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Erman W. Alexander

PNC (197? - 198?)

CHESAPEAKE - Erman "Al" Alexander, 70, the son of the late Charles R. and Nellie H. Alexander, passed away Aug. 2, 2007. He was retired from the U.S. Navy after 27 years as a Chief Personnelman (SW) and was a member of Bayside Masonic Lodge 218. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons, Charles and wife Nicola and Craig and wife Sherry, all of Virginia Beach; daughters, Christina Brown and husband Jimmy, Cynthia Poorman and husband Freddy, all of Virginia Beach, Cherie Butt of Norfolk and Corinne Young and husband Tim of Tennessee; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Alfred G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006. You may visit Mr. Alexander’s memorial and send tributes to the family at www.mem.com.

From The Virginian-Pilot Sunday, August 5, 2007

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Richard E. Burke Sr.

LT (1979 - 1982)

RODANTHE - Richard Edward Burke Sr., 63, passed away suddenly May 10, 2007, while camped at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. At the time of his unexpected death, Rich and his wife Colleen were resident volunteers at the refuge, a site that Rich especially enjoyed in all his travels. Rich was born Dec. 2, 1943, in Topeka, Kan., and was raised near Little Rock, Ark. He enlisted in the Navy in 1960 and proudly retired as an officer (LT (LDO)) in 1982, building a career as a submarine communicator. Among his many postings, he served on the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine, from 1963 to 1968. Following retirement from the Navy, Rich worked another 20 years with military satellite communications systems as an employee and vice president of Sonalysts Inc., in the Norfolk area. In 2004, after much anticipation, Rich and Colleen embarked as full time RV travelers, a lifestyle they dearly loved. Rich was an accomplished athlete all through his life, most notably in tennis, and in his travels he enjoyed golfing and fishing wherever he camped. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Colleen; his former spouse, Nancy K. Hewitt of Virginia Beach; his children, H. Scott Cheney and wife Kelley and daughters Katelyn and Kess of San Antonio, Texas, Richard E. Burke Jr. and wife Ashley of Williamsburg, Va., Christopher J. Burke and partner Mary Oglesby of Norfolk and Allison K. Peterson and husband Jeff of Chesapeake; Colleen’s children, Kirsten L. Anderson of Denver, Colo., and Diane C. Mason of Annapolis, Md.; his brother, Larry D. Burke; three nieces; and many cherished friends. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, H. Eugene and Frances E. (Delong) Burke; and two brothers, Robert C. Burke and William E. Burke. Family members held a very small gathering May 14, 2007, to honor Rich’s life. On May 20, 2007, Rich’s ashes will be scattered in the Atlantic Ocean, in honor of his final wishes. Cremation was conducted by Twiford’s Funeral Home, Manteo. Memorial donations may be made to the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society, P.O. Box 1808, Manteo NC 27954. 

From The Virginian-Pilot, May 18, 2007, Hampton Roads Section, page 20

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Michael A. DeMarco, Jr.

MR1 (1969 - ?)

NORFOLK - Michael Anthony DeMarco Jr., 64, died May 29, 2001, in Portsmouth Naval Hospital.

Born in New York, Mr. DeMarco was a captain for Pinkerton Security Agency. He retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service and was stationed in Norfolk most of his naval career. He proudly served on the USS Fort Snelling, USS Taconic, USS Wisconsin, USS Ranger and USS L.Y. Spear and USS Canopus. He was a member of Moose Lodge No. 39 and formerly owned Plastic Signs Etc. of Virginia Beach.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sandra Anne DeMarco; a daughter, Elizabeth Goetz and her husband, Steven, of Corapeake, N.C.; a son, Michael A. DeMarco III of Point Harbor, N.C.; and two grandchildren, Justin and Aaron.

A funeral will be conducted at noon Saturday in Kellum Funeral Home, Rosewood Chapel, by the Rev. Warren Wilson. Burial will be in Rosewood Memorial Park with military honors. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services on Saturday.

From The Virginian-Pilot Friday, June 1, 2001, page B8

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James W. Ferrell

GMG1(SW) (1982 - 1984)

James Warren Ferrell, 61, went to eternal sleep on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at home after a sudden illness.

Jim was a Navy veteran, serving 22 years. He was a Vietnam veteran. Jim was retired from the U.S. Postal Service and was president of the Charleston FOPA.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, George L. Ferrell; mother, Hester M. Bays; stepfather, Clarence Bays; son, Robert "Pete"; and brothers, Robert and Frank "Hap" Ferrell.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carol; daughters, Chris (Kenny) of Virginia and Timberly (Tom) of Maine; son, Jammie (Melissa) of Charleston; brother, George (Linda) of Charleston; sister, Betty (Clayton) of Cross Lanes; 10 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a special nephew, Jimmy Ferrell.

Services will be held at noon Saturday, June 9, at Bartlett-Burdette-Cox Funeral Home. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim's name to the American Heart Association, 162 Court St., Charleston, WV 25301, or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720. An online guest registry is available at www.bartlettburdettecoxfuneralhome.com. Bartlett-Burdette-Cox Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

From the Charleston Gazette (WV) Friday, June 8, 2007, Page P6A

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Robert A. France

RM3 ( ? - 1992)

ROBERT A. FRANCE, 25, of Bloomingdale, formerly of Wanaque, died Saturday.  He was a U.S. Navy seaman and served in the Persian Gulf on the submarine [tender] USS L. Y. Spear, out of Norfolk, Va.  He joined the Navy in 1989.  He was a 1984 graduate of Butler High School.  Surviving are his wife, Patricia Robinson France, and his parents, Robert and Pauline De Graw France of Bloomingdale.  Mass will be said Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony R. C. Church, with burial in Mount Rest Cemetery, both in Butler.  Visiting will be Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at D'Agostino Funeral Home, Wanaque.

From The Record (New Jersey), January 22, 1992, Page B04

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Ronald A. Gischel

LCDR ( ? - 1993)

Ronald Arthur Gischel, a Navy commander and Command Chaplain of the USS L. Y. SPEAR in Norfolk, died of a heart attack, at home, June 21, 1993.  Commander Gischel was 47.

Commander Gischel was born in Louisville, Ky.  He earned a bachelor of science degree from Georgetown College at Georgetown, Ky., and a master's of divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Gischel served in the Army as a flight officer.  He flew missions in Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star with Oak Leaf.  Other awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal.

Survivors include his wife, Carlene Sturgill Gischel; two daughters, Erika Lynn Mitchell of Richmond and Amanda Lea Gischel; his parents, Robert William Gischel and Norma Jean Miller Gischel of Chesapeake; and a sister, Deborah Sue Lawrence.

Funeral Services will be held at David Adams Memorial Chapel, Norfolk Naval Station, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, 1993.  Friends and relatives may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Twiford Funeral Home, 929 Battlefield Blvd. South, Chesapeake, Va.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the "Retired Officer's Association Scholarship Fund," Alexandria, Va., in the name of Commander Gischel.

From The Virginian-Pilot Friday, June 25, 1993, page D2

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Agustin Tuazon Guiao, Jr.

Ensign, Supply Corps (1980)

Met the SPEAR in Diego Garcia.  This was his first duty station after completing Officer Candidate School.

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Donald J. Harkness

EM1 (1969 - ?)

Donald Joseph Harkness, 67, of Virginia Beach died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2002 in his home.

Born in 1935 in Buffalo, N.Y. and raised in Dunnville, Ontario, Canada, he left Dunnville in 1953 to join the U.S. Navy where he served 20 years. His duty stations were Bainbridge, Md., Annapolis, Md., USS Search YAGR/AGR 4, YAGR Division 21, RADRON 2, YR 65, SSC Great Lakes, USS John R. Pierce DD 753, USS Sampson DDG 10, USS Orion AS 18, USS L.Y. Spear AS 36, Naval Station Norfolk. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, he went to work at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, from there to NAVSEACENLANT/FTSCLANT. He retired from there in April of 2001 after 27 1/2 years. He was a member of Willis V. Fentress Masonic Lodge No. 296 and a 32nd degree Mason with the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Norfolk. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association.

He is survived by his loving wife, Alyce; three children, Lisa Marie Doss of Virginia Beach, Peggy Lynn Alexander of Hampton and Charles Anthony Harkness of Virginia Beach; mother, Eleanor Harkness of Ontario, Canada; four brothers, Robert and Norman Harkness of Ontario, Canada, Kenneth Harkness of Chesapeake and Thomas Harkness of Norfolk; special grandson, Clifford Jay Williams of Newport News; other grandchildren, Shawn and Ryan Harkness and Ashley Harkness; and two great-granddaughters, Katelyn Alyse Williams and Willow Ann Harkness.

The visitation will be held Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. in Altmeyer Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with burial with full military honors and masonic rites at Colonial Grove Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2730 Ellsmere Ave., Norfolk, VA 23513.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Drs. Alberico, Hubbard, Cuiffo, Goffman and their wonderful staffs. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.altmeyer.com.

From The Virginian-Pilot Wednesday, October 16, 2002, page B6

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Melissa Hackert Harrington

BM2 (1987?-1989?)

Melissa M. Harrington, 27, of the 2400 block of Spinnaker Court, a Navy petty officer second class, died July 9, 1991, in Chesapeake.  

Mrs. Harrington was born in Detroit. Survivors include her husband, Joseph H. Harrington; her father and stepmother, Ervin J. and Julie C. Hackert of Spring Lake, Mich.; two sisters, Allison L. Hackert and Andrea A. Hackert, both of Spring Lake; two brothers, Brian J. Hackert of Albion, Mich., and John B. Hackert of Ann Arbor, Mich.; maternal grandfather, Bradley Ballard of Birmingham, Mich.; and paternal grandmother, Lillian M. Hackert of Ludington, Mich.

The graveside service with military honors will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday in Forest Lawn Cemetery by the Rev. Thomas C. Marsden. Friends may join the family from 7 to 9 p.m. today in Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Bayside Chapel.

From The Virginian-Pilot Friday, July 12, 1991, page D2

Virginian-Pilot News Articles:  1991 & 1992

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Doris J. Kelley

BMSN (1983 - 1986)

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John H. Kinert

Commanding Officer (1979 - 1981)

John “Jack” Kinert, 69, of Silverdale died April 25, 2003, at Harrison Hospital. He was born Jan. 25, 1934 in San Diego to John Oscar and Mary (Agnew) Kinert. He married Barbara Bridges in June 1957.

Mr. Kinert served in the Navy for 30 years, retiring as a captain in 1983. He had been the commanding officer of the Naval Submarine Base at Bangor.

He was a charter member of Redeemer United Methodist Church in Kingston. He was a member of the Silverdale Rotary Club and a board member of both the Seabeck Conference Center and the Kitsap Literacy Council. Mr. Kinert loved gardening.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Kent Kinert of Virginia Beach, Va. ; and a daughter, Kimberly Pellack of Germantown, Md. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Silverdale United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Neptune Society of Lynnwood.

Memorial donations may be made to the building fund of Redeemer United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1541, Kingston, WA 98346, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

From the Bremerton Sun, Tuesday, April 29, 2003

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Paul A. LaFond

CWO4 (197?-197?)

VIRGINIA BEACH - Paul Arthur LaFond, 71, of the 2700 block of Alamance Circle, died Nov. 13, 2001, in a local hospital. Born in Winchester, Conn., Mr. LaFond served as a highly decorated chief warrant officer IV in the U.S. Navy/U.S. Naval Submarine Force for 30 years. He attended Newhope Church and was a lifetime member of the NRA and a member of Submarine Veterans Association.

Mr. LaFond was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Albert and Helen Winters LaFond. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Patricia Ann LaFond; a son, Paul Daniel LaFond and wife Donna of Virginia Beach; a daughter, Gillbette Marie Johnson and husband Herbert of Stanardsville, Va.; a son, Raymond Pierre LaFond and wife Joanna of Virginia Beach; a daughter, Renee Jeanine Irons and husband Patrick of Chesapeake; a son, Robert John LaFond of Virginia Beach; 10 grandchildren, Eric Creamer, Jeremiah Johnson, Bryan and Brandon LaFond, Chelsea Farrell, Courtney LaFond, Trae Farrell, Miranda Irons, Kelly Farrell and Hannah LaFond; a sister, Betty Marschauser of Ocala, Fla.; and a brother, Robert LaFond of California.

A funeral will be held Saturday at 5 p.m. in the chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road, by the Rev. Brent Freeland. The family will receive friends following the service in the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will be Dec. 13, 2001, 3 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Newhope Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 61094, Virginia Beach, VA 23466.

From The Virginian-Pilot Thursday, November 15, 2001, Local Section, page B8

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Dean R. Lance

EN2 (1977 - 1981)

OREGON - Dean Ralph Lance, age 50, passed away unexpectedly at home, of an apparent heart attack, on Wednesday, April 25, 2007. Dean was born on July 25, 1956, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, to Ralph and Beverly (Marten) Lance. He graduated from Oregon High School in 1974 and attended Madison Area Technical College in auto mechanics. Dean served in the U.S. Navy from 1977 until 1981, aboard the USS L. Y. SPEAR as an engineman. He was an ASE certified master automobile technician. Dean was currently employed as a mechanic for Fitchburg Plumbing, Madison. He previously was employed at Stark Automotive, Stoughton and was also self-employed as Lance Mechanical, Madison. Dean was a free spirit and gave generously of his time and talents. He was known for his sense of humor. Dean loved fixing cars and excelled in his work. He also loved snowmobiling, fishing, car races, motorcycles (Gold Wings) and shooting pool. Dean had an extensive model car collection. He was an excellent marksman and usually bagged his deer each year. Dean made tons and tons of jerky from the venison that he enjoyed. Dean is survived by his parents, Ralph and Bev Lance; sisters, Debra Lance and Diane Zimmer; nephew, Alex Zimmer; aunt, Jacqueline Mahoney; uncles, Tom Marten, Ron (Janet) and Don (Darlene) Lance; step-grandmother, Leona Heidemann; and many cousins, close relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Dale Marten Lance; maternal grandparents, Cyril and Mina Lance; and paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Rose Lance. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2007, at noon, at PEOPLE'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 103 N. Alpine Parkway, Oregon, with the Rev. Howard Hintzman presiding. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be at Prairie Mound Cemetery, with military rites conducted. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dean's name to the American Heart Association or American Parkinson's Disease fund, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53792-5132.

In memory of Dean, if you suffer from the health-robbing addiction of smoking, please consciously consider giving it up. Not now, but in the coming years, it may be in the better land, we'll read the meaning of our tears, and there, sometime, we'll understand. We'll know why clouds instead of sun were over many a cherished plan. Why song has ceased when scarce begun. Sometime we'll understand. Not father and son in a stern, solemn way, but chums and good partners at work or at play. Not father and son for a day or a week, but loyal companions who constantly seek to make life a happy adventure in fun, and welcome the glory of each morning sun with eager delight, for to them it extends a chance to become closer comrades and friends. Nothing could mean more to a lad then making his place as a pal of his Dad. We'll miss you Dean. God speed.

Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Centers 431 Soden Drive (608) 835-3515 www.gundersonfh.com

From the Wisconsin State Journal , Friday, April 27, 2007, page A4

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George Rexford "Rex" Lucie

LT (1977 - 1979)

George Rexford Lucie of Queenstown, a certified public accountant, died Friday, October 7, 1988, in an automobile accident on Route 33 near Aveley Road, Easton. He was 49.

Born in Buffalo, N.Y., on Nov. 19, 1938, he was the son of George Robert Lucie and the former Alyce Bloomgren. He married Kathleen E. Flagg on May 23, 1986.

He was graduated from Ashland (Ky.) High School and served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and for 20 years. He received a bachelor’s degree in administration at the Naval Post-Graduate School, Monterey, Calif., and retired from the Navy as a lieutenant June 30, 1979.

Mr. Lucie studied public accounting at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va. He passed his certified public accounting in 1981. He worked at Western-Union Electronic Mail in McLean, Va., until 1984. He then worked for Maurice Wallace of Easton. At the time of his death, Mr. Lucie had his own practice.

He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Maryland Society of Certified Public Accountants. He also was a member of the Kent Island Rotary Club.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his father, George Robert Lucie of Fruitport, Mich.; two sons, Christopher D. Lucie, Iowa City, Iowa, and Petty Officer Eric R. Lucie, U.S. Navy of Santee, Calif.; two daughters, Rebecca E. Lucie, Ashland, and Jennifer M. Lucie, Queenstown; one brother, Dr. James R. Lucie, Fruitport; and a grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Tom Helfenbein Funeral Home, Chester. Father R. Conway O’Connor will officiate. Friends may call at the Tom Helfenbein Funeral Home on Monday from 7 to 9 p.m.

From the Star Democrat, Easton, MD, provided by Mrs. G. Rexford Lucie

George "Rex" Lucie is interred at Arlington National Cemetery - Columbarium

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Donald D. Lutz

CW02 (19? - 1977)

VIRGINIA BEACH - Donald David Lutz, born Dec. 8, 1936, husband of Margaret E. Lutz, of Virginia Beach, died March 23, 2007. He leaves his son, William M. Lutz and daughters, Margaret A. Cooney and Rosemary Smith. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laurie L. Harvey. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, of which Crystal and Tiffany Harvey deserve special note, and four great-grandchildren.

Donald was predeceased by his father, Emil D. Lutz and mother, Lillian R. Lutz. He is mourned by his three brothers, Daniel, Wayne and Roger Lutz.

Donald was born in Irvington, N.J., and raised in Spring Lake Heights. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1954 and proudly retired as a CWO2 in 1977. Among his many duty assignments, these come to mind: The USS Saratoga, The USBN Thomas Jefferson, The USS Fulton, The USS Forrestal and the USS L.Y. Spear. He then worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and retired in 2000.

In his retirement, he took great pleasure in his family, his boating and fishing. He especially enjoyed the company of his friends at the Virginia Beach Anglers Club and the Coastal Conservation Association. He will be sorely missed by his constant furry companion, Reggie. Memorial contributions can be made to either of the above organizations.

A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Princess Anne Memorial Park with Chaplain James Fedor officiating. The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel, today from 6 to 8 p.m. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

From The Virginian-Pilot Monday, March 26, 2007, Hampton Roads Section, page 25

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Max Milien, Sr.

ET (19? - 1979?)

Max Milien Sr., Senior Chief Petty Officer U.S. Navy retired, departed on eternal patrol, Sept. 28, 2006, in Hampton (VA).  Senior Chief Milien was born on Dec. 4, 1943, in Cap Haitian, Haiti, and entered the United States on Sept. 24, 1949, at the age of 5.  He became a citizen of the United States of America, September 1963, an event for which he was forever proud.  SCPO Milien grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., and upon his graduation from high school enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1962.

His first naval deployment was spent in Antarctica as part of Operation Deep-Freeze, serving on the Naval Icebreaker USS Glacier (AGB-4).  SCPO Milien attended the U.S. Naval Enlisted Submarine School in 1964 and qualified in submarines in that same year.  He was a plank-owner on the USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN-630) (Gold) and the USS Will Rogers (SSBN-659) (Gold) as an engineman.  After attending Electronics Technician "A" school and Ship’s Inertial Navigation Systems (SINS) School, he served as a navigation electronics technician for the USS Bluefish (SSN-675).  SCPO Milien also served on the USS Sea Devil (SSN-664), Submarine Tender USS L.Y. Spear (AS-36) and was a plank-owner on the USS Emory Land (AS-39).  He was selected as Sailor of the Year for the USS America in 1974.  Upon retirement from the Navy in 1982, he was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding as an engineer, contributing to the development and technical support of the Weapons System Safety programs for the Los Angeles and Seawolf Class Fast Attack Submarines.  He retired in 2002.

SCPO Milien was also the holder of Amateur Radio License WB4GUY.  SCPO Milien is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Yvonne Milien Cyrus and Reginald Cyrus; a son and daughter-in-law, Max Jr. and Lisa Milien; grandsons, Max III and Myles; granddaughters, Delores and Lauren; family matriarch, Dolores Milien; a sister, Eleanor Brickus; and a very special, caring friend and companion, Pamela Adams.  At the request of SCPO Milien, there are no services planned.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Back Door Ministry of St. Vincent De-Paul Catholic Church, 230 33rd St., Newport News, VA 23607.  Arrangements by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in the Coliseum Central of Hampton, 825-8070.

From The Virginian-Pilot Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006

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Leo E. Olson

EMCM (1969 - 197?)

VIRGINIA BEACH - Leo E. Olson, 71, passed away June 26, 2006, at Sentara Leigh Hospital. He was a native of Pasco, Wash., born to Agnes and Inart Olson. Leo served his country for more than 27 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a master chief electrician in 1980 before working an additional 21 years with Sentara Healthcare as the building engineer at Leigh Atrium.

Leo was an active person who loved people. His family and friends knew him as a “jack of all trades and a master of 99 percent of them.” He enjoyed restoring old cars, woodworking and dancing.

Left to cherish his memory are three daughters, Monica Stock and husband David of Virginia Beach, Gigi Lopez-Tighe of Las Vegas, Nev., and Lynda McKay of Elizabeth City, N.C.; and six grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Robert Olson and wife Shirley and a sister, Gloria Riggle and husband Pete, both of Washington state and two brothers-in-law, Murl Leibrecht and wife Karen of France and Bruce Leibrecht and wife Lynne of Kentucky. Also sharing his loss are special friends, Bob and Rebecca Souders, Donna Fulcher and his pal Tig. He was preceded in death by both parents and his wife, Ada L. Olson.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. today at the Kellum Funeral Home, Rosewood Chapel, 601 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach. Memorials may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Association or the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to www.mem.com.

From The Virginian-Pilot Thursday, June 29, 2006, Hampton Roads Section, page B8

Virginian-Pilot article - 7/8/06

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Joseph C. Sancken

CPO (? - ?)

VIRGINIA BEACH - Retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Joseph C. Sancken, 53, passed away at home Aug. 21, 2005.

Born June 6, 1952, in Chester, Pa., he was the son of the late Henry J. Sancken Sr. and Penola Bailey Sancken. He retired from the Navy in 1994 after 20 years of service. Joe lived in Norfolk for 13 years before moving to Virginia Beach. He was stationed at Norfolk Navy Base for his entire naval career. He had many deployments at sea. Joe served on the USS L.Y. Spear, USS T.C. Hart, USS L.K.A. Charleston, USS Ponce and the USS Conolly. He also served as an instructor at the Atlantic Fleet Training Center for seven years. Joe worked very hard and was dedicated to his job. He received many certificates of commendation.

After retiring from the Navy, he worked for PRC and BAV. He later worked as a pipefitter for Jonathan Shipyard in Norfolk. For the last nine years he worked for Earl Industries in Portsmouth.

Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting and woodworking. One of his favorite things to do was to sit with his wife, Julie, on their backyard swing. He was much loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Joe was predeceased by his brothers, Thomas and John Sancken; and sisters, Florence Jones, Dorothy Tucker and MamieAnn Skinner.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Julie Takats Sancken; a son, Joseph A. Sancken and his wife Cheryl of Plant City, Fla.; daughter, Juliet C. Sancken of Virginia Beach; one granddaughter, Mena Sancken; brother, Henry J. Sancken Jr. of Marcus Hook, Pa.; sisters, Sarah Foreacre of Chadds Ford, Pa., Penola Fisher of Chester, Pa.; many nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Isolde Takats of Virginia Beach and father- in-law, Imre Takats of Bellevue, Wash.; and brother-in-law, Andrew Takats of Newark, Del.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, with a funeral immediately following at 7:30 p.m. A graveside service and burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Lawn Croft Cemetery in Linwood, Pa. The family requests that donations be made to the American Red Cross in memory of Joe.

From The Virginian-Pilot Friday, August 26, 2005, Hampton Roads Section, page 27

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Andrea Robin Schiesser

Seaman, Deck/1st Division (1979 - 1981)

     My daughter, Andrea Robin Schiesser, was aboard the L.Y. SPEAR as one of the first contingencies of women aboard a naval vessel (non-combatant) and went along on the SPEAR when it was called up during the Iranian Crisis in 1980.

     Andrea told us that she was one of the first women to pull a lot of Captain's Masts and was first woman to serve in the brig of the SPEAR while in Diego Garcia. She also was on bread and water. She also was "punished" (ha ha she said) to serve time in the boiler room on SPEAR.  Her father is ex-Navy officer and he and I know boilers inside out and outside in - Andrea too, so she didn't consider it "punishment" to be down there. Actually, she was a good person and loved us very much, however, parents never know, unless told by their offspring, what they did . . . when. Andrea told us a lot, but not all. I still have her Shellback Certificate (framed) hanging in our family room, along with only one of her ribbons we could find, and a photo of her in Florida at boot.

     Andrea married Fred Cosier, who was also on the SPEAR. Then, they divorced, after their first baby boy was born stillborn. Andrea never got over that. She went on to marry again and had a daughter who is 13 now, and another boy, who is 5 now. We love our Andrea, no matter the "things" she pulled - she was one of the guys all of her life.

     Please pass the word:  

ANDREA ROBIN SCHIESSER (COSIER; MCDONALD; ROSE) PASSED AWAY FROM BREAST CANCER ON 19 JULY 2002

WE MISS HER TERRIBLY AND WE'RE PROUD SHE WAS A PART OF NAVAL HISTORY

      Anyone who knew or knew of Andrea, please e-mail comments or whatever you knew about her to me at my e-mail. Thank you and God Bless all of you.  Trish

Submitted by her parents Trish Schiesser, Author <Clara19126@msn.com> and Bob Schiesser, Port Engineer (Military Sealift Command PAC)

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Jeffrey Lynn Sellers

Moulder Fireman Apprentice (1980)

Born:  November 2, 1959           Died:  May 22, 1980

SELLERS, JEFFREY LYNN, 20, of 24 N. Onondaga, Mason, died while on active duty with U.S. Navy. Arrangements by Ball-Dunn Chapel, Mason.

From The State Journal; Lansing, Michigan; Tues. May 27-1980, page A-2.

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Cathleen M. Thomas

LT (? - ?)

Richmond Times-Dispatch article:  10/14/86

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Bevan E. Travis

LT (19? - 1971)

Lieutenant Bevan E. Travis, US Navy, retired, 77, died Friday, Sept. 12, 2003. Born in Spur, Texas, to Ethel M. Beene and Omer E. Travis, he moved to Brevard County, Fla. over 30 years ago. Bevan is a direct descendant of Edward Travis who was sent by the Crown to establish a permanent English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. The Travis House in Williamsburg, Va. is one of those in the Restoration Program. Both maternal and paternal ancestors participated in the Revolutionary War. He retired from the US Navy after 28 years of service. During World War II he served on the Carrier USS Saginaw Bay which earned battle stars at Palau Islands, Leyte Landings, Lingayen Gulf Landing, Iwo Jima Assault and Okinawa Gunto. He served seven years on the USS Missouri as a helmsman including two tours in Korea. He was a Navigation Instructor at the University of Wisconsin for four years. He entered the Submarine Service in 1956 serving on the USS Cobbler, USS Torsk and USS Growler, received his commission on the USS Nautilus, USS Crevalle, USS Tigerone and the USS Hunley in Holy Locke, Scotland. During Vietnam, he was Officer in Charge of the USS Richland in Guam. He retired from the USS L Y Spear in Norfolk, Va. in 1971. A baptized Christian, he was a 32nd degree mason, a member of the Yount Masonic Lodge 12 in Napa, Calif., Shrine, Scottish Rite, Disabled American Veterans, Fleet Reserve 366, Military Officers Association of America, Snug Harbor Sub Veterans, USS Missouri Association, USS Saginaw Bay Association and the USS Growler Association. For many years he was a softball and Little League coach, coaching several championship teams. His family includes his wife of 52 years, Mary Ann Reiss, formerly of Coshocton; sons, Tory Travis and his companion, Veronica Schleininger of Kansas City, Mo. and Todd Travis and his wife, Zee Snyder of Rockville, Md.; daughter, Tenley Alta Travis of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and sister, Louise Neu of Stockton, Calif. Friends may call from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at the South Brevard Funeral Home, Melbourne, Fla. Private internment with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Bevan was a dedicated blood and pheresis donor, having donated over 50 gallons at the Space Coast Blood Bank. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory by making a gift of life blood donation or a contribution to the blood bank. In keeping with his dedication to helping others, Bevan was an organ donor. Sympathies may be sent to 420 Seabreeze Drive, Indialantic, Fla. 32903. Arrangements were entrusted to South Brevard Funeral Home, Melbourne, Fla.

From The Coshocton Tribune, Coshocton, Ohio, Tuesday, 16 September, 2003

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Bruce A. Vaudo

BT? (? - ?)

FITCHBURG - Bruce A. Vaudo, 54, of 69 High St., died Monday, March 26, 2007, in the Veterans Homestead, Fitchburg after an illness.

He was born on Dec. 2, 1952, in Massachusetts, the son of Salvatore and Ruth (Johnson) Vaudo.

Mr. Vaudo was a United States Navy Veteran of the Vietnam Era, having served on the USS L.Y. Spear in Norfolk, Va. He earned the National Defense Service Medal.

He worked as a roofer for area construction companies.

He liked to play golf and had many hobbies, one that he liked in particular was making jewelry and Indian dream catchers.

Mr. Vaudo is survived by his son, Deric Vaudo of Virginia Beach, Va.; his friends, Tina and Charles "Chuck" Williams of Virginia Beach; and three grandchildren.

Funeral services are private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veterans Homestead, 69 High St., Fitchburg, MA 01420. To sign the guest book, light a candle or view the memorial, go to www.wrightroyfuneralhome.com. Wright-Roy Funeral Home, 109 West St., Leominster is directing arrangements.

From The Fitchburg Pride, Fitchburg, MA

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Michael M. Wiener

HT3 (1980 - 1981)

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Richard H. Worden

HT (? - ?)

VIRGINIA BEACH - Richard Harold Worden, 47, of Revere Drive, unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord July 22, 2007. Richard was born in Holland Patent, N.Y., to Clarence and Leota Worden Sept. 29, 1959. He grew up in a small town where his core values and integrity were established at a young age and carried him throughout his life. In high school, Richard was active in football, track and skiing. Tragedy struck when Richard lost his father, Clarence, at age 12 and his sister, Jennie, at age 16. Richard learned about hard work, trustworthiness and responsibility through his childhood trials. To help support his ailing mother, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1977. Richard served his country with "Duty, Honor and Respect" for 22 years. He retired in 1999 after attaining the rank of master chief. He served on the USS Inchon, the USS Kitty Wake, the USS Emory S. Land and the USS L.Y. Spear. Richard spent many years as a diver and served as a dive instructor at Mobile Dive Unit 2, Little Creek for six years. He finished his military career at CINCLANTFLT, Naval Air Station, Norfolk.

He was an active member of Kempsville Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon. After completing his military career, Richard joined the family business, Paramount Builders, where he served as vice president of Operations. For the last eight years, he helped his family build one of the largest home improvement companies in Virginia. Richard gained the love and respect of all the many people he worked with over the years.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 27 years, Tammy Augustine Worden; three children, Ashlie Nicole Chase and husband Joshua, Ryan Richard Worden and wife Sarah and Alicia Brooke Worden, all of Virginia Beach; two grandchildren, Rylie Brooke Chase, 5, the apple of her Papa’s eye and Jackson Seth Chase, 14 months. Two sisters, Susan Oust and husband Tony of Keller, Texas and Doris Jeram of Clayton, N.Y., also survive him. Also surviving are father-in-law, Bethel Gene Augustine and wife Maritza of Virginia Beach and mother-in-law Judy Marie Augustine of Virginia Beach; brother-in-law, Edward Gene Augustine and wife Caren of Virginia Beach; and sisters-in-law, Robin Augustine of Virginia Beach and Victoria Augustine Stermer and husband Dawson of Chesapeake. His numerous nieces and nephews include Tyler Augustine, Alexa Augustine and Madison Augustine of Virginia Beach, Matthew and Austin Stermer of Chesapeake, Jenna Oust of Keller, Texas, and Walter Jeram Jr. of Clayton, N.Y., plus numerous aunts, uncles and cousins from upstate New York. There was nothing more important to Richard than his dedication to his wife, children and grandchildren. Anyone who was fortunate enough to have met him knew how proud he was of his family.

Visitation will be held in Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel, 1485 Kempsville Road, today from 6 to 9 p.m. A funeral will be held in Kempsville Presbyterian Church, 805 Kempsville Road, Friday at 1 p.m. A graveside service with military honors will immediately follow in Princess Anne Memorial Park, 1110 N. Great Neck Road.

Hollomon-Brown Memorial Page

From The Virginian-Pilot Thursday, July 26, 2007

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