FRANK T. WHARTON

Mr. Frank T. Wharton, 72 of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 15, 2008, surrounded by his family.

Frank was born in Wilmington on December 31, 1935, son of the late Alton Jennings and Lillie Anne (Joyce) Wharton. A veteran of the Korean War, he proudly served our country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. Frank was a licensed insurance agent and was employed for 36 years with Harry David Zutz Insurance, from where he retired as Senior Vice President in 2004. Throughout his career in the insurance industry, he was a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Delaware, where he served in various positions on the Board of Directors including President. Frank held the post of State National Director for 6 consecutive years. He also served on the Governor's Advisory Board of the State Department of Insurance. An active citizen of the community, Frank was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish and Delaware Veterans, Inc., where he served as treasurer elect. He was a lifetime senator of the National Jaycees and a former member and past President of the Wilmington Jaycees. Frank was appointed by the Mayor of Wilmington and proudly served as Chairman of the Wilmington Parking Authority for 15 years. He also enjoyed acting and directing and was a member of the Brandywiners and a former member of the Arden Actors Guild, the Brecks Mill Cronies and the Wilmington Drama League, where he earned a best actor award. Frank was a passionate golfer and a member of the DuPont Country Club, as well as a former member of the Delaware National Country Club. A seasoned world traveler, he took great pride in the fact that he was privileged to visit every continent.

Frank will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Catherine L. (Mazzani); his son, Frank "Champ" and his wife, Susan Cullen; his daughter, Brandi Jacqueline Hancher and her husband, David; and his grandchildren, Zach, Alex and Gabi Hancher. He is also survived by his brothers, Alton Wharton and his wife, Doris, Clarence "Butch" Joyce and his wife, Barbara, William "Billy" Joyce and his wife, Kathleen and Gerald Joyce and his wife, Jewel; his sisters, Alice Provin and her husband, John, Lillie Walker and her husband, Jim, Mary Pandelakis and her husband, Dennis, Cathy Baranski and her husband, Jerry and Joy Scott and her husband, Steve; 18 nephews, 7 nieces, their families and many wonderful friends.

The funeral service will be conducted at the DOHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 3200 Limestone Rd., Pike Creek on Friday, February 22, at 10 am. Interment will follow in the Garden of Peace in Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle. Family and friends may visit at the funeral home on Thursday, February 21 from 6-8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Frank to the Ministry of Caring, 506 N. Church St., Wilm., DE 19801.