Sickness/Distress

~ 2023 - 2024 ~
~ SICKNESS~

*** THE MEMBERS OF MD-DE-DC ELKS PRAY FOR ALL THOSE WITH HEALTH ISSUES,
THAT THEY MAY HAVE A SPEEDY RECOVERY SOON...

**Our Thoughts and Prayers are with all Members &
their Families that have been Ill.
We Wish a Speedy Recovery and Good Health for all!!

**POSTED: Nov., 2023:
~ In November 2023... State President Renee' Rivituso was Hospitalized with Pneumonia. She is not accepting phone calls or Texts at this time, However, your Prayers and cards are welcomed.

**POSTED: SEPT. 4, 2023:
...On August 26, 2023 Joe McGeeney (State Webmaster/Chair) suffered from another TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack - Stroke) and was hospitalized in Medstar - Franklin Square Medical Center - Stroke Recovery Unit (SRU). He has since been moved to Autumn Lake @ Riverview Rehab Facility located at: 1 Eastern Blvd., Essex, MD 21221. He is recovering and is expected to be there for approx. 30 Days. He has his computer and welcomes your prayers, cards, and well wishes by phone and email. With the physical and occupational therapy he is receiving, he hopes to be back in action soon.
His contact Information: C) 443-610-0935 | joemcgeeney58@gmail.com
~ Posted with Permission.

**POSTED AUGUST 26, 2023:
~ Greetings all,
...Our President, Renee Rivituso, has shared with me that Past State President Vince Pingitore Jr., of
Waldorf Lodge #2421, has been hospitalized as the result of a fall from a ladder. The fall resulted in
multiple serious injuries. Due to the nature of his injuries, phone calls are not advised at this time.
President Rivituso and I ask that each of you keep Vince, his wife Wanda, and his entire family in your
thoughts and prayers. I am sure that you all join us in wishing Vince a speedy recovery and looking
forward to his return to our ranks.
Fraternally,
John
John C. Loftus, PSP
Chairman, Advisory Committee

**POSTED: JUNE 23, 2023:
...On May 31, 2023 Joe McGeeney made announcement via Facebook that he had a violent Ischemic Stroke and was hospitalized. He has since been moved to Levindale Hebrew & Geriatric Center, 2434 W Belvedere Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215 and is expected to be there for an additional 2 weeks. He has his computer and welcomes your prayers, cards, and well wishes by phone and email. With the physical and occupational therapy he is receiving, he hopes to be back in action soon.
His contact Information: C) 443-610-0935 | joemcgeeney58@gmail.com
Shared with Permission,
Janie Swigert, MDDEDC Elks PR State Chair

2023-2024
*DISTRESS*

~ You have heard the tolling of eleven strokes.
This is to remind us that with Elks the hour of eleven has a tender significance.
Wherever Elks may roam, whatever their lot in life may be,
when this hour falls upon the dial of night the great heart of Elkdom swells and throbs.
It is the golden hour of recollection, the homecoming of those who wander,
the mystic roll call of those who will come no more.
Living or dead, Elks are never forgotten, never forsaken.
Morning and noon may pass them by, the light of day sink heedlessly in the West,
but ere the shadows of midnight shall fall,
The chimes of memory will be pealing forth the friendly message:
“To Our Absent Members"

"TO OUR ABSENT MEMBERS"

~ THE FAULTS OF OUR MEMBERS,
WE WRITE UPON THE SAND,
THEIR VIRTUES UPON THE TABLETS,
OF LOVE & MEMORY!

~ Posted: 11/22/2023:

***ABSENT MEMBER:
~ It is with a Sad & Heavy Heart that MILFORD, DE Lodge 2401 inform you of the passing of OUR MEMBER JOHN H. SAMMONS II, PER (2x)/SC - He Passed on November 18...

***LODGE OF SORROW***
~~~ Obituary for John H. Sammons II, PER - 2023 Government Relations State Chair:
~ On Saturday, November 18th, 2023, at sunset, surrounded by his wife and children, John H Sammons II passed away. He was 71 years old. John was a native of Milford, Delaware, born on May 27th, 1952, to the late John H Sr and Roselle Sammons.
~ John was part of the last graduating class in the original Milford High School. He played in the high school band at the young age of 12 and performed at the Blue and Gold Games at the University of Delaware. His passion for music led him to play all the brass instruments and become a very talented Trumpet player. John was an Eagle Scout, which he attributed to his success in education and life.
~ John attended Goldie Beacon College, where he received a degree in Business Management, and then attended the University of Delaware and received a degree in Electrical Engineering. He started his career at Delmarva Power and Light, where he worked his way up from maintenance to Control Room Operator. Continuing his career when he moved to Pennsylvania, John worked within the Power Plant Industry for over 30 years and brought VPP certification to many plants in the Montenay Power Corporation.
~ In August of 1985, John married the love of his life, Cyndee, at the Stone Barn in Kennett Square, PA. During his time in Pennsylvania, he and his family lived in several communities, including Phoenixville, Wayne, Devon, and Limerick. He developed many unforgettable relationships with colleagues, neighbors,
and friends throughout this time of his life. John enjoyed traveling with his wife Cyndee, their children, and their best friends, Wendy, Dane, and Sheila. He loved spending time on the water fishing in the Delaware Bay with family and friends. At his home, he took pride in the appearance of his yard and would be seen riding around on his John Deere tractor. He would also operate large tractor equipment to help his friend CP King. “You can take the boy off the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy.” In June 2013, John and his wife Cyndee retired to his beloved hometown of Milford, Delaware.
~ After years of retirement, John decided to return to the workforce, working for the Department of Labor for the State of Delaware, starting as an OSHA Safety Consultant doing what he loved best, teaching companies and their employees how to work safely.
~ As a member of the Milford Elks Lodge #2401, John was a 2-term Exalted Ruler, 5-Year Trustee, Chairman of the Board, and finally, Chairman of Government Relations at the State Level. He loved his Lodge and all it stands for. He was especially grateful to be part of the Family in Need program with the support of fellow members and friends of the lodge.
~ John is survived by his wife Cyndee of 38 years; his children: Lisa Smith, John Sammons III, Stanley Sugzdinis, Laurie Sammons, and Christina (Sammons) Strunk and her husband Michael; his grandchildren: Jack, Mackenzie, Madison, AJ, Christopher, Kelsea, Samuel, Tomas, Samantha, and Michael John; and his brother David Sammons.
~ He will be remembered for his humor and laughter, guidance and teaching, caring and courage, and amazing readiness to always be there for us. John was a kind and thoughtful soul and will be missed and remembered for the many lives he touched.
~ Service was on Saturday, November 18th, at Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave, Milford, DE. Visitation was from 11 am to 1 pm, with services starting at 1 pm. Interment to follow at Lincoln Cemetery.
~ The family has requested donations to the Elks National Foundation (ENF) instead of flowers in John’s name. Donations can be sent to Milford Elks Lodge #2401, PO Box 63, Milford, DE, 19963.
~ Special thanks to Bay Health Sussex Campus staff for their care, love, and support.

~ Cyndee Sammons

~ Posted: 9/01/2023:

***ABSENT MEMBER:
~ It is with a Sad & Heavy Heart that WALDORF, MD Lodge 2421 inform you of the passing of OUR MEMBER VINCENT PINGITORE, Jr, PER/PSP/PDDGER/PGLC - He Passed on August 30... Arrangements forthcoming

***Viewing Friday 9/8 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm ~ Elks Service at 7:00 pm ~ Raymond Funeral Service, PA - 5635 Washington Ave La Plata, MD 20646 ·

**CLICK ABOVE FOR PDF & DOWNLOAD

~ Posted: 7/26/2023:

***ABSENT MEMBER:
~ It is with a Sad & Heavy Heart that NEWARK, DE Lodge 2281 inform you of the passing of OUR MEMBER RICHARD J. BURG, PER/PSP/PDDGER/PGIG - He also served as Administrative Assistant for Grand Exalted Ruler Paul D. Helsel (2008-2009). He passed on JULY 18th surrounded by his Family. See Obituary Below...

~ Posted: 6/7/2023:

***ABSENT MEMBER:
~ It is with a Sad & Heavy Heart that NEWARK, DE Lodge 2281 inform you of the passing of OUR MEMBER ROBERT H. McINTYRE, PER/PDDGER.

**Memorial Service for ROBERT H. McINTYRE, NEWARK, DE Lodge #2281...
...For those in the State Association who had the pleasure of knowing him, please join us to honor and celebrate the life of BOBBY MAC, a truly loyal and dedicated Elk, who passed away on June 3, 2023. Bobby Mac was Devoted to serving Veterans and was instrumental in forming the "ARMY of HOPE".

***An Elks Memorial Service at 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Newark Lodge #2281, in Newark, DE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ Please note that a visitation (Bobby was cremated) will be held on Thursday evening 6/8/2023 from 6 to 8pm at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.
~ Not mentioned in the obit is that at 8pm that evening we will be conducting the Elks Funeral Service in Bobby's honor. The Elk team performing the ceremony was chosen by Bobby himself and includes Elks and friends from a number of lodges in our Association.
~ Also note that on Friday morning 6/9/2023 there will be a visitation hour starting at 10am at the same Funeral Home followed by a service at 11am. At the conclusion of the service everyone will be invited to the DuPont Country Club for a luncheon.
~ Please keep Margie and the McIntyre family in your thoughts and prayers.
~ Anone have questions, give me a call.

Paul Helsel , PGER & Sponsor
Email: pdhelsel@verizon.net

*Request of : PGER PAUL HELSEL, State Sponsor
***THE FAULTS of OUR MEMBERS WE WRITE UPON THE SAND, THEIR VIRTUES UPON THE TABLETS of LOVE & MEMORY.