Obituaries

William A. “Will” Turner Jr., 81, of Selbyville, Del., formerly of Berlin, Md., and Ocean Pines, Md., passed away Friday Jan. 18, 2013, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Del. Born in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late William and Florence (Purdue) Turner Sr.

Turner had been a schoolteacher. He taught math and science and retired as vice principal at Berlin Middle School. Turner was a charter member of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department and, after retiring, he and Skip Carey were hired as the first fulltime CRT’s in the department. After moving to Selbyville, he joined the Selbyville Volunteer Fire Company, where he served as a fire policeman, ambulance captain and assistant chaplain.

During the Korean War, Turner served in the U.S. Navy and was an aircraft carrier fire-control tech. Turner was an active member of the Gideons International and Salem United Methodist Church in Selbyville, where he was a lay speaker and sang in the choir. He was also a member of the AARP chorus. Previously, Turner had served as a councilman on the Berlin Town Council for several years and as member of the board of directors of the Ocean Pines Association.

Turner is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann B. Turner; his son, Steven P. Turner and his wife, Cindy, of Selbyville; his daughter, Allison J. Turner of Selbyville; his brother, J. Phillip Turner and his wife, Jean, of Reedville, Va.; and 11 grandchildren.

A memorial service was to be held on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Salem United Methodist Church in Selbyville, Del., with the Rev. James Van Der Wall officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions be made to the Good Samaritan Fund, Salem United Methodist Church; PO Box 410; Selbyville, DE 19975. Arrangements were by the Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville, through which condolences may be sent online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.net.

James M. Whittles, 84, of Selbyville, Del., and formerly of Wheaton, Md., passed away, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Del. He was born in East Newark, N.J., and was the son of the late Fred and Catherine (Meehan) Whittles.

Whittles had been a bricklayer for many years. Whittles was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Ocean City, Md., the Knights of Columbus in Ocean City and Rosensteel, the American Legion in Wheaton and the Bricklayers Union. He was also a U.S. Navy veteran.

Whittles is survived by his wife, Marion Whittles of Selbyville; two sons and their wives, John J. and Tricia Whittles of Laurel, Md., and Vincent and Sherry Whittles of Dameron, Md.; two daughters, Ann O’Neil and her husband, Kevin, of Laurel, Md., and Tammy M. Crain of Glen Burnie, Md.; a daughter-in-law, Diane Whittles of Severna Park, Md.; and 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Michael G. Whittles.

A Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled for Jan. 22, 2013, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Ocean City, Md., with interment at Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro, Del. 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.

Florence E. Wright, 84, of Frankford, Del., passed away on Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Del., surrounded by her loving family.

Wright was born in Chester, Pa., daughter of the late John and Amy (Kirk) Alexander. She was a homemaker. Wright was formerly the organist and choir director at the Eddystone United Methodist Church in Eddystone, Pa., and was a member of Millville United Methodist Church choir at the time of her death.

Wright is survived by her loving husband, John B. Wright; two sons, Donald and his wife, Patricia, and Richard; a daughter, Ruth Dey, and her husband David; and grandchildren Nicholas, Jacqueline, Amanda and Kaitlyn.

A funeral service was scheduled for Jan. 18, 2013, at Millville United Methodist Church in Millville, Del., with burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to Millville U.M. Church Building Fund; 36405 Clubhouse Rd.; Millville, DE 19967-6972. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Ronald Allen “Rony” Ashby, 46, passed on to rest on Friday evening, Jan. 4, 2013. Born May 25, 1966, Ashby was known as an amazing person who had an indescribable zest for life that immediately filled a room when he would enter it.

He was gifted and talented as a master carpenter and always strived to reach perfection on each job he completed, whether large or small. Ashby completely and successfully loved his family each and every day, and his presence will always be missed. He was blessed with many friends, and he was remembered as the guy who might help pay for your groceries if you found yourself short of money. Ashby thrived on doing things for others and being a positive role model for many people
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Ashby was preceded in death by his father, George Ashby, and a son, Justin Devore. He was dearly loved and is survived by his best friend and spouse, Kimberly “Kim” Peel Ashby; three daughters, Alisha Ashby and her boyfriend, Shae Bair, Courtney Ashby and her boyfriend, Chris Hiatt, and Ainsley Devore and her boyfriend, Kim Johnson Jr.; a son, Jason Devore and his girlfriend, Leah Ammons; an adopted son, Tyler Edwards and his girlfriend, Cassandra Waples; six beautiful grandchildren, Dante, Xziah, Shiauna, Jazarae, Anjayah and Rylie; his mother, Ann Smith; stepfather, Jim Smith; brothers, George and Matthew Ashby; and sisters, Patricia Kelly and Valerie Plump.

The family planned to comply with Ashby’s wishes to be an organ donor. Also, as he requested, a private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that, in remembrance, everyone who knew Ashby or is reading his obituary “pay it forward” to someone in need. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Nettie Carter Ballard, 81, of Bridgeville, Del., passed away on Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, at Nanticoke Hospital in Seaford, Del.

Ballard was born in Washington, D.C. She was happily married to Danny D. Ballard. She is survived by one son, three daughters, 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A viewing and calling hours were scheduled for Jan. 14, 2013, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Seaford, Del., with a funeral on Jan. 15, 2013, officiated by Bishop Kent Elkington. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.

Elmer Stanley Bell, 87, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2013, with his family in Poolesville, Md. Bell was a resident of Plantation Park in Frankford, Del., and also at the Atlantic Shores Nursing Home in Millsboro, Del.

Bell was the loving husband of Elaine Augustin Bell, who passed away in Millsboro on July 21, 2011. Born March 16, 1925, in Los Angeles, Calif., he was the son of Elmer Fred Gaska and Lorna Holt Meade. Bell was formerly married to Carole Crosby Bell of Los Angeles, Calif., and Sumter, S.C. He often went by his middle name, “Stan.”

Bell served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1944 to 1945. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Chapman University in Orange, Calif. An accountant by profession, he worked for various firms in the Los Angeles area, for the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and for the Town of Bethany Beach. He was an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America and the Lions Club. His hobbies included deep-sea fishing, model airplanes and baseball. He sang in the church choir and was an avid gardener. Bell attended Community Lutheran Church in Omar, Del.

Bell is survived by his brother, Roy Bell of Los Angeles, Calif.; his son, Douglas Bell of Poolesville, Md.; and his daughters, Robin Williams of Sumter, S.C., and Kathleen Teff of Simsbury, Conn. His grandchildren include Sarah Bell and Douglas Bell Jr. of Poolesville, Md., Christopher Williams of West Columbia, S.C., Courtney Williams of Sumter, S.C., Ryan Crosby of Boston, Mass., Ashley Carlson of Adrian, Mich., and Adam Teff of Simsbury, Conn. He will be missed.

Mae A. Burton, 100, of Millsboro, Del., went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, after a wonderful life of service to God, her family and the community.

Born Sept. 14, 1912, in Gumboro, Del., she was particularly influenced by the presence of her mother, the late Anna Mae Parker Ake. She was a graduate of Millsboro High School, and in 1940 married the love of her life, the late A. Wayne Burton, and together they served the community in many ways. She worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Blaine Atkins, and did volunteer work with the United Methodist Women and auxiliary work with the American Legion.

Burton knitted and crocheted afghans for the veterans’ hospital and was a regular visitor, attending to residents of the Millsboro Nursing Home. Burton was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, volunteering and serving in many church activities. She loved flowers and kept active, learning caning and crafts with the home extension office of the Department of Agriculture. Most of all, she was devoted to her family, and she kept her yard like a little fairyland, immaculately attended as a place for her beloved cardinals and other birds.

In addition to her parents and husband, Burton was preceded in death by three brothers, Norman, Walter and Marshall Ake. She is survived by her son, James Burton and his wife, Una Lee, of Dagsboro, Del.; three grandchildren, Donna Lee Revell and her husband, Jeffrey L., J. Andrew Burton and his wife, Becky, and Deborah Ann Ash; eight great-grandchildren, Elisabeth Maloney, Rachel Streeks, Joshua Revell, Ashley Burton, Cory Burton, Brandy Myers, Brittany Ash and Brook Ash; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Burton leaves a great many friends and extended family across the region and will be greatly missed.

A funeral service and celebration of Burton’s life were scheduled for Jan. 12, 2013, at Watson Funeral Home in Millsboro, Del., officiated by the Rev. George Godfrey. Interment was to follow, in Millsboro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to the Delaware Hospice Center; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963, or to Grace United Methodist Church Soup Kitchen; P.O. Box 566; Millsboro, DE 19966. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.

Joan T. Carlile, 78, of Frankford, Del., passed away Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. She was born in Baltimore, Md., daughter of the late George F. and Emma (Kraft) Brown.

Carlile had worked for Arby’s in Millsboro, Del., for several years and formerly attended St. George’s United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Del. She enjoyed bingo, bowling and Yahtzee.

Carlile is survived by a son, Jeffrey L. Carlile of Frankford; a granddaughter, whom she raised, Kelli Bishop of Frankford; a brother, Charles Brown of Baltimore; a sister, Georgia Lee Smith of Blue Springs, Miss.; two grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter, Alyssa Bishop. She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor L. Carlile, in 1994.

A funeral service was scheduled for Jan. 17, 2013, at Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville, Del. through which condolences may be sent online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.net. Interment was to be Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at 1 p.m. at Lakeview Memorial Park in Sykesville, Md. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963.

Ruth Lowberg Croft, 86, of Lewes Del., passed from this life into the care of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, surrounded by her loving family, at her home.

Born on April 23, 1926, in Lowell, Mass., Croft was the daughter of the late Sam and Jeannette Corliss Lowberg. In 1966, she was married to her beloved husband of 47 years, Paul Bertrand Croft Jr., who survives her. Together they raised seven children. She was a vibrant, optimistic woman who proudly embraced being born again and being dedicated to her family, her church and the community by volunteering in many activities.

Croft was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 28 in Long Neck, a bell-ringer for the Salvation Army during Christmas season and was a volunteer at Midway Baptist Church, where she had been a member since 2006. She was an amazing charity worker and loved studying the Bible and reading Christian books. Family members said that she would take her coat off in the middle of winter and give it to anybody that needed it. At one period in her life, Croft cared for her husband’s mentally disabled brother, Donald Lee Croft, for more than 20 years and treated him as her own son. Most of all, she was very committed to her family and friends.

Prior to moving to Lewes in 2006, Croft was deeply involved in volunteering with the Colesville Baptist Church, where she was a member for more than 41 years. She did meal preparation and visitations for many senior citizens. She was very involved with the community Little League while raising all her kids, always shuffling kids to multiple practices and games for baseball, football and wrestling, sometimes all in the same day. When her youngest son attended West Virginia University, Croft founded the Air Force ROTC Detachment’s Booster Club.

Croft loved bowling, boating, fishing and camping, as well as traveling with her husband in their RV all over the United States. Everyone who knew her would never serve her cold french fries “or else!” She was deeply loved and admired by her friends and family, and will be greatly missed.

Croft was preceded by her infant child, as well as her parents. In addition to her husband, Paul, Croft is survived by seven children, Beatrice Jeannette Hale of San Clemente, Calif, August Frederick Wieneke of Shallotte, N.C., and his wife, Jenna, Raymond Harold Wieneke of Maysville, W.Va., Kaare Glenn Wieneke of Bethesda, Md., and her significant other, Tracy Snell, Paul Bertrand Croft III of Beaumont, Texas, Robert Lee Croft of Columbia, Md., and Eugene Michael and Elsa Croft of Montgomery, Ala.; three siblings, Bill Lowberg, Doris Frazier and Mildred Hynes; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many extended family members and friends; and her beloved Yorkie, Mindy.

A funeral service was scheduled for Jan. 15, 2013, at Midway Baptist Church in Lewes, Del. A second memorial service was to be held Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Colesville Baptist Church in Colesville, Md., followed by internment at Washington National Cemetery, 4101 Suitland Road, Suitland, Md. In lieu of flowers for the Delaware service, donations may be made to the Midway Baptist Church Building Fund. In Maryland, donations may be made to the Colesville Baptist Church; 13100 Andrew Dr.; Colesville, MD 20904. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.

Charles David Melson, 58, of Dagsboro, Del., passed away on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at Regal Heights Nursing Home in Hockessin, Del.

Melson was born in Wimpole Park, England, and at the age of 2 moved to the United States with his parents. He worked for the DuPont Nylon Plant in Seaford, Del., for a few years and then went on to earn his associate’s degree in criminal justice at Del-Tech in Georgetown before attending Salisbury State University. He dedicated much of his early years backpacking the Appalachian Trail.

Melson was preceded in death by his father, Howard E. Melson, in 2007. He is survived by his mother, Jeanette (Elliott) Melson; a son, Robert Melson; brother, Howard Melson; former wife and good friend, Linda; and three nieces, Melissa, Danielle and Alysa Melson.

A funeral service was scheduled for Jan. 12, 2013, at Melson Funeral Services in Frankford, Del., through which condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com. Burial was to follow, in St. George’s Cemetery in Clarksville, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions in Melson’s memory to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Delaware; 2400 W. 4th Street; Wilmington, DE 19805.

Donald L. Rose, 78, of Bridgeville, Del., passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Oct. 26, 1934, in Bridgeville, son of the late Jessie James and Florence (Stewart) Rose.

Rose spent his life dedicated to family and work. He was employed by T.S. Smith & Sons for 55 years; he started working in 1957 and worked as a mechanic up until he could no longer get out of bed due to his illness. Rose served his country with the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956, during the Korean Conflict. Rose was a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), Moose Lodge #1728, VFW Virgil Wilson Post #4961 and American Legion Nanticoke Post #6.

His interests included stockcar racing in his younger days, NASCAR racing and attending auctions. He loved deer hunting, which he discovered in 1957; he never missed a season until 2012. His favorite pastime of all was spending time with his family. Rose loved making people laugh, as he loved to see people smile. He never had a bad day himself, so he took pleasure in brightening everyone’s day. He was remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle.

Rose is survived by his wife of 28 years, Geraldine (Hastings) Rose; his stepson, Ricky Absher of Laurel, Del.; three stepdaughters, Vicky Hollis and Darlene Dahling of Bridgeville and Wanda Baker of Harrington, Del.; seven granddaughters, Angela Heck, Niki Russell, Danielle Hollis, Amanda Hollis and Lori Beth James, all of Seaford, Valerie Showell of Beaufort, S.C., and Deanna Baker of Lincoln, Del.; five grandsons, Jonathan Absher of Seaford, Del., Joshua Dahling of Bridgeville, Gregory Baker of Greenwood, Del., Brandon Baker and R.J. Baker of Harrington; eight great-grandchildren; a nephew and a great-nephew, Alton Rose Jr. and James Rose of Bridgeville; a niece and a great-niece, Jackie Rose and Rhonda Franz of Hurlock, Md.; and several other nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral services were to be held Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws Street, Bridgeville, Del. Friends may visit at the funeral home beginning at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors was to follow the service at Bridgeville Cemetery in Bridgeville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions be made to the NRA; 11250 Waples Mill Rd.; Fairfax, VA 22030, or to American Legion Nanticoke Post #6; 601 Bridgeville Hwy.; Seaford, DE 19973. Condolences may be sent online at www.parsellfuneralhome.com.

Bernadine M. “Bernie” Sandquist, of Rehoboth Beach, Del., formerly of Newark, Lake Junaluska, N.C., and Azle, Texas, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, at Brandywine Assisted Living in Rehoboth Beach, just two months before her 101st birthday. She was a native of St. Paul, Minn., daughter of the late John and Lydia McBride.

Sandquist led a full and rich life and was always close to God. She married the late Lawrence Sandquist in 1939 and moved with him to Azle, Texas, in the early 1940s. She was a homemaker and a “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II.

When she was 51, Sandquist started college, and she graduated cum laude with a degree in elementary education. She taught second grade in the Azle school district for seven years and retired to travel around the United States with her husband.

Sandquist was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, in 1983, as well as by an infant grandson. After Lawrence’s death, she moved to Lake Junaluska, N.C., to be closer to her youngest daughter, Kathleen Wright. While there, Sandquist was very active in her church and civic groups, and she taught reading to the illiterate. One of her students subsequently wrote a book and had it published.
At age 92, Sandquist moved to Newark, Del., to be closer to her oldest daughter, Sharon Fox, and, at age 95, moved to Brandywine Assisted Living in Rehoboth Beach.

Sandquist is survived by her daughters, Sharon Fox of Bethany Beach, LaVonne Gysan of Clermont, Fla., and Kathleen Wright of Ocala, Fla.; and six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, whom she loved with great affection.

The family especially thanked the wonderful people who cared for her at Brandywine Assisted Living and Compassionate Care Hospice.

There will be a small memorial service in March in Clermont, Fla., conducted by her son-in-law, the Rev. Paul Gysan, and burial will be in April in Azle, Texas. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lutheran Church of Our Savior; 7 Bay Vista Rd.; Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Condolences may be sent online by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Earl Wright Smith, 87, of Rehoboth Beach, Del., for the past 10 years, and formerly of Essex, Md., for 50 years, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, at his residence. He was born Feb. 21, 1925, in Covington, Va., son of the late Earl M. and Bessie May (Deffinbaugh) Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Earl Terry Smith.

Smith proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He enjoyed a 38-year career as an electrician with Bethlehem Steel Company. Smith was a previous owner and partner of Rosedale Electric Company in Baltimore County, Md. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #7447, former member of Essex Elks Lodge #1886 and life member of Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge #2540. Smith was also a member of the Dizzy Pleasure Club in Dundalk, Md., and American Legion Post #17 and Moose Lodge # 1814, both in Lewes, Del.

Surviving Smith are his wife of 51 years, Constance R. (Stevens) Smith of Rehoboth Beach; two sons, Christopher Michael Smith and his wife, Mary F. Smith, of Burnsville, Va., and James Patrick Smith of Baltimore, Md.; two daughters, Shirley Ann Carpenter and Marie I. Beran, both of Baltimore; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and longtime friend and business partner John Mizell of Milford, Del.

Funeral services were scheduled for Jan. 15, 2013, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium in Lewes, Del, through which condolences may be sent online at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com. Interment was to follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963.

June M. Swafford, 69, of Lewes, Del., passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, at her residence. She was born May 9, 1943, in Coatesville, Pa., daughter of the late Thomas Johnson and Estelle Mae (Watson) Starkey.

Swafford had moved to the Delaware beach area from Salisbury, Md., five years ago. She was a faithful member of the Elks Lodge in Salisbury, where she previously served as president of the Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Moose Lodge both in Lewes and Salisbury. Swafford always enjoyed playing slot machines and poker and the challenge of completing crossword puzzles. She loved her pets, especially her Jack Russell terrier, Andy. She was remembered as a fun-filled woman who always wore a smile.

In addition to her parents, Swafford was preceded in death by her sister, Delores Starkey. She is survived by her stepson, Brian S. Swafford and his wife, Audra, of Salisbury, Md., and their daughter Carmen; her stepdaughter, Lisa R. Bhatti and her husband, Shafqat, and their daughter, Kristen Batchelor; her brother, Leonard Starkey of Coatesville, Md.; and lifelong friends Ruthie and Bob Townsend of Lancaster, Pa.

A memorial service was to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions be made to Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary; P.O. Box 430; Nassau, DE 19969. Condolences may be sent online at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.

Valarie W. Swindal, 93, of Millsboro, Del., and formerly of Poway, Calif., passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan 8, 2013, at Milford Center in Milford, Del.

Born Sept. 24, 1919, in Millsboro, she was the daughter of the late Walter B. and Anna Davies Wright.
Swindal was a Roman Catholic and a Native American of the Nanticoke tribe, and she worked as a registered nurse for many years at Scripps Hospital. She lived for 40 years in Poway, Calif.

In addition to her parents, Swindal was preceded in death by her husband, Bernice Samuel Swindal, in 1964. She is survived by two brothers, Curtis Wright and Douglas Wright.

A viewing and visitation were scheduled for Jan. 13, 2013, at Watson Funeral Home in Millsboro, Del, through which condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com. Interment was at Indian Mission United Methodist Church Cemetery in Harbeson, Del., with the Rev. Karen Mumford officiating. Floral tributes are welcomed by the family.

Harry P. Vercoe II, 82, of Lewes, Del., formerly of Newark, Del., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Del. He was born Tuesday, March 11, 1930, in Chester, Pa., son of the late Dave and Naomi (Cherry) Nickerson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin sister, Joanne Glenn.

Vercoe worked for Scott Paper for 30 years, retiring in 1989 as a machinist. He and his wife then relocated to the beach. He was a 1948 graduate of Chester High School, served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, was a member of American Legion Post #28 and was a 32nd-degree Mason, Jefferson Lodge. He was also a member of Nur Temple and lovingly drove one of the prized Corvettes.

Always a family man, Vercoe cherished his time with family and friends. He was a member of Conley’s United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir. Vercoe was a volunteer with Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and with Tunnell Cancer Center for 17 years.

Vercoe is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary (Davis) Vercoe; two daughters and their husbands, Karen and Perry Hartranft of Bear, Del., and Lynn and Skip CanneLongo of Middletown, Del.; a son, Harry “Skip” Vercoe III and his wife, Marita, of Ownings, Md.; seven grandchildren and their spouses, David and Abby Hartranft, Katie and Dave Walker, Megan CanneLongo, Madison CanneLongo, Jason and Allie Vercoe, Jessica and Andrew Benyo, Kyle Byrd and Kacie Byrd; and five great-grandchildren, Carter Hartranft, Carson and Landen Vercoe, and Paden and Keston Benyo.

A memorial service was scheduled for Jan. 5, 2013, at Conley’s United Methodist Church in Lewes, Del. Entombment was to follow Jan. 7, 2013, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions be made to Conley’s United Methodist Church; 33106 Jolyn’s Way; Lewes, DE 19958, to Tunnell Cancer Center, c/o Beebe Medical Foundation; 424 Savannah Rd.; Lewes, DE 19958, or to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963. Condolences may be sent online at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.

Frank A. Weaber, 91, of Georgetown, Del., passed away peacefully at Harrison Senior Living Center in Georgetown on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013. Born Sept. 22, 1921, in Philadelphia, Pa., to the late Frank G. and Madelyn Prouty Weaber, he was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was married in February of 1966 to his beloved wife of 47 years, Roberta Yering Weaber, who survives him. He was a truck driver.

Weaber is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Gail Yering and Wenona Weaber, and five nephews, Mark, Gary, Lee and Todd Weaber, and Ron Davis.

A chapel service with military honors was scheduled for Jan. 14, 2013, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, Del., with Mark and Lee Weaber officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested contributions either to Calvary Baptist Church; 22860 S. Dupont Hwy.; Georgetown, DE 19947, or to the Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com. The family particularly acknowledged and expressed their gratitude to the staffs of both the Harrison House and Delaware Hospice.

Helen Carbonaro Nalley Weiler, 87, of Bethany Beach, Del., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. Born in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine Carbonaro, who arrived in the United States from Sicily.

Weiler married her first husband, the late Frank Garzione, in 1942. They were married 17 years and lived in New York, California and Maryland. In 1985, she married her second husband, the late Richard Weiler, and lived for 20 years in Rockville, Md. The Weilers enjoyed for many years their second home in Bethany Beach, where Helen became a full-time resident after Richard’s death in 2004. She was also predeceased by five siblings, Alfred, Mary, Margaret, Jimmy and Sandra.

Weiler was an American artist and attended Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C. She began her art at a very early age and continued painting and crafting her whole life. She did portraits, landscapes and religious works. She also painted “Cats on Stone.” She loved to craft angels on seashells. Among her many accomplishments, Weiler did restoration work for St. Mary’s Church in Rockville, Md. She donated an oil painting to St. Mary’s in Rockville, in honor of the 125th anniversary of their first chapel.
Weiler did several portraits of past presidents, including one of Abraham Lincoln and his son Tad, which hangs in the White House today. She also painted President Bill Clinton’s cat, “Socks,” on a stone, which was part of the White House for many years. Weiler painted and donated the 14 Stations of the Cross work that now hang in St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bethany Beach. In her lifetime, she painted artworks numbering in the thousands.

Weiler is survived by one brother, Joseph R. Carbonaro of Owens, Md.; three children, Frank Garzione and his wife, Ann, Barbara Reed and her husband, Jerry, and Charles Nalley and his wife, Susan; grandchildren Angela, Carmela, Luke, Carlina and Sarah; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Fiona, Alma and Sophie; and many nieces and nephews. Weiler was lovingly remembered by her best friend, Virginia See.

A viewing was scheduled for Jan. 14, 2013, at Melson Funeral Services in Ocean View, Del., through which condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com. A Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled for Jan. 15, 2013, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bethany Beach, Del., with interment at Mariner’s Bethel Cemetery in Ocean View. Flowers are welcomed, or memorial donations may be made to Bethany Town Cats; P.O. Box 911; Bethany Beach, DE 19930, a local non-profit organization with which she was involved and which she supported.

Irene Virginia Hall Caudell, 86, of Fredericksburg, Va., and formerly of Millsboro, Del., passed away at the Woodmont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fredericksburg on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013.

She was born May 31, 1926, in Lewes, Del., to the late Arthur and Anna Mae Holloway Hall. Living most of her life in Delaware, Caudell was very active in the Selbyville Assembly of God and was very dedicated to her church work. She loved to cook and to read. She worked for the Diamond State Telephone Company, Showell Poultry, and her most recent place of employment was Melvin Joseph Construction Company.

Caudell is survived by her son, Randall Caudell, and his wife, Rita, also of Fredericksburg, Va.; two grandchildren, Tracy Caudell and her companion, Roger Armstrong, and Dean Caudell and his wife, Nina; and many extended family members, cousins and friends.

A viewing and calling hours were to be held Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, Del. A graveside service, with the Rev. Leroy Weymouth officiating, was to be held Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, at 1 p.m., at Millsboro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to the Selbyville Assembly of God; 59 S. Main St.; Selbyville, DE 19975. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.

John F. Fiorentino Jr., 84, passed away on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at his residence in Lewes, Del., surrounded by his loving family. He was born Nov. 25, 1928, in Wilmington, Del., son of the late John Francis Fiorentino Sr. and Mary (Chiavarini) Fiorentino.

Fiorentino attended Archmere Academy and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was well known for his artistic talent in custom tile work and flooring. He was a faithful member of American Legion Post 17 and the Elks Club of Lewes. He was the youngest of five children.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine A. Fiorentino, in 2008. He is survived by his eight children, Janet Conigliaro, Judith Gladnick, Joy Downey, John Fiorentino Jr., Joseph Fiorentino, Jacqueline Neal, Jennifer Fiorentino and Jeri Timmons; 17 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was scheduled for Jan. 9, 2013, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium in Lewes, Del., through which condolences may be sent online at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com. Interment as to be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions be made to Wounded Warriors Project; P.O. Box 758517; Topeka, KS 66675.