Francis 'Zeke' 'Poppy' Gonzon PRESTON, Md. - Francis "Zeke" "Poppy" Gonzon, age 73, of Preston, formerly of New Castle, Del., passed away on Friday, April 30, 2010. He was the husband of the late Marie DellAversano Gonzon, with whom he shared 30 years of marriage. Zeke was born in New Castle to the late Frank and Margaret Cimino Gonzon. He was a true patriot serving his Nation, State, and Community as a member of the Delaware Army National Guard. His military career spanned over 41 years of service beginning in 1952 when he enlisted in Battery D 193rd AAA (AW) located in New Castle, DE. He rose through the enlisted ranks and retired as a Master Sergeant serving in the Headquarters, State Area Command. During his career, he earned many decorations and awards, including the prestigious Meritorious Service Metal and the Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross. Zeke loved to hunt, fish, and garden, but his heart belonged to his family. Zeke will be dearly missed by his children, Theresa and her companion Chris, Jimmy and his wife Meg, Fran and his wife Nichol, and Peggy Wilson and her husband Dave; grandchildren, Nicole, Michael, Marina, Mario, Sophia, Daria, Angie and her husband Kyle, David, and Brittany; siblings, Dominic and his wife Donna, Sister Francis Carmel, OSF, and Joseph Gonzon and his wife Susan; sister-inlaw, Susan Gonzon; his loyal hunting dogs, Alex and Annie; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his wife Marie, Zeke was predeceased by his sister, Josephine Knight; and his brother, Anthony Gonzon, Sr. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Zeke's viewing from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 4, at Gebhart Funeral Home, 531 Delaware St., New Castle. His funeral service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at All Saints Cemetery Chapel. In lieu of flowers, Zeke's family requests contributions in his name be made to either The Next 50 Years Fund to benefit the future of Saints Peter and Paul High School, The Mid-Shore Community Foundation, P.O. Box 2385, Easton, MD 21601, or to the Delaware National Guard and Reserve Emergency Assistance Fund, First Regiment Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.griecocares.com.