The News Journal from Wilmington, Delaware • Page 14

a NEWS JOURNAL SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2003 www.delawareonline.com OBITUARIES View current obituaries and the archives of obituary listings for two years online at www.delawareonline.com The site is easy to search and is updated daily Sewell C. Biggs Passed away Thursday, January 16, 2003 in the St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, NJ. Sewell C. Biggs was born in Middletown, DE November 2, 1914, the son of the late J.

Frank and Emma L. Biggs. He graduated from Wilmington Friends School, the University of Delaware and the University of Virginia Law, School. He was a of Virginia Bar Association. During World War I1, he served in the U.S.

Army Air Corps. In 1937, Mr. Biggs embarked on a trip around the world that would have a profound and enduring impact on the remainder of his life. His fascination with the opportunity of visiting foreign countries, studying their art and architecture and meeting their people eventually translated into an effort to improve international understanding through a peopleto-people concept by sponsoring foreign students for a 1-year scholarship at the University of Delaware. Traveling almost became an obsession with Mr.

Biggs, who had visited practically every corner of the world. the 1950s while visiting Czechoslovakia, his guide, a fected from a Russian ship some young sculpture student, de5. years later and found Mr. Biggs a willing sponsor for his becoming an American citizen. This man now pursues a successful career sculptor in New York City.

Mr. Biggs took an active interest in art conservation and preservation. He instigated and chaired the building committee for a major restoration of Old St. Anne's Church in Middletown, DE to its original 1768 appearance. Mr.

Biggs had served on the boards of the Historical Society of Delaware, the Delaware Art Museum, the Friends of the John Dickinson Mansion, the Wilmington Grand Opera House during the time of its restoration, the State Arts Council, the State Building and Grounds Committee and a vestryman and warden of St. Anne's Church in Middletown, DE. In 1979, Governor Pierre duPont awarded him "The Order of First State" in recognition of "meritorious In 1995, the Art Educators of Delaware prescribed him with their "Certificate of Excellence and Support of Education in the Visual In 1998, Mr. Biggs established the Sewell C. Chair in American Art History at the University of Delaware.

In 1989, through the guidance of Elise W. duPont and Senator Nancy Cook, an agreement was signed between Mr. Biggs and the State of Delaware creating the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover to house Mr. Biggs collection of Delaware and Delaware Valley fine and decorative arts. The Biggs Museum opened to the public in September 1998 and now exhibits approximately 500 works.

Tens of thousands of young people and adults have enjoyed and learned from the collection and from the museum's special exhibitions and programs. The 2-volume book, The Sewell C. Biggs Collection: A Catalogue was published last month and illustrates the paintings, sculpture, furniture, silver and other antique objects acquired by Mr. Biggs in over 60 years of collecting. In November 2002, the Kent County Convention and Visitor's Bureau gave Mr.

Biggs it's annual Tourism Award, which recognized his leadership for the museum in attracting visitors to the area. At the time of his death, he was on his way to the antique shows and Americana auctions in NY to search for appropriate objects to add to his collection. Museum trustee, John Dunlop said, "He clearly was a man with a wonderful vision and he made it come true. I think he too wanted to see the Biggs Museum move forward, get bigger and better with a larger space, so more people can appreciate his marvelous collection. Hopefully we can make this happen as a tribute to him.

To find individuals in today's American society who are so willing to be supportive of the arts, so willing to spend their own money to bring those arts to communities like Dover, is difficult to say the least. Sewell brought all that and more to Dover and to Delaware." Mr. Biggs closest surviving relative is his brother, Franklin B. Biggs of Odessa, DE. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Christiana Hundred in Greenville at 11 am on Wednesday, January 22, 2003.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Preservation Delaware, the Historical Society of Delaware, Christ Church Christiana Hundred, or to the Sewell C. Biggs Museum. DANIELS HUTCHISON FUNERAL HOMES Middletown, DE Thomas Leon Brown Age 72 of Chestertown, MD died January, at his home Georgetown, MD. Service 1 pm January 21 at Emmanuel U.M.C., Pomona, MD, where friends may call 11-1. Arrangements by WALLEY FUNERAL SERVICES John C.

Canavin Age 58 died January 16, 2003 at home, surrounded by his loving family after a short but valiant battle with cancer. At an early age, his deep voice earned him the nickname "Frog" in his native southwest Philadelphia. He attended Bartram High School and Temple University, where he was a brother in the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. During this time, he also served in the United State Army Reserves. For 36 years he worked in the purchasing departments of the former Pennsylvania Railroad, Penn Central and Conrail, retiring in 1999.

He was a 2nd Degree Knight in the Christopher Counsel and a longtime member of the American Legion Post in Glenolden, PA. He was an avid Eagles fan and loved his Temple Owls. But the greatest joys of his life were his 5 grandchildren; each one had a special place in his heart and each one will remember him in their own special way. He leaves behind his heartbroken wife, Suzanne (nee Mulvihill); 1 daughter, Cristen and her husband, James Wooleyhan of New Castle; 3 sons, John Jr. and his wife, Amy of Lincoln University, PA, Douglas E.

and his wife, Diane of Glenolden, PA and Daniel J. of New York City, NY. John was the beloved Opa to Jacqueline, Jesse, Douglas, Jamie and Zachary. He is also survived by 1 brother, Robert J. of Wilmington, DE; and his godmother, Rose Heggland of CT.

He will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 21 at 10 am at Holy Rosary R.C. Church, 3200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont. Friends and family may call from 7-9 pm on MonJanuary the MCCRERY MEMORIAL FUNERAL, HOME, 3924 Concord (Rt.202 south of Silverside Rd). Burial will be in Sts.

Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, PA. Condolences may be sent to John "Hubert" Carlisle Age 79 of Clayton, DE died January 17, 2003 at home. Service at 12 noon on Wednesday, January 22 at the TORBERT FUNERAL CHAPEL, 61 S. Bradford Dover, where friends may call from 11-12. Jeanette W.

Carpenter (nee Halko) 1922-2003 Died peacefully at Harrison House, Christiana, PA. was preceded in death her husband, Carl, who died in 1982. Services were private. KRIENEN-Griffith Lawrence H. Conner "Big Larry" Age 65 of Etters, PA and a native of Wilmington, DE died Friday, January 17, 2003 at his home.

He was a retired military inspector from the former 'New Cumberland Army Depot. He was a member of VFW Post and life member of American Legion Post both of New Cumberland. He was an avid Notre Dame football fan. He was born April 19, 1937 to the late Edel M. and Arvilla Ann (Buckaloo) Conner.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah J. Ditty Conner; 3 sons, Lawrence Jr. of Long Beach, CA, Ralph E. of Gettysburg, PA and William H. of Etters, PA; a daughter, Carolyn D.

Stewart of brothers, Edel M. Conner, Jr. of Wilmington, DE and Robert W. Conner; 2 sisters, Nadine S. Morris of Dover, DE and Debra Moulton of Newark, DE; 3 grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, January 22 at FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 1303 Bridge New Cumberland, PA. Burial will be in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Hanover PA. The viewing will be from 6-8 pm on Tuesday, January 21 at the funeral home with VFW services. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Capital Region Unit, 3211 N. Front Street, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110-1342.

Marie D. Coughlin Age 85 passed away January 16, 2003 at the Shipley Manor Health Center after a brief struggle with cancer. Born in Washington, DC, Marie was a lifelong homemaker who enjoyed the beach, sewing, flowers and reading. She was the wife of the late Cregg E. Coughlin and daughter of the late James and Iva DePue of Delray Beach, FL.

Marie is survived by her brother, James B. DePue and his wife, Margueritte of Sebastian, FL; sons, Michael of Wilmington, David of Lusby, MD; daughter, Ann Swink of Winfield, IL; 6 grandchildren, Ryan, Siobhan, Matthew, Moira, Kathleen and Sara; and 3 great grandchildren, Jacob, Nicholas and Cullin. Friends may call from 3-4 pm on Sunday, January 19 at the MCCRERY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 3924 Concord Pike, Talleyville (Rt.202 south of Silverside Rd.) The funeral service and interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to your favorite charity. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.mccreryfuneralhome.com Clifford William Compton Age 93 of Berlin, MD died Wednesday, January 15, 2003 in Berlin Nursing Rehabilitation Center, Berlin.

Service and burial will be Arrangements by HASTINGS FUNERAL HOME Selbyville, DE Richard H. DeShields, Jr. Age 47, died Jan. 15, 2003. Visitation 5-7 pm Jan.

20 at the Bell Memorial Chapel, 4201 Washington Wilm. and 9-10 am Jan. 21 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1012 French Wilm. Mass at 10.

BELL MEMORIAL CHAPEL passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at his home. He was the husband of Barbara M. Diffenderfer; son of Jack and Nancy Diffenderfer; brother of David Diffenderfer; grandson of Charlotte Cassell; and nephew of Louise Smith. Relatives and friends are invited to John's Life Celebration at BEESON MEMORIAL SERVICES OF NEWARK, 2053 Pulaski Highway (453-1900) on Monday, January 20th from 7-9 pm. His funeral service will be on Tuesday, January 21st at 11 am at St.

John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 135 S. Old Baltimore Pike, Christiana, with committal in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear. In memory of John, a contribution may Army, be made to the Salva- Wil400 Orange mington, DE 19801 or to the Delaware Humane Association, 701 A Wilmington, DE 19801. John A. Diffenderfer Age 43 of New Castle, DE Joseph Vincent DiTommasso, Sr.

Age 75 of Wilmington, DE, died Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at the Hahneman Medical University and Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Mr. DiTommasso was a selfemployed contractor for DiTommasso Construction Company, Inc. He served in the United States Army in World War II and was a member of St. John the Beloved Church.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rosina M. DiTommasso; his sons, Joseph V. DiTommasso, Jr. of Bear and Steven DiTommasso of Bear; his daughters, Theresa F. Drake of Orlando, FL, Marie A.

Wagner of Wilmington and Phyllis DiTommasso of Wilmington; his brother, Saverio DiTommasso of Baltimore, MD; his sisters, Annie Rhondo of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Virginia Mallory of Baltimore, MD; 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at the DOHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 3200 Limestone Pike Creek on Sunday afternoon, January 19 at 2 pm. Entombment will be private in Cathedral Cemetery in Wilmington. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday evening from 5-8 pm and on Sunday afternoon after 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 1096 Old Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19713. www.dohertyth.com Norman I. Fleetwood A retired mushroom farmer and longtime resident of Concord Township, Delaware County, PA, died Thursday, 16, 2003 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Media, PA at the age of 95. While spending most of the last 90 years in Concord Township, he worked for Paul Willits a farmer and mushroom grower and also worked for the Keystone Mushroom Co. in Coatesville, PA.

A member of the Elam United Methodist Church, he loved the outdoors, enjoyed gardening and visiting with family and friends. He loved a good joke and enjoyed spinning stories of his own. His wife of 66 years, Ida Larkin Fleetwood, died in 2000. Survivors include his daughter, Evelyn Kitselman (Charles) of Bethel Township, PA; 3 granddaughters, Diane Walheim (Jon), Norma Lynn Layne (Tom) of Kemblesville, PA and Debbie Macleary (Dave) of Claymont, DE; 8 great grandchildren, Samantha Macleary, Kimberly and Brenda Layne and Danielle, Lauren, Matthew, Nicole and Brian Walheim. There will be a memorial service at 11 am on Wednesday, January 22 at the RIGBY of CHADDS FORD FUNERAL HOME, 232 Concord Pike (Rt.202 south, 2 miles south of Rt.

1), Chadds Ford, PA, where family and friends may call from 10-11 am. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1 Plymouth Meeting Mall, Suite 520, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. Vinita S. Gill Age 94, died on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at the Stonegates Health Care Center, her residence for several years.

Her late husband, John M. Gill was founder and owner of NKS Distributors. Later, Mrs. Gill and her husband operated a registered Holstein breeding farm in Odessa, DE. In addition to her husband who died in 1984, she was predeceased by her daughter, Duane G.

Abrams, who died in 1998. Mrs. Gill is survived by 4 grandchildren, Kevin G. Abrams, Karen A. Graham and Lesley A.

Nicholson, all of Wilmington, DE and J. Michael Abrams of Andover, MA. She is also survived by 8 great grandchildren. The service and burial will be held privately. Arrangements by CHANDLER FUNERAL HOME www.chandlerfuneralhome.com John C.

Green, Sr. Age 76 of Seaford, DE died Friday, January 17, 2003 at the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital. Mr. Green, formerly of Graceville and Rockville, MD, moved to Seaford in 1998. He retired from Woodward and Lothrop department store in Annapolis, MD and was a Navy veteran of WWII.

wife, Donnette Green, died in 1994; and his daughter, Donnette Birmingham, died in 2001. He is survived by his son, John C. Green, Jr. of Millersville, MD; and daughter, Peg Green of Seaford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, January 21 at 10 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Stein Seaford.

Friends and family may call from 7-9 pm Monday, January 20 at the CRANSTON FUNERAL HOME, 300 N. Shipley Seaford. Burial will be at 1:30 in Parklawn Cemetery, Rockville Pike Randolph Rockville, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society, 1138 Parsons Salisbury, MD 21801. Gerald Robert Guest "Stretch" Age 58 of Newark, DE passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at the Christiana Hospital.

Gerald was a graduate of the University of Virginia. He worked for SITE Engineers for 14 years as a senior construction inspector. Gerald enjoyed NASCAR and was an avid Mark Martin fan. He also enjoyed Jeopardy, tennis and trips to Bermuda. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Judith Guest; daughters, Jordan Guest and Michelle VanHouten; sons, Scott Chris Guest; parents, Bob and Elsie Guest; and grandchildren, Ciara and Laura VanHouten and Samantha Guest.

A celebration of his life will be held in South Hampton, Bermuda. He will be missed. MEALEY FUNERAL HOME 302-652-5913 www.mealeyfuneralhomes.com Rosebud Hall Johnnie Taylor. Beloved companion of for over 30 years to Clinton Campbell. Also survived by 4 grandchildren, Deborah Redding, Maurice Bevins, Takeisha Sutton Revonda Redding; 5 great grandchildren; other family friends.

Mrs. Hall was a longtime member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, where she served on the usher board. She was an Eastern Star. Homegoing service 11 am Jan. 21 at CONGO FUNERAL HOME, 2317 N.

Market. Viewing 9-11. Burial Silverbrook. Rosebud Hall Age 88 passed away peacefully Jan. 15, 2003 in Christiana Hospital.

Beloved mother of Rosebud Redding Wanda Bevans. Loving sister of Matilda Broaden, Ralph Gray Martha Brooks, Betty Taylor, Catherine, Simp- Susan H. Hiscox 63 of Hartly, DE died Thursday, January 16, 2003. at General Hospital. Service at 8 pm on Monday, January 20 at the PIPPIN FUNERAL HOME, 119 W.

Camden-Wyoming Wyoming, where family and friends may call from 7-8 pm. Alvin W. Hudson Age 88 of Clarksville died Thursday, January 16, 2003 at home. Service 12 noon Monday, January 20 at Ocean View Church of Christ, where friends may call 11-12. Arrangements by MELSON FUNERAL SERVICES, Ocean View.

Age 86, formerly of Union Park Gardens, died Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at home, surrounded by her family. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Stephen Irons, who died in in 1990. She was also preceded death by 3 brothers, William, Francis and Edward Shannon. She is survived by her daughter, Maryrose Duncan and her husband, Clarence of Wilmington; 2 grandsons, Clarence A. Duncan, IV and his wife, Deborah of Wilmington and Stephen J.

Duncan and his wife, Deidre of Wilmington; 4 great grandchildren, Shannon, Stephen, Alexandria, and Stephanie; sister-in-law, Sarah E. Sidwell; several nieces; and 1 nephew. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas R. C.

Church, 4th St. Bancroft Pkwy. on Monday, January 20th at 11 am. Friends may call at the Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home, 1400 Kirkwood Elsmere from 1-3 pm Sunday afternoon, January 19th. Interment will be in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Compassionate Care Hospice, 5610 Kirkwood Wilmington, DE 19808. KRIENEN-GRIFFITH 994-9614 www.delawarefuneral.com Mary C. Irons TODAY'S OBITUARIES Baker, Ball, Ernest Biggs, Brown, Canavin, Carlisle, Carpenter, Conner, Coughlin, Crompton, DeShields, Diffenderfer, John DiTommasso, Joseph Fleetwood, Gill, Green, Guest, Hall, Hiscox, Hudson, Irons, Mary Jester, Lund, Miller, Neal, Rosenblatt, Ruff, Rumford, Sibol, Szczuka, Anthony Toy, Truselo, Winner, Wirick, Max Zwolak, Margaret obituaries running for the first time Marcella J. Baker Mrs. Marcella J.

Baker, age 55, of Eagle Glen, New Castle, DE, died on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at Christiana Hospital. Born in Wilmington on June 29, 1947, Mrs. Baker was the daughter of the late Preston E. and Jane M. (McHugh) Cox.

She graduated from the University of Delaware with a bachelor's degree in music education and taught at Wilmington Friends School early in her career. She later established a printing, Thomas company M. with Baker. her Mrs. husBaker returned to teaching, first at the Telegraph Road Learning Center, then Conrad Middle School and A.I.

DuPont High School. She was member of the New Castle Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon. Mrs. Baker's husband died in 1998. She is survived by her children, T.

Michael Baker, Jr. and his wife, Karen D. of Newark, Jennifer L. Lockridge and her husband, Alex of Wilmington and Kelly E. Baker and her fiance, Jason Oldis at home; sister, Christine Hewlett of Lansdowne, PA; and 2 grandchildren, T.

Michael Baker Ill and Robin Nicole Baker. A memorial service will be held at 12 noon, Monday, January 20, 2003, at the New Castle Presbyterian Church, 25 E. Second Street, New Castle, where friends may call after 11 AM. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, Wilmington Manor, New Castle.

Potted plants will be appreciated or contributions may be made to the Thomas M. Baker Scholarship Fund, DAACE, 113 Panorama Drive, Newark, DE, 19711. To send condolences, visit www.spicer-mullikinfuneralhomes.com Ernest Ball Age 82 died Jan. 14, 2003 in St. Francis Hospital.

Beloved husband of Mary C. Ball. Father of Dennis Money, Melvin, Eugene, Elwood, Tery, Gary, Don Stacey Hackett, Shirley Briggs the late Herman Money, Sr. Victor M. Hackett.

Also survived by a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, other family friends. Funeral 12 noon Jan. 20 at CONGO FUNERAL HOME, 2317 N. Market St. Viewing 10-12.

Burial in Silverbrook Cemetery. In Memoriam Harris, BARBARA, Kiley In loving memory of Barbara K. Harris A Dear Wife, Loving Mother, Angel Grand mother, cherished Friend. Deeply missed and forever loved, Norm, Stephanie, John Courtenay, Todd Hali SHORT, JOSHUA Daddy I love and miss you more and more each day. Love Your Daughter Hailey SHORT, JOSHUA It's been 1 year since you left us, not one day passes that I don't think of you.

Nothing will change how much I love you. I miss you. Love Jessica Burial Information Cynthia Ann Courtney, age 37, former address, 91 Roundtree Dr, Dover, DE, date of death, Any relatives or friends are requested to immediately contact Joseph Kelly at Chandler Funeral Homes at 478-7100 to claim the remains. Gertrude Zebroski, age 74, former address, Brandywine Springs Nursing Home, date of death, Any relatives or friends are requested to immediately contact Joseph Kelly at Chandler Funeral Homes at 478-7100 to claim the remains. Billie Lee (Crosley) Jester Age 99 of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2003 at her home.

Mrs. Jester was a sales clerk for John Wanamaker in Wilmington for over 20 years. She was predeceased by her daughter, Carlotta Toner, who passed away last week on January 9th; her son-in-law, Patrick J. Toner in 1992; and her granddaughter, Kelly Toner in 1985. She is survived by a nephew, Neal Crosley; and numerous nieces.

The funeral service will be held on Monday morning, January at 11 am at the MEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Limestone and Milltown Roads, Wilmington, where friends may after am. Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Wilmington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Arthritis Foundation's Delaware Chapter, 100 W. 10th Wilmington, DE 19801. www.mealeyfuneralhomes.com John T.

Lund, Sr. He was born in Fall River, MA and moved to Swansea, MA, where he was president and owner of the Curtain Company. He later retired to his summer home in Warren, RI, where he enjoyed much boating and sailing on the Kickamuit River. His wife died in 1989. At that time, he came to Wilmington, DE He is survived by 2 sons, John Jr.

and his wife, Janet of Greenville and Richard B. and his wife, Suzanne of Montrose, AL; 5. grandchildren, Jay R. of Davis, of Newark, DE, Catherine of Providence, RI, Robert B. of Athens, GA, Steven M.

of Berkeley, CA; and 4 great grandchildren, Sharon E. and both of Newark, DE and Jamie E. and John Thomas, both of Davis, CA. A memorial service will be held later. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Methodist Country House, 4830 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807 or to Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Wilmington, DE 19810. Arrangements by CHANDLER FUNERAL HOMES CREMATORY Anna Elizabeth Miller Age 88 of Christiana DE died Thursday January 16, 2003. at Christiana Hospital. Service Wednesday, January 22 at 12 noon at the R.T. FOARD JONES FUNERAL HOME, 122 Age 98 passed away January 16, 2003 at the Methodist Country House.

W. Main Newark, where friends may call 11-12. 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. BEESON MEMORIAL SERVICES Stop by or call about our exclusive Life Celebration' "Tribute North Wilmington 412 Philadelphia Pike 302-764-2900 Newark, Fox Run 2053 Pulaski Highway, Rt.40 302-453-1900.