Donald H. Voge Age 65, a master mariner, died Friday, May 10, 2002.
He was born in State Island, NY on December 27, 1936 and was the son of Erwin and Elizabeth. Upon graduation from St. Peter's High School, he began his career in the merchant marines with Sun Oil Company. By the age of 27 he had worked from an ordinary seaman to a captain, where he remained until 1996 and retired after a 42-year career. During his career, he wrote pilotage that included all 5 Great Lakes and most inland waters from ME to Boston Harbor, the Cape Cod Canal, Long Island Sound, New York Harbor, Delaware River, the C&D Canal, Chesapeake Bay and various ports along FL and the Gulf coast. He was one of the first captains to ride the Arco Fairbanks in 1977 to write pilotage for the then new port of Valdez, AK. In 1977, he went ashore for Sun Oil Company as a port captain in the ship repair division and later became the manager of the tug and barge division. In 1987, Captain Voge resumed his sailing career as captain of the Philadelphia Sun, where he remained until his retirement in 1997. During his sailing years, Captain Voge loved nothing more than when one of his family members could be aboard for the trip. His wife, Patricia, was the first wife of a Sun Oil seaman to make a trip aboard the Texas Sun in February 1975. She made numerous trips over the years and was aboard for his last voyage that ended in Sun Station, TX.
After some consulting work mainly as an expert witness in maritime cases, Captain Voge began work in his second career as a port captain in Maritrans, Inc. in 1999.
Captain Voge was the recipient of several awards including a Citation of Merit from the National Safety Council. The vessel SS Texas Sun won the 1995 annual contest for an outstanding display of seamanship and teamwork in the rescue of 2 survivors adrift for 5 days in a cabin cruiser off the coast of Jacksonville, FL. He also won a General Chairmanship Award from the National Safety Council in 1979 in recognition of his paper entitled "Cargo Tank Inerting, the Safe Way." In 1990, Captain Voge adopted an elementary school in Mt. Vernon, MO, teaching the students about life as a mariner. The students and crew corresponded back and forth and Captain Voge even made a trip to Mt. Vernon Elementary to meet with the students.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; mother, Elizabeth; brother, Jack; 2 sons, David and Robert and their wives, Jennifer and Judy; 4 grandchildren, Samantha, Bryan, Joey and Stephanie; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Wednesday, May 15 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4701 Weldin Rd., Wilmington, DE. Interment will be in the Birmingham Lafayette Cemetery, West Chester, PA. Friends may call 7-9 pm Tuesday evening, May 14 at the CHANDLER FUNERAL HOME, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720.
POSTELLE VAN ROBERT 'COJACK', Dec. 31, 2002, age 56, of Chester, father of Hesaam N. Sonnebeyatta, brother of LaVon Postelle, Reginald Trippley, William Trippley, Vernoda Stillis and Betty J. Carter; grandfather of Raushan, Isaiah and Briana Sonnebeyetta, and Daisha Dowson; also survived by daughter-in-law Deidre Sonnebeyatta, sisters-in-law Christine Hamilton and Paula A. Postelle, brother-in-law Tyrone Carter and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Service will be held Tues. Jan. 7, 11 A.M. at the Providence Baptist Church, 1100 W. 2nd St., Chester. Viewing 9 to 11 A.M. at the church. Int. Fri. Jan. 10, 2003 at Haven Memorial Cem. Arr. EARL L. FOSTER FUNERAL HOME, Chester PA.
Published in the Philadelphia Inquirer & Philadelphia Daily News on 1/5/2003.
Written about Cojack: Sailed with Cojack on the Sun ships many times; it was always a pleasure. I believe he had a rough go of it at times in his life, but he hung in there and was truly a good shipmate. He enjoyed a hearty laugh and had a positive outlook on life despite the challenges that were dealt to him. May he rest in peace; I will always remember Cojack (always thought it was "Kojak" like the show!) - he made a mark on my life!
With sincere sympathy,
John Dix
Russell W. Murray Of Millsboro, DE. Age 65. Died Thursday, May 6 at Millsboro Nursing Center. Service: 2 pm Sunday, May 9 at WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 211 Washington St., Millsboro. Visitation: 12 noon Sunday.
Mr. Murray was born in Selbyville, DE, son of the late Irving W. and Anne Hudson Murray. He did auto body work for 19 years for Raymond S. Goslee, Kersey Motors and Cordrey Ford. He also worked 17 years for Sun Transport, Marcus Hook, PA, retiring in 1991. After that he worked part time for Intervet, Millsboro until his illness. He served 14 years with the Millsboro Fire Company and VFW Post 7422 Ambulance, Millsboro. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War serving on the U.S.S. Henry W. Tucker and U.S.S. Gatling.
Mr. Murray is survived by his wife of 44 years, Joyce Hitchens; 4 children, Rhonda Timmons and Dennis Murray of Millsboro, Russell W. Murray, Jr. of Laurel and Kandy Malone of Dagsboro; 3 grandchildren, Tyler, Jordan and Caitlin; mother in law, Effie Dennis of Millsboro; 2 brothers, Clifford Murray of Dagsboro and Carl Murray of Frankford; 6 sisters, Harriet Wingate and Barbara Franklin, both of Frankford, Hilda Anderson of Millsboro, Agnes Melson and Betty Lou Townsend, both of Dagsboro, and Katherine Horn of Linwood, PA.
The family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, Delaware Chapter, 321 E. 11th St., Wilmington, DE 19801.
[published 05/08/1999]
Retired merchant seaman for Sun Oil Co.
Johnnie "Butts" Harris, 69, of Chester, died July 7, 2006 at home. Born in Chester, he was a resident of the city all his life. Mr. Harris was a retired merchant seaman for Sun Oil Co. He was educated in the Chester schools. He was the son of the late Oscar Townsend and Ursula Farmer Scott. Mr. Harris was the twin brother of the late James Harris; and brother of the late Robert Harris, Pearl Tilghman and Shirley Harris.
Survivors: Son, John Thomas Hamm of Sharon Hill; daughters, Nadine A. Brown-Evans, Kelly McCready and Latisha Green, all of Chester, Michele Rice-Wilson of Linwood, Lakisha Green of Linwood, Mynisha Green of Upper Darby; brothers, Leon Harris of Chichester, Thomas Harris of Chester; 24 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.
Service: 11 a.m. Friday at St. Luke Community Christian Church, Fourth Street and Central Avenue, Chester.
Visitation: 9-11 a.m. Friday at the church.
Burial: Haven Memorial Cemetery, Chester Township. The family will assemble at 1509 Perkins St., Chester. Arrangements: Earl L. Foster Funeral Home.
Thomas
Lyon, Radio Operator
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has received word of the death
February 13, 2001, of retiree Thomas Lyon in Littleton, NH, after a long
illness. He was 73.
homas Lyon was born March 9, 1927 in Brookline, MA. During World War II he
served in the U.S. Maritime Service, sailing on Liberty ships to Europe and
in the Pacific as a radio operator after attending the U.S. Maritime Radio
School. After the war, he served in the infantry as a high-speed radio
operator. He attended San Jose State College for a year, majoring in
forestry, before moving to Cape Cod in the early 1950s. In 1987, he sailed
as a civilian radio electronics officer in the Ready Reserve Fleet to the
Persian Gulf War.
Tom Lyon worked at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for 27 years,
many of them in Marine Operations as a radio officer aboard various
Institution research vessels. He joined the Institution staff in July 1951
as a radio operator aboard Research Vessel Atlantis. In 1962 he moved to the
Research Vessel Chain, working as a relief radio operator on the ship until
1967 and later as a relief radio officer aboard Research Vessel Knorr from
1971 to 1979. During this same time period, from 1963 to 1979, he worked
ashore as a lab assistant and later research assistant in electronics for
Doug Webb in the Ocean Engineering Department.
Tom Lyon left the Institution in 1979 and worked as a radio electronics
officer aboard oil tankers for Sun Oil Co, briefly serving again on the
Knorr in 1986. He left the Institution permanently that year, retired, and
moved to Waterford, Vermont, where he resided until his death.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Lyon, of Waterford, VT; two daughters,
Sarah Lyon-Callo and Helen M. Lyon; a son, Ben Lyon; and two grandsons.
A memorial gathering will be held at the family home later this year.
Memorial donations may be made to Bourne Conservation Trust, P.O. Box 203,
Cataumet, MA 02534.
Clarence B. Lemmon, 72, of Newark, died on Sunday, July 11, 2004 at his home.
Mr. Lemmon was born in Newark on December 20, 1931, son of the late McKinley and Gertrude (Schaen) Lemmon, and served his country in the U.S. Army.
Until his retirement, he had worked as a pumpman for the Merchant Marine at Sun Oil Company in Marcus Hook, Pa.
In his leisure time, he enjoyed membership in the New Castle Moose Lodge and restoring vintage cars.
A gifted mechanic and handyman, Mr. Lemmon will be remembered by family and friends for his ability to complete any home project, no matter how difficult, and also for his kindness in helping anyone in need at any time.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Barbara J. (Schmidt) Lemmon; two children, Daniel A. Lemmon and Wendi M. Rader, both of Newark; two grandsons, Daniel A. Lemmon, Jr. of Smyrna; and Kenneth L. Rader of Newark.
A funeral service was scheduled for July 16 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home in Newark. Interment is in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Lung Association, 1021 Gilpin Ave., Wilmington, DE 19806.
Charles J. Vinson Sr., 70, of Houston, died Sunday, March 20, 2005, at home.
Mr. Vinson retired after 28 years with the Sun Oil Co. as chief engineer with licenses in diesel and steam engineering. After retiring he owned and operated Vinson’s Repair Service for eight years.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Frances C. Vinson; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Larry F. and Marion Vinson of Felton and Charles J. Vinson Jr. and David W. and Kimberly Vinson, all of Houston; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Dottie Jean and Bill Robinson of Dutton, Ala., Mary Frances Vinson of Salisbury, Md., and Susan C. and James M. Payton Sr. of Milton; two brothers, Billy J. Vinson of Florida and Steven Vinson of Tennessee; two sisters, Emma Pemberton and Barbara Chambers, both of Tennessee; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Services were held at Berry Short Funeral Home, Milford, with burial in Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery, Frederica.
Age 82, formerly of Northminster, north Wilmington, DE, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2006, in Greensboro, NC.
Mr. Hutson was born in SchoolfieId, VA. He served his country in the Merchant Marines during WWII. He was a seaman for Sun Oil Co. and retired as the senior chief engineer. Mr. Hutson was a member of Chester Bethel United Methodist Church in Wilmington, DE. He was a 32nd degree Mason of the Chester Lodge #236 and was also a member of the Del Vets VFW Post.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorine Sakers Hutson, who passed away in 1984. Survived by his daughters, Debra Hutson of Mukilteo, WA and Terry Vuncannon of NC; brothers, Philip Hutson of Greensboro, NC and Edward E. Hutson of GA; sister, Kay Blankenship of Durham, NC; 4 grandchildren, Maggie, Michael Cary, Grace and William; and 2 great grandchildren, lan and Sophie.
A graveside service will be conducted by the Chester Lodge #236 at Chester Bethel Cemetery, 2619 Foulk Rd., Wilmington, DE, at 2 pm on Monday, January 9, 2006.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2306 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE 19805.GEBHART FUNERAL HOMES Of New Castle County [published 01/08/2006]
Ronald L. Emory, of Milford, DE, was lost at sea on Wednesday, January 18, 2006, following a tugboat accident 30 miles off the coast of Cape Fear, NC.
Ron was born in Milford, DE, son of Cecil Layton and Rose Marie Fassel Emory. He graduated Milford High School in 1967. He was a Navy veteran, serving from November 1968-November 1971, including a tour of Vietnam. After serving in the Navy, he returned home and worked for Sun Oil Company, sailing on Sun tankers as a quartermaster. He worked for Maritrans a Tug -Towing Company, from 1978 until the present. He also worked part-time on the Cape May Lewes Ferry. He loved working on the water, as though it was his second home, but he cherished his time home with his family and friends. He was a member of Reformation Lutheran Church, The Milford Historical Society, and the VFW. Ron's kindness, generosity and big heart will be missed by all he touched.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Susan Jackson Emory; 2 children, Zachary Lee and Hilary Louise Emory; his parents, Cecil Layton and Rose Marie Fassel Emory; a sister and brother-in-law, Joyce Emory Perry and Gregg Perry, and their children, Rhett and Trey; a brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Cindy Emory; stepson, John Butler; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara Jackson Thommes and Terry Thommes, and their children, Alex and Leanna; and mother-in-law, Helga W. Jackson.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, January 28, 2006, at Reformation Lutheran Church, 613 Lakeview Avenue, Milford, DE 19963.
Directions to the church can be found at www.reformation-lutheran.net.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to a memorial fund in his memory at Reformation Lutheran Church.
[published 01/26/2006]
Historian, restaurateur
James J. Muzyk, 71, a historian and restaurateur, of Marcus Hook, died Feb. 8, 2006 at home.
He was born at Taylor Hospital, the son of Sophie Ciesielka and Joseph Muzyk. He was raised in Nether Providence and at age 18, in
1952 moved to Marcus Hook and joined Sun Oil - Sun Transport, working his way up to chief steward. Mr. Muzyk traveled around the
world three times during his 20 years of employment, crossing the equator each time. He then retired and established his own restaurant
in 1972 at Tanglewood Resort, Lake Wallenpaupak, Hawley, Pa., in the Pocono Mountains, where patrons traveled across state lines to
have his famous chicken cordon bleu.
He returned to.,his beloved roots in Delaware County in 1979, where he was involved with membership in the Heritage Commission of Delaware County, Marcus Hook Community Development Corp., Marcus Hook Library Board, Shade Tree Commission, Chichester/Marcus Hook Historical Society and Delaware County Historical Society.
In November 2005, he was honored by Marcus Hook Mayor George McClure and the borough council as the first appointment to the Marcus Hook Historic Commission for his many years of research and dedication as a local historian.
Survivors: Beloved soul mate, Jane Priese and extended family.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, at the Old St. Martin's Church, 225 Church St., Marcus Hook.
Visitation: 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday prior to his memorial service.
Burial: Private.
Contributions: Marcus Hook Community Corp., 1015 Green St., Marcus Hook, PA 19061. Please note on check: James J. Muzyk Historical Fund.
Arrangements: Moreland-Pagano Funeral Home, Trainer.
Former Merchant Marine
Wayne Allen McMaster, 52, of Rehoboth Beach, died Tuesday, March 28, 2006, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, after a long illness.
He was born and raised in Boothwyn, Pa., son of the late Joseph and Dorothy Price McMaster. He was a member of the Reliance Fire Company in Boothwyn, Pa. After graduating from Chichester High School in 1972, he joined the Merchant Marines, working as a seaman for the Sun Oil Co. of Marcus Hook, Pa. For the past 28 years he lived in Rehoboth Beach, where he had been disabled for some time.
He is survived by his sister, Joanne James and husband, Lou, of Milton; three brothers, Larry McMaster and wife, Dee, James “Tick” McMaster and Dennis Keith McMaster and wife, Donna, all of Boothwyn, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will be held Saturday, April 8, at Lawncroft Cemetery, Linwood, Pa.
The family requests donations be made to Beebe Medical Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
Retired Merchant Marine
Horace “Buddy” Wells Jr., 59, of Millsboro, died Monday, Aug. 2, 2004, at home.
Mr. Wells was born in Lewes and retired after more than 26 years with Sun Oil-Sun Transport Co. in the Merchant Marines. He also worked for nine years at Bethany Bay Golf Course. He was a NASCAR fan but most of all loved camping with friends and his kids and was a loving father.
Mr. Wells was an especially active Mason, belonging to The Grand Lodge A.F. and A.M. of Delaware, Lodge 37 in Dagsboro, where he was a past master, the Doric Lodge 30 in Millville; the Tall Cedars of Lebanon Delmarva Forest 201 and the Frankford Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star 12.
He was also active in the Moose International and the Elks Lodge 2173 in Selbyville and a charter member of Moose Lodge 646 in Lewes.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sandy d. Wells of Millsboro; a son and daughter-in-law, Michael L. and Kendra Wells of Millsboro; two daughters and a son-in-law, Dana Lynn Wells and Michele L. and Douglas Vickers, all of Millsboro; two sisters and two brothers-in-law, Margaret and Richard Denis of Bishopville,k Md. and Etta and Bert Ritter of Lewes; his special uncle with whom he lived, Charles West; and five grandchildren.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 6, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro. Services will be noon, Saturday, Aug. 7, at the funeral home, where friends may also call at 11 a.m.
The Rev. James Carmean will officiate. Burial will be in Millsboro Cemetery.
Joseph R. Fraley Sr., 56, a merchant seaman who cherished the time he was able to spend with his family, died Monday Feb. 17, 2003 of an embolism at
Mount Diablo Medical Center in Concord, Calif.
Mr. Fraley had gone by train from his home in Media to begin a cruise and was stricken as he reached his ship’s gangway, said his wife, Anita.
Mr. Fraley grew up in Springfield, Delaware County, and graduated from Springfield High School in 1964. He joined the Merchant Marine at age 19, working first for Sun Oil and then Maritrans Inc., after Sun sold vessels to the shipping company in 1997.
Mr. Fraley rose to chief mate during his career in the maritime industry.
When he was on dry land, he enjoyed playing golf and cooking, but he derived most pleasure from being with his family, his wife said.
In addition to his wife of 31 years, Mr. Fraley is survived by sons Joseph Jr. and Randall; a brother and a sister.
Viewings will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at Rigby, Harting & Hagan Funeral Home, 15 E. Fourth St., Media. Services will be held at the funeral home at 10 a.m., Monday. Burial will be in Media Cemetery Media.
Memorial donations may be made to the Seaman's Church Institute, attention: the Rev. Mary Grambsch, 241 Water St., New York, N.Y. 10038.
Henry "Harry" "Flip" Herbert, 88, of Aston, died Aug. 22, 2006 at home.
Born in Quincy, Mass. Mr. Herbert had lived in Aston for the past 23 years.
Mr. Herbert was employed by the marine division of the Sun Oil Co. for more than 35 years until his retirement in 1970.
During WWII he had served on tankers in the transportation of oil.
Mr. Herbert was an avid golfer and enjoyed dancing. He was an Eagles fan. He was a member of Lafayette Lodge 14 F&AM of Wilmington, Del. and the Moose Lodge and the VFW, Woodlyn.
He was the husband of the late Charlotte Elliott Herbert, who died in 2002. He was the brother of the late Fred, Edward and Russell Herbert and Marion Keeley.
Survivors: Stepchildren, Shirley Borowy of Glen Mills, Lorraine Bundick of Lake Wales, Fla., John Clineff of Boothwyn; brother, John Herbert of Wallingford; 11 step-grandchildren; 18 step great-grandchildren.
Service: 10 a.m. Monday at the Minshall ShropshireBleyler Funeral Home, Middletown and Knowlton Road, Middletown.
Visitation: 9 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial: Mount Hope Cemetery, Aston. Contributions: Crozer Hospice, One Medical Center Blvd., Upland, PA 19013.
William "Billy" Kegley, 76, of Aston, died May 9, 2006 at home.
He was born in Olive Hill, Ky. He was a veteran of the Korean War, worked for Sun Oil and had been a merchant seaman and member of American Legion Post 926 and Parkside Seniors Club. He resided in Aston for 50 years.
He was the son of the late T.D. Kegley and Laurel Erwin.
Survivors: Wife, Josephine Luther Kegley; brother, Gary Paul Reynolds.
Celebration of Life Service: 1 p.m. June 3, main chapel of D'Anjolell-Stigale Memorial Home, 3260 Concord Road, Aston.
Visitation: 11 a.m. June 3 at the funeral home. Burial: At a later date
Contributions: St. ,Joseph Building Fund, 3255
Concord Road, Aston, PA 19014 or Crozer Hospice, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Upland, PA 19013.
Richard G. "Dick" Tompkins, 83, of Chester, a retired Sun Oil Co. employee, died Sept. 14, 2006 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Tompkins was a resident of Prospect Park for 50 years before moving to Chestnut Ridge in Chester a year ago.
He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Merchant Marine. He was employed in marine operations at Sun Oil for 41 years until his retirement in 1982.
He was a 47-year member of Olivet Presbyterian Church in Prospect Park, where he served on the board of trustees for a period of time.
He was an excellent bowler and bowled on the Olivet Church Team in the Ridley Church Bowling League for a number of years. He also enjoyed playing golf in his spare time.
Mr. Tompkins will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and church member.
Survivors: Wife, Faith Hanson Tompkins; sons, Gregory S. Tompkins of Ridley Park, Christopher T. Tompkins of Aston and Kevin R. Tompkins of Norwood; sister, Molly Manning of Florida; five grandchildren.
Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Olivet Presbyterian Church, 10th and Washington Avenues, Prospect Park.
Visitation: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, Norwood, and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at
the church.
Burial: Glenwood Memorial Gardens, Marple.
Contributions: Memorial Fund of Olivet Presbyterian Church, 1001 Washington Ave., Prospect Park, PA 19076.
Lorraine Gorbey McConnell, 76, of Prospect Park, a retired secretary at Sun Transport Co. and former "first lady" of Prospect Park, died of heart failure Saturday, May 20, 2006 at Riddle Village, a retirement community in Media.
Mrs. McConnell's first job as a secretary was at the Baldwin Line-Hamilton locomotive company in Eddystone. In the 1970s, she worked at Widener University and later for the Federal Aviation Administration at Philadelphia International Airport. She was a secretary at Sun Oil Transport Co. in Aston for several years before she retired.
Mrs. McConnell was married to William P. McConnell Sr. for more than 50 years. In the 1960s and 1970s, he served as mayor of Prospect Park and Mrs. McConnell was his "first lady."
"She took care of her family," said the couple's son William Jr. "If it wasn't for that, my father wouldn't have been able to accomplish what he did."
Mrs. McConnell was a longtime member of St. James Episcopal. Church, several Sun Oil clubs, and the Order of the Eastern Star.
Her husband died in 2001. In addition to her son, Mrs.
McConnell is survived by a daughter, Deborah Yon; one sister; and two grandchildren.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 tonight at Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, Norwood. Services are at 11 a.m. tomorrow at St. James Episcopal Church, 11th and Lincoln Avenues (Route 420), Prospect Park. Burial is private.
Norwood G. Tatman, "Woody", age 63, of Kirkwood, PA, passed away March 31, 2006, in a nursing home in Jackson, TN, near the home of his oldest son, Woody.
Born in Wilmington, DE to the late Norwood W. and Jeanette Tatman, he resided in Wilmington for 47 years before moving to Lancaster County, PA in 1989. A graduate of Brandywine High School, class of 1960, he graduated from Kings Point US Merchant Marine Academy in 1965. He was a retiree of Sun Oil Co., in Aston, PA, with 31 years of dedicated service of overseas fleet management. Woody was active with the Boy Scouts during each of his 3 sons' extensive participation. He very much enjoyed spending time with his family in Chincoteague, VA at their vacation home, where he enjoyed boating, fishing, crabbing, clamming, digging oysters and sailing. He enjoyed trips with the family, especially skiing and motorcycling. He favored making chili, succotash, and fried potatoes with breakfast, to name a few.
Survivors include his wife, Joy Morenté-Tatman; and 3 sons, Woody, husband of Beth, of Medina, TN, Eric, husband of Victoria, of Quarryville, PA, and Derric, husband of Cynthia, of Quarryville, PA. He was the beloved "Poppie" to 3 granddaughters, Maria, Leah and Marlena; and brother to Bruce Tatman, of Wilmington, DE.
A private memorial service will be held in Chincoteague, VA.
In memory of Woody, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl.17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633 (800-272-3900/www.alz.org).
Arrangements by ARRINGTON FUNERAL GROUP, Jackson, TN
Leonard G. Wilson, Age 80, of Pike Creek, DE, died at home on Thursday, December 28, 2006, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Chester, PA on August 8, 1926, Mr. Wilson was the son of the late Hector D. Wilson and Wilhelmina Friedman Wilson. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII, in both the Atlantic and Pacific campaigns aboard the USS Alfred A. Cunningham (DD752), from November 1942-August 1946. Mr. Wilson retired after 36 years of service from Sun Oil Company, in the Marine Transit Division.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by, his brother, Donald H. Wilson; his sister, Elizabeth J. Bedwell; and his niece, Rachel E. Fie. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia J. Prinsen Wilson; his daughter, Donna L. Sloniewski and her husband, Joseph, of Wilmington, DE; his son, Leonard J. Wilson, of Wilmington, DE; his daughter, Susan Simpson VanAtta and her husband, Steven, of Pilesgrove, NJ; his grandchildren, Alison & Taylor Sloniewski, Zachary Gaunt & Ian G. VanAtta; his sister, Susan H. Fie and her husband, Edward, of Bear, DE; and his brother, Alan Wilson and his wife, Ann, of Las Vegas, NV.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at the DOHERTY FUNERAL HOME 3200 Limestone Rd., Pike Creek, on Thursday January 4, 2007, at 11:30 am, where friends may visit after 10 am. Burial will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Delaware Center for Horticulture, 1810 N. DuPont St. Wilmington, DE 19806.
(Ollie)
Age 84, died peacefully on December 31, 2006 surrounded by his loving family after a short illness.
Ollie retired in 1982 with 42 years of service with the Sun Oil Company. Mr. Oliver served his country in the Merchant Marines and was very proud of his many fraternal and non fraternal affiliations. He was a member of Penn Lodge # 709 F &AM, The Tall Cedars of Lebanon Penn Forest # 21, Delaware Consistory and the Shrine Club of Delaware. Ollie was past president of the Nur Temple Patrol and belonged to the Diamond State Shepherds Club of Nur Temple. He was a Alumni of the Natural Assoc. of Civilian Conservation Corps and the Sun Oil Retiree Honor Club.
He survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Helen Steward Oliver; his children, Carol Ann Gartner and her husband, Ted, of Ridgecrest CA, W. Kent Oliver Jr., of Ellabell GA and twins, Thomas W. Oliver and Denise H. Gregg, both of Wilmington, DE; 1 brother, Joseph C. Oliver; and 1 sister, Mabel Ward. Survivors also include his brother-in-law, Thomas B. Steward, 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grand-children & a host of nieces & nephews.
Services will be Sat., Jan. 6, 2007 at 10:30 am, in the MCCRERY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME 3924 Concord Pike, Talleyville, where friends may call 1 hour prior. Viewing will also be held Fri. evening from 7-9 pm. Masonic Services will be held at 7:30 pm. Burial will follow the services, Sat., in Mount Hope Cemetery, Aston PA.
Contributions can be made in Ollie's memory to Vitas Health Care, 100 Commerce Drive Ste. 302, Newark DE 19713.
Retired Sun Oil employee; Aston resident Donald G. Johnston, 70, of Aston, a retired Sun Oil employee, died Nov. 8, 2006 at Crozer-Chester Medical Center.
Born in Darby, he was a graduate of Collingdale High School.
Mr. Johnston was payroll master for Sun Oil's transport department for 41 years, retiring in 1995.
He served in the Army National Guard and was the recipient of the General Thomas J. Stewart Medal.
Mr. Johnston was devoted to his family and enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events.
He was the son of the late Willis Johnston.
Survivors: Wife of 47 years, Barbara C. Howard Johnston; daughter, Diana Venuti of Aston; sons, Donald Johnston Jr., Daniel Johnston, Douglas Johnston, all of Aston; mother and stepfather, Lillian Johnston Wagner and William Wagner; brother, Earl Johnston of Newtown Square; nine grandchildren. .
Service: Was held Saturday.
Burial: Mount Hope Cemetery, Aston. Contributions: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.
Arrangements: Minshall-Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Middletown and Knowlton roads, Middletown.
James B. "Pat" Jones Jr., 76, of Aston, died Sept.15, 2006 at Crozer-Chester Medical Center.
Born and raised in Chester, Mr. Jones was a resident of Aston for the last year. Previously, he was a resident of Eddystone for 45 years.
In high school, he was a member of the Chester High marching band and played the trumpet. In later years, he played "Taps" for various functions.
Mr. Jones worked for Urie & Blanton in Twin Oaks for 31 years, as a truck driver.
He was a member of Teamsters Local 312, and sailed on ships for Sun Oil Refinery.
He was the son of the late James B. and Mary I Redgraves Jones Sr., and the brother of the late Gertrude Jones.
Survivors: Wife of 56 years, Lorraine L. Campbell; children, James B. Jones III and Wayne F. Jones; siblings, Thomas Jones of Virginia, Doris Clarke of Aston; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.
Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Joseph A. Ward Funeral
Home Inc., 1459 Market St., Linwood.
Visitation: 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial: Lawn Croft Cemetery, Lower Chichester.
Contributions: Crozer Hospice, 1 Medical Center
Blvd., Upland, PA 19013.
George Van Dyne Larimer died November 22, 2006 at age of 71 in Cobblestone at Parks Springs. He was born in Philadelphia and graduated from the Pennsylvania Schoolship USS Annapolis in 1937 with a Third Mates License. Sailing to the far east, he was in Bombay, India when war was declared by Britain against Germany in 1939. Being a neutral ship, it sailed for home with large American Flags painted on each side and illuminated at night. Joining Sun Oil Company, he sailed on a Tanker intercoastal until Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Germany declared war on the United States and their U-Boats sank a good fifty percent of the American Merchant ships in the Gulf and East Coast which were unarmed. After four months they took his ship into the shipyard and placed a World War 1 six inch gun on the stern but had no ammunition for the old gun. With a sister ship he sailed for the West Coast, (two days apart from New Orleans. His ship had no wireless asit broke down, and had no news of the other ship being.. torpedoed and sunk losing all hands. When they reached Panama it was thought she had also been sunk due to no communication. At San Pedro, she was armed with newer guns with ammunition that fired. She made a trip to Pearl Harbor and when she returned, her run was from Los Angeles to the Islands of the South Pacific, each trip taking two months as her top speed was only ten knots. Early in 1943 he was transferred to the East Coat to a newer and faster ship, later becoming Master. The run was from the East Coast refineries to Great Britain with aviation gasoline and new fighter planes carried on a special deck built for that purpose. When the invasion of Normandy was made, the ships last cargo was discharged in Bombay and the planes in Iran for the Russians. She loaded in Iran and discharged the cargo in Durban South Africa and sailed for home.. On the way the news of the surrender of Japan was received as well as the death of Roosevelt. Loading in Philadelphia, he fled for the Panama Canal with a cargo for Saipan in the Mariana Islands and Aso Iwo Jima. When the Atom Boamb was dropped he was at the Island of Saipan having discharged his cargo, and sailed for home. On the passage home Japan surrendered. When his ship reached the Gulf of Mexico, He was detached and the company took hint ashore. He later became Port Captain and when the company divided the ships and Marine Department from the main company, calling it Sun Transport, he became the first President. He married Alvita Carriker the mother of two children in 1972 and in 1975 retired after 38 years with the company, residing in Wilmington Delaware. They bought a 45 foot sailing vessel and sailed the east coast from Maine to the Bahamas and to Bermuda. In 1979 they settled at the Landings in Savannah after building a new home. He was an active golfer for several years, a talented artist and loved to write about his sea experiences. He was a member of the Skidaway Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Alvita; daughter, Diane Paul and son Thomas Larimer both of Wilmington, DE. Instead of flowers please send donation to a charity of choice. Wages & Sons Funeral Home (770) 469-9811. Savannah Morning News, Thursday, November 23, 2006
Mr. Norman E. "Bud" Nye, age 68, of St. Georges Heights, DE, died on Sunday, October 28,2007, at his home.
Mr. Nye was born in Chester, PA, on September 15,1939, a son of the late Charles Linford Nye and Emma H. Downie Nye. A great lover of the sea, he proudly served his country in the US Navy. He later worked as a steward aboard oil tankers for the Sun Oil Company in Marcus Hook, PA, retiring on June 1,1995 after a 34-year career. Mr. Nye will be remembered most of all as a devoted family man, who delighted in camping, canoeing, traveling, and sharing food times and laughter with is loving wife and children.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, he is survived by his wife of 28 years, Gloria Dale Nye; his son, Norman C. Nye of Newark, DE; 2 stepsons, James Simpler of Newport, DE; and William Simpler of St. Georges, DE; 6 grandchildren; a brother, Fred Nye of Millsboro, DE; 5 sisters, Vivian Hook of Glen Riddle. PA; Elaine Elton of Media, PA; Selina Reader and Evelyn Monaco, both of Boothwyn, PA; and Martha Swafford of Seaford, DE; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 4 sisters, Tommy, Billy, Gloria, Grace, Fran, Joan and Charles.
A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Friday, November 2, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where friends may call after 10 am.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 5610 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808. To sign guest register, visit: www.spicer-mullikinfuneralhomes.com
SPICER-MULLIKIN FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY 302-328-2213
Aston resident; World War II veteran
Donald W. Watkins, 81, a World War II veteran of Aston, died Aug. 3, 2007 at the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania.
Born in Plains, Pa., he was the son of the late John and Mary Moughan Watkins. Mr. Watkins lived in Wilkes-Barre and Upland before moving to Aston, where he resided for 50 years.
He worked as a pilot for the Marine Division of Sun Co. for 33 years before retiring in 1984. After retiring, Mr. Watkins worked with special-needs children at Elwyn Industries.
Mr. Watkins served in the Navy during World War II. He was a member of the Church of St. Joseph and the St. Joseph Holy Name Society.
Mr. Watkins was also a member of the American Legion Post 926 and a former member of the Aston Athletic Association.
Mr. Watkins enjoyed sports and horse racing. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was the brother of the late Thomas Watkins, Dorothy Smith, John Watkins and Joan Schmoll.
Survivors: Wife of 60 years, Lois Hutchinson Watkins; son, Gary Watkins of Aston; daughters Donna Salak of the Linwood section of Lower Chichester, Bonnie Watkins of Aston; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.
Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Church, 3255 Concord Road, Aston.
Visitation: 7-9 tonight at the White-Luttrell Funeral Home, 3551 Concord Road, Aston, and 9-9:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
Burial: Lawn Croft Cemetery, Lower Chichester.
Contributions: American Cancer Society, 1615 West Chester Pike, Suite 101, West Chester, PA 19382.
Drexel Hill resident; former chief engineer
Neil E. St.Clair Jr., 65, of the Drexel Hill section of Upper Darby and formerly of Gladwyne, a former chief engineer, died Aug. 7, 2007 at home.
He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He graduated from
Lower Merion, Harriton High School in Rosemont. Mr. St.Clair was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Lansdowne No. 711 and was a volunteer on the USS New Jersey battleship. He enjoyed country dancing in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. His hobby was railroad history and collecting H.O. trains.
Mr. St.Clair was a member of the Coachman Camping Club since 1983. He had been camping in every state including Alaska and most Canadian provinces. He was a member of the Personal Computer Users Club of Delaware County. He was a former Eagle Scout and was talented in woodworking, remodeling and building. He had a love for all animals.
Survivors: Wife since 1963, Norma Beatty; parents, Neil E. St.Clair Sr. and Louise Harrison; daughters, Debbie Erpel of Douglassville, Kim Kelley of Aston and Tina Curtis of Rockport, Texas; brothers, Lee and Linden St.Clair; sister, Margaret St.Clair; 15 grandchildren.
Life Celebration: To be held at a later date.
Burial: Private.
Contributions: Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ 08103, or Masonic Lodge Lansdowne No. 711, c/o Latimere Myers, 100 S. Shadeland Ave., Apt. 318, Drexel Hill, PA 19026.
Arrangements: Spencer T. Videon Funeral Home, 400 Shadeland Ave., Drexel Hill.
Media resident
Grace Gorbey Connell, 72, of Media, formerly of Prospect Park for many years, died Aug. 23, 2007 at Naamans Creek Country Manor in Bethel.
Born in Chester, Ms. Connell was a 1953 graduate of the former Prospect Park High School and a 1957 graduate of Lebanon Valley College. She was a member of Lebanon Valley's alumni association.
Ms. Connell worked at Hercules Inc. in Wilmington, Del., and also at Sun Transport Inc. as a fleet staffing coordinator for the Marine Department until her retirement.
She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a longtime member of St. James Episcopal Church in Prospect Park, and was a member of the Sun Honor Club and the Delaware Valley Sun Retiree Association.
She loved trips to the Jersey shore. She enjoyed the theater, fine arts, and especially enjoyed fine dining.
She was the daughter of the late James and Grace Gorbey, and the sister of the late Lorraine McConnell.
Survivors: son, Marshall J. Connell, Claymont, Del.; two grandchildren; niece and nephew.
Service: 11 a.m. Monday, St. James Episcopal Church, llth and Lincoln avenues, Prospect Park.
Visitation: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday at Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, Norwood. To send condolences, visit www.griffithfuneralchapel.com
Burial: Private.
Contributions: St. James Episcopal Church, llth and Lincoln avenues, Prospect Park, PA 19076 or the American Lung Association, 527 Plymouth Road, Suite 403, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.
James E. Todd Sr, 63, died early Saturday morning November 24, 2007
at his home in Pennsville Township. A devoted husband and father, James had lived in the area for the past 30 years.
James grew up in Paulsboro with his parents, Isabella L. Mason and Frederick Todd, and graduated Paulsboro High School Class of 1962. He worked for Sun Oil for 37 years as a Merchant Seaman and continued the past ten years in the same profession under the American Maritime Officers Union.
Always able to make people smile with his quick wit and aptly timed humor, James made everyone he came in contact with comfortable. His hobbies included reading, leatherwork, and woodworking. Willing, able, and knowledgeable, James was the ideal and ever-ready handyman. To his family, he will be remembered as a comforter, comic, encyclopedia, news reporter, encourager, advisor, husband, and father.
James is survived by his wife Audrey L., mother-in-law Melissa Courter, his children Danielle, Crystal, Curtis, and Codie, as well as James E. Jr., Tricia, and Shawn, and his grandchildren Kristina, Santana, Chelsey, Jessika, and C.J. Also survived by his brother, Robert.
James will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. at the LAUGHREY FUNERAL HOME, Pennsville where friends may call from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Burial will be private.
Published in the Today's Sunbeam on 11/27/2007.
Read a letter about Toddie from Tommy Millett - click here
Wilbert E. Kipp, 89
Wilbert E. Kipp, of Dover, died Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was 89.
Mr. Kipp was born March 14, 1918, in Stratford, N.J.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II at Guadalcanal. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor.
Mr. Kipp retired after 30 years from Sun Oil where he worked as a merchant marine on a tanker.
He was a member of the American Legion Walter L. Fox Post 2 in Dover.
He enjoyed salt water and fresh water fishing in the Delaware Bay. Mr. Kipp was a member of the Silver Lake Fishing Club.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Colvin Kipp in 1991.
Mr. Kipp is survived by two friends, Calvin Durham of Dover and Jim Dykes of Smyrna.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday in Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford St., Dover, where friends may call one hour prior.
Interment will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.
Published in the NewsZapDE on 1/24/2008.
Fred Howe Cushmange, 85, passed away peacefully at Heartland Hospice House.
He was born April 12, 1923 in Taunton, MA. Fred served as a Merchant Marine during WWII, and was employed by Sun Oil Co. as a Merchant Marine Officer for 41 years, retiring as a first mate. As a merchant seaman he traveled all over the world. He was a longtime resident of Wilmington, DE where he was a member of Concord Lodge #625 F&AM and a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite. Fred was a member of the Nur-Shrine, the Fife & Drum Corps, and also did a lot of volunteer work benefiting the Shriners Hospital for Children
Fred was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Edith Cushman. He is survived by his 4 daughters, Christine Campbell (Cecil) of Elkton, MD, Claire Van Kavelaar (Robert) of Wilmington, DE, Cynthia Wagner (Mark) of Wilmington, DE, and Carolyn Nesbitt (Edmund) of Wilmington, DE; 4 grandchildren, Jordan Wagner, Sean Nesbitt, Elizabeth Wagner, and Catelin Campbell; brother, Gene Cushman and sister, Ruth Byran of Taunton, MA; and brother-in-law, Mickey Vernon of Granite Run, PA.
The family would like to thank all the staff at the Masonic Home for their compassionate care.
A viewing will be held from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, September 10, at the McCRERY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 3924 Concord Pike (Rt. 202 S. of Silverside Rd.), Wilmington, DE 19803 where a funeral service will be conducted the following day at 10 am. Interment will follow the funeral service at Lawncroft Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions be made in Fred's name to Heartland Hospice House, 5661 Ocheltree Lane, Wilmington, DE 19808.
