Joseph Murabito, 88

LEWES - Joseph Murabito, passed away peacefully in his residence Sunday, July 5, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88. Mr. Murabito was born Sept. 1, 1920 in Oswego, N.Y., son of the late Rosario and Carmella (Rapisardo) Murabito. Mr. Murabito moved to Lewes in 1959, where he taught industrial art in the Cape Henlopen School District. He retired in 1984 after 36 years of teaching. He touched the lives of many young people as a teacher, giving them guidance and sharing his wisdom. He was known throughout Lewes for his beautiful garden. One of his greatest pleasures was to share his flowers and vegetables with his family, neighbors and many friends. He was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church, serving on the Board of Trustees and many committees. He also served his country during World War II with the Army Air Force, where he taught radio mechanics. While stationed in St. Louis, Mo., he met his loving wife Ethel of 63 years, who was then serving with the U.S. Navy. In his leisure time, he loved to fish and garden, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He was always a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Ethel (Murgatroyd) Murabito; son, Joseph L. Murabito and his wife Christine of Dover; daughter, Joy Bartell and husband Carl of Lewes; daughter, Susan Best and husband Randy of Lewes; son, Roy Neal Murabito and wife Mary of Lewes; eight grandchildren, Lisa Parsons, Rebecca Pepper, Sharon Andrews, Joseph Murabito II, Jennifer Montag, Andrew Best, Adam Murabito and Laura Murabito; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mary O'Neil of Chambersburg, Pa. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, July 9, with Pastor Fred A. Duncan officiating, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 1 p.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Lewes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or to Bethel United Methodist Church Building Fund, 139 W. 4th Street, Lewes, DE 19958. www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.