The Newark Post

John J. Beer, 94, died quietly on October 2nd, 2021 at the Kendal retirement community. John lived in Newark for 41 years, where he and his wife Fran raised their four children. He taught History at the University of Delaware, was a founding member of Newark Friends Meeting (Quakers), and engaged in peace and justice activism throughout his long life. Born in Saarland (now Germany), his Jewish family fled to Paris, then emigrated to the US in 1937, where young John was delighted to see their family name in store-front lights everywhere! In 1945, John graduated from Vineland (NJ) High School and joined the Navy, where his experiences solidified his life-long commitment to...

Sharon Ruth (Johnson) Hughes, age 68, of Newark, Delaware, passed away suddenly on Saturday September 25, 2021 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, DE. Sharon was a councilwoman for the city of Newark, representing district 2 for nearly 3 years. She worked tirelessly for the people and the city that she loved and vigorously advocated for those who were less fortunate. She was recently quoted in the Newark Post saying, "I don't shy away from big problems," "I jump in, I roll up my sleeves, I help them." She worked on issues including pandemic response, urban development and environmentalism. She also focused on the impact and the relationship with the University of Delaware, on the city of...

Robert (Bob) Hawthorne, Jr., age 91, passed away on September 8, 2021. Robert was in the Korean War, and served in the Company A 728th Tank Battalion 1952 to 1954. Bob was born in Ogletown, DE, the son of the late Robert and Mildred (Downes) Hawthorne. Bob was a life time resident of the Newark area, where he had his own carpentry/repair business; he was always kind and willing to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors. Bob will always be cherished, and missed by his family and friends. Throughout his life, he enjoyed traveling in his motor home with his wife, Mary Hawthorne, who predeceased him in 2014, at which time Rob raised Logan, his great grandson as a single, loving great...

Francis J. "Frank" Quirk, age 88, of Newark, DE, passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2021. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am to 11:30 am on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Holy Family R.C. Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 am. Interment will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank's memory to the Special Olympics, 1133 19th Street NW, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20036-3604 or Holy Family Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE 19713. To leave online condolences and read the full obituary, visit: spicermullikin.com ...

Johnny Dotson, Jr. age 54 on Lebanon, TN died Sunday, June 13, 2021 in Newark, DE. Born July 14, 1966 in Maryville, TN, Johnny was Director of Field Operations for Standard Pipe Services. Johnny is survived by his wife, Regina Cassetty Dotson; son, Justin Dotson; stepson, Chris West; grandchildren, Emma Dotson, Tess West and Farrah Cartee; mother and stepfather, Linda and David Parker; sisters, Tracey Murphy and Lisa Schuricht; mother and father-in-law, Janie and Nathan Vanatta; sister-in-law, Lita (Brian) Lee. He was preceded in death by his father, John Dotson. Private graveside services and interment were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Hunter Memorial Park in Watertown, TN. ...

Paul Allen Scheer passed away peacefully 6/12/21 at the age of 76. Paul had a passion for helping others. His volunteer work with Heartland Hospice, the Ministry of Caring and others was his greatest joy in life. He is known for his quick wit, infectious smile and kind & compassionate spirit. He is survived by his daughter Wendy Bell, grandson Jimmy Bell, brother Dick Scheer and sister Marie More. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ministry of Caring, Wilmington, DE

Grace Carmlette (Richardson) Owen was born to William Winfree and Gracelyn Arline (Driscoll) Richardson on September 17, 1922 in Barhamsville, Virginia. She had 5 siblings: William Winfree,Jr., John Avery, and Anne Bernice Monacell pre-deceased her; Frank Raymond and Gary Meade are still living. She was the big sister to them and very much enjoyed their relationships, especially during her last 20+ years. Grace loved her family so much. She and her husband James Bishop Owen (Jim), who pre-deceased her, published a family newsletter, The Owenews, each and every month after they married on July 13, 1946. Recently, Grace began compiling the memories of her life. She had completed the...

Judith Valerie Tree Smith, 85, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2021, with her children by her side. She struggled with Alzheimer's for the last three years after living a very healthy life. In her final years, Judith resided at Somerford Place in Newark, where she received excellent care. Judith was born on March 5, 1936, in London, England to Dulcie and Roland Tree. The family moved to Larchmont, New York when she was five years old. Judith attended Rosemary Hall, a girls' school in Greenwich, Connecticut, and spent her summers in Maine at Camp Bendito. While attending Vassar College, she met her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, Wayne Bury Smith, who predeceased her in 2005. The...

Frances Nicholson Beer, 90, died on March 25th, 2021, in Kennett Square, PA, of a brief illness. Fran attended Media (PA) Friends School, Westtown School, and Earlham College, where she met her husband, John. They married in August 1951, living in six places during their early years: Illinois, Frankfurt and Koln in Germany, Indiana, Illinois again, and Oklahoma. In 1961, they moved their 3 small children back east, settling in Newark, Delaware for 42 years, then retired to an active life in the Kendal-at-Longwood community. Fran and John devoted much loving attention to raising their children, and to nurturing close relationships with their parents, their siblings' families, their...

Jones Woodfin Purcell, age 65 of Elkton, MD passed away on February 23, 2021. Jones was predeceased by his parents, Captain Jones Woodfin Purcell "Woody" and Margaret "Peggy" Tribble Purcell. He is survived by his sister, Catherine Purcell Johnson (Stephen); niece, Margaret Jacobs McCants (Thomas); nephew, Christian Sander Jacobs (Nikki); two great-nieces; and one great-nephew. Jones was a lifelong musician, sharing his passion for music with audiences from Elkton, MD to New Orleans, LA. "If you lived in the Delaware area from 1980 to about 1995 there's a good chance you would have heard of Jones even if you hadn't followed any of the goings on in the music scene in that area. You...

Mary Garrett Brown (Mert) entered into Heaven to be with her beloved husband Jacob in the early morning hours of January 23, 2021. Mert was surrounded by the love, thoughts, and prayers of her family and friends at the time of her passing. Mary was 96 years young and resided at Spring Arbor Assisted Living of Leesburg Virginia. Mary was born to Elwood Hoops Garrett and Hannah Darlington Levis Garrett and grew up in Swarthmore Pennsylvania. Mary graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Allied Medicine with a degree in occupational therapy. Mary married Jacob Embree Brown Sr (Jake), a US Naval aviator and senior Avon executive. They were married for 49 years at the time of...

Dr. Paul Henry Sammelwitz passed away peacefully on January 1, 2021 after a brief illness. Paul was born in Buffalo, NY on March 13, 1933 to the late Frederick and Elsie (Blum) Sammelwitz. He grew up as the younger brother to three older sisters. Paul spent many summers at his relative's farms where he worked and enjoyed farm life. He graduated from East High School in 1951. Paul attended Cornell University where he was the manager of the football team for all 4 years. He graduated with a degree in dairy and agricultural sciences in 1955. Paul went on to attend the University of Illinois where he received his Masters' and Doctorate Degree in reproductive physiology in 1959. Throughout his...

Richard Frederick Gays, age 76, of Newark, DE, passed away gently in the early morning of Friday, December 25, 2020, from complications of Alzheimers, wrapped in the love of his family and friends. "Santa needed a wingman and Richard naturally was the first to volunteer", suggested a dear friend. He was born in Milwaukee, WI in 1944, and was a son of the late Thomas and Dorothy (Vierheilig) Gays. Richard graduated from Hammond High School in Alexandria, VA in 1962 and from the former Campbell College, now Campbell University, in 1966. He received his teaching certification from Lenore-Rhyne College and a master's degree from the University of California Northridge. Richard spent 45 years...

Elizabeth "Betty" S. Skripps, 95, devoted wife of almost 75 years to the late Thomas L. Skripps, went to be with her Lord and Savior surrounded by family on Thursday, December 24, 2020. Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.

Elizabeth "Betty" S. Skripps, 95, devoted wife of almost 75 years to the late Thomas L. Skripps, went to be with her Lord and Savior surrounded by family on Thursday, December 24, 2020. Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.

James E. "Jimmy" Flynn, beloved father, grandfather, friend and coach, passed away peacefully of natural causes in the comfort of family on December 17, 2020. A man who cherished his faith and his family, Jimmy was 87. Born one of nine children in Pittsburgh on April 5, 1933, he was the son of John and Adele Flynn. He attended St. Philomena's parish grade school before moving on to Central Catholic High School. At Central he blossomed as a charismatic leader and student-athlete, excelling on the football field and track for the Vikings. Though undersized, he made up for it with speed, toughness and grit. His success would earn him a scholarship to attend the University of Delaware in...

Dorothy L. Hazel (Boyles) of Newark, DE passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020 at the age of 89. Dorothy was born on May 21, 1931 in Pierce, NE and her family then moved to Southeastern PA where she met and married the love of her life, John W. Hazel. Mr. and Mrs. Hazel relocated to Newark until, after 62 years of marriage, John passed away in 2009. Dorothy was an excellent homemaker, an avid reader and a master of counter cross stitching. Dorothy is survived by her siblings: Dennis Boyles (Betty), Mary Ritzel and Nancy Williams; her 3 children: Jackie Smith (Russ), John W. Hazel, III and Susan Derrick; 4 grandsons: John "Buck" W. Hazel, IV (Angie), Jeremiah Hazel (Alexandra),...

Maureen (Foley) Seador, age 85, of Newark, DE, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2020. Born in Schenectady, NY on July 24, 1935, she was a daughter of the late Francis M. and Agnes C. (Kennedy) Foley. Maureen was a resident of Delaware for 62 years, moving from Niagara Falls, NY. She was the wife of Deacon John L. Seador for 42 years until his death in 1998. In addition to her parents, Maureen was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon John L. Seador; son, John G. Seador; sister, Barbara Pomykata; and brother, Donald Foley. She is survived by her children, Thomas G. Seador (Carol) of Brentwood, TN, Daniel G. Seador (Monica), Kathleen Weston (James) and Reenie Hitchens (Karl);...

Mary Ann Finch, age 78, of Newark, DE, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2020, at Christiana Care Hospital. Born in Memphis, TN on January 21, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Joe Ann Heavrin. Mary Ann received her B.S. degree in Home Economic Education from Tennessee Technological University and her M.S. in Child and Family Development from the University of Missouri. Mary Ann began her career in 1964 as an Area Specialist of Child and Family Development at the Cooperative Extension Service of University of Missouri. In 1971 she came to the University of Delaware where she held the positions of Program Specialist, State Specialist, State Leader and State Program Coordinator in Home...

Diane Lease Sammelwitz passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Thursday, August 27, 2020. Diane was born in Chester, PA, on January 10, 1932 to the late Allen Lease and Doris (Sullivan) Lease. She moved with her family to Collingswood, NJ, where she went to elementary school. The family later moved to Ridley Park, PA, where Diane attended and graduated from Ridley Park High School in 1949. Diane attended the University of Delaware where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics in 1953. Diane worked as a home economist with the Philadelphia Electric Company for 2 years. She then got her teaching certificate and was an elementary school teacher in both St. Georges and...

William (Bill) Richard Lackie, son of John Robert & Caroline Lackie, was born July 3, 1945 in Hopewell, VA. He departed this life at home August 5, 2020 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. He was lovingly surrounded by his family & under the care of Season's Hospice of Delaware. Bill had recently celebrated his 75th birthday. Bill was baptized as a Child of God at Saint Anne's Episcopal Church in Middletown, DE and graduated from Newark High School in 1963. While attending Newark High School, he was an avid singer/performer, participating in many theatrical productions, chorus, a capella choir/barbershop octet harmony, plays and madrigals. While with NHS, Bill was also...