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At random: "Helm, bridge...what are you doing 60 degrees off course?" "Bridge, helm...coming back from 90 degrees, sir." -- Roger Forgit, USS Tigrone AGSS-419

Wednesday Obits (8) Moderators: Jump to page : 1 Now viewing page 1 [25 messages per page]
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Coyote

Posted 2026-02-11 10:34 AM (#105916)

Master and Commander

Posts: 1398

Location: NE Florida

Subject: Wednesday Obits (8)

https://www.facebook.com/ussvi.eternalpatrol/

The above link goes to the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.) Facebook page where their members who have gone on “Eternal Patrol” are noted.

I’ll keep my work here going, trying to get others who were not USSVI members. You’re encouraged to look there as well as here! Obviously, there’ll be some I miss and some I duplicate.

GOVAN .. .. .. Frank Geoffrey Govan, 63, of Williamsport, passed away unexpectedly Monday, February 9, 2026, at UPMC Williamsport, with his loving wife of 29 years, Jodie (Dawes) Govan, by his side.
Born June 11, 1962, in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Frank G. and Janice C. (Skander) Govan.
Frank graduated from Richland High School in 1980. He served in the U.S. Navy on a nuclear submarine. Following his naval service, he continued his education at Penn State where he cultivated friendships as a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He worked many jobs throughout his life, retiring from UPS as a Business Manager after 33 years of service, and spent the last four years working as the mailroom clerk for Williamsport Area School District, always meeting his buddies at B & B Block before work every morning.
A member of the American Legion Post 167, Frank embodied the values of camaraderie and patriotism. His love for the outdoors was expressed through his membership at the Hillside Rod and Gun Club and the Lucky 12 Hunting Club, where he spent many hours with his family. Frank's passion for fishing led him on yearly pilgrimages to Canada, where he reveled in the thrill of salmon fishing with his closest friends. He also enjoyed golfing and going to gun bingos with his friends.
A man of many talents, Frank also found joy in rifle and archery hunting and riding ATVs; passions he shared with his sons. Frank's competitive edge was evident in his love for coaching and playing ice hockey. He cherished moments spent on Bald Eagle State Park lake aboard the family boat, affectionately named "Jodie's Nightmare."
Frank was an avid sports fan, loyal to Pittsburgh sports teams as well as Penn State Hockey and Football. He was a fan of NASCAR, savoring the excitement of the races alongside his friends and was overjoyed to work trackside at the Poconos as well as a trackside service at the Daytona 500. His favorite drivers were Rusty Wallace and Dale Jarrett.
Frank's home was his sanctuary. His garden and landscaping were always perfect, while his skill in construction was showcased in the two-car garage he built to house all his toys with some help from his family and friends. The holiday season was always brighter thanks to his meticulous and festive light displays, which brought joy to all who walked or drove by.
In addition to his wife, Frank is survived by two sons, Tyler G. Govan and Chase P. Govan; three siblings, Dale Govan (Janet) and John Govan (Jolienne), all of Pittsburgh, and Mike Govan, of Montana; mother and father-in-law, Richard and June Dawes; brother-in-law, Shane Dawes (Candace); beloved dogs, Teddy and Winnie; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

BIRCH .. .. .. Paul Birch was a brilliant man. He was born on May 8th, 1963, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Toby and Norma Birch. He grew up in Rochester, New York, where he attended Gates-Chili School. He received his Chemical Engineering Degree from the University of Virginia and his Master’s Degree on Material Science and Engineering from the University of Minnesota.
He was a Navy veteran, an officer engineer aboard the Nuclear Submarine USN 674 Trepang. He was very proud to serve on it, and, later, see it displayed, albeit in pieces, in the Smithsonian exhibit of 2003.
His first priority was always his family. He is survived by his wife Irene, his sons Glen and Daniel, his daughter-in-law Grace, his siblings Patricia (Tracy) Wooton, Sally Payne, and Kenny (Lisa) Birch, his Aunt Dorothy Fisher, his family-in-law, Martín, Betty, Gabi, and Fernando, and his many nephews and nieces. We are all missing him dearly, especially his little ones, Alpine, Flurry, and Juniper.
He was a very hard-working man with high hopes and aspirations. He spent most of his career as an executive in the candle-making industry. From Director of Manufacturing to Vice President, to C.O.O., his achievements left a mark on the trade.
He was continually recognized as a talented problem solver and savvy businessman with an incredible work ethic.
Paul was always happy and highly optimistic, quick-witted and funny. He was ready to help whenever and wherever he was needed. He had an intuitive way of understanding and conveying complex concepts that made him an excellent teacher, leader, and mentor.
He was compassionate, loving, and exceptionally generous, and the most supportive husband and father. His ever-present smile and his tight hugs always made us how he felt.
Paul, Pablito, mi chiquito, there’s a crater in our lives. You were always our sanity in this crazy world, and our comfort when we needed it. We could always count on you, like an anchor in troubled seas. You listened to us without judgement, and constantly provided us sound advice. You always made sure we made our decisions after thinking things through. You always gave everything 100% of your time and effort (don’t worry we won’t say something silly like a 110%) and you never stopped fighting for what was right.
Your love is here to stay and we will pass it around as the blessing that it was. Thank you so much for being part of our lives. God will keep you until we see you again.

ANGELL .. .. .. David Wayne Angell, 72, of Cameron, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Mr. Angell was born on September 30, 1953, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was the second and youngest son of Charlie Frank Angell and Irene Cook Angell, and brother to Charlie Frank Angell, Jr. David graduated from C.H. Yoe High School in 1971, where he met his wife, Beverly Ann Zarosky. David married Beverly a year after graduation on August 12, 1972, at St. Monica's Catholic Church in Cameron.
After completing an associate's degree at Temple College, David joined the United States Navy. At the same time David was training to be a sailor, he started a family while stationed in California, Idaho, and South Carolina. In 1983, David left the Navy to return to Cameron where he immediately founded Angell Air that he ran until retirement.
David was heavily involved in the Catholic church, active in community theater, the American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. David's life was defined by his passions: singing, submarines, and air conditioning. Always looking for the opportunity, he would belt out a loud and very public serenade to any lucky (typically shy) patron in the room. David could fill any space with his deep voice, emulating Elvis and singing without reservation. When telling a story, no personal anecdote could avoid his intention to highlight essential wisdom he earned while serving underwater on the U.S.S. Francis Scott Key. David proudly proclaimed that the practice of refrigeration was his calling, and serving others in this calling, provided the highest personal value and happiness for his entire career.
David is survived by his two sons Brad of Santa Cruz, California; and Kelly Angell of Salado, Texas; and his three grandchildren: Riley (15), Warren (14), and Charlie (12).

SIBIGA .. .. .. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Sibiga, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator, and veteran, who passed away on January 26, 2026 at the age of 83.
A man of integrity and heart, Mike shared 58 years of marriage with his devoted wife, Susan. Together, they built a family founded on love and service. He was the proud father of two daughters and a doting grandfather to his three grandsons, who were the light of his life.
A proud veteran, Mike served his country with honor in the United States Navy aboard the USS Nathan Hale (SSBN 623) submarine. His commitment to service continued throughout his professional life as a dedicated educator. After graduating from the University of Connecticut, he spent over 25 years shaping the minds of students at E.O. Smith High School in the Vocational Agricultural Department. Even after his retirement in 1997, the lessons he taught and the hearts he touched remained a testament to his legacy as a teacher and mentor.
Mike was, at his core, a farmer. He possessed a deep respect for the land and a tireless work ethic that defined everything he did. This connection to the outdoors was further reflected in his love for fishing and hunting, and his many years as an active member of the Eastern Connecticut Sportsman's Club.
Known as a "great" man in every sense of the word—brother, husband, dad, uncle, grandfather and friend—his loss is felt deeply by many. He was taken from his family too soon, leaving a void that is beyond words. He will be remembered for his willingness to lend a hand, his love for his family, and the indelible mark he left on the Ashford and Storrs communities.
He is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughters, Julie and Mandy; his three grandsons, Connor, Collin and Luke; and a wide circle of extended family, former students, and dear friends.

SCRANTON .. .. .. CDR Herbert Hugh Scranton was born April 12, 1926, in Hicksville, Ohio, to the late Ward E. Scranton and Emma C. (Bruggeman) Scranton.
He died peacefully on Thursday evening, Feb. 5, 2026, at Park View Care Center, Edgerton, Ohio. He was one week and two months shy of his 100th birthday.
He married Norma J. Keller on May 10, 1951, in Key West, Fla. They had three children and celebrated 58 years together before she died March 26, 2009. He married Patricia A. (Clark) Mitchell on May 10, 2010; she died Dec. 8, 2015.
Pat and Herb were high school sweethearts, reconnecting 66 years later after having lost their longtime spouses. It was a wonderful blessing that they were able to share almost five years together.
In the last months of his senior year at Hicksville High School, Herb enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Feb. 24, 1944, and served on submarines as a deep-sea diver doing underwater welding until an honorable discharge.
He returned home to Hicksville, but after a short time re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy, attending Officer Candidate School. As a commissioned naval officer, he served a short four-year stint as the Navy recruiter in Marion, Ohio.
Most of his naval officer service was on submarines, submarine rescue vessels, or submarine tenders. Ships he served on during his 30 years of service were the USS Pompon, USS Corsair, USS Irex, USS Medregal, USS Mackerel, USS Kittiwake, and USS Tringa. He retired with the rank of commander on May 31, 1974, with 30 years of service in the U.S. Navy.
After retirement, Herb and Norma returned to Hicksville. In the summer of 1975, they moved into their newly built home in Farmer Township, Defiance County, where he had resided since.
Herb was very active for his age; he was still driving in early October 2025 when he fell at home, causing him to need help with daily living.
Herb was a “Ford” man; he especially liked Thunderbirds and Mustangs. His first Thunderbird was a 1963, which he kept until the early 2000s.
Heads turned when other motorists pulled up beside this 99-year-old in his sporty Mustang with racing stripes. He also enjoyed creating unique “vanity” license plates for his cars.
Over the years, as he reduced the number of cars he owned, he would offer to transfer those plates to nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. The plates remain as just one of the many fond memories of “Uncle Herb.”
Actually, he referred to himself as “The Real McCoy.” This was because there were three Herbert Hugh Scrantons in the family—he was the first and the oldest, hence the “title.”
During his retirement, Herb worked at the DOTCO Company in Hicksville in the sales department; at Noah Yoder Ford in Hicksville; at Sheridan Ford, later Bryan Ford in Bryan, shuttling cars between dealers; and until just a few years ago, during harvest season, he drove wagons of grain to the elevator for Gary Vollmer.
Herb is survived by his son, Herbert H. Scranton, of Hicksville; daughter, Debra D. Robbins-Morton, of Alexandria, Va.; five grandchildren, Richard A. (Libbey) Scranton, of Aydlett, N.C.; Sarah J. (Paul) Robbins, of Wellington, New Zealand; David J. (Katie) Robbins, of Alexandria, Va.; Matthew T. Robbins, of Alexandria, Va.; Andrew M. (Brittany) Robbins, of Independence, Ky.; son-in-law, Joseph A. (Mary) Robbins, of Virginia Beach, Va.; seven great-grandchildren;
nephews, Herbert H. (Mary) Scranton, of Ney, Ohio, and Richard L. (Paula) Scranton, of Hicksville, Ohio; stepchildren, John C. (Laurie) Mitchell, of Linden, Mich.; D. Scott (Karen) Mitchell, of Holmes Beach, Fla.; Dawn (Larry) Johnson, of Bel Air, Md.; nine step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; special caregiver, Barb (Mark) Poucher, of Sherwood, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Berniece Zenz, of Liberty Center, Ohio, Patricia Grine, of Montpelier, Ohio, and Sue Keller, of Gerald, Ohio; and many grand- and great-grandnieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives; son, James J. Scranton; brother, Lauren L. Scranton; and nephews, Stephen A. (Karen) Scranton and Larry E. (Cheryl) Scranton, all of Hicksville.

BELL .. .. .. BELL, Jr., Dr. Robert C. On January 22, 2017 the Bell family lost its long-standing Patriarch (Bob), 92 years. Son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, our dad’s gentle soul projected warmth, kindness and wisdom. A member of our Greatest Generation, he served proudly as an officer in the US Navy during World War II (Underwater Demolition Team #27) and Korea (Submarines). He moved to Santa Rosa in 1957 and established his dental practice of 32 years. Not one to sit around after retirement, Dad used his chemistry training to test grapes all over Sonoma County for the next 15 years. He often remarked; “I was really a Naval Officer who did other things”. Born in Wheeling, WV, Bob was a scholar-athlete with a passion to learn. During his naval training in San Diego, he met Ruth (Armacost) at a USO Tea Dance hosted at the Hotel Del Coronado. Theirs was the sweetest of love stories that lasted over 70 years, raising five children (Rob, David, Steve, Diana and Dan). During all of his varied careers, he endeared himself to so many and sparked wonderful friendships. By his side the entire time was his Ruth and his focus was on being there for her. His intelligence, wit and humor, combined with his insight, compassion and love, will leave a lasting legacy for us all. We think of our dad quietly being there at all times. To the end, he was a true patriot, who fought for this country, believed in this country and thought that each of us had a responsibility to this country.

BEARDMORE .. .. .. Jack Beardmore is golfing with the angels with an eternal tee time. Jack was born on December 2, 1946, in Baltimore, MD. He left us on January 7, 2026, and his humor and kindness will be missed forever.
Jack graduated from Glen Burnie High School (Glen Burnie, MD) and Oxnard College (Oxnard, CA).
Jack was very proud of his military service in the Navy serving on the Sea Leopard and Sea Lion submarines.
Upon leaving the Navy, he began working at Westinghouse (later Northrop Grumman) in Baltimore, MD, first as a machinist where he built parts for the lunar camera, then subsequently as a field engineer where his job took him to many places around the world. He used his photography hobby taking pictures to always remember those adventures. With his Navy experience, in 1972 he became a diver for Westinghouse and transferred from Maryland to Oxnard, CA where he ultimately moved into design engineering. He worked his way up to become a Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer during a long and fulfilling 55-year career. He was a gentle and kind man, a great friend, and cared about everyone.
Jack was an avid snow skier, a member of the Santa Barbara Ski Club, and competed in many slalom races in CA, CO, UT, and Austria. He loved all water sports from boating and crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay to scuba diving and sailing in the Pacific Channel Islands. He spent many weekends camping, driving his flat bottom jet boat, and water skiing behind it at the Kings River and Lake Nacimiento. Besides his passion for these sports and his love of golf, he was a car guy through and through, driving and restoring Porsches, and he loved driving his Corvette.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, William and Faith Beardmore, and his older brother, Bill.
He is survived by Pam Burns in Ventura, CA; brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Peggy Beardmore in Severna Park, MD; nephews, Drew Beardmore in Hampstead, MD, and Michael Beardmore in Los Angeles, CA; nieces, Kelly Edwards in Glen Burnie, MD, and Chrissy Taylor in Augusta, WV; and fifteen great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by close extended family, Gary and Brooke Luke in Moorpark, CA; Amanda Luke in Ventura, CA; and Katie and Harrison Bryan in Brooklyn, NY.

RIDGEWAY .. .. .. Charles Edward Ridgeway Sr., age 87, passed away on February 8, 2026. He was a resident of Southside, Alabama (35907).
Charles proudly served his country after joining the United States Navy in 1955, completing 12 years of service as a Machinist Mate, First Class. He greatly enjoyed sea duty and served aboard many ships and a submarine, including the USS New Jersey and the SSN-579 Swordfish. His favorite assignment was aboard the CV-21 USS Boxer, an aircraft carrier. His naval service was a source of great pride and lifelong memories.
On March 31, 1959, Charles married the love of his life, Dorothy Izella Huff. Together, they shared 66 years of marriage, building a life grounded in faith, devotion, and family. They were blessed with seven children, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom they loved and cherished deeply.
Charles was a faithful member of City Church (Church of God) for over 30 years. He loved his church and church family dearly, and his faith was a steady foundation throughout his life.
Following his military service, Charles worked for over 67 years in air conditioning and refrigeration, a career marked by dedication, skill, and a strong work ethic. He valued his career with Mary G. Harden & company for over 30 years. He especially enjoyed the friendships he built with his work acquaintances at Wittichen Supply Co.
Outside of work, Charles was an avid reader who enjoyed quiet reflection. He loved spending time in his shop, watching westerns and historical documentaries, and tending to his annual garden, where he took pride in growing and canning vegetables for the winter months.
Charles lived in the North Gadsden community for over 35 years prior to his retirement, where he established deep roots and lasting relationships. Following retirement, he made his home in Southside.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claudia Thompson and Chalmus Ridgeway (Dan); and his brothers, Horace Ridgeway and Billy Thompson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Izella (Huff) Ridgeway; his children, Charles E. Ridgeway Jr. (Charlie), Micki Ridgeway Bunton (Wayne), Thomas Ridgeway (Jeanette), Mercedes Ridgeway Lyle (Vann), Michelle Ridgeway Fowler, Monica Ridgeway Irwin (Don), and Melissa Ridgeway Beaird (Brent); his grandchildren, Brannon Ridgeway, Melanie Traylor (Wade), Joshua Steapleton (Brooke), Nathan Warren (Rachel), Drake Ridgeway (Amber), Brandi Warren Skaggs (Brent), Katie Fowler Green (Marco), Drew Ridgeway (Jennifer), Heather Fowler Rejcek, Rachel Dawn Steapleton, Brooklynn Ridgeway Sitz (Tyler), Morgan Beaird Ulrich (Seth), Trey Irwin (Autum), Darcy Kate Irwin Bishop (Mason), and Miley Belle Beaird; and 30 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

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