Medals and a Bronze Star for valor in combat. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of first lieutenant.
Dr. Gelof returned to own and manage a poultry business in Dagsboro and Hartly.
In 1948 he opened a second business in Maryland, the Easton Furniture Products Co. In 1955 he sold that interest and turned the poultry business over to his father to complete his education.
In 1956 and 1957 Dr. Gelof obtained an AB in psychology and Master of Arts in guidance from New York University. Between 1958 and 1962 he taught in various capacities in the New York school system. He began teaching with fifth grade, then high school, eventually specializing in education of mentally retarded children.
In 1962 he obtained a Master of Science in special education and began working at Johnstone Training and Research Center as the assistant director of education. In 1966 he received his doctorate in psychology from New York University.
He served the State of Delaware as the director of psychological services for 19 years. He taught at various times at Delaware Technical & Community College, Wesley College and the University of Delaware.
Dr. Gelof was a man of great intellectual capacity, pioneer in many professional and industrial activities.
As a psychologist he was well published and received world-wide recognition for his work, “Sexual Rights and Responsibilities of the Mentally Retarded” and use of visualization in education.
Further, he specialized in the exploration and use of hypnosis as a learning aid, until his passing continued his certification in psychology and to develop concepts of “noise free communication” in education. He applied his expertise in hypnosis in a stop smoking clinic and through his membership in the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.
He was a proud member of the Hartly Fire Co., Dover Elks Lodge No. 1903 and Congregation Beth Shalom.
He will be remembered as a tireless worker, with a determined fighting spirit who sought to lead and advance knowledge and expertise over an immensely diverse life.
Dr. Gelof was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Gelof, on Dec. 30, 2006.
Dr. Gelof is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Adam D. Gelof and wife Kelly Dunn Gelof of Rehoboth Beach; a daughter, Dara Meredith Gelof and her partner Fabian Wagimister of Los Angeles; and three grandchildren, Zachary Gelof, Jakob Gelof and Sur Wagimister.
Interment was in a private service at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Glendale, N.Y.
The family sat Shiva Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 220 Orchard Ave., Dover.
Arrangements were by Torbert Funeral Chapels, Dover.
Memorial contributions in Dr. Gelof’s memory may be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901; Salvation Army, 611 Forest St., P.O. Box 123, Dover, DE 19903; or to The Shepherd Place, 1362 S. Governors Ave., Dover, DE 19904.
George Robert Grow
Funeral services for George Robert Grow, 63, of Camden, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 25, in Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, where friends may call two hours prior. Mr. Grow died Thursday, April 17, 2008, in his home.
Mr. Grow was born Oct. 29, 1944, in Upland, Pa., son of the late Harold and Dorothy Marvel Grow.
He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He retired from the Navy after 22 years of service in 1984.
Mr. Grow and his family moved from Frederick, Md., to Camden 18 years ago.
He was a member of the Camden Wyoming Moose Lodge Chapter No. 203.
Mr. Grow enjoyed deer hunting, cooking and watching Nascar, especially Dale Earnhardt Jr.
He was known for being a joker, but his biggest joy was being with friends and family at get-togethers.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Shyers.
Mr. Grow is survived by his wife of 42 years, Geraldine Lipka Grow of Camden; his daughter and son-in-law, Alice and Sean Hanigan of Charles Town, W.Va.; two granddaughters, Michele and Monica Hanigan; two brothers and their wives, Gerald Wayne and Krispen Diane Grow of Dover and Harold Grant and Margaret Grow of Little Creek; two nephews; numerous grandnieces and nephews; and an extended family, Hubert and Anita Fernades and their children, Nicole and Rhea, all of Pennsville, N.J.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Grow’s name may be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
Elva C. Hindman
A Mass of Christian Burial for Elva C. Hindman, 85, of Dover, will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 24, at the Church of the Holy Cross, 631 S. State St., Dover. Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at the Funeral Home of Michael J. Ambruso, 1175 S. State St., Dover. Mrs. Hindman died Monday, April 21, 2008, at her home in Dover with her family present.
Mrs. Hindman was born in Lilly, Pa., daughter of the late Jeremiah A. Leahy and Sara J. Ritchey Leahey.
She moved from Alexandria, Va. to Dover in 1946, and had been a resident here since that date.
Mrs. Hindman was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother and a faithful member of the Church of the Holy Cross, where she had served with the Altar Society. She was a Past Prefect of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality and had donated her time for many years with the Catholic Social Services Thrift Shop.
She also had served for many years with the Junior Board of Kent General Hospital.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Hindman, who died in 1993.
Mrs. Hindman is survived by a daughter, Rosemary H. Hayes of West Chester, Pa.; two sons, F. Fred Hindman of Enola, Pa., and John B. Hindman of Felton; a sister, Mary Lytle of Paulsboro, N.J.; and seven grandchildren.
Memorial donations in Mrs. Hindman’s memory may be made to Delaware Hospice 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
Doris ‘Rafaella’ Kerlin
A Mass of Christian Burial for Doris “Rafaella” Kerlin, 92, of Dover, will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, at the Church of the Holy Cross, 631 S. State St., Dover. Mrs. Kerlin died Sunday April 20, 2008, in Dover.
Mrs. Kerlin was born in Hobokin, N.J., daughter of the late Michael and Vincenza Protomastro.
She had lived in Teaneck, N.J. before moving to Dover in 1963.
Mrs. Kerlin was a longtime member of the Church of the Holy Cross, where she had served as a member of the Prayer Group. She and her late husband enjoyed travel, camping and fishing. She was a meticulous gardener and one who took pride in the appearance of her home. Throughout the years she had been a dedicated wife, sister and aunt who will be greatly missed.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Kerlin, who died in 2000.
Mrs. Kerlin is survived by two sisters, Isabelle Sheehan and Ann Crimmins, both of Dover; two nieces, Maureen Slezak and Isabelle Toto, both of Dover; a nephew, Patrick Sheehan of Florida; and several great- and great-great-nephews and nieces.
Interment will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, west of Dover.
Memorial donations in Mrs. Kerlin’s name may be given to Delaware Hospice 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
Rose Mary Lintner
Funeral services for Rose Mary Lintner, 83, of Marydel, were held Friday, April 18, in the Pippin Funeral Home, Wyoming. Mrs. Lintner died Tuesday, April 15, 2008, in Silver Lake Center, Dover.
Mrs. Lintner was born July 6, 1924, in Philadelphia, daughter of the late Edward and Rose Pierce Lintner.
She worked as a wireman for Tecnicktrol, Inc. in Philadelphia, retiring at the age of 65.
Mrs. Lintner enjoyed crocheting, puzzles and time spent with great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband of 50 years Ernest W. Lintner; two daughters, Rosemary McIntyre and Connie Donahue; two sons Ernest (Pete) Lintner and Bill Lintner; and a daughter-in-law, Dorothy Lintner.
Mrs. Lintner is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Edie Lintner of Dover; a son-in-law, Jack McIntyre of Rydal, Pa.; a daughter-in-law, Louise Lintner of Deltona, Fla.; a sister and brother-in-law, Catherine and Joseph Murray of Lansdowne, Pa.; and a sister-in-law, Joan Megonigal of Pomona, N.J.
She also is survived by nine grandchildren Jack McIntyre and his wife, Wendy, of Rydal, Beth Springate and her husband, Wayne, of Philadelphia, Kathleen McIntyre of Philadelphia, Susan McIntyre of Rydal, Ryan McIntyre of Philadelphia, Louise Wiggins of Deltona, Fla., Bill Lintner and his wife, Sharon, of Sicklerville, N.J., Rose Redman and her husband, Steve, of Camden, Tim Lintner and his wife, Paula, of Hartly; and 11 great-grandchildren Josh, Alyssa, Louie, Jessica, Amanda, Lauren, Billy, Jake, Emma, Rachel and Grace.
Funeral services for Joseph P. Morowsky, 85, of Dover, were held Monday, April 21, in the chapel of the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear. Mr. Morowsky died Saturday April 12, 2008, in Capitol Health Care Services, Dover.
Mr. Morowsky was born March 26, 1923, in Raritan, N.J., son of the late Michael and Mary Ambusziczuk Morowsky.
He worked as a computer analyst for the United States Army in Ft. Monmouth, N.J., for 35 years before retirement. He was a United States Marine Corps veteran of World War II.
Mr. Morowsky is survived by his wife, Rosalie Zigler Morowsky; a daughter, Deborah Andrade of Singapore; a son, Michael Morowsky of Dover; and four grandchildren.
Arrangements were by Faries Funeral Directors and Crematorium Inc., Smyrna.
Charles William Opdyke
Funeral services for Charles William Opdyke, 69, of Dover, were held Tuesday, April 22, in Torbert Funeral Chapel South, Dover. Mr. Opdyke died Thursday, April 17, 2008, in his home.
Mr. Opdyke was born May 14, 1938, in Little Creek, son of Irene Burris Opdyke, now of Dover, and the late Charles S. Opdyke.
He graduated from Dover High School in 1954.
Mr. Opdyke was a farmer.
He loved to sit at the kitchen table talking about the weather, tractors, cars and the latest episodes of the History, Discovery and the RFD channels. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Mr. Opdyke belonged to the Praise Group-Joyful Noise, the Historic Antique Car Club of Delaware, the Farm Bureau and the Little Creek United Methodist Church.
He was in the National Guard and was an honorary member of the Little Creek Volunteer Fire Co.
In addition to his mother, Mr. Opdyke is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 36 years, Mary Ellen Opdyke; four children, Pamela Marvel and her husband Bruce, Donald “Duga” Opdyke and his wife Emily “Tiny,” and Ronny and Ricky Mayhall, all of Dover; his sister, Vera Conner of Frederica; nine grandchildren, Angela, James, Drew, Marie, Mark, Crystal, Kyle, Olivia and David; nine great-grandchildren, Alexis, Megan, Drew, Tyler, Aliyah, Chasta’Dae, Celebrity, Meia and Jeremy; his best friend, John Bartsch; and two faithful companions, his dogs, Belle and Linze.
