DOVER - Jesse S. Gasper Jr. passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at his home. He was 71. Jesse served his country proudly in the U.S. Armed Forces and had worked for Clarkies Truck and Trailer of Dover. He was involved with the Clowns of Delaware. Jesse was preceded by father, Jesse S. Gasper; mother, Geraldine Hegaman (maiden name, Collins); and companion of 22 years, Ruth A. Hoffrage. He is survived by sister and brother-in law, Betty and Ewart Short of Florida; daughter, Theresa L. Martinez of Fort Lauderdale; daughter, Karen L. Gasper of Dover; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and his dog, Annie, whom he had rescued from the SPCA. A memorial service will be 1 p.m., Saturday, July 23, at the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, where friends may gather one hour earlier. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to American Diabetes Association, 100 West 10th St., Suite 1002, Wilmington, DE 19801; or Kent County SPCA, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19934. Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.