Howard J. Cox Sr., 81

ENGLEWOOD, Fla. - Howard J. Cox Sr. of Englewood, formerly of Townsend, Del., passed away Monday, May 28, 2007, in Englewood Community Hospital. He was 81.

Mr. Cox was born on Jan. 7, 1926, in Paulsboro, N.J., son of the late William S. and Mary (Sinkovitz) Cox.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy in Honolulu, Hawaii from 1943 to 1946.

On Nov. 16, 1946, he married his high school sweetheart, Anna M. DeLiberis, and together they raised their family in Paulsboro.

In 1946 Mr. Cox went to work for the Mobil Oil Co. in Paulsboro and joined the Getty Refinery, Delaware City, Del., in 1956, and was employed for 36 years before retiring in 1982.

Following their move to Townsend in 1958 Mr. and Mrs. Cox became active members of St. Joseph Parish until 1991 when they moved to Englewood.

While in Englewood, they were active members of St. Raphael"s Catholic Church. Mr. Cox was also a very active member of the Englewood Elks Lodge 2378.

In his spare time he enjoyed duck carving and spending time with his wife, family and friends.

Mr. Cox was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and was devoted to his Catholic faith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Charles, William and Wilbert.

He leaves many cherished memories to his beloved wife of 60 years, Anna M. Cox; five sons and daughters-in-law, Michael T. Sr. and Lynn Cox of Earleville, Md., Howard J. Jr. and Patricia Cox of Earleville, Robert P. and Patricia (Fry) Cox of Newark, Del., Stephen and Ursula Cox of Middletown, Del. and Christopher K. and Vickie Cox of Townsend; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews in New Jersey as well as the many dear friends he made over the years.

Friends may call from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home LLC, 212 N. Broad St., Middletown.

A Mass of Christian burial will be noon Saturday in St. Francis Xavier (Old Bohemia) Church, Church Road, Warwick, Md.

Burial will follow in Old Bohemia Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Englewood Elks Lodge 2378, 401 N. Indiana Avenue, Englewood, FL 34223.

Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at www.daniels-hutchison.com.