Todd Edward Gencel, 29

PRESTON, Md. - Todd Edward Gencel, formerly of Preston, died suddenly Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, in Angeles City, Philippines, while on vacation. He was 29.

Born on Aug. 25, 1978, in Los Angeles, he was the son of Paul Edward Gencel and Dawn Rieck Gencel of Preston, and his biological mother, Teresa Ann Knox Nichols of California.

Todd was a graduate of Colonel Richardson High School, class of 1996.

After graduation, Todd enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country.

He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. He completed Multi-Channel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer Course while in Fort Gordon, Ga.

He then went on to Fort Bragg, N.C., where he completed Airborne Training and was in the 82nd Signal BN.

Todd moved to California and became an entrepreneurial, successful real estate investor.

He enjoyed his life to the fullest and set his dreams to explore the world and all its adventures.

Todd enjoyed his work and was a world wide extensive traveler.

He was an enthusiast of exercise, body building and surfing.

Todd's very presence, his handsome stature, his laugh, and his dimpled smile lit up a room.

He was respectful, warm, pleasant and always a welcomed sight.

He was dearly loved and will be forever remembered and missed more than any words could ever express. His family feels blessed.

Preceding Todd in death were his paternal grandparents, Lillian and James S. Gencel; and step-grandfather, William Rieck.

Surviving besides his parents are a very special aunt, Pattiy Knox-Saucedo of California; step-grandmothers, Christine Rieck of Preston, and Phyllis Gencel of Hurlock; maternal grandparents, Glen and Betty Knox of Baltimore; two stepbrothers, Stephen and Patrick Nichols; and half-siblings, Richard, Jesse and Elizabeth Nichols, all of California; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many close friends.

Todd wishes were to be cremated.

A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Monday in Framptom Funeral Home, 216 N. Main St., Federalsburg, where the family will receive friends two hours before the service.

Officiating at the service will be The Rev. Denzil Cheek.

Burial will be held at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Hurlock, with military honors.

Instead of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to The American Heart Association, c/o Mrs. Christine Coale, 216 N. Main St., Federalsburg, MD 21632.