Lucille (Lucy) Koon
Professor Emeritus Lucille (Lucy) Koon of Harbeson, Delaware passed away at home on July 14, 2019, surrounded by family and loved ones.
A native of Alexander Mills, North Carolina, Lucy was born in 1935 to Mary and Roy Nanney, the youngest of their four children. She graduated from R-S Central High School in 1952, excelling in both basketball and swimming.
Lucy attended Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree (1956) in physical education and Master’s Degree (1961), in physical education and counseling. She taught for two years in North Carolina, then relocated to Delaware, accepting teaching and coaching positions at Milford High School. Her 1962-63 field hockey and basketball teams were both undefeated.
Lucy accepted a teaching position at Wesley College in 1964. Over her 29 years there, she served as chairperson of the social science, education, and nursing division while teaching a variety of classes and coaching several women’s athletic teams.
After retiring, Lucy and her partner operated Sheepskins Unlimited in Rehoboth Beach. Then, during the building boom of the early 2000s, she turned her talents to the construction business, operating Pegasus Construction and building over 60 houses before retiring again in 2006.
In 1992, Lucy was recognized for her contributions to teaching and women’s sports by the American Association of Physical Education and Dance (AAPERD), and in 2012 by the Delaware Women’s Alliance on Sports and Fitness (DWASF) with its “Pioneer in Women’s Sports” award.
Most notably, Lucy was inducted into the Wesley College Hall of Fame for her contribution to women’s basketball: for coaching, in 1964, the first women’s basketball team at Wesley. That first year, with no budget and no uniforms, her team won their local league championship.
Lucy is survived by her partner of 40 years, Dr. Diane Stetina, sons Kenneth (Sally) and Russell Koon, and granddaughter Sarah Koon. Other survivors include Lucy’s older sister, Margie Metcalf of Salt Lake City, Utah; special niece and caregivers Barbara Nanney (Vicki Davis) of Peachtree City, Georgia; and several other nieces and nephews. Lucy was predeceased by her brothers and their wives: Joe (Martha) Nanney and Louis (Juanita) Nanney, and by her brother-in-law, Bill Metcalf.
There was a celebration of Lucy’s life on Thursday, July 25, in Harbeson. Donations in her name can be made to Delaware Hospice at delawarehospice.org/donate or mailed to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements were handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, Delaware. ▼
Gary D. Lastoskie
Gary D. Lastoskie, age 58, of Lewes, Delaware, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2019, at Beebe Healthcare. He was born on February 15, 1961, son of the late Joseph and Elora Lastoskie.
Mr. Lastoskie graduated from Sun Valley High School in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Goldy Beacom College. He worked for PFPC International Limited for over 20 years, and as a tax accountant on the side, especially for his family and friends. He was also the bookkeeper and accountant for the family business, Dave the Upholsterer.
Most recently, Mr. Lastoskie worked at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in the accounting department. In his spare time he loved gardening, and enjoyed collecting gargoyles. He was a loving and devoted partner, brother, uncle, and dear friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Mr. Lastoskie is survived by his husband of 28 years, David A. Phillips, Jr., of Lewes; his sister, Pam Sterling, and her husband, Dwight Szpak, of Missoula, Montana; his brother, Dennis Lastoskie, of Missoula, Montana; his niece, Kristine; grandnephew, Maverick; and last but not least, his loving schnauzer, Georgie.
A celebration of Mr. Lastoskie’s Life will be held at his house on Saturday, July 20. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Lastoskie’s name to Brandywine Valley SPCA, Georgetown Campus, 22918 Dupont Boulevard, Georgetown, Delaware 19947, or to Schnauzer Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic, PO Box 5034, Laurel, Maryland 20725.
Please visit Mr. Lastoskie’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guest book. ▼