John E. Davidson Sr., 73

CLAYTON - John E. Davidson Sr. of Clayton died at home Monday, April 16, 2007. He was 73.

Mr. Davidson was born Oct. 9, 1933, in Wilmington, the son of the late George E. and Mary Newell Davidson.

Mr. Davidson worked as a switchman for Bell Atlantic/Verizon for more than 40 years before retirement.

Mr. Davidson was a member of St. Polycarp"s Roman Catholic Church in Smyrna and had been a member of Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in New Castle for 45 years before moving to Clayton.

Mr. Davidson was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War serving as a sergeant in the 508th Airborne Infantry and attended Jump School in Fort Benning, Ga.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Kulesza Davidson; three daughters, Katherine Schirm of New Castle, Michelle Davidson of Philadelphia and Annette Tweed and her husband, Jeff of Clayton; a son, John E. Davidson Jr. and his wife, Amy of New Castle; a sister, Joan Golish of West Chester, Pa.; and six grandchildren, Mary, Sarah, Krista, Martha, Olivia and John III.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Thursday at 1 p.m. in St. Polycarp"s Roman Catholic Church, 135 Ransom Lane, Smyrna, where friends may call one hour prior to the services.

Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway Dover, DE 19901; or to St. Polycarp"s Roman Catholic Church, 135 Ransom Lane, Smyrna, DE 19977.

Arrangements are by Faries Funeral Directors and Crematorium Inc., 29 S. Main St., Smyrna.