Louis V. Jara, 50

DOVER - Louis V. Jara, of Dover died Wednesday, March 4, 2009, in Bayhealth Medical Center, Dover. He was 50. Born in Drexel Hill, Pa., he is the son of Louis H. and Grace Passer Jara. He moved to Dover at the age of eight with his parents and was a graduate of Holy Cross High School in Dover. He continued his education at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., and graduated from Delaware State University in Dover in 1981 with a degree in history. Lou met a wonderful woman at this time who became his wife on May 12, 1984. Sussanne Rose Andersen was his best friend and companion until the day he died. They were blessed with two children, Kimberly Rose and Anthony Louis. Lou doted on them, encouraged them and inspired them to always do their best. Lou had many varied talents and interests. As a young man, he spent the first part of his career in the field of business. He worked for the K-Mart Corporation as a layout supervisor and as an assistant store manager. He also worked as a sales representative for Preferred Snacks of Dover, Certified Chemicals and Motorola. Lou then decided to utilize his history degree and enjoyed working at the Hagley Museum as a curator and manager. During this time, it became clear to him that he wanted to become a teacher. He completed his masters degree and received his teaching certificate from Wilmington University. He joined Holy Cross Elementary School as the computer instructor where he touched hundreds of lives, inspiring them to learn how to utilize technology. Lou remained there until 2002. He then joined the Appoquinimink School District at Townsend Elementary School and continued the education of elementary students in this field. Not content to work only with children, Lou was an instructor for Wilmington University, teaching methods of social studies, technology and many on-line courses. Lou had a personality that was unforgettable. He enjoyed spending time with family, friends and colleagues. He was always ready to meet a challenge and learn new things. He will be remembered always by hundreds of people. A devout member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Lou served in the past as a Eucharistic Minister, soccer coach and volunteer on many committees. In addition to his wife, children, and his parents, is survived by his loving sisters, Victoria Frazier and her husband James of Magnolia and Mildred Jara Anderson and Robert of Bordentown, N.J. He is also survived by nephews, Matthew Anderson and Timothy Anderson of Bordentown, N.J.; a niece, Victoria Anderson of Bordentown N.J.; his mother-in-law, Ruth Butler of Felton; and two sisters-in-law, Kristine Butler of Felton and Maijane Merklein of Springfield, Mass. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 11 a.m. Saturday at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 631 S. State St., Dover. Friends may pay their respects at the church from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Private entombment will take place in Holy Cross Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Louis V. Jara Educational Fund at Citizens Bank c/o Robin R. Moore, Assistant Manager, Dover Branch, 8 W. Lockerman St., Dover, DE 19904. These funds will be used to further the education of his children, Kimberly and Anthony. Arrangements are by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director, Inc. Dover.