In Memory of
Lou Howard
 

We have learned of the passing of former WSSA player and legendary Wilmington athlete Lou Howard on August 12, 2025. He is a member or the UNCW Athletic Hall of Fame and the Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame. Lou's obituary can be found here.

In Memory of
Dorothy Joan Price 

Dorothy Joan (Dottie) Price, wife of WSSA Hall-of-Famer Richard Price, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025. The WSSA offers our sincerest condolences to Richard and the family.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 10, at 10:00 am, at Saint Mark Catholic Church, 1011 Eastwood Rd, Wilmington, NC.
Dottie's obituary may be found here.

In Memory of
Harry Rowe 

Harry Rowe, a member of the WSSA Hall of Fame 2014 class, passed away on August 14, 2025. Harry started in the WSSA in 1996. He was a great player in the league and supported the WSSA even after his playing days were over. Services will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 12:00pm at St. Therese Catholic Church, 209 Lumina Ave South, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480. Harry's obituary can be found here.

In Memory of
Walt Chmielenski 

The WSSA is sad to report the passing of Walt Chmielenski, on June 11, 2025. Walt played senior softball for twelve years. He is remembered as the assistant commissioner to league founder Phil Rose and was on Phil's team, the Legends, now Longhorns. Phil always tried to have the best players and Walt was his third basemen and a real good hitter. When Phil got sick, Walt took over as commissioner and manager of the Legends. Walt was recognized as Leland, NC's Citizen of the Year in 2016.
There will be a joint memorial service for Walt and his wife Judy, who died in April, on July 25, at  9:00 AM, at Immaculate Conception Church, 6650 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington. The family has asked that no flowers be sent.

In Memory of
Artie Johnson

Former WSSA player Artie Norman Johnson died Saturday, February 1, 2025. Artie is remembered for his softball talent, his personality and his dedication to fellow veterans through his volunteer work with Wilmington VA Health Care Center.
A family and friends hour will be held from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Adkins-Drain Funeral Service, 515 South 8th Street, Wilmington, NC.

In Memory of
Scott Powell
 

Former WSSA player Scott Lee Powell, 71, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024. Condolence messages may be left at the Coastal Cremations website.

In Memory of
Brian Stewart
 

Legacy player Brian Stewart passed away suddenly on August 14th at the age of 67. Brian joined WSSA in 2023.  A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Friday, August 23, 2024 at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory, 1617 Market Street in Wilmington. Visitation with the family will take place at 1:00 pm that day at the same location. WSSA players are asked to wear their team jersey.
You may read Brian's obituary here.

In Memory of
John Sherm
 

Doctor John Sherm passed away on July 25, 2024, after a long battle with cancer, at the age of 79. “Doc” joined WSSA in 2017 with Carabbas and came to Legacy in 2021 where he played all the key positions.
He was a good player and a better man. He often made use of his medical knowledge to help his fellow players, including writing about Warmup and Injury Prevention for our website.
The family is honoring John’s request for privacy at this time.

Obituary for Lou Cardamone

In April we published a memorial to Lou Cardamone, member of the WSSA Hall of Fame class of 2022, and one of the WSSA's earliest members, who died on Monday, April 22, 2024. At the time no obituary was available. Now there is one, and you can find it here. Be sure to scroll down to the photo gallery, which all who were lucky enough to meet Lou will enjoy.

In Memory of
Lou Cardamone
 

Lou Cardamone, member of the WSSA Hall of Fame class of 2022, and one of the WSSA's earliest members, died on Monday, April 22, 2024. A Visitation for Lou will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Coble Funeral & Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1155 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, North Carolina 28412.
A Memorial Service will start at 5:00 PM in the Coble Chapel.

In Memory of
Larry Seckel
 

Donald Lawrence (Larry) Seckel passed away on February 21, 2024 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.  Larry played many years in WSSA softball and traveled with tournament teams. A memorial service will be held March 6, 2024, at 2:00pm at the Andrews Mortuary Chapel, 1617 Market St., Wilmington. Larry's obituary may be found here.

In Memory of
George King
 

George King, member of the WSSA Hall of Fame class of 2021, died on Sunday, November 12, 2023. George's obituary is available here.

In Memory of
Diana Purdy

Diana Lee Purdy, also known as Dee Dee,  wife of WSSA player Steve Purdy,  passed away on August 19, 2023, in Topsail Island, North Carolina. The WSSA wishes to send its condolences to Steve and the family.
A memorial service will be held at Noon on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the New Life Christian Center at 1053 East Ocean Highway, Holly Ridge, NC, 28445. The family would like attendees to know that they are welcome to dress casually with a flair of color.
Her obituary may be found here.

In Memory of
Jim Sidbury

James Thompson Sidbury of Wilmington passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2023. Jim played in the WSSA for many years and was always a welcome teammate with his solid play and friendly demeanor.
A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held at 3 pm, Saturday, 8/26/2023 at Andrews Mortuary on 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, NC. His obituary may be found here.

In Memory of
Mary H. Curry
 

Mary H. Curry, wife of WSSA player Charles Curry,  died on September 4, 2023. The WSSA sends condolences to Charles and the family.
Her obituary is available here.

In Memory of
Bobby Ray Smith
 

Bobby Ray Smith,  a former WSSA player remembered as a great player and teammate, died on September 5, 2023. Services will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 11:00 am, at Hampstead Baptist Church, 67 Factory Rd., Hampstead, NC.
His obituary with service and reception details can be found here.

Interment of Henry Winters August 9
An interment ceremony for WSSA member Henry Winters will be held on Wednesday, August 9th, at 11:00 am at the columbarium of  First Baptist Church, 411 Market St., in downtown Wilmington. Henry died on May 4, 2023, but many missed his funeral because of Covid concerns. Players are encouraged to wear their WSSA jerseys.

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In Memory of
Rick Mongero
 

Rick Mongero,  80, an inaugural member of the WSSA Hall of Fame class of 2013, died on June 10, 2023. His obituary is now available here.

In Memory of
Ben Starinsky
April 16, 1929-March 10,2023

Benjamin Starinsky, former WSSA player, died on March 10, 2023. The WSSA sends condolences to Ben's family.
Read Ben's obituary here.

In Memory of
Mary Perkins Shaw

Mary Perkins Shaw, wife of  WSSA Hall of Fame member Jerry Shaw, died on November 12, 2022. The WSSA sends condolences to Jerry and the family.
Read Mary's obituary here.

In Memory of
Ron LaFond
March 15, 1942-March 23, 2020

Ron LaFond, player in the Coastal Division of the WSSA and for the Wilmington 75s, died Monday at his home. Services will be delayed because of the emergency Covid19 measures. You may post memories and condolences here.

In Memoriam:

Joe Boardman

Former WSSA player Joe Boardman died August 22, 2021 after a short illness. Joe played in the WSSA for 15 years and was a member of two NC state championship teams in the over 65 age group. The WSSA sends condolences to his wife Kristen and the family.
See Joe's full obituary here.

In Memoriam:
Bill Manley

We are sad to report that WSSA great Bill Manley died on January 15, 2021. Bill was an outstanding player for many years in the WSSA. He was inducted into the WSSA Hall Of Fame in 2016.
A graveside service only will be held on Saturday, January 23rd, 1pm at Riverview Memorial Park, 9332 Highway 117 North, Willard, NC. The family urges attendees to please social distance and wear a mask at the service. Anyone wishing to send a floral arrangement, please send it to Quinn McGowan Funeral Home, 308 West Freemont Street, Burgaw, NC 28425. You may read his obituary or leave a tribute here.

It is with great sadness that the WSSA reports the passing of Greg Romero. Greg died unexpectedly Wednesday night. He was not only a player in the WSSA but also served on the Board of Directors.  Many will remember him as a skilled player, great teammate and friend. The WSSA sends its sincerest condolences to his family.
Those wishing to send cards may request the address from the WSSA by writing to [email protected].