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Mildred J. Short,
avid collector
Mildred J. Short, 81, of Millsboro, died Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, in her home.
Mildred was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7422, Millsboro. She was a collector of many things, some of which were glass chickens, lighthouses and toothpick holders.
Mildred was a member of the morning McDonald’s crew.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Martha E. Moore; her husband, John M. Short Sr.; and her sons, Gregory Short and John M. Short Jr.
She is survived by her sons, Kenneth L. Short and his wife Teresa of Mt. Carmel, Pa., and Richard Short and his wife Ina of Seaford; a sister, Lillian Gray of Millsboro; her grandchildren, John Short, Karl Short, Jeff Short and Dallas Short; a great-granddaughter, Alivia Short; many nieces and nephews; other family members, Fayetta Djakovich of Millsboro, Pete Djakovick and his wife Pam of Milton, and David R. Briggs of Millsboro; and her friends, Mary Wilkins and Katherine Atkins.
Services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 19, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call one hour earlier. The Rev. Bob Hudson will officiate.
Burial will be in Millsboro cemetery.
Dennis J. Donovan
retired chemist
Dennis J. Donovan, 78, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 14, 2007, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Dennis was born in Wilmington, September 25, 1928, the son of Irish immigrants who settled on North Clayton Street. He graduated from St. Thomas Elementary School, Salesianum High School class of 1946 and LaSalle College.
He was employed as a chemist with the DuPont Co. before being drafted by the U. S. Army during the Korean War. After completing his military service, Dennis returned to the DuPont Co. He moved on to Fisher Scientific Co. as a sales representative and rose through management ranks during a 30-year career to become vice president of sales. He ultimately retired from VWR Scientific, Fisher Scientific’s parent company, as vice president, national accounts.
Dennis was the life of every party - and there were many - and a generous and gracious host to his six children and their friends at his homes in Raleigh, N.C., Annapolis, Md., and Rehoboth Beach. He was an avid traveler and he made it his mission to visit Irish pubs in cities across the globe. Dennis was a former trustee of St. John the Beloved Parish, leading a capital campaign that led to the construction of the current church. He was an active Eucharistic Minister and took great pride in leading the Sunday money counters and the annual Christmas decoration committee for the parish.
Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Dennis P. Donovan and Julia Healy Donovan; and his sisters, Catherine Donovan Kreggenwinkel and Annie Donovan. He is survived by his children, Erin Donovan and her husband, Robert Goodson, Kathleen Donovan, Patrick Donovan, Michael Donovan, Kevin Donovan and his wife, Elizabeth and Maureen Donovan and her husband, Bill Lenihan. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren who loved spending time with “Grandpoppy,” Kyle, Evan, Julia and Hannah Donovan and Kerry, Brendan and Brian Goodson. “Uncle Sonny” is also survived by his loving nieces, Judy Kreggenwinkel, Ann Mills and Carol Shimel; his former wife, Jeanne S. Moore; and his caring partner for the last several years, Debbie Zentmeyer.
An Irish wake was held at the Doherty Funeral Home, Pike Creek. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 18, at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Rd., Sherwood Park. Interment will follow the Mass in Cathedral cemetery , Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Dennis Donovan may be made to St. Mark’s High School, 2501 Pike Creek Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808 or to Salesianum School, 1801 N. Broom St., Wilmington, DE 19802.
Evelyn M. Holbert,
retired manager
Evelyn Marie Holbert, 69, of Millsboro, formerly of Warrington, Pa., passed away Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 at her home.
She was a quality control manager for E.R.C. in Doylestown, Pa. and Union, N.J,, retiring after 38 years of service.
Evelyn enjoyed fishing, cooking, and she loved spending time at home with her family and friends.
She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Robert Michael Holbert; two sons, Tom Carroll and his wife Jenny, and Steven Carroll; a daughter, Tonya Stenken; and five grandchildren, Teddy, Sophia, Ellena, Michael, and Shelby.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Evelyn’s memory to American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, Suite 205, Wilmington, DE 19720.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Long Neck.
Doris M. Waples,
retired secretary
Doris M. Waples, 83, of Millsboro, died Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, at home.
Mrs. Waples was born on Oct. 3, 1923, in Millsboro, to the late Harvey and Blanche Phillips Lawson.
She was also preceded in death by her husband, William G. Waples Sr., in 1995.
Mrs. Waples retired from Stockley Center in Georgetown as a secretary in 1980.
She was a member of the Life Light Tabernacle, Millsboro. She loved to play cards and loved being with her family.
She is survived by two sons, William Waples and his wife Sandra of Millsboro and David Waples of Salisbury, Md.; one daughter, Gail Sexton and her husband Parris of Millsboro; one brother, Robert Lawson of Millsboro; seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call one hour before the service.
Interment will be in Millsboro cemetery , State Street, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, Southern Division, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Alice Wright Barton,
loved theater, sports
Alice Wright Barton, 89, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Monday Oct. 1, 2007, at Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Lewes.
She was a brilliant, wonderful woman and will be sorely missed.
Ms. Barton was born Nov. 27, 1917, in Jersey City, N.J., daughter of the late Daniel and Sarah Wright.
She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Staten Island, N.Y. She worked in New York City for Time Inc., Johnson & Higgins Insurance, and Telematics. She retired from her job as executive secretary of Yankelovich, Skelly and White of New York City in 1995.
Ms. Barton was a theatergoer, sports fan and an avid reader. Her hobby was researching the history and origin of languages: Greek, Latin, French and English.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Danny; daughter, Sheila; former husband, Frank Sr.; and son, Frank Jr.
She is survived by three sons, Dennis of Rehoboth Beach, Christopher of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Tom of Columbia, Md.; two granddaughters, Jane Tan of Barnegat, N.J., and Shannon Barton of Troy, N.Y.; and three great-grandchildren, Jeremy, Tim and Sarah of Barnegat, N.J.
Funeral services will be private. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Frankford.
Catherine Irene Bratton,
Red Hat member
Catherine Irene Bratton, 82, of Millsboro, formerly of Aston, Pa., passed away Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, at the Green Valley Nursing Home in Millsboro.
She was a member of Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church in Oak Orchard/Millsboro and the Red Hat Society of Long Neck.
She was preceded in death by her husband John B. Bratton in 1969.
She is survived by four sons, Frank Bratton of Woodbury, N.J., John Bratton of Newark, Bill Bratton of Long Neck, and Ronald Bratton of Florida; daughters-in-law Christine Bratton and Inge Bratton; four grandchildren, Kim Marcoux of Fremont, N.H., Stacey Tighe of Gibbstown, N.J., and Denny and Jessica Bratton of Newark; and three great-grandchildren, Zachary, Jeffrey, Rudy.
Services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to, Green Valley Terrace Nursing Home, 231 S. Washington St, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Long Neck.
Michael J. DeSantis Jr.,
professional violinist
Michael John “Johnnie” DeSantis Sr., 81, of Huntingtown, Md., formerly of Silver Spring, Md., Washington, D.C. and Rehoboth Beach, died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 at Annapolis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Annapolis, Md., of natural causes.
A native Washingtonian, he was born October 10, 1925, to the late John and Elvera Bottazzi DeSantis. He attended Washington public schools and graduated from Eastern High School. He later attended The Catholic University of America, where he studied music.
A musician since childhood, he learned to play the violin when he was nine years old. He played both the violin and the guitar professionally his entire adult life. He was a 50-year-plus member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 161-710 in Washington, D.C. He played with countless musicians over his lifetime throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and led his own Johnnie D Trio for many years.
He volunteered for military service during World War II and served in the United States Marine Corps in the South Pacific Theatre. He was involved with the invasion and occupation of Okinawa, where he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart.
Upon his return to the Washington area after the war, he began playing music again, but also held several regular jobs including 20 years with the Department of Defense. Like others of his generation, he joined numerous veteran and fraternal organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, BPO Elks and the Knights of Columbus.
Johnnie is survived by his son Michael John “Jay” DeSantis Jr. of Rehoboth Beach; his daughter Debra Malay and her husband Ron and their children Chris, Sean, and Nick Malay of Huntingtown; his brother Robert John DeSantis, and his wife Peggy of Largo, Fla.; and two nephews and one niece.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife Lonnie W. DeSantis who died in 1994.
Friends joined the family at Rausch Funeral Home in Owings, Md. where the Calvert Elks Lodge held a memorial service and Deacon Gene Mastrangelo offered a prayer vigil.
A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at St. John Vianney Catholic Church by Deacon Gene Mastrangelo. Johnnie was laid to rest at Gate of Heaven cemetery
in Silver Spring, next to his wife. He was carried to his grave by Robert and Jay DeSantis and Chris, Sean, Nick, Ron and Don Malay.
Arrangements by Rausch Funeral Home, 8325 Mount Harmony Lane, Owings, Md.
Margaret H. Schranck,
DuPont retiree
Margaret Hennis Schranck, 88, longtime resident of Rehoboth Beach, died Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, at home.
Mrs. Schranck was born Sept. 14, 1919, in Wilmington, to Harry Hennis and Anna McGrath Hennis.
She graduated from Wilmington High School in 1937 and attended Goldey College. She then worked at the DuPont Company, including service on the Manhattan Project during World War II. Later in life, she was executive secretary of the Delaware Nature Education Society (later the Delaware Nature Society), at Brandywine Creek State Park and at their current offices in Ashland.
She married Joseph C. Schranck October 18, 1947. At the time of her death, they were 17 days away from celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.
After retiring to Rehoboth Beach, she remained active with golf, bridge, volunteer work, crosswords, travel and her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Ann McLaughlin and Kathleen Hackett.
She is survived by her husband and their children and their spouses: one daughter, Karen Dettwyler (John) of Hockessin; and four sons, Joseph C. Schranck of Middletown; Frederick H. Schranck (Susan) of Rehoboth Beach; Thomas A. Schranck (Debra) of Mountainside, N.J.; and David J. Schranck (Margaret Bobick) of Falls Church, Va. Also surviving are her eight grandchildren: Joseph C. Schranck Jr. of Wilmington; Zachary Dettwyler of Fairfax, Va.; Benjamin Dettwyler of Hockessin; Carolyn and Julia Schranck of Rehoboth Beach; Rachel and Samantha Schranck of Mountainside, N.J.; and Molly Schranck of Falls Church, Va.
A viewing will be held from 9 to 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 8, at Parsell Atkins & Lodge Funeral Home in Lewes.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 8, at St. Edmond’s Catholic Church, King Charles Avenue, in Rehoboth Beach. Interment will take place Tuesday, Oct. 9, at the Delaware Veterans Memorial cemetery
in Bear.
The family expresses its appreciation to Delaware Hospice, Beebe Hospital, Harbor Health Care, and Griswold Special Care for their care and kindness toward her and her family during her illness. The family also suggests that contributions can be made in her memory to St. Edmond’s Church, P.O. Box 646, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or to Delaware Hospice Southern Division, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown DE 19947.
Frances C. H. Norwood,
retired cosmetologist
Frances Consetta Harmon Norwood, 78, of Millsboro died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007, in Sentara Leigh Hospital, Norfolk, Va., after a lengthy illness.
Frances was born May 25, 1929, in Millsboro, to the late William Edward and L. Jeanette Johnson Harmon.
She graduated from Delaware State College High School for Colored Students, now Delaware State University, and later attended and graduated from Apex Beauty School, Philadelphia, and received her diploma in cosmetology.
Frances then returned to Millsboro and opened her own beauty shop and also was a dressmaker.
She married the love of her life, George W., and from this union three children were born.
Frances for many years worked at the Sports Craft, a former clothing firm in Lewes. She was a member of Israel United Methodist Church near Lewes.
Frances was preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Jauna T. Norwood.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, George W. Norwood. Oct. 5 would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. She is also survived by one son, Gemez W. and his wife, Felonise Norwood of Millsboro; one daughter, Tyniece J. Norwood of Chesapeake, Va.; one grandson, Eric Lee Martin Jr. of Phoenix, Ariz.; and two sisters, Phyllis L. Morris and Janet C. Harmon, both of Millsboro.
Services will be noon, Friday, Oct. 5, at Israel United Methodist Church, Plantation Road, Lewes, where friends may call two hours prior. A viewing was held at Harmony United Methodist Church, Millsboro. Burial was in the Israel Church cemetery.
Arrangements by Miller Funeral Services, Lewes.
Ruth Ellen M. King,
General Foods retiree
Ruth Ellen Messick King, 69, of Ellendale, passed away Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, in her home.
Ruth was born in Milford, daughter of the late Francis and Edna (Renshaw) Messick.
Ruth worked for General Foods for many years and retired, due to illness, at which time she became a homemaker. She was a wonderful homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be dearly missed by all who knew her for her smile and sense of humor.
She was a member of Ladies of the Moose, Harrington Lodge 1224.
In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her stepmother, Frances Messick Meredith; her brothers: Leon, Preston, Charlie and Earl Messick; and a sister, Tina Kemper. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Howard P. King, whom she married April 18, 1953; four children, Sherie A. Greenley of Ellendale, Paul L. King of Dover, Vickie L. Davila of Burrsville and Kevin R. King and wife Cyndi of Asheville, N.C.; three granddaughters, Crystal E. Beach of Lincoln, Kristen Borda of New Jersey and Kyla Taylor of Felton; a great-granddaughter: Elise G. Beach, also of Lincoln; and 14 siblings, Edna M. Hurd of Ellendale, Mary A. Shulties, Glena Thompson and Robert Messick all of Felton, Tim Messick of Milford, Francis “Butch” Messick of Ellendale, Terry Messick of Greenwood, Don Messick of Seaford, Steve Messick of Laurel, Diane Messick of Lincoln, Barbara Rogers of Thompsonville, Joyce Ann Ensminger of Georgetown, Sheila Breckner of Lincoln and Pat Murray of Milford.
At Ruth’s request a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions in Ruth’s memory can be made to Easter Seals, 22317 Dupont Boulevard, Georgetown, DE 19947.
