Joseph W. Mauro, 76

MILLSBORO - Joseph W. Mauro of Millsboro, formerly of Aston Township, Pa., passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 4, 2006, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, surrounded by his loving family. He was 76.

Mr. Mauro was born in Chester, Pa., son of the late George and Rose (Vail) Mauro.

He attended the Immaculate Heart of Mary School and Chester High School.

Mr. Mauro retired from Scott Paper Co., Chester, in 1992 after 38 years of service.

He moved to Delaware in 1992.

Mr. Mauro was past fire chief of Leedom Estates in Ridley Township, Delaware County, Pa., a third degree with the Knights of Columbus and a member of Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, Oak Orchard, where he served as Eucharistic minister. He was a founding member of the Nassau Swim Club, Ridley Township, past president of the Nautical Sound Barber Shop and enjoyed playing Santa Claus for many years throughout the various communities in which he lived in. He was a former Mummer and loved to do the Mummer Strut, and was a member of the Cape Henlopen Senior Center Chorus and Master of Ceremonies.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 56 years, Marie (Grieco) Mauro; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Donna and Daniel Rottenberk and Joann and Lee Raport, all of Aston; five grandchildren, Danielle Deady and her husband Frank, Kevin Raport, Devon Bauman and her husband Robert, Joelle Raport and Leigh-Anne Raport.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Friday in Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, Oak Orchard.

Friends may call from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday in the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck Road, Long Neck.

Graveside services will be noon Saturday in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery, Linwood, Pa.

Instead of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Beebe Medical Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Long Neck.