James Samuel 'Rat' Resh Sr., 61

DOVER - James Samuel "Rat" Resh Sr., of Dover, died Sunday, April 6, 2008, surrounded by his family at home. He was 61.

Rat was born Sept. 11, 1946, in Lancaster, Pa., to the late Gerald W. Resh and Anna (Bauer) Resh.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Resh.

Rat served in the U.S. Army.

He worked for 30 years in the sheet metal shop at Dover Air Force Base civil service, retiring in 2005. Rat also worked part time as a transporter for Hertz, but referred to himself as a "Driver Extraordinaire."

He was a Philadelphia Phillies fan and loved watching his grandchildren play ball.

Rat was an avid golfer and belonged to the Eagle Creek Men's Golf Association at Dover Air Force Base.

He is survived by his wife and true love of 39 years, Kathleen Nolan Resh of Dover; a son, James "Jimmy" Resh Jr. of Smyrna; two daughters, Christine Zlock and her husband Andy of Smyrna and Jill Resh of Dover; one brother, Mike Nolan of Kitty Hawk, N.C.; two sisters, Joan Case and her husband James of Dover and June Beaulieu and her husband Richard of Riverview, Fla.; and five grandchildren, Ashely, Luis and Jordan Resh, and Zachery and Drew Zlock.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover. Friends may call two hours prior.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Heart Association, Kent County Division, 1151 Walker Road, Suite 202, Dover, DE 19904.

Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.