John William 'Jack' Besenfelder, 96

NEWARK - John William "Jack" Besenfelder of Newark, formerly of Milford, died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007, in Union Hospital in Elkton. He was 96.

Mr. Besenfelder was born Sept. 20, 1910, in Albion, N.Y., son of the late Joseph P. and Mary Weilhammer Besenfelder.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, enlisting in February 1942 and receiving his honorable discharge in October 1945.

Mr. Besenfelder enjoyed a diverse career, beginning as a salesman for Revere Copper and Brass in Rome, N.Y. He later owned and operated an auto service station in Milford for more than 25 years. Most recently he worked for Ghibli North American in Wilmington until his retirement in 1997 at age 86.

A genial and well-liked gentleman, he was known for his excellent sense of humor. He greatly enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and bowling with friends.

Mr. Besenfelder was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of Holy Angels parish.

His wife, Mildred Thayer Besenfelder, died in 1974. He was also preceded in death by five siblings, Mary Wollter, George R. Besenfelder, Joseph B. Besenfelder, G. Arnold Besenfelder and Norbert O. Besenfelder.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Maichle of Wilmington; brother, Edward R. Besenfelder of Prescott, Ariz.; sister, Grace B. Carnes of Rochester, N.Y.; many nieces and nephews, including Elaine Benson of Newark; and Rita Misero of Coatesville, Pa.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church, 82 Possum Park Road, Newark, where friends may call one half hour earlier.

Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Henlopen Memorial Park, Milton.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.