Earl Joseph Unruh Jr., 70

MIDDLETOWN - Earl Joseph Unruh Jr., of Middletown, passed away unexpectedly Friday, June 20, 2008, at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Baltimore, with his family by his side. He was 70.

Born in Townsend on Nov. 15, 1937, he was the son of the late Margaret (Morris) and Earl Joseph Unruh Sr.

Mr. Unruh owned and operated CC Vending for 30 years, and traveled throughout Cecil County, Md., and Delaware, making friends everywhere he went.

Following his retirement from the vending profession, he went to work for Wayman Fire Protection in Wilmington, where he had enjoyed working for the past 20 years as a sprinkler inspector.

He was a member of Union 5, AF&AM Masonic Lodge, Middletown, where he served as past master. He was a former member of Ducks Unlimited.

Earl was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting and especially loved visiting his cabin in Pennsylvania, which he and his family built.

He and his wife were often seen taking their five-mile walk in the surrounding Middletown area.

From an early age, he was a devoted sports fan. In 1956 he played in the first Blue-Gold All Star football game, now in its 53rd year.

He leaves many wonderful memories to his high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Joanne (Heldmyer) Unruh; a son, Earl J. Unruh III and his wife Cindy,of Odessa; a daughter, Teresa Fischetti of Sterling, Va.; a brother, Ray Unruh of Middletown; a sister, Ruth Anne Jarrett and her husband Bud of Middletown; five grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and many dear friends.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad St., Middletown, DE, where friends and family may visit one hour prior to service and from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. A Masonic service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Interment will be private at Old St. Anne's Cemetery, Middletown, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Unruh's memory to the Volunteer Hose Co. of Middletown, 27 W. Green St., Middletown, DE 19709.