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At random: The USS SEAWOLF join the Electric Boat built USS NAUTILUS and SKATE in writing new chapters in the achievements of man when the nuclear powered submarine came to the surface at 11:45 a.m. on October 6, 1958 after being continuously submerged for 60 days.

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Coyote

Posted 2025-12-19 3:11 PM (#105830)

Master and Commander

Posts: 1350

Location: NE Florida

Subject: Friday Obits

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.

DÁMBRA .. .. .. Michael Joseph D'Ambra, age 63, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on December 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Born on March 21, 1962, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Michael was the son of Rudolph Francis D'Ambra and Matilda Lucy Simpson.
On August 29, 1987, Michael married the love of his life, Diane Lynn Yingling. Together they shared 38 years of marriage. Michael was a devoted husband and an immensely proud father.
He is survived by his mother, Matilda Lucy Simpson; his wife, Diane Lynn Yingling D'Ambra; his son, Christopher D'Ambra; his daughter, Nicole D'Ambra (Sadie Zuminsky); his sisters, Christine D'Ambra (Nick Roth), Mary Rey, and Joanne Wehunt (Chris Wehunt); his brothers, David D'Ambra (Judy D'Ambra), Stephen D'Ambra (Beth D'Ambra), Charles D'Ambra (Carole D'Ambra), and Mark D'Ambra (Andrea D'Ambra); his uncle, Joseph Simpson (Karen Simpson); his aunt, Freddie Simpson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Rudolph Francis D'Ambra; his uncle, Richard Simpson; and his grandmother, Matilda Kay Simpson.
Michael devoted his life to service, family, and excellence. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1982-1983 as an Electrician's Mate Third Class. From 1983 to 1987, he attended the United States Naval Academy. He served aboard the USS John Marshall (SSN-811) from 1989 to 1992 as part of the decommissioning crew, holding multiple roles, including Nuclear Engineer Officer (Electrical), Reactor Controls Assistant, and Nuclear Engineer Officer (Main Propulsion). He later served at Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic (COMSUBLANT) as a Staff Plans Officer from 1992 to 1994.
In 1994, Michael continued his dedication to the Navy as a civilian with NELODET, where he managed in-service engineering agent program support requirements and guided the Navy Logistics Officer Detachment Engineering Division. He remained in this role with distinction until 2023. From 2023 to 2025, he worked at L3Harris, continuing his lifelong commitment to engineering.
Michael's professionalism and leadership were recognized through numerous honors, including the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award- the second-highest honor a civilian can receive from the Department of the Navy.
Outside of his professional life, Michael found joy in golfing, reading, traveling, and experiencing the world. His favorite place was Walt Disney World, and he truly remained a kid at heart. Above all else, Michael valued his family and friends and would do anything for them.

WHELDEN .. .. .. orth Stonington – David Clark Whelden, 86, passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital in Westerly, R. I. Dec. 5, 2025 from heart failure.
Dave was born in Providence, R.I. Sept. 8, 1939. He grew up in Warwick, R.I. graduating from Warwick Veterans Memorial High School in 1958. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy attending the Naval Submarine School in Groton. He was a crew member in the torpedo room on the USS Hardhead, Barracuda and other submarines. He was honorably discharged in 1964.
Dave attended Roger Williams College and the University of Rhode Island. He also attended and graduated from both the Graduate School of Savings Banking at Brown University and the Graduate School of Executive Development at Fairfield University.
He was employed for 25 years with the former New England Savings Bank. He was hired to facilitate in the formation of an installment loan department. He went on to become branch administrator in charge of branch operations and then to facilities manager. At the end of his employment, he was a senior vice president and was proud of his accomplishments and the friendships he had made. He continued his professional career with Autotote Corporation, now the Sport Venues in New Haven, retiring in 2005.
Dave met and fell in love with his wife Ann while working at New England Savings Bank. They were married Oct. 19, 1985, and were able to enjoy 40 years together. In those years, they were able to ski in Vermont, snowmobile in Maine, golf in Florida, and spend time at the beach in Connecticut. They loved their life with their friends and family.
Dave loved working in his yard, especially mowing his lawn on his lawn tractor. He always had a project going. His favorite time at his camp in Maine was sailing on the lake in his Sun Fish and spending time with family and friends. In Florida, he loved playing golf and bocce with friends. Dave was a social person, loved being with people; he was always telling a joke and laughing the loudest. He would stop and talk to anyone he met, whether a limo driver standing by his limo or just someone working in their yard. He was always fun to be with. When he had company, he loved entertaining them.
Dave received a Certificate of Recognition as a Master Mason from Coastal Lodge 57 in Stonington. He was proud to wear his Mason ring. He was a member of the American Legion and the Groton Sportsmen's Club. Before his retirement, he was affiliated with the Kiwanis Club, Salvation Army and the Navy League. He was the recipient of the Wartime Medal.
Dave was predeceased by his parents, Earl Cappell Jr. and Doris (Tracy) Whelden; his daughters, Traci and Karen Whelden; brother Paul Whelden; stepmother Thelma (Tillighast) Whelden; and stepbrother Richard Tillinghast. He is survived by his wife, Ann; stepdaughter Jan Halley Destafano of Mystic; stepson Kevin (Sharon) Halley of Millinocket, Maine; brothers-in-law: William Rosebush (Jessica) of East Millinocket, Maine, Dennis Rosebush (Darlene) of Millinocket, Maine, Robert Rosebush (Dorothy) of East Millinocket, Maine; stepbrother Robert Tillinghast (Paula); and stepsister Elaine Gibbs.

WILKINSON .. .. .. John Wilkinson, 82, of Granby, CT, entered eternal rest on December 13, 2025. John was born in Woodmere, NY, on August 30, 1943, to Evelyn (Furey) and Edward Wilkinson. He graduated from Hewlett High School, NY, and the U.S Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD. After additional training, he served as an officer aboard the nuclear submarine USS John Marshall. On leaving the Navy, he joined Connecticut General Life Insurance, later CIGNA. There, he enjoyed a long, successful career, retiring as a Chief Financial Officer. Two of his civic commitments were as a Little League coach, and Treasurer, and President of the Granby Community Fund.
John is survived by his wife, Marcia (Bailey), son Craig and his wife Michelle, five grandchildren, and his sister Mary Wilkinson.
In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his brothers Jim and Rick Wilkinson and grandson Connor Wilkinson.

HARTLEY .. .. .. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Christopher Alan Hartley, 63, of Harrisburg, PA, who departed this life peacefully on September 9, 2025. Born on February 27, 1962, in Lancaster, PA, Christopher was the eldest child of Barbara K. Schulter and Gilbert H. Hartley, Jr.
He graduated from Penn Manor High School in 1980 and went on to serve proudly for seven years in the United States Navy as an EM2/SS. During his service, he graduated from the Naval Nuclear Propulsion School in Orlando, FL, served aboard the USS Cavalla submarine, and earned the distinguished Submarine Warfare Insignia (dolphin pin), a recognition of his mastery of all submarine systems. Following his naval service, Chris built a successful, multi-decade career with Caterpillar Inc. He felt most at home at sea and had a lifelong love of scuba diving. While stationed in Hawaii, he earned his open-circuit Scuba Diving Certification and went on to complete over 65 dives in locations around the world, his favorite being the waters near the islands of Fiji. He is survived by his mother, Barbara K. Schulter of Mount Joy, PA; father, Gilbert H. Hartley, Jr.; two sons, Nathan P. Hartley of Carlisle, PA, and Nicholas A. Hartley of Denver, CO; sister, Pamela Hartley of Atlanta, GA; and brother, Chad Hartley of York, PA. Chris will be remembered as a genuine, humble, brilliant, and funny man, a loving father, son, and brother who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

PASCHALL .. .. .. Mr. Joseph Anthony Paschall, of Machipongo, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 8, 2025. He was born on May 15, 1928, in Norristown, Pa., where he grew up and attended Holy Saviour Parochial School and A.D. Eisenhower High School. Then Joe served for four years in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service, and upon discharge he attended Villanova University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Joe was married in 1951 to Carmella Perna, of Norristown, who preceded him in death in November 1981.
His surviving children are Dr. Robert M. Paschall (Melissa), of Exmore, Joseph G. Paschall (Eileen), of Phoenixville, Pa., Albert A. Paschall (Laurie), of Cape Charles, Michael R. Paschall (Linda), of Hatboro, Pa., Mary Regina Paschall, of East Norriton, Pa., and Lawrence D. Paschall (Julie), of Alta Loma, Calif. Joe is also survived by 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Later in life he married Elizabeth (Scottie) Acworth and enjoyed living on Hungars Creek for 29 years.
Joe spent most of his engineering career in the aerospace industry, working at the General Electric Co. in Valley Forge, Pa., in the design and system integration of missile systems and global satellite systems. He worked for 12 years in the nuclear power industry designing nuclear power plants. He was also instrumental in the design analysis and testing of steam catapults for U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.
Joe was a Boy Scout Leader, a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the American Legion, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He was a licensed pilot, a NAUI-certified scuba diver, a balloonist, and an experienced sailor.

MOSS .. .. .. Lance Curtis Moss passed away unexpectedly on December 16, 2025 at the age of fifty-eight (58) at Eastern Idaho Medical Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Lance was born in Denver, Colorado on March 2, 1967 to Sally Moss. He was adopted by Jerry Moss at the age of five (5). He spent a short time living in Colorado and Arizona before landing in Challis, Idaho during his sophomore year of high school-and once he arrived, he clearly decided that was a good place to collect friends for life. Making friends came naturally to him, and between his love of music and his athletic ability, he stayed busy with football, basketball, and baseball. He graduated from Challis High School in 1985. He married Julia Piva on June 13, 1987 in Challis, Idaho.
He joined the Navy in July 1985 and served for ten (10) years. While in the Navy he achieved Petty Officer First Class (E-6), and while in the Navy Nuclear Power Program, was an Engineering Watch Supervisor, Radiological Controls Supervisor, Quality Assurance Inspector, Secondary Plant Chemist, and an R-114 200 ton Air Conditioning Unit Technician. Some honors and awards he received while in service was a Navy Achievement Medal for efforts as Drill Coordinator, a Commander of the Submarine Pacific Fleet Letter of Commendation, and was selected as Sailor of the Quarter for accomplishments during his first patrol aboard Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine as one of the youngest ever winning the award. Some of Lance's accolades with the Navy include a Submarine Warfare Insignia, Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Award for Period Ending February 23, 1995, three (3) Navy "E" Ribbons, National Defense Service Medal, two (2) Letters of Commendation by Comsubgru Nine, and four (4) SSBN Deterrent Patrol Pins. Lance served nine (9) patrols aboard the USS Florida. When he joined the Navy, he discovered that uniforms and discipline still couldn't quiet his passion for music and found a way to turn life into a jam session. He joined a band called Witzend, where he played bass and served as lead singer.
Lance and Julia moved to Bremerton, Washington while he served in the Navy, where they had two (2) children, Lacen and Marlae. He was in Bremerton until 1995, when they decided to move to Boise, Idaho. In 1995, Lance began a career at Micron. He made many friends and continued entertaining people through music whenever he could. In 1999, Lance and Julia decided to move closer to family and came back to Challis, Idaho. Lance continued his career in IT with Custer Telephone and served the community with their internet and phones until 2008. He then began a career with Thompson Creek Mine as a Network Administrator until July 2012 when he transitioned to work for Thompson Creek Metals as a Manager for Systems Integration until 2020. He began a career with Nuvek Technologies shortly after, and served his community once again by traveling to the local schools in Challis, Salmon, and Stanley to assist with the technology it takes to run a school. No matter where he was, he continued to gather friends and entertain anyone within earshot. He built lasting friendships with school staff and students alike, leaving behind plenty of laughs and great memories.
Lance and Julia divorced in 2021. In 2023, he met Shaun Loughney, who he would share his remaining years with, which were happily filled with concerts, outdoor adventures, and frequent trips to the river-mainly so his labrador, Fathom, could retrieve a ball approximately 4,000 times.
The Challis community was another passion of his. He served on the Chamber of Commerce as a board member, and then President for many years. He helped the City put on the annual Horse Shoe Tournament on the 4th of July. He bowled on several bowling leagues and continued to travel to Blackfoot so he could still bowl after Challis lost their bowling alley. Lance loved acting. Outlaw Theater was yet another way to give entertainment to the community where his social skills shined brightest on stage, especially when playing villains-roles he embraced wholeheartedly. His improvisation was legendary, and his main goal was always the same: make people laugh. He was a good friend, a role model to the community, and a beloved father figure to many of his daughters' friends as they grew up. Music was always close to his heart, serving as both a creative outlet and a way to lift spirits. He played gigs around town and was constantly learning new songs so everyone could hear at least one tune they loved.
There weren't many things Lance loved more than his Country. He proudly shared his patriotism with anyone he met and carried his passion for the United States wherever he went-usually with a smile, a story, and maybe a song to go along with it.
Lance is survived by Sally Moss (Mother), Lacen (Kolt) Workman, Marlae (Nick) Needles, and his two grandchildren, Renn and Calen. He is preceded in death by Jerry Moss (Father), Marvin (Mabel) Webert (Maternal Grandparents) and Paul (Pearl) Moss (Paternal Grandparents).

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