Julius S. ‘Marty’ Berdinka, 93

Julius S. “Marty” Berdinka, 93, of Millville, Del., formerly of Dover, Del., passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at Cadbury at Lewes in Lewes, Del.

A first-generation American, Berdinka was born March 27, 1919, in Mattituck, Long Island, in New York, to the late Stanley and Eva (Wilk) Berdinka. He retired as a master-sergeant in the United States Air Force in 1963 at the Dover Air Force Base, with 20 years of service. Berdinka served during World War II and the Korean War. He was also the owner of Kent County Business Machines before retiring in 1976 and moving to Sussex County. He enjoyed collecting old coins, metal detecting and going to the Harrington Slots.

Berdinka is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Helen T. Berdinka; three sons, Stanley Berdinka and his wife, Judy, of St. George, Utah, Mitchell Berdinka and his wife, Carol, of Port Orchard, Wash., and Michael Berdinka and his wife, Janie, of Elkton, Md.; a daughter, Helen Salzmann of Millville; a sister, Frances Harrison of East Moriches, Long Island, N.Y.; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A prayer service was scheduled for April 23, 2012, at Melson Funeral Services in Ocean View, Del. Interment was to be private at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to St. Ann’s Catholic Church; 691 Garfield Pkwy.; Bethany Beach, DE 19930.