John Gregory Scott
(Feb. 27, 1947-Dec. 25, 2017)
John Gregory Scott left us Christmas Day 2017. He is survived by his loving spouse of 26 years, Barry Dunkin, their canine companion Cassidy, and a world of bereaved friends. Greg’s final wish was to leave hospice and die at home in the warmth and magic of the season. For one week, he welcomed friends with hugs, a loving smile and a gentle wisdom. Greg’s departure reflected his long-held philosophy of intentional, joyful, celebration of life.
Born in Norristown, PA to Robert and Margaret (Rittenhouse) Scott, Greg was the great-great grandson of Winfield Scott, a distinguished American military leader. A resident of Lewes, DE in recent years, Greg grew up in Philadelphia but, for most of his life, resided in Baltimore, MD. He was a 1970 graduate of the Maryland Institute, College of Art (MICA), training which prepared him for his life career in advertising, marketing and design. During the 1980s and 90s, he held executive positions with London Fog.
John Gregory Scott’s rollicking memoir about his career, London Fog: A Memoir of Raincoats and AIDS, will be published in 2018. The book provides a humorous look at the trends and changing technologies of an era and how his high-fashion/adventure photo shoots in life-threatening situations—ranging from calving glaciers to forest fires—made raincoats sexy; his tender relationships with celebrity spokespersons, actress Stephanie Powers and Olympian Bruce (aka, Kaitlin) Jenner; and how, at the height of the AIDS epidemic, he used his diagnosis of HIV to push his creativity and his commitment to live his life to its fullest.
In 1985, when he was diagnosed HIV-positive and told to get his affairs in order, he did the opposite. Within hours he was leading a crew of freelance photographers, stylists, and models on a photo shoot into the wilds of Alaska.
Ten days prior to his death, Greg texted friends to remind them to “take care of Barry.” Greg had completed his Christmas shopping, and gifts were wrapped and under the tree, thanks to the help of dear friends. This final “production” was like Greg’s life: spontaneous, engaging, and full of compassion for those lucky enough to be with him.
Greg was predeceased by his parents and his brother. He is survived by his adoring spouse, Barry Dunkin; his niece, Michelle Burns; and family and friends: Candy Hammer, Jackie and Bill Tatham, Angie Heon and Heather. St. John of the Cross wrote that in the evening of life we are judged only on love. And so goes John Gregory Scott.
A celebration of Greg’s life will be held in Lewes, DE (date to be determined).
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to one of the following charities: Foundation for AIDS Research, 1100 Vermont Ave, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005, amfar.org/donate; The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777, michaeljfox.org; Lewes Canalfront Park Endowment Campaign, PO Box 110, Lewes, DE 19958, lewescanalfrontpark.org/about-friends.
William (Bill) Arthur Sievert
William (Bill) Arthur Sievert, writer and LGBT activist lived with a passion as deep as it was rich. His family, many loved ones and all the causes he championed are poorer for losing him on November 19, 2017.
He was an award-winning journalist as well as a writer of fiction in later years. Bill had successful stints as a writer or editor with the Louisville Times, Mother Jones, Rolling Stone, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Washington Post, and The Advocate.
In the 1990s, Bill served on the Board of CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. and was a columnist for Letters from CAMP Rehoboth from 1999-2015. He was also an early director of the CAMPsafe program. He was one of the founders of the Rehoboth Beach Film Festival and the Rehoboth Jazz Festival, along with owning the whimsical gift shop Splash on Baltimore Avenue.
His book All for the Cause showcased his remarkable collection of political buttons collected from his many campaigns. Bill wrote countless columns and essays. In recent years he worked in Florida to form gay/straight alliances and an anti-bullying program in the schools.
Bill met and fell in love with John in San Francisco in 1973. They later lived in Washington DC, Rehoboth Beach, and Mount Dora FL. At every stop they owned successful businesses and made many lifelong friends. They returned to Rehoboth Beach in 2014 to become legally wed in Sussex County.
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur William Sievert, Jr. Bill was born March 14, 1947 in Louisville, Kentucky. He is survived by his husband and partner of 44 years, John Theis; his sister, Barbara Sievert Atkinson (Morgan); two nieces, Kerry Beth Novotny (Dave), Shara Marie Szott (Tim), four great nephews and his loving dog Zak.
There will be a celebration of life in in Mt. Dora, FL on February 18. In his final column for Letters from CAMP Rehoboth in 2015, Bill wrote “I am proud to have been a part of CAMP Rehoboth in one capacity or another since its earliest founding meetings more than a quarter of a century ago.” He closed with his mantra Peace, Power, Freedom, Happiness and Love.
Dennis Evers Nield
SCPO Dennis (Denny) Nield (USN, ret.) died of cancer at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, DE on December 28, 2017. He was 75.
Denny was predeceased by his parents, Lester and Alice (Ridenour) Nield. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Shannon, of Milton, DE, whom he married in Fort Washington, MD on July 23, 1988.
Denny is also survived by his son, Erik (Corrine) Nield, of Bothell, WA, and daughters Roquel (Danny) Tamez and Marisela (Jimmy) Williams of Los Angeles, CA; a step-daughter, Christa Shannon, of Dover, DE; six grandchildren: Berkley and Bennett Nield, Garret and Katelyn Tamez, and Alexis and Eli Williams; and a sister, Dianne Thomasson, of Savannah, GA. He is survived as well by many extended family members and dear friends.
Denny was born in Waterloo, IA, on July 23, 1942. Shortly after graduating from Alhambra High School, Alhambra, CA in 1961, he enlisted in the US Navy, where he served in the submarine service until his retirement as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1981. Denny then worked with the Raytheon Service Company for 10 years, chiefly in Arlington, VA, where he managed test equipment logistics for the Trident class submarine. Following his retirement from Raytheon, he worked as a self-employed handyman for several years in Montgomery County, MD before relocating to Milton, DE in 1997. He worked in DE as a handyman for O'Conor, Piper, & Flynn realtors and as a home inspector for Home Seal Services.
Denny retired "for real" in 2004 to devote himself fulltime to his passions: Flotilla 12-9 of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, sailing, travel, home improvements and his family. One of his greatest joys was serving as an active duty watch stander at U.S. Coast Guard Station Indian River; he served his final watch just a few weeks before his death.
In keeping with Denny's wishes, there will be no services; burial will be at sea. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Denny's memory is asked to donate to the Worcester County Humane Society, 12330 Eagles Nest Roadd, Berlin, MD 21811 (the former home of Becky, his beloved "pound puppy"), or to the Coast Guard Foundation, 394 Taugwonk Road, Stonington, CT 06378, or coastguardfoundation.org.
Timothy P. Husband
Timothy P. Husband, age 61 of Rehoboth Beach, DE, passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2017, at his home. He was born Tuesday, September 18, 1956 in Kennett Square, PA, son of the late Joseph and Mary (McLaughlin) Husband.
Mr. Husband grew up in Kennett Square and attended school there. He received a PhD in education and went on to teach Spanish and French for 35 years in Conestoga, PA, followed by 2 years at Sussex Central High School in Georgetown, DE. A mentor and role model at heart, Mr. Husband was actively involved with his students and held them as a priority in life. He loved the beach, traveling, and working in his yard. Mr. Husband was a very creative soul with a wonderful sense of humor. He was loved by many and will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Mr. Husband is survived by his husband, Michael J. Denofrio of Rehoboth Beach, DE; his brother, Casey Husband of Leesburg, VA; and countless dear friends whom he considered family.
A Memorial Service held on January 13. Arrangements were handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Lewes, DE.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Husband's memory may be made to the ALS Association: c/o MAC-Maintaining Active Citizens Center, PRMC Room, 909 Progress Circle; Salisbury, MD 21804.
Please visit Mr. Husband's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
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