Obituaries

Paul A. Potter, 74, of Selbyville, Del., formerly of Germantown, Md., passed away Monday, July 8, 2008, of lung cancer. He had been a construction manager with the Morauer and Hartzell Construction Co. He was a United States Army veteran of the Korean War, as a paratrooper with the 101st Airbourne Division.

Potter was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Nancy Lee Stocksdale Potter; and a brother, Charles Potter Jr. He is survived by two daughters, Jackie Wildman of Darnestown, Md., and Shari Conlon of Frederick, Md.; a sister, Nancy L. Potter of Arlington, Va.; and three grandchildren.

Services will be held at a later date.

Ruth Bernice Smith Holsinger, 89, formerly Dobson, passed away Friday, July 11, 2008, at Homestead Manor in Denton, Md., an assisted-living facility, where she had lived for the past several years.

She was a graduate of Washington College in Chestertown, Md., where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. After graduation, she worked in Baltimore, Md. as a social worker and playground supervisor. She later worked as a long-term substitute teacher in Denton, Md., before entering a career with the Department of Social Services as a foster care caseworker in Caroline County, Md.

She was a formidable presence if the need arose and was fiercely loyal to her family. At the same time, she also served as a 4-H leader, a Cub Scout den mother, Sunday school teacher and organizer of “sock-hop” for local youth featuring the Baltimore TV personality Buddy Deane. She was also a member of the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church of Denton, the Caroline County Library Board and the Women’s Club of Denton.

Holsinger was preceded in death by her parents, Charles H. and Jeanette Brown Smith of Federalsburg, Md.; her first husband, C. Emory Dobson; and her second husband, Francis L. Holsinger. She was especially proud of and extremely close to her brother, the Hon. Marvin H. Smith, 91, of Easton, Md., a former judge on the Maryland Court of Appeals. In addition to her brother, she is survived by her children, Marsha D. Poole of Somerset, Va., Stewart Dobson of Ocean City, Md., John C. Dobson of Ocean City; a step-daughter, Mary Linda Bleinberger, of Towson, Md.; a step-son, Mark Holsinger, of Ocean Pines, Md., six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2008, with interment in Hillcrest Cemetery in Federalsburg, Md. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 1505 Emerson Ave., Salisbury, MD 21801.

David L. Brady, 35, of Frankford, Del., passed away Thursday, July 10, 2008, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, Del. He was employed by Treasure Beach RV Park, Fenwick Island, Del. He was a soccer coach and loved to play with his kids. At one time he had been a lead singer in a band.

Brady is survived by his wife, Christine Houser Brady, with whom he had been together 19 years; two children, Zain and Alexa Brady at home; his parents, Marion Thomas and Margaret Marshall Brady of Georgetown, Del.; a brother, Marion Thomas Brady Jr. of Va.; and a sister, Helen Isdell and her husband, Eddie, also of Va.

Funeral services were scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, 2008, with interment in Carey’s Cemetery, Millsboro, Del.

Michael Paul Joseph, 49, of Greensboro, Md., passed away on July 3, 2008, at the Caroline Home for Hospice in Denton, Md. Joseph was born on Feb 2, 1959, to the late Ronald L. Joseph Sr., and Reba Elliott Joseph Evans, who survives him.
Joseph was employed by Nanticoke Memorial Hospital as a maintenance mechanic. He graduated from Sussex Central High School in 1978. He had been previously employed at Zonko Construction, and Ocean View Builders, where he took pride in having helped to build the Tabernacle at Carey’s Camp. He was a skilled carpenter who could make anything with his hands. He loved rabbit hunting, fishing and sports. He was an avid Ravens fan. He was such a crack shot at deer hunting that he was known as “Deadeye J” on the CB radio.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife, Shelley Jump Joseph, and two daughters: Krista Nichole Davis, 16, and Kendall Brooke Davis, 12. He is also survived by his in-laws, Alice and Edwin Jump, of Denton, Md., and two brothers: James “Tony” Joseph and his wife April, of Laurel, Del., and Keith Patrick Joseph, and his wife Kathy, of Gumboro, Del.

He was preceded by a brother, Ronald L. Joseph Jr., in 1993. Also surviving him are three nieces and a nephew whom he adored: Brittany, Tara and Chelsea Joseph, and Ethan Joseph. Two other loves in his life were his dog, “Yoshie,” and his cat, “Sir Charles von Cat.”

Services will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 South Washington St. in Millsboro, Del., at 1 p.m., where friends may call for a visitation one-hour prior. The Rev. Jerry Hughes will officiate. Interment will be at Carey’s Cemetery in Millsboro.

The family welcomes floral contributions.

Letters of condolences may be e-mailed via watsonfh.com or delmarvaobits.com.

Elva M. Wells, 75, of Gumboro, Del., passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2008, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, Del.
Wells was preceded in death by her parents, Turner and Brenda Wilkerson Fisher; and a sister, Evelyn Scott. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Lester J. Wells; three children, William James Wells and his wife, Kaye, of Millville, Del., Lester J. Wells III and his wife, Deborah, of Gumboro and Bonnie L. Wilkerson and her husband, Charles J., of Gumboro; a brother, Paul J. Fisher of Gumboro; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services were scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, 2008, with interment in Carey’s Cemetery, Millsboro, Del.

Elijah B. Tyre, 74, of Millsboro, Del., passed away Saturday, June 28, 2008, at the Atlantic Shores Nursing Home in Millsboro. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a former member of the Georgetown Kiwanis Club and worked at Sea Colony in Bethany Beach, Del., until his illness. He enjoyed taking long drives on the many back country roads of Sussex County.

Tyre was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Thelma (Bennett) Tyre. He is survived by his son, Steven Tyre and his wife, Denise, of Dagsboro, Del.; a daughter, Krystal McCoy and her husband, Keith, of Bridgeville; a brother, Lemuel Tyre of Ocean View, Del.; a sister, Carol Elliott of Bridgeville, Del.; a granddaughter, Dakota Tyre; grandson, Trevor Timmons; several nieces and nephews.

Services were private.

Helen P. Smith, 83, of Millsboro, Del., passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at home. She worked for the State of Delaware at Stockley Center, retiring in 1990 after many years of service. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Millsboro. An unconditional giver of love to her family, she enjoyed reading, gardening and bird-watching.
Smith was preceded in death by her parents, John F. and Addie Wells Parker; her husband of 38 years, Ralph James Smith; and a sister, Mildred Dennis. She is survived by two daughters, Ann Funds of Rehoboth Beach, Del. and Lana Robb and her husband, Jeff, of Millsboro; a sister, Dorothy Brasure of Laurel, Del.; three grandchildren, Allison Funds, Amanda Robb and Alex Robb; and a great-granddaughter, Ava Wilson.

Funeral services were scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2008, with interment in Millsboro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

Evelyn D. Parsons, 86, of Millsboro, Del., passed away Saturday, July 5, 2008, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, Del. She worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Adkins many years ago. She was a 70-year member of Grace United Methodist Church in Millsboro and loved to participate in many church related activities. She was also a member of the Delaware Dental Association.

Parsons was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alice Coffin Donaway; her husband, Robert J. Parsons Sr.; and a sister, Margaret Pearl Hall. She is survived by her son, Robert J. Parsons II of Baltimore, Md.

Funeral services were scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2008, with interment in Millsboro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may by made in her memory to the American Diabetes Association, the Salvation Army or to the American Heart Association.

Helen T. Lynch, 86, of Selbyville, Del., passed away Saturday, July 5, 2008, at the home of her daughter, Patricia. She worked as a clerk at the former Wilgus Dry Cleaners in Selbyville. She also did private-duty home health care. She was a member of Selbyville Assembly of God Church.

Lynch was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel T. and Mary Elizabeth Morse Myers. She is survived by two daughters, Patricia Simpler of Selbyville and Brenda Herring of Marysville, Wash.; a sister, Rosa Morse of Selbyville; seven grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Chapel services were scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2008, with interment in Delaware Veteran’s Cemetery, Millsboro, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Assembly of God Church, P.O. Box 530, Selbyville, DE 19975; or Selbyville Vol. Fire Dept., P.O. Box 88, Selbyville, DE 19975.

Nellie Jean Daisey, 80, of Millsboro, Del., passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2008, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, Del. She worked at Seawatch International in Milford, Del., working in the personnel department and later in the security department, retiring in 1995 after many years of service. She was a member of the VFW Post 7422 Ladies Auxiliary in Millsboro. Her favorite hobby was crocheting, which she did for many years.

Daisey was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Elizabeth Cooper Dennis; her husband, Leroy; and her son, Donald. She is survived by her son, Terry Daisey and his wife, Carolyn, of Dagsboro, Del; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2008, at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S Washington Street, Millsboro, where friends may call at 9 a.m. Interment will be in Carey’s Cemetery, Millsboro. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

Roland W. Chandler, 72, of Frankford, Del., passed away Saturday, July 5, 2008, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md., surrounded by his loving family. He worked for Mountaire Poultry for numerous years, retiring in 1998. He was a special husband, father and grandfather, and loved his family, especially his great-grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. He enjoyed camping, bike riding and taking vacations.

Chandler was preceded in death by his father, Ben Chandler; mother, Catherine (Banks) Chandler; brother, Preston Chandler; and sister, Ruth Gum. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Elizabeth (Teeny) Chandler; two daughters, Denise Tripp and her husband, Dennis, of Dagsboro, Del., and Linda Toomey and her husband, Marty, of Laurel, Del.; grandchildren, Marcy Robbins and her husband, Kevin, Heidi Roytas and her husband, Rob, Faith Brian and her husband, Brandon, Crystal BeMiller and her boyfriend, Jimmy, Dennis L. Tripp Jr. and his wife, Heather, and Kyle Tripp; great-grandchildren, Shelby and Tyler Robbins, Jocelyn Roytas, Dennis L. Tripp III, Rebecca Tripp, Dallas Mitchell, Britney and Lynn BeMiller; four sisters, Joan Jenkins and her husband, Edgar, Joyce Tubbs, Jean Robinson and her husband, George, Carolyn Moore and her husband, Clinton; two brothers, George Chandler and his wife, Chris, and Virgil Chandler and his wife, Betty Jane; numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2008, with interment in Dagsboro Redmens Memorial Cemetery.

Anthony Capuano, 76, of Millsboro, Del., formerly of Hyattsville, Md., passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at home. He was a member of Mary Mother of Peace Roman Catholic Church and the American Legion Post 28 in Oak Orchard, Del. He was a Korean War veteran, serving in the United States Army. A gentle soul, he was a modest man who loved his grandchildren, fishing and horses.

Capuano was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Frances Caruso Capuano; and a brother, Louis Capuano. He is survived by his wife, Loretta M. Capuano; three sons, Anthony Joseph Capuano and his wife, Marlo, of Worthington, Ohio, Mark Stephen Capuano of Millsboro and Christopher Edward Capuano of Centerville, Md.; a brother, Phillip Capuano and his wife, Constance, of Upper Marlboro, Md.; a sister, Anna M. Curry and her husband, James D., of Dunkirk, Md.; a sister-in-law, Christine Capuano of Ocean City, Md.; and the joys of his life, six grandchildren, Vincent, Carlotta, Claire, Cecelia, Olivia and Elizabeth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Mary Mother of Peace Roman Catholic Church, Route 24, Oak Orchard, Del. A viewing will be held Monday, July 7, 2008, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro. The Rosary service will be at 7 p.m. Interment will be at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.

Joan C. Hammond, 76, of Frankford, Del., formerly of Blades, Del., passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, June 27, 2008, at Atlantic Shores Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Millsboro, Del. She was a lifetime member of the Millville Ladies Auxiliary Fire Company, a member of the Blades Ladies Auxiliary Fire Company and a member of the Millville United Methodist Church.

Hammond was preceded in death by her parents, John and Esther (Doughtery) Conner. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, William A. Hammond; six children, William A. Hammond and his wife, Carol, Nancy Trice and her husband, Ron, John Hammond and his wife, Judi, Karen Massey and her husband, Dale, Kathy Reinhart, Lisa Thomas and her husband, Richard; 12 grandchildren, B.J. Hammond, Aaron Hammond, R.J. Trice, Michael Trice and his wife, Skyler, Christina Trice, Shane Hammond and his wife, Laura, Zachary Hammond, Tyler Massey and his wife, Natasha, Mary Massey, Curtis Reinhart, Melanie Reinhart and Willie Thomas; six great-grandchildren, Jasmine Trice, Ashton Trice, J.T. Trice, Brendan Trice, Sky Hammond and Gabi Hammond; two brothers, Jack Conner and his wife, Jeannie, and Ken Conner and his wife, Linda.

A funeral service was scheduled for Wednesday, July 2, 2008, with interment in Mariner’s Bethel Cemetery, Ocean View, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Millville Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 64, Millville, DE 19970.

Ronald Eugene “Biff” Hilliard, 32, of Selbyville, Del., passed away Saturday, June 28, 2008, at home. He played Pop Warner football and loved playing jokes on his loved ones. He was a graduate of Indian River High School’s Class of 1995. After working at various jobs, he was employed by the State of Delaware, Division of Corrections (DDC), in Smyrna, Del. He was a very devoted family man and will be missed very much. He enjoyed motorcycles, his sister-in-law Pam’s tuna/macaroni salad and his beloved grandmother’s special apple cake. He found great pleasure in kissing his parents and even getting between them in bed. The affection was mutual. He always gave his brother/hero Greg crazy Christmas gifts and enjoyed trading things with his brother-in-law A.J.

Hilliard was preceded in death by an older brother, John Hilliard Jr.; his grandfather, Dorsey Hilliard Sr.; and his uncle, John Bailey. He leaves to mourn his loss and cherish so many precious memories, his beloved wife, Tashaye; his adorable daughters, Ka’ Miya and Ke’Aira; his son, Tyrone E. Hilliard of Dover, Del.; his devoted parents, John and Rosetta Hilliard of Selbyville, Del.; his brother and sister-in-law, Gregory and Pamela Hilliard of Smyrna, Del.; his grandmother, Mary Hilliard of Selbyville; grandparents, Robert and Marie Matthews of Roxana, Del.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony and Sandra Turner; brother-in-law, Anthony “A.J.” Turner Jr.; and sister-in-law, Arraye Turner, all of Sudlersville, Md.; special nieces Monique, Jasmine and Shi’erra Hilliard of Smyrna, Del.; devoted friends, Damon “Goose” Butler and Tasha Watson; special friends, Thomas Lawrence, A.J. Turner, Ryan Robinson, Damon Bivens, Troy Haines and Ce Ce Belmont; and a host of additional loving relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at Calvary Pentecostal Church, Rt. 113N, Bishopville, Md., on Monday, July 7, 2008, at 1 p.m. Viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in Zoar Golden Acres, Selbyville.

Grace H. Lynch, 80, of Frankford, Del., passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury, Md. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many. She was a long-time member of Frankford United Methodist Church.

Lynch was preceded in death by her parents, George and Mildred (Magee) Hudson. She will be dearly missed by her husband of 60 years, Bernard P. Lynch; daughter, Janet Hearn and her husband, Edgar; son, Philip Lynch; grandchildren, Tonya James and her husband, Curtis, and Monica Furbush; great-grandchildren, Lindsey Furbush and Branson James.
A funeral service was scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2008, with burial in Carey’s Cemetery in Frankford. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Frankford United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 37, Frankford, DE 19945.

Barbara Mullen McBride, 76, of Millville, Del., formerly of Alexandria, Va., passed away Saturday, June 28, 2008, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, Del. She was a loving wife and mother whose greatest joy was spending time with her family. She enjoyed her time as a volunteer for St. Ann’s Bazaar, assisting with the bingo at Shady Grove and helping with the Readings for the Visually Impaired. Her friends and family will miss the delicious cakes she made for them and many volunteer groups.

McBride was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Mullen and Josephine Mullen Wells; and two brothers, Joseph and Karlin Mullen. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Byron Meredith McBride; four daughters, Bonita McBride of Clarksville, Del., Donna Nugent of Alexandria, Va., Joanne McBride of Alexandria, Va., and Penny Deith and her husband, Roger, of Ocean View, Del.; two grandchildren, Sgt. Jason Nugent of the United States Army in Texas and Kelly Nugent of Alexandria, Va.; two great-grandchildren, Jason Nugent Jr. and Madison Nugent.

A memorial mass was scheduled for Tuesday, July 1, 2008. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation, 6707 Democracy Blvd., Suite 325, Bethesda, MD 20817.

Laverne Hilda Murray, 80, of Roxana, Del., passed away Sunday, June 29, 2008, at Christiana Hospital, Newark, Del. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Selbyville, Del.

Murray was predeceased by her parents, William and Beryl Layton Downes; and her husband, Albert R. “Pete” Murray. She is survived by her brothers-in-law, Donnie Thornton of Chincoteague, Va., and Richard Massey Sr. of Salisbury, Md.; and several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Services were scheduled for Thursday, July 3, 2008, with interment in Roxana Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to SPCA Sussex Chapter, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.

Marcella J. Phillips, 83, of Ocean View, passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at her home. She was a retired executive secretary.

Phillips was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Lori Phillips. She is survived by her husband, John R. Phillips; her son, Richard Phillips and his wife, Julie, of Pearland, Texas; her daughter, Aimee Ganster and her husband, Larry, of Frankford, Del.; her step-son, John R. Phillips II and his wife, Nicole, of Franklin, Pa.; four grandchildren, Julie Rae Brosnan, Holly Osborn, Chuck Phillips and Tyler Boell; her step-granddaughter, Victoria; and her great-granddaughter, Abigail Brosnan.

Services were private.

John Wesley Sappington, 55, of Windsor Hills, Baltimore, Md., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, July 1, 2008. He died of complications from non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He was a dedicated employee of more than 35 years of the Baltimore Life Companies, where he has many dear friends.

He and his life partner, David, were residents of Windsor Hills for more than 20 years, where they enjoyed restoring a home, gardening and community activities. He served on the Board of Windsor Hills Neighbors, especially enjoying work on the WHNs Conservation Trail. He also enjoyed their home in Sandy Landing, near Bethany Beach, Del., where they spent many years rebuilding the old farmhouse and creating a garden for the enjoyment of family, neighbors and visitors. He was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Woodlawn, where he served as a Vestry member and lay healer.

Sappington was preceded in death by his parents, Orval and Marie Sappington. He is survived by his loving brother, Orval and his wife, Carol; their children, Christie and her husband, Shane, Craig and his wife, Jen; their daughters, Sandy Sally and Meranda; and his life partner of 25 years, David Carroll.

A viewing will be held at the Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home in Catonsville, Inc., 1630 Edmondson Ave., Catonsville, Md., on Monday, July 7, 2008, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held at the Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation, East University Parkway on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Cathedral’s Columbarium at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances are requested for the John W. Sappington Fund, c/o St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 5610 Dogwood Rd., Baltimore, MD 21207; or in his name to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-Maryland, 11350 McCormick Rd., Executive Plaza III, Suite 100, Hunt Valley, MD 21031.

Daniel Alan Clark, 45, of Dagsboro, Del., formerly of Moon Township, Pa., passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at home. He attended Moon Area School District and had worked as a bricklayer in Delaware.

Clark was preceded in death by his father, Thomas F. Clark. He is survived by his mother, Mary Ann Krakosh Cooper, and step-father, Gary Cooper of Hickory, Pa.; his grandmother, Anna Krakosh of McDonald, Pa.; a sister, Mary Ellen Hunsberger of Moon Twp., Pa.; three brothers, Thomas M. Clark and his wife, Patty, of Del., Jeffery J. Clark and his wife, Marsha, of Glenwillard, Pa., and Frank D. Clark, also of Delaware; step-brothers, James and Dennis Cooper; step-sister, Sharon Allison; nieces and nephews, T.J., April, Laura and Matthew Hunsberger, Brandy and Jamie Clark and Amanda Marsiglio.

Funeral services and interment will be private.