The Reverend Raymond “Ray” William Michener
Raymond W. Michener, 76, of Millsboro, died Thursday, August 17, after a courageous battle with cancer. Ray is survived by his life partner of 23 years, the Reverend Thomas Carlson; the mother of his children, Carol Michener; his loving children: Jennifer (Robert) Edwards, Laura (Darren) Apisa, Michael (Toni Ann) Michener, Joshua Michener, Laura Lee Holmbo, and Amy (Stephen) Pyle; his 19 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his loyal dog, Gabriel.
Ray was a retired Lutheran minister. After nine years in parish ministry, he entered the Navy as a chaplain, supporting Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel and their families. Ray served for 20 years as Lieutenant Commander; his assignments included two tours in Beirut.
Since moving to Delaware, Ray had served as Associate Priest at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, Lewes, where he shared the message of faith and hope with wit, compassion, and an ability to give parishioners clarity.
Services were held on September 16, at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church. Donations can be made in Ray’s honor to the Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church Building Fund, (302) 645-8479. ▼
Susan K. Ball
Physician and Citizen Scientist
Susan “Susie” K. Ball, May 1943-July 2023, was born during an air raid and spent her youth in war-torn London; thus, she was hardwired to succeed against any odds. She ventured to New York City in the 1960s along with the Beatles. She pursued a biology degree from City College of New York, worked in a university laboratory, made lifelong friends, and became a United States citizen. She loved science and was a passionate believer in the power of nature to provide great beauty, mystery, and a profound sense of awe. The Atlantic seacoast, and later, the Chesapeake Bay, provided the classroom for her love of birding, photography, sailing, and all marine creatures.
She attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania and pursued internal medicine and psychiatry as her specialties. In mid-career she achieved a second board in geriatric psychiatry and later became director of geriatric psychiatry at Crozer-Chester Medical System. Her skill and compassion helped many individuals and their families with geriatric and PTSD issues. She also actively supported compassionate care settings for death and dying in hospitals and hospices.
Upon retirement and relocation to Rehoboth Beach, Susie volunteered at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and the Sussex Bird Club. But her best gift was joining the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays (CIB). Her passion, leadership, and love of the Inland Bays led her to other CIB opportunities, most recently becoming its board chair.
Susie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving spouse of 30 years, Susan Delaney, and the extended Delaney family, along with many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 21, at the Center for the Inland Bays. Donations in memory of Susie Ball may be made to the Center’s Student Estuary Exploration Program. ▼
David Messina
David (Dave) Messina of Ashburn, Virginia died unexpectedly on June 24, 2023, in Herzliya, Israel, while on holiday travel with his partner, Bob.
David Messina was born in 1956 to Arlene and Salvatore Messina in Hammonton, New Jersey. After his father passed away at a young age, Dave was adopted by Joseph Berenato and always considered him his father. He majored in computer science at the University of Delaware, graduating in 1978. His career included 30 years at Lockheed Martin, where he retired as Director of Business Development. Two years post-retirement he was recruited by Modern Technology Solutions, Inc., serving most recently as Executive Vice President of National Security.
To anyone lucky enough to know him, Dave was a true Renaissance man. His many passions included gardening, entertaining, international travel, snow skiing, a love of cooking, and—especially—being around his family and friends. He loved Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and planned to retire there. His strength of character was evident to all who knew him personally and professionally.
Dave is survived by his partner of 24 years, Robert W. McCollar, and two children: a daughter, Stephanie (Kevin) Miranda, and their children, Lillian and Adrian, of Alexandria, Virginia; and a son, Adam Messina, and his partner, Ashley Watson, of Leesburg, Virginia.
A celebration of life service will be held September 22, 2023, at Rehoboth Beach Country Club, from noon to 3:00 p.m. ▼