The News Journal from Wilmington, Delaware • Page 27

NEWS JOURNAL Friday, January 1, 2010 www.delawareonline.com OBITUARIES Florence Connell (Picciotti) 302-999-8277 Willa Edwards Of Wilmington, DE, age 64, passed Monday, December 28, 2009. Service will be held 11 am, Monday, January 4, at New Hope Baptist Church, 1230 N. Heald DE. Viewing, 9-11 am. The House of Wright Mortuary.

Florence Picciotti Connell, 85 passed away peacefully with her children at her side on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at Milleroft Nursing Home. Florence was born in Wilmington on March 19, 1924, daughter of the late Joseph and Elsa (Pozzi) Picciotti. A graduate of Ursuline Academy and Goldey-Beacom College, she was employed with the DuPont Company before assuming the job she loved the most being a full time homemaker. One of her greatest joys was making Christmas cookies, some years making over one thousand cookies and passing them out to family and friends. Florence was a past member of St.

Thomas the Apostle Parish and a member of St. John the Beloved Parish, where she enthe BVM Sodality and Leisure joyed her membership with Group. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband of 61 years, John P. Connell, who passed away on December 17, 2008. Florence is survived by her sons, John and wife, Linda, Joseph and his wife, Mary Ann and William and his wife, Mary Ann; her daughter, Cathleen Sanderson and her husband, Robert; her six grandchildren, Kristy Hutton and her husband, Mark, Laurie Yocum and her husband, Derek, Mary Beth Connell, Robert Sanderson, Patrick Connell I and Annie Nadzio; as well as her great granddaughter, Ava Lynn Hutton.

She is also survived by her brothers, Leon Picciotti and Joseph Picciotti; and her nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Millcroft Nursing Home, Health Center and Assisted Living, as well as Heartland Hospice, for all the wonderful care they gave to Mom and Dad throughout these past few years. We are grateful. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 4th Street and Bancroft Parkway, Wilmington on Monday, January 4 at Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.

Family and friends may visit at DOHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Sunday, January 3 from 3:00 In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Florence to Millcroft. 255 Possum Park Newark, DE 19711 or The Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Newark, DE 19713. To offer online condolences, please visit www.dohertyfh.com John W. Elliott enjoyed collecting classic toy trains and electronics. John was preceded in death by his parents, J.

Leslie and Louise Elliott. John is survived by Lorraine ElliottHankammer, his children, Andrew Elliott, John Vincent Elliott, Sirena Wolf-Letcher and Elena A. Elliott, his sister, Leslie Elliott and his grandchildren, Ethan, Layton and Aubrey. Friends may call on Saturday, January 2, 2010 from 10:30 a.m. at the MCCRERY MEMORIAL CHAPEL Kirkwood Highway and Duncan Road where a service will begin at 10:30 am.

Burial will be in Gracelawn Memorial Park. To send condolences visit: www.mccreryfuneralhome.com Age 64, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2009 at the Christiana Hospital surrounded by his family. John began his career as a police officer for the New Castle County from 1968- 1977. He then went on to work for General Motors 10 for 22 years retiring in 1998 as a Corporate Security Officer. He enjoyed collecting Violet Lane Age 78, departed this life December 30, 3009, in Wilmington, DE.

Mother of James Lane, Mae Thomas (Lewis), Mylene Lane (Anthony), and Denise Lane. She is also survived by a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral 1 pm, Jan. 2, at Wings of Faith Kingdom Ministries, 2501 Airport Road, New Castle, DE. Viewing 11 pm, only.

Burial Barbour Family Cemetery, Natalie, VA. www.congofuneralhome.com 302-652-8887 Joseph J. DeCrease, Sr. Of Wilmington, DE, formerly of Shenandoah, PA, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2009, at the Hillside Center in Wilmington. Joe was 86 at the time of his death.

He was born and raised in Shenandoah, PA then married and moved to Ringtown, PA in 1956. He raised his family there and in 1970 moved to Wilmington, DE to start his career as a chef. As a chef, he cooked for the former Blue Boar Inn and Candlelight Dinner Theater, in Arden, DE: Hugo's Inn, Chadds and at the Campbell's Ford, PA; ICI in Wilmington, Headquarters NJ. After retiring from Campbell's Soup, his main hobby was furniture restoration. In his later years, he enjoyed many hours socializing with friends Claymont Community Center.

lived almost a year at the Lorelton, assisted living facility, where he spent most of his time tending to the plants in the greenhouse and he also painted. He moved from The Lorelton to Hillside Skilled Nursing Care Center where he spent his last days. Joe was preceded in death, by his wife of 58 years, Betty L. DeCrease. Survivors indaughters, Sandy MacPherson and her husband Thomas of St.

Petersburg, FL; Karen S. DeCrease and her husband William J. Bradley, of Wilmington; Nancy L. DeCrease and her husband Larry Cox of Wilmington; his son, Joseph J. DeCrease, Jr.

and his wife, Polly DeCrease, of Wilmington; his brother, William DeCrease of and PA; his wife grandchildren, Alberta Erie. William T. Walukonis and his wife Pam Krauser of Wilmington; Tara DeCrease Thompson and her husband Bob of Wilmington; DeCrease, also of Wilmington; 3 great grandchildren, Ryan Walukonis, Brenna Walukonis and Jacob Thompson. Funeral services will begin at 11 am, Monday, January 4, in the chapel at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE where visitation will begin at 10:30 am.

Interment will follow in the adjoining Memorial Park. The family suggests contributions in Joe's memory to CLAYMONT COMMUNITY CENTER, 3301 Green Street, Claymont, DE 19703. To send online condolences visit www.nicholsgilmore.com 302-998-8013 Kenneth Weldon Lafferty, Sr. Age 61, of Mantua NJ, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2009. Ken was born in Princeton, West Virginia and to Wilmington, Delaware where he raised his family.

Later in life he moved to New Jersey where he lived for the past 14 years. He enjoyed spending time with family, cooking, attending antique car shows and restoring old furniture. He also loved the Dallas Cowboys. Ken was preceded in death by his grandmother, Eliza; beloved aunt, Gay; mother, Jua nita Georgie Pearl. He will be deeply missed by his wife Mary of 10 years, children Deborah, Kenneth Kathy and Kevin; stepchildren, Derek, Robert and Jason; and grandchildren Brandon, Jacob, Joshua, Kendra, Christopher and Calli.

Funeral services will be held at McGuinness Funeral Home 34 Hunter Woodbury NJ 08096 on Saturday January 2, 2010. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to American Lung Association or your local Humane Society. Jennifer Sue Liss Age 42, of League City, TX, passed away December 19, 2009, after lengthy illness. She was born December 27, 1966 in Wilmington, DE, to parents, Ronald and Carole Liss. She is survived by her rents, and her brothers, Jamie V.

Liss Charlie Liss. A memorial service was held at 7 pm, Wednesday, December 23, at Crowder Funeral Home in Dickinson, A Celebration Jennifer's Life is planned for a later date in Delaware. Alphonsa Ovella "Fonz, Al" Wilson Age 56 of Newark DE died Dec 28, 2009. Service Jan 4 at 12noon, Viewing Monday 10- 12noon Ezion Fair Baptist Ch, 1400 St in Wilm. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to The House of Wright Mortuary.

In Memoriam IN MEMORY OF JOHN CARUCCI, JR. It's been twenty-nine years since you left us. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. We love and miss you so very much. Mom, Dad, Sisters and their families.

Bryan Lane Age 63, of Newark, DE went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 29, 2009. Mr. Lane was born in Ireland on July 20, 1946. He worked as a Lighthouse Keeper throughout Ireland for over 20 years. He came to the United States with his family and began working at Sun Oil Company.

Bryan was a dedicated Philadelphia, Phillies fan. He also enjoyed reading and was an avid history buff. Mr. Lane is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Jane Marie Lane; 3 sons, Kevin Lane, Bryan Lane and wife Sherri, and Christopher Lane; 2 daughters; Claire Lane and Sandra Lane; a brother; Jeremiah Lane, and 3 sisters, Kathleen Cekine, Ellen Turner and Bernadette Cosgrave. Bryan is preceded in death by his parents, Jeremiah and Sarah (Glackin) Lane.

A visitation for family and friends will be on Sunday, January 3, 2010 in the STRANO FEELEY FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 635 Churchmans Newark, DE 19702 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm followed by a celebration of Bryan's Life at 3:30 pm. Burial will be private. For directions and to express online condolence please visit: www.strano-feeley.com Strano Feeley Funeral Home Family, 302-731-5459 F. Donald McDonald, Sr. Age 93, of Centerville, DE, CHANDLER FUNERAL HOMES www.chandlerfuneralhome.com 302-478-7100 passed, away 2009, at Sunday, Christiana DecemCare, Wilmington, after a short illness.

Born in Kingston, PA, he was the son of F. W. and Marie Riofski. He was married for 63 years to Phyllis Wood McDonald, who preceded him in death in 2005. During WWII, Mr.

McDonald was employed in the Purchasing Dept. of Hercules Powder Co. in Wilmington, DE and Madison, WI. He later returned to Wilmington and was employed by Dravo Ship Building in the Purchasing Department. After the war, he joined his father-in-law in business at Wood-Krewson on Co.

Wholesale Auto Parts French St. He later purchased the business and remained there until he retired in 1979 to assist his running her business, Centerville Lamp and Shade. Don and Phyllis enjoyed vacations at their family home in Bethany Beach and in later years in Dewey Beach. He was predeceased by his brothers, John and Robert Riofski. He is survived by his son, F.

Donald McDonald, Jr. of Centerville; sisters-in-law Cecilia Riofski of Wilmington and Virginia Riofski of Bethlehem, PA; nephew R. Christopher Riofski and his wife Linda of Landenberg, PA; niece Deborah DiPasquantonio and of her Newark; band Bribe Jose Bossbaly of Washington Crossing, PA; niece Laura and husband Eben Warner of Odessa, TX and 9 great nephews and nieces. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Road, Greenville, DE at 10 am, on Saturday January 2, 2010.

Interment will follow in Lower Brandywine Cemetery, Kennett Pike, Centreville, DE. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Delaware Humane Association, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. Arrangements by Annette Elizabeth Wright Age 57 departed this life December 25, 2009 surrounded by her family. Devoted Wife of Deacon Will E. Wright, Beloved Mother of Tim (Gretta), Will, Sarafian.

Dwayne, and Lamar (Bonnie), Mali, LaRaye (Ervin) and Taza (Rodney). Sister of Henry (Aletha), Arnold (Joyce), Brent (Veronica), Oliver (Inas), Kevin (Angie), Maryann Dunbar, Shreef and Faida Jackson. She is also survived 1 God brother, Kamau Ngom; by her God sister Deana Hall; God-children; Monique Brown, Darrica Hill, Tyonna Jervey, Tylin and Jasai; 9 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; her Spiritual Mother, Joyce Redden; 3 aunts; Bishop Aretha E. Morton, Grace Evans and Bertha Ward; 1 devoted cousin; Sandra Hill, 4 devoted friends; Shirley Benn, Denise Bradshaw Lillian Carn, Mamie Hale and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and many friends. Celebration of Life 10am, Sat, Jan 2nd New Mt.

Olive Baptist Church, 1402 N. Market St. Viewing only. Eastern Star Service Burial Gracelawn. www.congofuneralhome.com Jerry Kay Mullins, Jr.

Mr. Jerry Kay Mullins, age 53, of Smyrna, DE, formerly of Wilmington, NC, died on Monday, December 28, 2009, at Kent General Hospital in Dover. DE. Mr. Mullins was born in Bartley, WV on October 20, 1956.

He was employed as a mechanical foreman with the Bell Company in Aberdeen, MD. An expert hunter and tracker throughout his life, Mr. Mullins, led safaris in South Africa for many years and also enjoyed hunting locally. He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Elaine M. Tito Mullins; children, Christine Mullins and Andrew Mullins, both of Smyrna, DE, and Ryan Mullins of Raleigh, NC; mother, Greata Hess Mullins of Marco Island, FL; siblings, Timothy Mullins and 1 Karen Collins, both of Newark, DE, and Mullins law, of Ann Dover, Marie DE; Sisters and in Bes Christine Tito, both of Wilmington, DE; and a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry K. Mullins, Sr. A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday, January 2, 2010, at the SpicerMullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where visitation will begin at 10 am. To sign guest register, visit spicermullikin.com SPICER FUNERAL HOMES CREMATORY 302-328-2213 Mary Lambdin family. She was a Varner Age 67, of Wilmington, DE, passed away in the loving arms of her daughter and caregiver, Deenna, and her soul went to the hands of the loving Lord.

Mary was devot- beautician at the Pocopson Home for 22 years where she was loved. She enjoyed acting cal theaters, oil painting, traveling with her family, garden- ing, and she loved many dogs during her lifetime. She loved especially the Holy Orthodox Church, and her church family at St. Michael's. She found great support and love with her Cancer Group at the Wellness Community.

The family especially like to thank Dr. Vivacqua, her Oncologist, whom she loved, who gave her the courage and encouragement critical to her long the will of the Lord, through Dr. Vivaqua's refusal to ever give up, Mary had many, many years with her family. Mary is survived by her 3 daughters: Cynthia Hart Griffith, Deenna Strickland, and Jessica Bunitsky her husband Mark; and 3 sisters: Patricia, Darlene Beryl; 7 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Janet, and son-in-law, John.

A viewing and memorial service for family and friends will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2010 in the St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church in Wilmington, Delaware, 2300 W. Huntington Drive Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE from 5pm7pm followed by a Memorial Service (Panikhida) at 7 pm. A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 4, 2010 in the church at 10am. Burial will follow in St.

Joseph's on the Brandywine Cemetery, 10 Old Church Road Wilmington, DE 19807. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the Wellness Community, 4810 Lancaster Pike, Wilming. ton, DE, 19807 memo "Mary To express an online condolence, visit: www.strano-feeley.com. Nathaniel Thompkins: OBITUARIES Boyer, Cerchio, Connell, Florence Cummings, Charles DeCrease, Edwards, Elliott, John Lafferty, Lane, Lane, Lightcap, Edwin Liss, Jennifer McDonald, F. Mullins, Jerry Thompkins, Varner, Wilson, Wright, obituaries running for the first time went to be with his mother Rosalie Boyer, and son Walter T.Boyer, on Christmas Day, December 25, 2009.

Walt was most recently employed at Clean Cut Auto. He was a member of Wilmington Church of the Brethren and fishing, boating, the beach and, most importantly, he was devoted to his family and friends. Walt is survived by his loving daughter, Regina Henry of Dover; his devoted father, Edgar Boyer, Sr. and stepmother, Joanna Boyer of Wilmington; his grandchildren, Dylan, Zachary and Ill; his sisters, Sarah Perry and husband Douglas of New Castle, Emma Henry of Newark, Dorothy Williamson and husband Kenneth of New Castle and Rosalie Fisher of Newark; his brother, Edgar Boyer, Jr. of Wilmington; his many nieces, nephews and cousins; and best friends, John ley, Ken Williamson, Steve Fisher and Joe Zecca, Jr.

Walt will be forever missed by his loving family and friends. Funeral services be 12 noon on Monday, 2010, at the 'Wilmington Church of Brethren, 27 Belmont where visitation begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery, Lancaster Ave. Dupont Wilm. The family suggests contributions in Walt's memory to the National MARFAN Syndrome Foundation, 22 Manhasset Port Washington, NY 11050.

To send online condolences visit www.nicholsgilmore.com 302-998-8013 Walter T. Boyer, Sr. Age 53, of Wilmington, Caroline Anita Cerchio Died Sunday, December 27, 2009 at her home in Bellefonte. Born July 10, 1936 in Wilmington, DE, she was the fifth of seven daughters of the late Charles A. and Catherine O'Byrne Cerchio.

She attended Sacred Heart and Christ Our King elementary schools and St. Elizabeth's High School, and was employed by Strawbridge and Clothier for over twenty years. Caroline loved music and the arts and sang in the choirs of St. Peter's Cathedral, Christ Our King, Patrick's and Sacred Heart churches. Her family mourns the loss of her gentle, loving presence and her laughter.

She is survived by her sisters, Vivian Faville, Beverly Cerchio, SSJ of Philadelphia; her brother George A. Novak of Wilmington; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom she cherished. She was predeceased by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Claire M. and Eugene L. Connor; her sister, Joan her niece, Claire Connor Obade; and her brother-in-law, Walter D.

Faville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 4, 2010, at 11:30 am, at St. Helena's Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Bellefonte, where friends may call, after 10:30 am. Interment be in Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington. www.mealeyfuneralhomes.com 302-652-5913 Charles K.

Cummings "Chas" Age 50, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at St. Francis Hospital on Saturday, December 26, 2009. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas R. C.

Church, 4th St. Bancroft Wilmington on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 9am. Friends may call at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home, 1400 Kirkwood Elsmere on Sunday, January 3 from 4-6pm. Burial, Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington. Krienen-Griffith 994-9614 www.Delawarefuneral.com Son of the late Henry and; Rebecca Thompkins was born April 15, 1917.

He took his flight home to see the Lord Saturday, December 26, 2009. He received his early education in Albany, GA. After years in the Navy he worked and subsequently retired from the VA Hospital, having served in many positions for 22 years. Nate" as he was affectionately known enjoyed life, travel and family. He was a long time member and Past Master of Rising Sun Lodge Past Patron of Star of Bethlehem Chapter 8 and Past Grand Worthy Patron of St.

Matthew's Grand Chapter, O.E.S-P.H.A State of Delaware and Jurisdiction and many other fraternal orders. He was also a longtime member of Silverbrook Methodist Church and later joining Ezion Fair, Baptist Church. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Bessie Thompkins, 2 sons, Nathaniel P. of New York, Rodger L. of Wilmington; 1 brother, Henry Thompkins of Jacksonville, Florida, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Service will be held on Sunday, January at Ezion Fair Baptist Church, 1400 Street, Wilmington, DE. Viewing 4-5PM. Interment, DE Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements by BELL FUNERAL HOME 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. PLANNING YOUR ESTATE? Consider giving The Needy Family Fund, a private, nonprofit effort run by The News Journal that raises money for those in need in our community. DONATIONS: Monetary NEEDY donations, FAMILY as well as stocks and other securities, may be given year-round to the Annual Fund and to the Endowment Fund. Gifts of $500 or more may be designated to go to the Neady Family Endowment Fund.

For information on the Endowment Fund, contact the Delaware Community Foundation at 571-8004. For information on contributing to the Annual Fund, contact 324-2560. IN NEED OF HELP: The Salvation Army and Delaware's Division of State. Service Centers distribute the funds to people who are need of basic necessities such as food, shelter, utilities. and other emergency needs.

If you already receive public assistance, please contact. the Division of State Services at (302) 255-9674. Otherwise, call the Salvation Army at (302) 472; 0750. Funds are not disbursed by The News Journal. 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 an additional fee. Military, organization, and patriotic emblems are available upon request For further information, and to place an Obituary, please consult your funeral director..