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Gene Sauer, 94, passed away March 12, 2021. Gene was a dedicated member of the Wilmington Philatelic Society. She served as Secretary for many years and also held the important position of “keeper of the key”. Club meetings officially began when Gene arrived at Pearsall Memorial Presbyterian Church and unlocked the door to the fellowship hall. She was awarded “Lifetime Membership” in June of 2019 in recognition of her many years of service to the club.
Andrew “Andy” Vics, 82, passed away February 1, 2021. Andy retired from the U. S. Air Force and, after earning his master’s degree, taught high school in New Jersey for 25 years. He was devoted to the Wilmington Philatelic Society serving as President and member of the Board of Directors for a number of years. He also developed and managed the club web site.
Past Vice President and member Debra Michelle Long, 48, passed away on July 4, 2019 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. She was born on October 11, 1970 in Wilmington to the late Joseph “Danny” Long and Debra Vouse Long. She is survived by her life partner Hank Weaver of Wilmington who was also a longtime member and auctioneer of our club.
Long time club member Elisabeth Lafaurie Loving passed away on March 17, 2019. Elisabeth was born on January 27, 1936 in LeHavre, France, daughter of Monsieur Roland and Madame Andree Lafaurie. She is survived by her husband Howard Loving of Wilmington, son Jeffrey Loving of Wake Village, TX and daughter Laura Dainton of Lake Barrington, IL .
Elisabeth was an enthusiastic collector of Europe stamps and specialized in collecting stamps of France.
Elizabeth “Betty” Latta Hill, 78, of Wilmington, died Friday, June 22, 2018, at Davis Health Care. She was born March 24, 1940, in Wadesboro, NC, to the late William and Elizabeth Harding Latta.
Betty was lifelong stamp collector and longtime member of our club and the American Philatelic Society. She collected USA and Worldwide stamps.
Past president and member for many years Frank Otto passed away in 2018. Frank’s main philatelic interest was early USA stamps. He was an expert on the 2 and 3 cent Washington variations.
Long time member and past president Alfred “Al” Robert Muoio, 85, passed away on 6 February 2014. He was a lifelong stamp collector and one of our most knowledgeable members. Al was always the “Go To Guy” for any stamp questions. He will be missed.
Long time club member Ken Yates passed away on 14 January 2013. Ken was a very active member until illness prevented him from attending meetings. He relocated to Northport Alabama, near Tuscaloosa, in 2012 to be near his daughter.
Ken’s stamp collection and philatelic knowledge were extensive. His very interesting and well researched presentations were philatelic treats. He was a well respected member of the WPS and his passing is a loss to the hobby and our club. Stamps of Germany were his specialty.
Club member John Bracken passed away September 2012.
Club member Roger Nolette passed away 11 May 2012.
Club member Marty Tyler passed away 7 March 2012.
Club member Walter “Wally” Schultz passed away 7 November 2011. Wally collected Worldwide stamps.
Long time club member Harry Freeman Curtis, 84, of Jacksonville, died Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at his home. Burial, with military honors, was at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Curtis of the home. Sons, Stephen Warren Curtis of Port Orange, FL and James Robinson Curtis of Jacksonville, daughters, Elizabeth Ann Bruton of Wilmington, NC, Susan Jean Shearer of Jacksonville and seven grandchildren.
Harry was an avid collector of Worldwide stamps. He commuted faithfully from Jacksonville for all club meetings.
Club member Curt Mandelik passed away 3 December 2006.
Club member John Meyers, 79, passed away 7 October 2006.
Club member Colonel Lee Martin Sherman, Ph. D, 97, passed away 4 December 2021. Lee was a Vietnam veteran who retired from active service in 1976. He then taught for 16 years as Associate Professor of Management and Marketing, UNCW. During that time, he became a key member of WPS, serving as a vice-president, auctioneer, and go-to stamp expertizer. Lee arranged for WPS monthly meetings at UNCW (at no cost) for many years. Additionally, he was on the task force which arranged monthly meetings at Pearsall Memorial Church, and he purchased stamp collecting supplies at wholesale prices for all members of WPS.