Obituaries

Florence R. Mason died suddenly in Christiana Hospital, surrounded by her loving family on September 23 after 87 years of a blessed and beautiful life. Born in Wilmington, DE, Florence was a graduate of Wilmington High School and the Delaware Hospital School of Nursing. After becoming a Registered Nurse, she enlisted with the US Army Nurse Corps and served for several years overseas as a 1st Lieutenant. When she returned home and while working a summer nursing position in Wildwood New...

Filomena M. (Piluso) (Lumb) Brasure, age 92, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 21, 2018. She was born in Wilmington, daughter of the late Gaetano and Genevieve (Cioci) Piluso. In addition to raising her family, she worked several jobs, most notably with Brandywine Valley Caterers, retiring when she was 85 years old, after 50+ years. Filomena was an excellent cook and would always enjoy large family gatherings, especially around the holidays. She also...

    James D. Battan, 54, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 18, 2018, after losing control of his kayak in the Brandywine River on the rapids above Market Street. Born in Wilmington on August 25, 1964, Jimmy was an avid outdoorsman from an early age, having loved to explore the woods along the Red Clay Creek.  He would dig for old bottles, snorkel at Hoopes, and walk the tracks of the Wilmington & Western Railroad.  Around 2000, Jimmy...

Claire Mattei, age 63, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, September 18,2018.  Claire was a devoted daughter, a wonderful wife, a loving mother, sister, aunt and a dear friend. She made her family a priority throughout her life. She was very active in her children's sports and volunteered for many school functions. She enjoyed antiquing, shopping, cooking, decorating her home and spending summers at the beach. She loved going to dinner at Valle...

Helen M. McDonald, age 56, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 15, 2018 with her loving family by her side. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Helen was the daughter of the late Margaret Jane (Sorensen) and William Joseph Brown, Sr. She was a graduate of Sharon Hill High School Class of 1979, where she played softball and was the Sharon Hill Owl Mascot. She had also attended Delaware County Community College. For many years, Helen worked as a receptionist at Friends Central in...

Mary Lou was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, September 15, 2018. Mary Lou (Nan) was a retired book keeper who loved spending time perfecting her high average bowling and teaching line dancing at the Claymore Center. She loved all things Disney, enjoyed the sunshine, and gardening.  Mrs. Ruggiero was predeceased by her mother and father, Ella and Ernest Ackerman; four sisters; her devoted husband of 64 years, Joseph L. Ruggiero Sr.; her son, Thomas Ruggiero; her...

Aldina (Fontana) Volpe, 91, of Hockessin, Delaware passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 12, 2018. Mrs. Volpe was born in the Abruzzo region of Italy on February 16, 1927, daughter of the late Nicola and Maria (Molinari) Fontana.  She joined her husband, Sante, in the United States, first settling in Philadelphia before making Delaware their home.  As a loving and devoted homemaker, her greatest joy in life was being surrounded by her family. Her beloved...

Patricia “Pat” J. Cunningham, 78, a longtime resident of Wilmington, peacefully passed away with her daughter at her side on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. Patricia was born in Wilmington on February 2, 1940, daughter of the late John and Gladys (Magargal) Joyce, and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and Ursuline Academy.  She was an active member of St. John the Beloved Church for many years. Pat worked as a receptionist at Ametek and at retail positions, but her...

Wilford B. “Bill” Donovan, III, age 62, of Lancaster, PA, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, September 8, 2018, with his loving family by his side. Born in Wilmington, DE, Bill was the son of the late Estelle N. (Neill) and Wilford B. Donovan, Jr. He was a graduate of John Dickinson High School Class of 1974. Bill also graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Political Science and Economics with Honors from the University of Delaware Class of 1978, where he was a member...

Dolores (“Dolly”) Marie Gianoulis passed peacefully at home September 7th, 2018 surrounded by her 4 children and a granddaughter. A death as gracious and beautiful as was her being in life. Dolores was born December 19, 1931 in Lawrence, MA to James and Hilda Winnington. She grew up on Mill Road, where her father managed Bancroft Mills, and where Dolly worked after graduation. Dolly married her high school sweetheart, Nicholas R. Gianoulis, on November 27, 1953 in St....