GenealogyBuff.com - Obituary Collection from New Castle County, Delaware
New Castle County, Delaware Obituary and Death Notice Collection (Obits and death notices from Various Funeral Homes in the Wilmington, Newark, Elsmere, New Castle, Middletown, Delaware City, Newport, Bellefonte and Odessa areas.)
Dorothy Johnston Williams
Dorothy Johnston Williams, of Manheim, Pa., formerly of Wilmington, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2002, at her home. She was 74.
Mrs. Williams was the daughter of the late Harry and Veryl Johnston.
Mrs. Williams graduated from Middletown High School in 1948. She had worked as the first bookkeeper for the Delaware Public Employees Council 81, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees from 1966 to 1971. She also worked at the Department of Labor.
Mrs. Williams volunteered at the Mary Campbell Center in Wilmington from 1980 to 1999.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Morris E. Williams in 1993, and a brother, Harry W. Johnston in 1999.
She is survived by a daughter, Linda S. Mackey of Manheim; a son, George W. Mackey III of Landenburg; two grandchildren, Brian and Jennifer, and a great grandson Nicholas Joseph Mackey.
Services were held Oct. 14 at Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, Middletown. Graveside services were held at Forest Cemetery, Middletown.
Richard C. Hogan
Richard C. Hogan, of Smyrna, died on Thursday, October 17, 2002 at his home. He was 69.
Services were held Monday, Oct. 21, in the Faries Funeral Chapel, Smyrna.
Thomas E. O Grady
Thomas E. O'Grady of Middletown passed away peacefully at home Sunday, Oct. 16, 2005. He was 65.
Tommy started his own masonry company almost 40 years ago. He was a master mason who truly loved his craft. He was an active member of the Middletown community as he served on the town council from 1987 to 1995, and was an honorary member of the Middletown Volunteer Fire Company. Tommy loved to golf with family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father and Pop-Pop.
He was preceded in death by his father, John O'Grady, and a sister, Mary Bea Frohmander.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Betty O'Grady; his children, Tommy Jr., Kevin and Chrissy, as well as their devoted spouses, Darlene, Lisa and Dale; his grandchildren, T.J., Sean, Samantha, Breanna, Caitlyn and Madeline; two brothers, John and Patrick O'Grady; mother, Mary O'Grady; and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call Thursday evening, Oct. 20, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Daniels and Hutchinson Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad St., Middletown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at St. Francis Xavier RC Church (Old Bohemia), Church Road, Warwick, Md.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Appoquinimink District Office Relay for Life Team, c/o the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, No. 205, New Castle, DE 19720; or to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
Preston A. Briscoe Jr.
Preston A. Briscoe Jr. of Townsend departed this life Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2005, at the Veterans Hospital in Elsmere. He was 73.
He was the son of the late Preston and Helen Briscoe, and was born Sept. 21, 1932, in Townsend. He was the brother of Leroy Briscoe, Paul Briscoe, Rose Cale, Dorothy Green and the late Mary Briscoe; and the brother-in-law of Loretta Briscoe. He is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A funeral service was held Oct. 19 at The House of Wright Mortuary, Wilmington. Interment was in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear.
John V. LaRock
John V. Stoney LaRock of Delaware City, formerly of Glenville, passed away Friday, Oct. 14, 2005, at Christiana Hospital. He was 79.
John was born in Hazleton, Pa., to the late Joseph and Mary DeMarco Larocca. He was a WWII Navy veteran, who served on D-Day in Normandy and served out the rest of the war in the Pacific. He worked for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad for many years before retiring in June of 1986. He was a member of Glenville Civic Association and the Delaware Trout Association. In Glenville, John was known as the Mayor. John and Marion enjoyed traveling and made several cross-country trips after his retirement. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoyed cooking for his family and friends and took great pride in his vegetable garden.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by four brothers, George, Frank, Anthony and Joseph; and three sisters, Rose LaRock, Theresa Burggraf and Margaret Correale. John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marion E. Bainbridge LaRock; two sons, Edward John LaRock and his wife Mary Jo Stark, of Denver, Colo., Mark John LaRock and his wife Terry, of Elkton, Md.; two brothers, Pasquale LaRock and Louis LaRock; two sisters, Carmella Compton and Marie Fonte; two granddaughters, Danielle Weber and Melanie Markel; four great-grandchildren, Brandon and Taylor Weber and Brianna and C.J. Markel; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service in celebration of John's life will be scheduled at a later date.
Yanko Cajnar
Yanko Cajnar of Hockessin died peacefully on Oct. 8, 2005, at his home. He was 90.
Central to Mr. Cajnar's life were his family and his Catholic faith. He loved the land of his birth, Slovenia. Yanko was very proud of his U.S. citizenship, the country he has resided in since 1949. Mr. Cajnar was a master carpenter and an expert in landscape grooming. He was employed by Sanford School and at the time of his retirement was the longest serving member of the staff after 42 years. He pursued excellence in all he did. This, his honesty, and kindness earned him great respect. It particularly endeared him to the boys of the school's boarding school days to whom he had been a father figure.
As recently as Sept. 24, 2005, Sanford graduates of the 1950s, 60s and 70s stopped by to share memories and pay their respects. A 1956 graduate recently wrote I have never forgotten that man. A quiet mountain. One of Mr. Cajnar's greatest joys in life was doing things for others. Recognizing his dedication, the school honored him with a brass plaque at the Yanko Cajnar Bridge, at the south end of Chapel Valley. The Sanford Alumni Association in 1997 honored Mr. Cajnar by presenting him with the Alumni Award. He was a life member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church.
He was preceded in death by his only son, Hans Thomas Cajnar; and eight brothers and sisters.
Mr. Cajnar is survived by his deeply beloved wife of 53 years, Maria Cajnar. He will be dearly missed by his two daughters and their husbands, Martina Cajnar and Albert Crompton of Elkton, Md., and Hedwig Annie and Larry Lester of St. Georges. Yanko is also survived by his three grandchildren, Hans Crompton, Alexander Lester and Michael Lester; by his nieces, Mary Reder and Stephanie Krywko and their families, all of Delaware; and nieces and nephews in Slovenia.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 13 at St Mary of the Assumption Church, Hockessin. Interment was in All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Little Sisters of the Poore, 185 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE 19713.
Howard W. Passwater Sr.
Howard W. Passwater Sr. passed away Monday, Oct. 9, 2005, due to heart failure. He died at the VA Nursing Home in Elsmere. He was 87.
Mr. Passwater was a veteran of World War II. He fought in the battle of Normandy, Northern France and the Rhineland. Mr. Passwater also received four battle stars and a Good Conduct medal. He received the American Theatre Ribbon, the European African Middle Eastern Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. He was a cannoneer during the war. Mr. Passwater was employed by Pepsi-Cola for 48 years. He loved children and horseracing.
Mr. Passwater is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Passwater; four children, Bonnie Crossan of Wilmington, Barbara Farmar of Virginia, Howard Passwater Jr. of Middletown, and stepson, Preston LeSage of Wilmington; one nephew, Wayne Passwater of Wilmington; seven grandchildren; and 12 great grand-children.
Funeral services were private.
George H. Pyle Jr.
George H. Pyle Jr., a lifelong resident of Claymont, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2005, at Emily Bissell Hospital. He was 59.
Mr. Pyle was a 1964 graduate of Claymont High School, where he participated in the Drum and Bugle Corps. He served his country during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Pakistan in the intelligence department. He was employed as a chemical operator by Formosa Plastics in Delaware City for 26 years. Mr. Pyle enjoyed camping and fishing. He was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies. George was a family man and family time was paramount to him. His wife, children and grandchildren were especially dear to his heart.
George was preceded in death by his father, George H. Pyle Sr., who died in 2001. Survivors include his beloved wife of 35 years, Linda Roseman Pyle; their children, Jennifer J. Pyle of Claymont, Christopher C. Pyle and his wife Felicia, of N.C., and Rebeca L. Pyle, also of Claymont; his mother, Eula M. Young Pyle; siblings, Ronald Pyle of Townsend, Barbara Miller of Claymont and Pat Saufley of Wilmington; grandchildren, Christa Raye, Marshall Christopher and Makenna Christine, all of N.C.; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held Oct. 13 at Concord Baptist Church, Wilmington. Burial was in Gracelawn Memorial Park in New Castle.
Richard G. Sturgeon
Richard Grover Sturgeon of Maui, Hawaii, formerly of Delaware City, died Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2005, at Christiana Hospital in Newark. He was 71.
Richard was born in Wilmington Jan. 24, 1934. Mr. Sturgeon served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he began a 41-year career in the oil industry in 1958 with Tidewater Refinery in Delaware City. In 1969, he moved with his family to Kuwait, where he worked for the Getty Refinery for the next 21 years as a refinery advisor. After the start of the first Gulf War, Mr. Sturgeon was reassigned in 1990 to Chevron/Texaco in Delaware City. He retired in 1998 from the traffic department. A lifelong sports fan, Mr. Sturgeon greatly enjoyed professional baseball and football, especially the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Dolphins. He was an avid golfer and a member of both the Delaware City American Legion and Lions Club.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Maxine M. Gary Sturgeon; two children, Michaelyn M. Benson and her husband Howard, and Kurt J. Sturgeon, all of Maui, Hawaii; mother, Emma A. Miller Sturgeon of Delaware City; nine siblings, Connie Sturgeon of New Castle, James Sturgeon of Wilmington, Emma Pottios, Camilla Craig and Billie Francis, all of Delaware City, Harry Sturgeon of New Castle, Steve Sturgeon of Delaware City, Bruce Sturgeon of Bear and Cindy Sturgeon of Delaware City; and granddaughter, Jacquelyn Benson. He was preceded in death by his father, James Sturgeon; and a sister, Sandra D'Andrea.
A funeral service was held Oct. 14 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, Delaware City. Interment was held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Delaware City Fire Company, P.O. Box 251, Delaware City, DE 19706; or to Forgotten Cats, PMB 422, 4001 Kennett Pike, Ste. 134, Greenville, DE 19807.
Kathryn M. McDonald
Kathryn Mullen Cashie McDonald passed away Oct. 11, 2005, in Dover, surrounded by her family. She was 93.
Kathryn was born in the Bear area but lived her life in the Middletown-Townsend area. She retired from the State of Delaware Division of Vital Statistics after 40 years of service. She was committed to serving her community. She was secretary to the Townsend Ladies Auxiliary for 30 years emeritus. She was also secretary for the Mid-County Women s Club for several years. She was a lifelong member of the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church and a member of the M.O.T Senior Center. Cashie and Duke loved the M.O.T. Little League and their involvement with Townsend Fire Company. Kathryn Cashie was a devoted wife, good neighbor and aunt to many. Her doors and kitchen were open to everyone.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her loving husband Woodrow Duke McDonald; her parents, Marianna and Charles Mullen; her sister, Clara Smith; and brother, James Mullen. She is survived by a brother-in-law, Joseph McDonald and his wife Lois of San Leardro, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Mary Mullen of Middletown; and nieces and nephews William Smokey Smith and his wife Dorothy of Townsend, Patricia Anderson and husband Axel of Dover, Eleanor Rawley and Sonny Thompson of Middletown, James Mullen and wife Martha of Charlottesville, Va., John Mullen and his wife Betty Lou of Smyrna, Jacqui Reardon and her husband Jeff of Newark, and Kevin McDonald of California.
Mass of Christian Burial was offered Oct. 17 at St. Francis Xavier Church (Old Bohemia) near Warwick, Md. Interment was in the adjoining cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Middletown-Odessa-Townsend Senior Center Capital Campaign at 300 S. Scott Street, Middletown, DE 19709 or Townsend Ladies Aux., P.O. Box 280, Townsend, DE 19734.
Dwight Douglas Spence Jr.
Dwight Douglas Spence Jr. of Clayton passed away suddenly Sunday Oct. 9, 2005, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was 21.
He was born in Dover September 1, 1984, son of Marie P. Spence of Clayton and the late Dwight Douglas Spence. Dwight was a 2002 graduate of Smyrna High School, where he earned the distinction of having 13 years of perfect attendance from kindergarten through 12th grades.
He was a cook at Chicago Numero Uno Restaurant, Dover, and had formerly been employed by the Blue Coat Inn, Dover. He was a very hard worker, and his goal was to become a chef and operate his own restaurant.
Dwight was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, and enjoyed playing the guitar and listening to music. He also had a great love of animals.
In addition to his mother, to whom he was very devoted, he is survived by his stepfather, Rick Potter, of Clayton; his best friend whom he loved like a brother, Dan Selle, of Smyrna; his maternal grandmother, Juanita Bloss, of Oldtown, Md.; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Services were held Oct. 14 at Full Gospel Church, Clayton. Interment will be held at a later date.
Frank E. Powell Sr.
Frank E. Sock Powell Sr. of Middletown passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2005. He was 67.
He was born Sept. 25, 1938, in Townsend. Sock retired from Chrysler after 43 years. He was a charter member of the Close Enough Construction Crew. He was a lifetime honorary member of the Middletown Volunteer Hose Co. Sock was a big fan of the Philadelphia Phillies. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Powell; and a brother, George Slick Powell of Townsend. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Darla Powell; his children, Kim and husband G.T. Starkey, Frank E. Jr. and wife Lynnette Powell, and Kandi and husband Chip Bux; his grandchildren, Jamie and Tommy Starkey, Kelcy, Danille, Katie and Devin Bux; one sister, Betty O'Grady of Middletown; and a host of nieces, nephews and close friends.
Friends may call Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Daniels and Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad St., Middletown. A funeral service will be held Thursday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment will be in Old Drawyers Cemetery, north of Odessa.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the following organizations: Wegener's Granulomatosis Association (WGA), P.O. Box 28660, Kansas City, MO 64188-8660; or Delaware Hospice, 911 S. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
Donald R. Oliphant
Donald R. Oliphant of Middletown passed away Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2005. He was 62.
Donald was the beloved husband of Barbara and the proud father of Robyn, Tami, Jacki, James, Angle and Joe. Don was a passionate man whose love for his family, friends and acquaintances superseded all thoughts of himself. You might know him as the Soda Man who brought cold drinks and wet towels to the homeless on the street in the heat of the summer or as that man in the coffee shop who really cared about you and wanted to help you in any way he could.
Don was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Dec. 16, 1942, son of George Oliphant and Marie Olsen. Growing up in Medicine Hat, Don was an avid golfer. His passion for golf won him the Canadian Junior Golf Championship. His love of people and desire to make a difference in this world inspired him to pursue his teaching degree at the University of Lethbridge, in Alberta, Canada. As a high school and college teacher, Don inspired his students to excellence in life. After his married to Barbara in 1975, he moved to Delaware, where he continued to use his gift of hospitality to inspire and care for all those in need. Don's legacy is that he was able to positively impact so many lives and save so many souls.
Don is survived by his wife of 30 years, Barbara Petrucci Oliphant; his children, James Oliphant of Newark, Joseph Oliphant of Middletown, Robyn Sykes of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Tami Oliphant of London, Ontario, Canada, Jacki Taunton of London, England and Angelene Oliphant of Middletown; his brothers, David Oliphant and Dale Oliphant, both of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada; and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Hockessin, was held Oct. 18. Interment was in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Kennett Square, Pa.
Margaret A. Williams
Margaret A. Maggie Williams passed away Friday, Oct. 14, 2005, at her home in Middletown, after a long illness. She was 72.
Mrs. Williams was a graduate of Middletown High School and a 1952 graduate of St. Francis School of Nursing. Her career at St. Francis spanned more than five decades. She served as a nurse, nursing supervisor and Utilization Review Coordinator, retiring in 1992.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Elwood F. Williams Sr.; her sons and daughters-in-law, Elwood F. Jr. and Teresa Williams of Middletown, Gregory P. and Susanne Williams of Wilmington, and Mark A. and Donna Williams of Bear. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Zachary, Peter, Mary, Megan and Bradley.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Oct. 18 at St. John the Beloved Church, Wilmington. Interment was in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE 19713.
Isolet M. Hagedorn
Isolet Marie Mayfield Hagedorn was called home to join her Eternal Lord and Savior, as well as her loving husband, Jim, on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 13, 2005, at St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington. She was living with her son in New Castle but was formerly of Middletown.
She was born Nov. 25, 1938, in Dellslow, W.V. She drove a school bus for the Christina School District in the area of Crofton for the majority of her 25-plus years of driving. She loved driving as well as she loved her kids that she transported throughout the years.
Marie was a strong, independent lady, widowed at 36 with three young children to raise alone. She worked and was determined to succeed on her own. Although she had all of this to handle, anyone who ever needed help or a roof over their heads, she offered it to them with open arms. She will be remembered for her generosity, the love that she had for her children, her strong will and the fact that you never had to ask what she was thinking, for she would tell you exactly what was on her mind.
She was predeceased by her parents, Alpha and Thelma Varner Mayfield; and her loving husband, James D. Hagedorn. She is survived by her eldest son, with whom she lived for the past two years, Troy J. Hagedorn and his girlfriend Wanda Kirby of Newark; her youngest son, J.D. Hagedorn and his wife Tanya, of New Castle; her daughter Danyell and her husband Carl Klingler; as well as her two grandchildren, Tristan James Klingler and Skylar Catherine-Marie Klingler. She is also survived by her sister Cathy Mayfield White of Dellslow, WV; her three brothers, Alpha Mayfield of Canal Fulton, Ohio, Gary Mayfield of Dellslow, W.V. and Larry Mayfield of Elkton, Md. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews; as well as her eight grand dogs.
A memorial service was held Oct. 18 at the Daniels and Hutchison Funeral Home, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Delaware/Eastern Shore Office, 100 West 10th St., Suite 1002, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Sen. James T. Vaughn
Delaware State Sen. James Townsend Vaughn passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007, in Bayhealth Kent General Hospital, Dover, surrounded by his family. He was 82.
Sen. Vaughn was born on April 12, 1925, at the old Vaughn farm east of Cheswold in Kent County. He was the third of the six children of the late Charles Townsend Vaughn and his wife, the former Ada Van Pelt.
He grew up on the family farm and was educated in the public schools of Cheswold and Dover. He completed his schooling in Smyrna, where he was a 1943 graduate of John Bassett Moore High School. Just after his 18th birthday in April of that year, he went to Philadelphia with several of his classmates and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he went on active duty soon after his graduation in June. He served in the South Pacific and in China during and after World War II, earning the rank of corporal.
On his return to civilian life in 1946, Sen. Vaughn joined the Delaware State Police, serving that organization honorably until his retirement in 1966. At the time of his retirement, he was a staff captain and served as the director of the state police criminal division. From 1966 to 1976, he worked for the Dover law firm of his younger brother, William H. Vaughn, Esq., as a title searcher. His son, Superior Court President Judge James T. Vaughn Jr., recalls that while he was there, Sen. Vaughn set up a whole new title searching system and noted, He was the best non-law-trained title examiner I ve ever seen.
In 1976, he was appointed Delaware Commissioner of Correction by Gov. Sherman W. Tribbitt, and served in that capacity until 1979, under Tribbitt and his successor, Gov. Pierre S. du Pont IV. After leaving the position of commissioner, he served briefly as interim Chief of Police for the Town of Smyrna. His family remembers that, while serving as chief, he often carried out foot patrols around the town himself.
While still a member of the state police, Sen. Vaughn was elected to the Smyrna Board of Education and served as a board member and board president for the next 15 years, from 1965 to 1980. During his tenure, he also chaired the building committee and led the effort to acquire land for a new Smyrna High School. He convinced the board to buy substantial additional land adjoining the school site with the idea that it could be used immediately for agricultural education and could later be used for an additional school building. It is now the site of Smyrna Middle School. Though criticized at the time by some citizens, the board s wise foresight is now generally recognized.
He was a member of many community service, civic and professional organizations, including V.F.W. Post No. 8801, F.B.I. National Academy Associates, Harvard Associates of Police Science, American Legion Post No. 14, Smyrna-Clayton Moose Lodge and Harmony Lodge No. 13, A.F. & A.M., of which he was a past master.
No organization meant more to him, however, than the Smyrna-Clayton Little League, which he served as a volunteer for more than 40 years, after first becoming involved in 1957, when his eldest son, Jimmy, was old enough to play. He served thereafter as a director, treasurer, equipment manager, grass-cutter, laborer and anything else that needed doing. For decades, he coached the Smyrna-Clayton Rotary team. When he first became involved, the little league had no grounds of its own and played on any open space they could find around town. He was a leader in efforts to get a permanent site and ultimately found land for a little league complex at a former borrow pit owned by his friend, Reds Wheatley, on Duck Creek Road, across from the present-day Smyrna Middle School. He worked with other volunteers to prepare the site, laid out and seeded the playing fields, and helped to build the sheds and other buildings. For years, he regularly cut the grass - his wife joked that he loved to cut the grass there, but not at the family home in Clayton.
Sen. Vaughn ran for the Delaware State Senate in 1980 and was elected to the first of many terms. He quickly became a powerful voice there and served for many years as chairman of the Senate Committee on Adult and Juvenile Corrections. He also became a mainstay of the Joint Finance Committee and was renowned for his vast knowledge of state financial matters. At the time of his resignation for health reasons on Sept. 28, he also served as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and as member of numerous other committees. Among his many accomplishments in the Senate were his leadership in efforts to establish Delaware s two veterans cemeteries and the newly-opened state veterans home at Milford.
While there were many large and significant achievements during his years in the Senate, the thing that best typifies his career was the excellence of his constituent service. He never asked what party a person belonged to, or even whether they lived in his district. He helped anyone and everyone if he could and he was one legislator to whom state officials found it difficult to say no. As his friend, Ronny Burris, once said of him, You don t run around Jim Vaughn. He was revered not only by his colleagues in the Senate, but also by staff members. One lady who is a member of the Legislative Hall custodial staff recalled of him after hearing the news of his passing, He always had a smile and a joke for me.
Sen. Vaughn is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sylvia Harris Vaughn. Mrs. Vaughn recalls that they met when she was 15 and he was 17, and she accompanied him to his Junior Class Prom.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Frances Hahn; and a brother, C. Richard Vaughn.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a sister and a brother-in-law, Mary and Donovan Longenecker of Wilmington; two brothers and two sisters-in-law, Robert V. and Jimmie of Wilmington, and William H. Vaughn, Esq., and Sherie of Dover; a sister-in-law, Catherine K. Vaughn; three children and their spouses, the Hon. James T. Vaughn Jr., and his wife, Marjorie, of Smyrna, Robert G. and Deborah Vaughn of Camden, and Judith V. and Bryan Wright of Smyrna; six grandchildren and two step-grandchildren, James T. Vaughn III, Mary E. Vaughn, Holly O. Vaughn, Matthew R. Vaughn and his wife, Michelle, Justin B. Wright, Candace M. Wright, Jeffrey Ahers and Nichole W. Keiper; and a great-granddaughter, Julia Vaughn.
Funeral services were held on Oct. 16 at Asbury United Methodist Church, Smyrna. A Masonic service honoring his life was held Oct. 15.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Smyrna-Clayton Little League, P. O. Box 114, Clayton, DE 19938.
William Joseph Tigani Sr.
William Joseph Tigani Sr. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007, at his home. He was 85.
Mr. Tigani was the oldest of four sons of the late Joseph and Frances Tigani of Blue Rock Manor in Wilmington. He graduated from Archmere Academy.
During World War II, he helped rehabilitate soldiers who had lost their eyesight in combat at Valley Forge Hospital in Philadelphia.
Mr. Tigani was a gifted artist in many arenas. In the early 1940s, he had a singing/recording career with different bands, including the Buddy Williams Orchestra. He sang under the name Billy Daye. He was one of the first finish line photographers at Delaware Park, and was also a photographer for Baltimore sports teams, including the 1969 Baltimore Orioles. He was a talented artist using oils and watercolors, but is best known for his annual pen and ink drawings, which were mailed out as a holiday greeting by Weichert. He was a perfectionist in the garden, and spent many hours creating beautiful landscapes with his wife. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
He held a Delaware residential real estate license for more than 50 years working for his own brokerage, Jacque Jacobs, Sachs and Weichert Realtors.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Tigani; his first wife, Jane Semple; and a son, Michael Robert Tigani.
He is survived by his dedicated wife of 35 years, Mona of Wilmington; a son and a daughter-in-law, William II and Wendy Tigani of Middletown; two daughters, Diane Glen of Aston, Pa., and Cheryl Clark of Wilmington; seven grandchildren, Amanda, Joe, Jamie, Samantha, Emily, Becky and Nicky; and two brothers, Jack Tigani and Robert Tigani, both of Wilmington.
The family would like to express sincere thanks to Compassionate Care Hospice for the hours of dedicated help over these past months.
A memorial service was held on Oct. 16 at Chandler Funeral Home, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 5610 Kirkwood Highway, Suite 5610-5612, Wilmington, DE 19808.
Charles F. Walker
Charles F. Walker of Middletown passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007, at his home. He was 75.
Mr. Walker was born in Wilmington, son of the late Frank Jacob and Anna Irene Corlett Walker.
He worked for Nabisco for 36 years before retiring in 1988. He then drove a school bus for the Christiana School District.
He enjoyed University of Delaware football, fishing, shuffle board and was an avid bowler.
Mr. Walker was a former member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles and VFW.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Charles F. Walker Jr.; and a sister, Betty Ann Raymont.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Hahn-Walker; a son, David J. Walker of Wilmington; five daughters, Edna Mariani of Wilmington, Anna Wilkins of Smyrna, Denise Roberts of Wilmington, Virginia Walker of Newark and Vicky Brown of Ridley Township, Pa.; 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Services were held on Oct. 16 at Beeson Funeral Home, Newark.
Entombment followed in Gracelawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer s Association of Delaware Valley, 2306 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805.
