Judith Ann Celli
Judith Ann Celli, 80, of Millsboro, passed away July 21, 2023. She was born June 24, 1943, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Primavera) Celli.
Judith was a 1962 graduate of Plymouth White Marsh High School in Norristown. A proud veteran, Judith had a brief career in finance before answering the call to serve her country in the US Army. Judith served honorably and after she had completed her service, she returned to a career in finance, working for the Department of Defense until her retirement. During that time Judith met her life partner, Lisa, and after 21 years together, they married July 5, 2013.
Judith had a passion for classic cars and loved her little red ’98 Chevy S10 SS, which she enjoyed taking for a drive to enjoy nature, local farm animals, and especially, cruising her neighborhood to say hello to everyone. Being mechanically inclined, Judith always gave it her best shot to fix things that were broken. She was a natural problem-solver, and always wanted to help those in need.
Judith had a green thumb and could nurse any wilting plant or flower back to health. Judith believed that every living thing had value, and if she could help something thrive that most people would discard, it brought her joy. She had a soft spot for animals less fortunate and always thought the Canada geese got a bad rap!
Judith and Lisa enjoyed traveling whenever they could. Some of her favorite memories were of the Caribbean cruises that they took together.
Judith was a woman of high standards and expected the best of herself, and encouraged the people she cared about to be the best that they could be. She always took the time to let the people she cared about know how important they were. She was selfless; always putting the care, concern, and welfare of her loved ones before her own.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald. She is survived by her wife and partner of 31 years, Lisa L. Tusick; her nephew, Ron, and his wife Judy of Malvern, Pennsylvania; her fur babies, Molly, Murphy, and Martin; her cat, Cooper; and many pond fish.
All services were private. Memorial donations may be made to Home of the Brave Foundation, 6632 Sharps Road, Milford, Delaware (homeofthebrave.org).
Stephen O’Donnell
Stephen O’Donnell passed away on July 6, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with COVID-19/pneumonia. “Steve,” as he was known by everybody, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1965, to the late Hugh Patrick and Anna Mae O’Donnell.
Steve grew up in Glenolden, Pennsylvania; a huge Philly sports fan, he loved watching and attending the games with his family and friends. This past year he fulfilled a dream to see his Eagles at the Super Bowl in Arizona.
Stephen, as he was called only by his wife, would have celebrated 39 years of marriage this September. He and Jeanine met in high school while working at Roy Rogers, where he boldly asked her to the prom. They created a beautiful life together, which began in Millsboro at 19.
Steve went to school for accounting and graduated with a master’s degree from Wilmington University. A successful career in manufacturing accounting took him to Scott Paper and Playtex. He then landed his Irishman’s dream job at Dogfish Head and finally, Mispillion River Brewing, and Brick Works Brewing and Eats.
Steve and Jeanine loved to travel and were of the mindset that good health and life were never promised. They did as much as they could together and with their family and friends whenever they were able. A lover of an eclectic mix of music from Aerosmith, Foo Fighters, Fleetwood Mac, and Irish music to Andrea Bocelli and his favorite Broadway musical, Phantom of the Opera, Steve never passed up a good concert.
Steve adored his daughters, Michele and Ashley, and was an incredible Dad to his girls; he was always present and proud. He was, hands down, their favorite guy and they each had their own special bond with him. Steve felt very fortunate to have Hayes Glanden join the family when he married Michele in 2014. Then was blessed to meet his granddaughter, Ellie, in 2016, who brought him such joy.
Everyone will miss Steve’s amazing sense of humor, kindness, generosity, and love. In addition to Jeanine, Michele, Ashley, Hayes, and Ellie, Steve is survived by his siblings, Mike O’Donnell, Nancy Janssen, Marie O’Neill (Tom), Kathy Lougheed (Earl), and Brian O’Donnell (Chris McGaha); his extended family; and so many friends.
Steve’s beautiful and wonderful life was celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial on July 27. Memorial contributions may be made to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, Delaware 19958 (beebehealthcare.org/donate). ▼
Gene Cavazos
Gene Cavazos passed away July 6, 2023, at his Rehoboth Beach residence, just days after celebrating his 67th birthday (July 2). Gene was born in McAllen, Texas, to Genaro Cavazos and Grace Reyes. He attended Missouri State University and then embarked on his military career; he served in both the Army and Navy, completing his military service in Bethesda, Maryland. He then managed restaurants in Washington, DC. Gene was a talented lead singer and song writer and performed in DC clubs with his band, Talk Show.
On Memorial Day, 1991, he met his future husband, Paul Frene, at the Strand Dance Club in Rehoboth. They met most weekends in Rehoboth before both moving to Nutley, New Jersey, in 1992.
After moving, Gene joined the Manhattan rock group Temple 23 as their song writer and front man. He performed in CBGB’s, the club where Madonna got her start. Following a gig there, a groupie of the band offered Gene a temp job in her advertising agency, Bozell, in the pharmaceuticals division.
Gene quickly found his niche, drawing on his background in the military as a physician’s assistant, his restaurant managing experience, and his gift for entertaining and performing. In his first month, he was invited to sit in on a new business pitch. When his boss stepped out to take a call, the client asked Gene to start the presentation. Gene improvised a sales pitch. When Gene’s boss returned to the room, the client told him that they were awarding the multimillion-dollar business to Bozell with the stipulation that Gene be account manager.
Gene received fast-track promotions and within a year had a corner office on Park Avenue and was written up in advertising magazines. After Bozell, he served as Executive Vice president for Euro RSCG. He coordinated the advertising campaigns for many of the most successful pharmaceuticals and traveled the world.
Paul and Gene spent many weekends together in Rehoboth in the 1990s before buying a condo in 1998. Gene was active in CAMP Rehoboth, over the years participating in, sponsoring, and attending CAMP Rehoboth events. Gene put his singing talents to work performing in the CAMP Rehoboth Follies with his troupe, Victoria Seacrets, winning bronze, silver, and two gold “Barbie” Awards over a five-year period. Gene and Paul were legally married in 2013.
In addition to his husband, Gene is survived by his five younger siblings: Norma, Ricky, Syboney, Yvette, and Rodney. A military funeral and a celebration of life are being planned. ▼
Sandi S. Snowberger
Sandi S. Snowberger, 70, of Lewes, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2023. She was born May 24, 1953, in Wilmington, daughter of the late Marguerite and Vernon Hastings.
Sandi spent her career as a letter carrier and retired from the US Postal Service after many dedicated years.
Sandi enjoyed sports and spent years lending her talents to many softball, basketball, field hockey, billiard, and bowling teams. She took advantage of coastal living and all it had to offer; one could often find her boating, fishing, or swimming.
Sandi liked relaxing in her pool and driving her golf cart around Lewes, or any of the many campsites she frequented; she was always up for a good party. She was a loving and devoted wife, sister, aunt, fur mom, and friend.
Sandi is survived by her beloved wife, Tootie Springer, of Lewes; her brothers, Steve Snowberger (Karen) of Augusta, Georgia, and Vernon Hastings (Jackie) of Ocala, Florida; her sister, Dawn Windett, of Dover; her many nieces and nephews; and her adored pets, Spicey, Roman, and Abby.
A celebration of Sandi’s life was held August 17, at Irish Eyes, in Lewes. Memorial contributions may be made to any animal shelter or to a veteran’s center of choice. ▼