The News Journal from Wilmington, Delaware • Page 12

NEWS JOURNAL SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2004 www.delawareonline.com OBITUARIES James Kirkwood Buckley, Sr. Age 73 went home to be with Jesus March 30, 2004. Jim was a decorated war hero who loved his country and proudly served in the Korean War with the U.S. Army. He was awarded the Purple Heart and 2 Bronze Stars.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Jim loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed sports, fishing and boating. He was a graduate of Archmere Academy and Delaware. attended Jim the was a University member of the Captain Paul N. Dill Chapter Korean War Veterans Association.

Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary Alice Betty Buckley; 2 sons, James Buckley, William L. Buckley; and 2 daughters, Beth Buckley and Susan Chatburn and her Rath and her, husband, Paul, husband, Timothy. Grandchildren, Allie, Maddie, Tyler and' Victoria and Colton, James Treston and Cassiona Rath also survive. Jim joins his parents, Edwin L. Buckley, Sr.

and Helen Kirkwood Dick Buckley; and brother, Edwin L. Buckley, Jr. A memorial service in celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2004, at 11 am at Immanuel Church, 2414 Pennsylvania Wilmington, DE 19806, where friends may call at 10 am. Burial will be private in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be sent to Flip Side Youth Ministries, New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, 677 Dawson Newark, DE 19713.

To express online condolences, visit STRANO stage FEELEY com FAMILY FUNERAL HOME 302-731-5459 Vernon A. Burgan, Jr. Age 68 of Ocean View, DE, formerly of Baltimore, MD, died Wednesday, March 31, 2004 at home. was employed by the Calvert Drug Company for 30 years and Klug Uniforms for 10 years, both in Baltimore. He also worked at Sea Colony in Bethany Beach, DE for 3 years and Country Wicker in Ocean View, DE for 4 years.

He was a member of Mariner's Bethel United Methodist Church in Ocean View and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge in Lewes. Vernon loved children and wearing western-type clothing and was well known for his elaborate outdoor Christmas decorating techniques. He was preceded in death by his parents; and 2 sisters, Elizabeth Connolly and Lillian Roloff. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Cora Burgan; his son, Vernon D. Burgan; brother, Buck Burgan his Connie; sister-in-law, Susan Parr; 10 nieces and nephews, Brian Burgan, Nancy Moore, Janet Nicholson, Kenny, George, Sarah Lantz, Bruchey, Karen Cullison, Sherri Burgan, Terri Boyce and Leroy Roloff.

al 11 There am will on be a Tuesday, funeral April service 6th, at the Mariner's Bethel United Methodist Church in Ocean View, where family and friends may call after 10 am. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions to Mariner's Bethel U.M. Church Building Fund, PO Box 40, Ocean View, DE 19970; or to Delaware Hospice Southern Division, 600 N. DuPont Georgetown, DE 19947.

Arrangements by MELSON FUNERAL SERVICES of Ocean View, DE Averill DeGraffenreid Age 64 of Pedricktown, NJ died suddenly March 29, 2004. Survivors include his loving mother, Roberta DeGraffenreid; 7 daughters; 4 sons; 18 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and 1 brother, Alexander Watson. There will be a funeral service at 1 pm on Saturday, April 3, at the BAGWELL FUNERAL HOME, 131 S. Broad Penns Grove, NJ, where family and friends may call after 9 am. Interment will be held privately.

Mary Virginia Edmanson Age 95 of North East, MD died Friday, April 2, 2004 at Calvert Manor Healthcare Center. Funeral at 2 pm on Tuesday, April 6, at the CROUCH FUNERAL HOME, 127 S. Main North East, MD 21901. Visitation from 1-2 pm. Jamesie M.

Evans Age 89 of Bridgeville, DE died March 30, 2004 at Beebe Hospital, Lewes. Funeral pm Monday, April 5, at Mt. Calvary Church, Bridgeville, where friends may call 11-1. Arr. by HARRIS-NOCK FUNERAL SERVICE, Bridgeville, DE K.

Agnes Fritz Age 77 of Millsboro, DE died Wednesday, March 31, 2004, at the Harbor Health Care Nursing Home in Lewes. She was a retired Emergency room tech secretary at the Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, and a member of the ladies auxiliary of VFW Post in Millsboro. Mrs. Fritz was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore, in 1989. She is survived by her son, William L.

Oettel; daughter, Susan L. Fritz; 2 granddaughters, Lauren S. and Rachel K. Oettel; a great granddaughter, Adrianna G. Rooks; and many longtime friends and other family.

There will be a funeral Service at 2 pm on Monday, April 5, in the chapel of MELSON FUNERAL SERVICES, Long Neck Long Neck, where friends and family may call after 1 pm. Interment will be in Millsboro Cemetery. Garland H. Gills Age 79 of Wilmington, DE died Thursday, April 1, 2004, at home. Mr.

Gills was a partner with Auto Repair in Wilmington in the 1950s and early 1960s. He later worked as a machinist for Container Corporation. He was an Army veteran of World War 11, receiving the Purple Heart. "He was formerly a baseball coach for the Nor Del Babe Ruth League. Mr.

Gills was an avid fisherman and hunter. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary J. Gills; 2 sons, Garland L. Gills of Cartersville, VA Dalton C. Gills of Elkton, Maryland; MD.

His brother, Beverly Gills of Powhatan, VA; sister, Christine Brown of Greenville, SC; 11 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren also survive. His son, Dale E. Gills, predeceased him in 1995. There will be a memorial service at 6 pm on Tuesday evening, April 6, at the CHANDLER FUNERAL HOME, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington. Burial will be held privately.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Wilmington, DE 19810. 302-478-7100 Louis Goldstein Age 85 of Wilmington, DE died March 31, 2004. He is survived by his wife, Selma; children, Steven, Ronald, and Karen Lipsy; and 5 grandchildren. graveside service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, April 4, in Machzikey Hadas Cemetery, 318 Wildel Minquadale.

Following interment, Shiva will be observed at the Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth (AKSE) Congregation. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to AKSE Congregation, Washington Blvd. Torah Wilmington, DE 19802; or Hadassah, Eva Weissman, 9 Devon Wilmington, DE 19810. Arrangements by SCHOENBERG MEMORIAL CHAPEL To Our Readers The News Journal Company offers ten lines of an Obituary free of charge for the first insertion. Families who wish to present additional information may do so at a nominal fee.

For further information, and to place an Obituary, please consult your funeral director. In Memoriam STRAUB, DENISE My Darling Denise, Today is your 37th Birthday. Everyday without you is such a painful struggle, but I move forward secure in the knowledge that you are at peace. would give anything to hold you again. love and miss you, Mom Paul R.

Hippely Age 79 of Wilmington, DE died peacefully at home March 31, 2004 after a brief illness. Mr. Hippely was born in Livingston, MT in 1925. He graduated from Montana State College with a bachelor and master's dein chemical engineering. He enlisted in the United States Navy during WWII, serving as a radio technician in the Philippine Islands.

He went on to earn his chemical engineering doctorate from Syracuse in and started work at the DuPont Experimental Station that same year. He retired from DuPont in 1989 after 38 years, having achieved patents in polymers and gases. Mr. Hippely was an avid gardener, supplying the family home with a continual variety of roses from the backyard during the summer season. He traveled the world many times with Ruth, collecting a treasure trove of memorabilia and photographs.

After his family, was his great love. He enjoyed opera, jazz and classical music, often playing the piano for his family and for his own enjoyment. Members of the Academy of Lifelong Learning in Wilmington knew him for his gentle wit, and benefited for many years from his scholarship and instruction in ancient Greek and calligraphy. Paul was the devoted husband of Ruth, his loving wife of 48 years. He is also survived by their 3 children, Keith, a toy designer, Ross, a technical writer, and Andrea, an attorney.

With friends around the globe, throughout the country and especially the First Unitarian Church fellowship, he will be missed by many. A memorial service will be held at the First Unitarian Church in Wilmington at a time to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Delaware 3515 Silverside Wilmington, DE 19810; or to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720. Arrangements by CHANDLER FUNEAL HOMES CREMATORY www.chandlerfuneralhome.com 302-478-7100 James C. Hudiburg Age 65 of Wilmington, DE died Wednesday, March' 31, 2004.

Jim was best known for his wonderful sense of humor, his passion for Duke basketball and especially his love his grandchildren, with whom he spent countless hours his last years. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his daughter, Kristin K. Armstrong, and her husband, Scot; his son, James C. Hudiburg, and his wife, Jacquline; his 4 grandchildren, Kendra and Hayden and Jake and Delaney Armstrong; and 1 Madison Goebel.

Friends and family may call from am on Saturday, April 3, at the Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday in Lower Brandywine Cemetery, 101 Kennett Pike, Greenville, DE. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720; or to Delaware Parks and Recreation, 87 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720. Arrangements by the CHANDLER FUNERAL HOMES CREMATORY www.chandlerfuneralhome.com 302-478-7100 Leroy W. Kemske, Sr.

Age 76, passed away March 19, 2004 in Frostproof, FL. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Monday, April 5, 2004, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE. National Cremation Society Winter Park, FL Francis R. Matz Age 85 of Wilmington, DE passed away Thursday, April 1, 2004, at home, surrounded by his family. Mr.

Matz was a conductor with the Pennsylvania Railroad and Conrail 40 years before his retirement. A 1939 graduate of Salesianum School, he was a former member of St. Patrick's parish, and a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Church. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, Santa Maria Council.

During World War I1, Mr. Matz was in the Army and was a railway operator with the 735th Railway Battalion. His wite, Anne Rita (Pavoni) Matz, predeceased him in 2002. He is survived by his daughter, Judy Matz, and her husband, Bill Morgan, of New York City, NY; and his son, Robert Matz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am on Monday, April 5th at St.

Anthony of Padua Church, 9th DuPont Wilmington, where family and friends may call after 10 am. Entombment will be in Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Anthony of Padua Church, 901 N. DuPont Wilmington, DE 19805; or to the Oblate Retirement Fund, 2200 Kentmere Wilmington, DE 19806.

www.mealeyfuneralhomes.com 302-652-5913 Leila Morgan Age 83 of Smyrna, DE died Thursday April 1, 2004 at home. Mrs. Morgan was born May 12, 1920 in Sydney, Australia, daughter of the late John and Feodosia Mack. She was a homemaker. In addition to her parents, she preceded in death by her husband, Robert Bruce Morgan who died in 1979; a sister, Mary Mack; and a brother, George Mack.

She is survived by a son, John Robert Morgan and his wife, Sandra, of Smyrna; a daughter, Sharon Ann Glanden and her husband, John, of Bridgeville, DE; a brother, Alex Mack of Sydney, Australia; and 4 grandchildren, Samantha, Taylor and Robert' Morgan, all of Smyrna and Brian Hobbs of Austin, TX. The funeral service will be at 8 pm on Monday April 5, 2004 in the FUNERAL CHAPEL, 29 S. Main Smyrna, where friends may call hours before the service. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Delaware Hospice, 911 S.

DuPont Dover, DE 19904. To send condolences, visit www.fariesfuneralhomes.com 302-653-8816 Susan M. Recchiuti (Walmsley) Age 45 passed away, in the presence of her family, March 31, 2004 at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, DE. She' was born September 25, 1958 in Wilmington to James and Joan E. Walmsley.

Susan attended Lore Middle School and Wilmington High School. She had previously worked as a waitress at both The Alley and George's Next Door restaurants, both in Wilmington. She was an entrepreneur and owned her own cleaning business for the last 15 5 years. More recently, Susan generously volunteered her time at St. Matthew's School, serving as homeroom mother, lunchroom aide, and she chaperoned many school trips.

Her caring and support for the children will never be forgotten. Susan touched everyone around her in ways that will never be forgotten. She was an animal lover, who in addition to her own pets, took in many sick and injured animals over the years. She nursed them back to health and found safe homes for all of them. She loved to dance and have a good time.

Her favorite singer was Elvis and she loved all the Rocky films. Susan was a strong-willed and courageous person. Above all, she was the most wonderful and caring mom that God could ever give. She is survived by her husband of 15 years, L. Gene Recchiuti; her 2 daughters, Tabatha Griffin and Jennifer Recchiuti; brother, James R.

Walmsley; sisters, Joan M. Walmsley and Chambers; and mother, Joan E. Walmsley, all of Wilmington. The funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday, April 5, 2004, at the CHANDLER FUNERAL HOMES, 7230 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin. Calling will be open to friends and family and will begin at 10 am.

Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Tri-State bird Rescue, 110 Possum Hollow Road, Newark, DE 19711. 302-478-7100 Elizabeth J. Scarborough (Elliot) Age 86 of Wilmington, DE died April 1, 2004. Widow of Henry 'Scarborough.

Services will be private. Donations to Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Wilmington, DE 19810. MEALEY FUNERAL HOME Sara Jane Simpson Age 84 of Claymont, DE passed away Wednesday, March 31, 2004, at home. Mrs. Simpson was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She was a longtime member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where she was an advocate of the New Pathways Group, designed for widows and widowers. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert L. Simpson. Survivors include her sons, Paul A.

Blanchette, Jr. of Lansdale, PA, Arthur W. Blanchette of Hudson City, FL; daughter-in-law, Frances Blanchette of Media, PA; and 8 grandchildren. The funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday, April 5, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Duncan Rd.

Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Monday morning from 10-11 am. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads New Castle, DE 19720. GEBHART FUNERAL HOMES of New Castle County www.gebhartfuneralhomes.com 302-798-7726 Marion Milton Smith Of Wilmington, DE, formerly of Florence, SC died March 30, 2004.

Funeral 6 pm Sunday, April 4, at Union Baptist Church, 2616 Carter Wilmington. Visitation 4-6 pm. Arrangements by BELL MEMORIAL CHAPEL Ralph L. Smith TODAY'S OBITUARIES Akers, Albence, Brennan, Buckley, James Burgan, DeGraffenreid, Edmanson, Evans, Fritz, K. Gills, Goldstein, Hippely, Hudiburg, James Kemske, Matz, Morgan, Recchiuti, Scarbrough, Simpson, Smith, Smith, Ralph Taylor, Taylor, Stephen Torres, Vasquez, Washington, obituaries running for the first time George "Red" L.

Akers Age 69 of Dunnellon, FL died April 1, 2004 at the Munroe Regional Medical Center in Timberridge, Red was a born U.S. in Marine Rhodell, Corps WV, and veteran of the Korean conflict. He had been a maintenance supervisor for a rubber manufacturing company before He moved to FL from New Castle, DE in 1988. Red loved fishing, being a mechanic, and helping people. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Shirley Akers; daughter, Theresa Field-Auld of Dunnellon, FL; stepdaughter, Karen Zonar of New Castle, DE; sons, William Akers and Christopher Akers, both of Dunnellon, FL; 6 grandchildren; and 1 great granddaughter.

ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME Ocala, FL Sue Ann Albence Mrs. Sue Ann Albence, age 54 of New Castle, DE died suddenly on Wednesday, March 31, 2004. Mrs. Albence was born in Berwick, PA December 27, 1949. A dedicated educator, she taught 4th-grade students for over 30 years at Carleton Elementary School in Penns Grove, NJ.

Her professional affiliations included the National Education Association (NEA) and Alpha Delta Kappa, the teaching sorority. Mrs. Albence was a member of Our Lady of Fatima parish and enjoyed traveling and the beach. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Ronald G. Albence; 2 children, Tina Lynn Justison and her husband, Michael, of Newark, and Christopher Ronald Albence and his girlfriend, Shannon, of New Casfle; 2 sisters, Margaret M.

Casson and her husband, Norman, of New Castle and Emma J. DeKler and her husband, Gary, of Colorado Springs, CO; grandson, Zachary, M. Justison; nephew, Kyle M. Casson; and 2 nieces, Samantha Hicks and Catherine DeKler. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Lewis and Emma Edwards.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am on Monday, April 5, 2004, at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, 801 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle. Entombment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle.

Visitation will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. To send condolences, visit www.spicer-mullikinfuneralhomes.com Arrangements by SPICERMULLIKIN FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY 302-328-2213 Margaret C. Brennan Age 71 of Dover, DE died Thursday, April 1, 2004, at Kent General Hospital. Funeral at 10 am on Tuesday, April 6, in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 631 S.

State Dover. TORBERT Arrangements FUNERAL CHAPEL In Memoriam and Cards of Thanks Advertisements can be placed by calling Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Age 87 of Newport, DE passed away Monday, March 29, 2004, in FL. Ralph owned Smith Auto Seat Covers in Newport for 42 years. He was a sergeant in the Army during WWII, the 3rd Armor Division. Ralph received the Purple Heart from injuries sustained in Frankfurt, Germany. Ralph was devoted to his family.

He enjoyed beach activities, especially, boating and fishing. liked watching baseball and old westerns on TV. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Iris F. Smith, who passed away in 1994. Survivors include his sons, Harold L.

Smith of Port Charlotte, FL and Edward Smith of Smyrna, DE; brothers, John L. Smith of Newport, DE and John Wesley Smith of Panama; grandchildren, Connie Willey of Milton, DE, Edward Smith, of Newark, DE, Gregory Smith of New Castle, DE and Candy Torres of Dover, DE; and great grandchildren, Stephen and Benjamin Torres, and Kayla Smith. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. The funeral service will be held 12 noon on Monday, April 5th, at the A RE FUNERAL HOME, 212 E. Justis Newport, where visitation will begin at 11 am.

There will also be visitation on Sunday, April 4th, from 6-8 pm, also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Gracelawn Memorial Park, N. DuPont New Castle, DE. The family suggests contributions in Ralph's memory to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720. Clarence W.S.

Taylor, Jr. "Scotty" Age 84 of Townsend, DE passed away Thursday, April 1, 2004, at Green Meadows in Dover. Scotty had worked as a maintenance supervisor for the Radley Run Country Club in West Chester, PA and also for the Broadmeadow School, formerly located in Middletown. He was an Army veteran of WWII and was an honorary life member of the Townsend Fire Co. and a member of VFW Post in Middletown.

In his spare time, he loved to shoot pool. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Hart Taylor; and 2 sons, Francis and Ronald Taylor. Scotty is survived by 1 son, Clarence Robert Taylor, of FL; 2 daughters, Shirley Thompson of Smyrna and Rosemary Wright of Felton; stepson, William Swain Hart, and his wife, MaryAnn, of LA; 1 sister, Mildred Taylor Kraus of Townsend; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and a very special friend who helped take care of him, Donna Kraus. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 6th, at 1pm in the DANIELS HUTCHISON FUNERAL 212 N. Broad Friends may call from 12-1 pm at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Townsend Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Immanuel United Methodist Church, PO Box 60, Townsend, DE 19734. Stephen James Taylor stepmother Amy Lyn D. Taylor; 3 sisters, Denise, Phyllis and Sheila; 3 brothers, Henry Jerry and Lennell; 1 stepbrother, Noel; 3 stepsisters, Sharon, Donna and Ann; grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. Mr.

Taylor worked as an electrician for the DuPont Co. He graduated June 1, 1998 from James H. Groves High School. Funeral 10 am Apr. 3, 2004 at New Community.

Church, 23rd Monroe Wilm. Viewing 8-10 am. Burial Gracelawn. CONGO FUNERAL HOME Age 40 went home to be with the Lord, March 28, 2004 in Christiana Care. Father of Jonnita S.

Rainey, Daytona A. Fax and Stephen J. Chase. Son Henry R. Taylor, Sr.

and the late Joan E. Taylor. He is also survived by his stepmother Amy Edward Torres Age 51 of Wilmington, DE died April 1, 2004. His mother, Dolores S. Maisel; brother, Robert; nephews, Keith and Christopher; and niece, Vicki, survive.

Services will be held privately. SCHOENBERG MEMORIAL CHAPEL Richard Vasquez Age 59 of Bayside, NY died March 28, 2004 at home. Funeral 1:30 pm Tuesday, April 6, at Holy Cross Church, 631 S. State Dover, DE, where family and friends may call from 7-9 pm Monday, April 5. PIPPIN FUNERAL HOME Gladus L.

Washington Age 85 of Wilmington, DE died March 30, 2004 at Wilmington Hospital. Funeral 11 am B' April 5, at Mt. Joy U.M. Church, Townsend Sts. Wilmington, where visitation will be BELL 10-11 am.

MEMORIAL Arrangements by CHAPEL.