Todd E. Gencel

CALIFORNIA - Todd Edward Gencel, 29, formerly of Preston, died suddenly Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, in Angeles City, Philippines, while on vacation.

Born on Aug. 25, 1978, in Los Angeles, he was the son of Paul Edward Gencel and Dawn Rieck Gencel of Preston, and his biological mother, Teresa Ann Knox Nichols of California.

Todd was a graduate of Col. Richardson High School, Class of 1996.

After graduation, Todd enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. He completed Multi-Channel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer Course while in Fort Gordon, Ga. He then went on to Fort Bragg, S.C., where he completed Airborne Training and was in the 82nd Signal Battalion.

Todd moved to California and became an entrepreneurial, successful real estate investor.

Todd enjoyed his work and was a worldwide extensive traveler. He was an enthusiast of exercise, body building and surfing.

Surviving besides his parents are a very special aunt, Pattiy Knox-Saucedo of California; stepgrandmothers Christine Rieck of Preston and Phyllis Gencel of Hurlock; and maternal grandparents Glen and Betty Knox of Baltimore. He is also survived by two stepbrothers, Stephen and Patrick Nichols, and half-siblings, Richard, Jesse and Elizabeth Nichols, all of California; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and many close friends.

Preceding Todd in death were his paternal grandparents, Lillian and James S. Gencel, and stepgrandfather, William Rieck.

Todd's wishes were to be cremated. A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, at Framptom Funeral Home, P.A., 216 N. Main St., Federalsburg, where the family will receive friends two hours before the service. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Denzil Cheek. Inurnment will be held at the Maryland Veterans' Cemetery, Hurlock, with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the American Heart Association, c/o Christine Coale, 216 N. Main St., Federalsburg, MD 21632.