Theodore "Frank" Rifenburg

Theodore "Frank" Rifenburg, Sr., U.S. Navy, retired, of Georgetown, DE, passed away on Friday, June 19th at the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford.  He was 84.  He was born in Harrington, the son of the late Theodore and Muriel (Link) Rifenburg.

Frank served his country proudly in the United States Navy for 20 years.  He served in the Vietnam War as well as the Korean Conflict.  After the Navy, he served briefly in the Merchant Marines, and then went to work for Sun Oil.

In his spare time, he enjoyed building model airplanes, and he loved to fly his Cherokee Airplane.  He acquired his pilots license at a young age.  He also enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle with his wife.  Frank loved spending time with his family, especially during the holidays, and especially during holiday dinners.  He loved to eat, and everyone knew he got the first turkey leg.  He loved to tell stories, especially of his childhood growing up on the family farm.  He will be remembered as easy going, and a great husband, father, and grandfather.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his first wife, Catherine B. Rifenburg in 1980, and a sister Loretta Brown of the same year.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Isabel J. Rifenburg of Georgetown; sons, Theodore F. Rifenburg, Jr. of Princess Anne, MD, George (Evelyn) Jester of Milford, Norman Jester of Georgetown; daughters, Karen (Michael) Murphy of Bridgeville, Sharon (Wayne) Pusey of Seaford; brother, Daniel Ralph (Betty) Rifenburg of Florida; sister, Louise Dale of Harrington; grandsons, David and Theodore F. Rifenburg, III, of Maryland, John Pusey of Maryland, Wade Pusey of Seaford; granddaughters, Krystal Long of Felton, Shannon Pusey of Seaford, Aimee and Hailey Jester of Milford; great grandchildren, Serenity, Zachary, and Nova Leigh Ann Rifenburg, Maxx and Parks Pusey, Jasmine, Dylan, Madison, Taylor, and Parker Long.

Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at 1 PM at the Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington.  A visitation for family and friends will take place one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at the Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ellendale Volunteer Fire Co., 302 Main Street, Ellendale, DE 19941.

Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc, Harrington, DE.  Visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to send flowers or sign condolence book.

---