We Remember Those We Have Lost

Oleksa “Alex” Ilczuk

SALISBURY — Oleksa “Alex” Ilczuk, of Salisbury, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. He was 77 years old.

He was born in the small village of Kluky, Ukraine, the only child of Ivan and Anna Ilczuk on May 2, 1933. World War II brought major changes to the Ukraine and, to avoid a forced repatriation to the USSR, Alex (age 12) and his family walked to U.S. occupied West Germany to seek freedom.

His father requested that the family be permitted to emigrate to the United States and, on July 7, 1950 boarded a troop carrier ship bound for New York with all their possessions in a small trunk he had made from materials provided by NATO. In New York a benefactor gave each family member $1.00 to buy food for the trip to Delaware. From there they traveled to Maryland and they eventually settled in Salisbury where they studied English.  He owned and operated Alex’s Paint and Body Shop for 23 years.

At age 18, Alex enlisted in the U.S. Army and became a U.S. citizen. He began working as an interpreter and translator, being fluent in six languages. In 1959, he married Barbara Ellen Whaley of Laurel, Del.

Alex is survived by Barbara, his wife of 51 years; their three children, Patricia Ellen Ilczuk-Lavanceau, whose husband Andre’ Lavanceau passed away three years ago, Alex Michael and his wife Tracy and Mark Ivan; their grandchildren, Zachary Alex Ilczuk and his fiancee, Britini Drehmer, Christi Leigh-Ellen Ilczuk, Brandon Michael Ilczuk and Andre Lavanceau; sister-in-law, Honora Whaley and children, Steven Whaley and Michele Garner; and Alex and Barbara’s Godchild, Brandy Eby.

Service to veterans has always been Alex’s passion and his contributions to their causes are legendary. He was appointed by the Governor of Maryland to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Commission and later to the Maryland Veterans commission where he served with distinction. He was a member of Wicomico Post 64 of the American Legion and was its commander before assuming highter offices. He held numerous leadership positions culminating as State Commander of the American Legion and was chosen as an Honorary Life Member of his Post. This year was his 48th consecutive year of membership. Also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 194 where he served as Commander and a member of two honorary societies, the Forty and Eight and the Cooties, both of which benefited from his leadership roles.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at Holloway Funeral Home.  A visitation was held Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. The Rev. J. Harvey Dixon officiated.  Interment was in Wicomico Memorial Park in Salisbury. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Faith Community Church, 219 N. Division St., Salisbury, Md. 21801.

Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home. To send condolences to the family, visit www.hollowayfh.com.

Calvin Henry Bishop, Jr.
SELBYVILLE — Calvin Henry Bishop, Jr., 56, passed away Monday, March 28, 2011, in Selbyville.

Born April 18, 1954 in Ohio, he was the son of the late Calvin H. Bishop, Sr. and Catherine McPhail Bishop Ward.

He was self-employed as a certified auto body technician and displayed himself as an "artist" in his trade. His artistry and work were often recognized far and wide.

His hobbies included Nascar, belt sander, all forms of racing and fishing in the ocean. He was an avid fisherman who on weekends, could be found on the "Miss Ocean City" charter boat.

Calvin would often welcome and feed strangers in his home. He gave freely without expecting anything in return.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Debi Thompson Bishop of Bishopville; a daughter, Billy Joe Lowe of Hebron; a brother, Joe Bishop of Princess Anne; five sisters, Christina "Tina" (David, Sr.) Walker of Bivalve, Patricia (Merrill) Howard of West Virginia, Joyce Weisenburger of Ohio, Cherly Culbertson of George, and Vickie Bishop of Florida; two grandsons, Russell Richardson and William Owens; a nephew he thought of as a son, David (Sarah) Walker, Jr. of Bivalve; two special friends, David Sandford and John Pomeroy; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Judson Chamberlain; a daughter, Kenlee Raye Chamberlain; three brothers, Ronald, Jimmy, and Melvin Bishop; a sister, Theresa Donaway; and first wife, Mary Walker Bishop.

The service will be held Saturday at 6 p.m. at Lewis N. Watson Funeral Home, PA, 1618 West Road, Salisbury, Md. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Pastor Terry Davis will be officiating. Disposition will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be mailed to the Lewis N. Watson Funeral Home, PA to assist with the expenses for the service.

Timothy Martin Kates

BETHANY BEACH, Del. — Timothy Martin Kates, 50, died at Christiana Hospital on Monday morning, March 28, 2011, from injuries sustained in a single vehicle car crash early Sunday evening.

Born June 30, 1960, in Baltimore, Tim lived with his wife, Peg (“Culotta”) Kates in South Bethany Beach and was the owner of TK Construction Company. He was a member of Ocean View Church of Christ.

Along with his wife, Peg, his survivors include two beloved daughters, Kallie (10) and Ellise (9); his sister, Robin (“Kates”) and her husband Henry Dunning of Parkton, Md.; his brother, Randy and his wife Debbie (“Novales”) Kates of Dagsboro, Del.; his nieces, Krista (“Dunning”) and her husband Gray Bouttė of Potomac, Md., and Kate Dunning of Somerset, N.J.; his nephew, Jeremy Kates of Dagsboro, Del.; and a grandniece, Lea Rae Bouttė.

Survivors also include 10 much-loved nieces and nephews and other members from his wife’s family in the Baltimore area and the extended Goodwin family.

Tim was preceded in death by his mother, Lea Rae (“Goodwin”) Kates.
Services were held.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that contributions be made to the Tim Kates Memorial Education Fund for his daughters Kallie and Ellise. Donations can be made to PNC Bank, 2 Pennsylvania Ave, Bethany Beach, Del. 19930.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Charles E. Lenderking III


HARRINGTON — Charles E. Lenderking III, 73. of Harrington, died Tuesday, March 29, 2011, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital. He was 73.


He is the son of the late Charles E. and Grace Lenderking II. Mr. Lenderking served his country proudly in the US Navy and also eight years in the Naval Reserves. He was a member of the Local 24 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for over 54 years.


He worked at various places including Mickey Electric, HP Foley and Dyna Electric for 35 years. While working for Dyna, he did electrical work for the baseball stadium of Camden Yards in Baltimore. He also did work on Fort McHenry, the Baltimore Tunnel, GM Plant, John Hopkins Hospital, Howard County Hospital, just to name a few.


In his spare time, he enjoyed camping, hunting, boating, fishing, travelling, watching sunsets in the Carolinas, spending time on the beach and near the ocean and working on windmills that he completely restored. He was also an avid gardener who always grew enough for later use. His family was his pride and joy and his grandchildren were a delight, whom he spoiled to a fault. He loved to laugh and joke around because he found humor in everything. He could be a hard man, but was always fair. He made friends easily, and was always there to help you if you needed it.


He is survived by his loving wife, Lynn H. Lenderking of Harrington; sons, Charles E. Lenderking IV of Pocomoke, Kevin David Lenderking of Bishopville and Josh Gordy of Milford, Del.; daughters, Kimberly A. Henthorn of Pasadena, Md., Tammy Brown of Delmar, Cheri Marshall of Magnolia; brother, Bruce Lenderking of Pasadena, Md.; sisters, Ellen Golden of Pasadena, Md. and Lois Staubs of Pocomoke; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.


Services were held. Arrangements are by the Melvin Funeral Home. Visit www.melvinfuneralhome.com for further information, leave a letter of condolence, or to send flowers.

Marjorie F. Wicklein

GLENN MILLS, Pa. — Marjorie Wicklein departed this life in the comfort of her retirement home in Maris Grove, Glen Mills Pennsylvania on Wednesday, March 30, 2011. She was 88.

Mrs. Wicklein retired from her job at the White House in 1977 after serving as the Chief of Staff of the White House Gift Unit under six United States presidents, Eisenhower through Carter. She began her career when appointed to the position of Correspondence Clerk in the Executive Office of the President in August of 1957.

Marjorie served in the US Coast Guard from 1944 to 1946 in Philadelphia, Seattle and Orlando. In addition to her primary duty as a Yeoman Striker, she served as a model in a variety of publicity shots representing the female members of the military serving stateside throughout World War II.

During her life, Mrs. Wicklein was well known throughout social circles in Washington D.C. and was a member of the Sulgrave Club. She enjoyed museums, arts and travel. She often spoke at local women’s groups about her career and experiences in the White House Gift Unit.

Mrs. Wicklein (nee Cibos) was born on Dec. 1, 1922 in Philadelphia, the daughter of Bernard and Margaret Cibos (nee McCormick) and attended Roosevelt High School, Class of 1937.

She was the beloved wife of 48 years to Blaine Wicklein and is survived by his children, Michael and Barbara Wicklein, various cousins and many wonderful friends in Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania.

A viewing and mass of Christian burial was held on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, Darby, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Marjorie Wicklein, to the Poor Clares, Monastery of Saint Clare, 1271 Langhorne-Newtown Road, Langhorne, Pa. 19047-1297, 215-968-5775.

Harold William Vickers

OCEAN CITY — Harold William Vickers, 64, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 2, 2011.

He was the son of the late Charles “Hamp” Vickers and Ethel Vickers. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan Vickers; and his daughters, Suellen Vickers of Salisbury and Jennifer V. Quade and her husband, George L. Quade, III of Southern Maryland.

He was also the proud grandfather of his three grandchildren, Natalie Ellen and twins, Kate Hampton and George L. Quade IV; brothers, George Lewis and Howard Vickers; sisters, Margaret LeFever, Connie Taylor and Barbara Gray; and many nieces and nephews.

Harold Vickers was born in Norfolk and raised by his late brother, Gene and his wife, Sarah Vickers in Ocean City. One of 11 children, he was known for being the hard worker and always wanting to please his family. After marrying Susan, he then served in the Army and was a Viet Nam War veteran.

Mr. Vickers worked for the Town of Ocean City as a Building and Grounds Foreman for 33 years before he retired. He helped build so many of Ocean City’s wooden projects including the Boardwalk, which is daughters will always take so much pride in. He was also a member of Ocean City American Legion Post #166.

Starting out as an ambulance driver, Mr. Vickers earned his gold badge for 25 years of service with the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department. He was a proud firefighter riding on Snorkel Truck #711.

In retirement, his greatest pleasures included fishing and clamming with his family and friends, telling fishing and hunting stories in his backyard and lending a helping hand to all of his neighbors. Harold’s strength, humorous wit, charm and carpenter’s skill will be greatly missed by all. Even the dogs in “Dog Patch” will surely miss his endless supply of dog biscuits.

There is to be no memorial service or funeral, as Mr. Vickers donated his body to the Maryland Anatomy Board for science. His family will have a celebration of his life upon the return of his ashes.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department, 1409 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, Md. 21842 or to Coastal Hospice, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802.