Dell M. Printz Jr., 87

BETHANY BEACH - Dell M. Printz Jr. of Bethany Beach, formerly of Bayonet Point, Fla., and Blue Bell, Pa., died on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007, in his home from complications of Parkinson's disease. He was 87.

An original employee of TV Guide magazine in Radnor, Pa., Dell retired in 1987, after over 35 years of service as director of research and development.

Dell was born on Dec. 21, 1919, in Chicago, the only child of Rhoana (Williams) and Dell M. Printz.

After graduating from Evanston (Ill.) Area High School, Dell accepted a scholarship to Princeton University, from which he graduated with an economics degree in 1940.

After a short career with Carnegie Steel, Dell enlisted in the U.S. Navy; serving aboard the USS Sarasota in the Pacific during World War II.

During his service, Dell rose to the rank of chief petty officer.

After discharge, Dell married Grace M. (Bradbury) Printz, whom he had met while working at the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of New York.

They settled in the metro New York City area, later moving to Charlotte, N.C., and then to Blue Bell.

In addition to his publishing career and participation in many civic and professionals associations, Dell's accomplishments included contract bridge master, a love for big band music, as well as playing minor league baseball with the Chicago White Sox in the early 1940s.

Of his prized possessions were two baseballs autographed by 11 future Major League Baseball Hall of Fame players, including Babe Ruth.

Dell got these players to sign the balls while he was a spring training bat boy for the White Sox in 1930.

Dell is survived by his loving and devoted wife of more than 58 years, Grace; daughters, Dede, of Dagsboro, Dari of Quaker Hill, Conn., Dylan and her husband Frank Pugliese of Upper Gwynedd, Pa; sons, Dell III and Dixon, both of Blue Bell; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Burial will be private.

Instead of flowers, the family asks that one make a contribution to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.

Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Long Neck.