Obituaries
Alma M. Young
Alma M. Young, 81, a resident of Drexel Hill and a lifelong resident of Chester, died on March 3rd at her residence.
Born in Chadds Ford, she was the daughter of the late John Jack and Evelyn Krider. Mrs. Young was a resident of Chester for most of her life.
She was employed as a licensed registered nurse at Crozer-Chester Medical Center for many years until her retirement.
Mrs. Young always had a great sense of humor and lived her life to the fullest. She was also very fond of animals and cared for them whenever she could. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
Mrs. Young was predeceased by her brother, John Krider, and her sisters, Elizabeth Ambler, Mary Barksdale, and Ruth DiStellio.
She is survived by her son, Robert Worrell; her sister, Dorothy Krider of Providence, Rhode Island; and her nieces and nephews.
Her funeral service and burial will be private.
Contributions: To Vitas Hospice, 1740 Walton Road, Suite 100, Blue Bell, Pa. 19422.
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Valeria T. Catona
 Valeria T. Catona, 91, a resident of Pompano Beach, Florida and a former longtime resident of the Woodlyn section of Ridley Township, died on March 1st in Pompano Beach.
Born in Philadelphia, Mrs. Catona lived in the Woodlyn section of Ridley Township for over 50 years before moving to Florida.
She was the co-owner of Johnny’s Hamburgers formerly located in Ridley Township.
Mrs. Catona was pre-deceased by her husband, John J. Catona, Sr. who died in 1998.
She is survived by her beloved daughter, Annette C. Hannum of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; her beloved son with whom she lived, John F. Catona of Pompano Beach, Florida; her three grandchildren; her six great-grandchildren; and her great-great Grandson.
Her visitation will be held on Monday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike in Norwood. Her burial will be private at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery in Marple Township.
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Alma H. Reese
Alma H. Reese, 87, a lifelong resident of Norwood, died on February 11th at the Wallingford Health & Rehabilitation Center in Nether Providence Township.
Born in Hatboro, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Harry and Ethel Beans. She was a resident of Norwood for most of her life.
Mrs. Reese was a self-employed hairdresser and ran her shop out of her home in Norwood for many years until her retirement.
She was an avid bingo player, and played with many groups at many locations throughout the area. She was a member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of V.F.W. Post #7213 in Norwood.
Mrs. Reese and her friends loved to camp at various locations in the tri-state area and called their group, the No-Nay-Mee Campers.
She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Mrs. Reese is the wife of the late Horace B. Reese, who died in 1991. She is also predeceased by her brothers, Cornell and Tim Reese and her sisters, Ruth Feidler, Evelyn Ostrander and Doris McAlarney.
She is survived by her daughters, Denise Wood of Boothwyn, Upper Chichester and Cindy Sterns of Folsom, Ridley Township; her sisters, Florence Coleman of Doylestown and Emma Mack of Lansdale; her brother, Alan Beans of Richboro, Pa.; her five grandchildren and her ten great-grandchildren.
Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood. Her visitation will be on Tuesday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home. Her burial will be in Glenwood Memorial Gardens in Marple Township.
Contributions: To Immanuel Lutheran Church, 501 Chester Pike, Norwood, Pa. 19074.
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Laura M. Wolfe
Laura M. Wolfe, 82, a longtime resident of Norwood, died on February 8th at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby.
Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Thomas B. and Laura Filgate.
Mrs. Wolfe was employed as a supervisor for Wyeth Laboratories for 37 years until her retirement in 1986. She was a longtime member of Norwood United Methodist Church and was active at one time with the St. Gabriel’s Church Seniors Group.
Mrs. Wolfe is the wife of the late Harold S. Wolfe.
She is survived by her many friends and her church family.
Her Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 10 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood. Her visitation will be on Saturday from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M. at the funeral home. Her burial will be in Edgewood Memorial Park in Concord Township.
Contributions: Memorial contributions may be sent to the Norwood United Methodist Church, 315 Chester Pike, Norwood, Pa. 19074
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Steven F. McLaughlin
Steven F. McLaughlin, 52, a resident of Prospect Park and a former resident of Coatesville, died on February 6th at the Prospect Park Health & Rehabilitation Center.
Born in Philadelphia, he was raised in Norwood and attended Interboro High School. He lived in Prospect Park for a period of time before moving to Coatesville. He lived in Coatesville for a period of time before recently moving back to Prospect Park.
He was employed as a postal worker with the U.S. Postal Service for 20 years. Mr. McLaughlin loved music, and was very talented playing songs on his guitar. He often took comfort reading his Bible whenever he could.
He was a member for a period of time at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in West Chester.
He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.
He is the son of the late Frank and Mildred McLaughlin.
He is survived by his daughters, Rosemary McLaughlin of Yeadon, Jessica McLaughlin of New Castle, Del., Kristina Gelety Folsom, Ridley Township, and Jennifer McLaughlin Pensacola, FL, his son, Steven McLaughlin of West Chester; his former wife, Maryanne Holland of Chattanooga, TN; and his grandchildren, Isabella and Liam.
His funeral service will be held on Thursday at 1 P.M. at The Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike in Norwood. His visitation will be on Thursday from 12 Noon to 1 P.M. at the funeral home. His burial will be in Edgewood Memorial Park in Concord Township.
Contributions: The Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1 Reed Street, Suite 200, Philadelphia, Pa. 19147.
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Charles W. Twesten, III
 Charles W. Twesten, III, 88, a resident of the Masonic Village of Lafayette Hill, Pa. and a former Norwood resident, died on February 5th at the Masonic Village.
Mr. Twesten was born in 1921 in Norwood to the late Marion and Charles Twesten. He was a graduate of the Glen Nor High School, Class of 1939. He was an active member of the Episcopal Church and attended St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Norwood until 1993 when he moved to Williamstown, N.J. and became a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Glassboro, N.J. In 2004, he and his wife returned to Pennsylvania and took up residence at the Masonic Village of Lafayette Hill, Pa.
Mr. Twesten was a proud member of the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving during World War II in England and Casablanca. He served with the 8th Air Force, 303rd Bomb Group Mechanical Ground Crew maintaining B-17 bombers.
Upon his discharge from the Armed Services in 1945, Mr. Twesten joined his father in the Twesten Plumbing and Heating Business and married his wife, Inez. They were married 64 years. He became sole proprietor of the business upon his father’s death in 1951. In 1972, Mr. Twesten retired from his own plumbing business and worked for the Interboro School District, maintaining its plumbing and heating systems. He retired from the Interboro School District in 1984.
Mr. Twesten was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge and attended meetings at the Prospect Lodge #578 in Prospect Park. He was also a lifetime member of the John Wesley Cross Post #578 of the American Legion and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, LeVan Smith Raibley Post #7213. He was an active member of the Norwood 4th of July Association for many years, and in 1985 the Borough honored him with the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Inez B. Twesten of the Masonic Village of Lafayette Hill; his daughter, Judith Rehm of Chester Heights; his son, Robert Twesten of Tucson, AZ; his four grandchildren, Glenn Eckard of Springfield, Mark Eckard of Wilmington, DE, Carolyn Twesten of Hillsborough, NC, and Dana Twesten of Sunnyside, NY; and his three great-grandchildren, David and Justin Eckard Of Springfield, and Campbell Olivia Eckard of Wilmington, DE.
His funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 12th, at 12 Noon at The Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood. His visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 12th from 11 A.M. to 12 Noon at the funeral home. His burial will be private.
Contributions: To the Masonic Village of Lafayette Hill, 801 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, Pa. 19444.
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Dorothy P. 'Dot' Ford
Dorothy P. “Dot” Ford, 76, a resident of West Wildwood, N.J. and a former resident of Ridley Park and Prospect Park, died on January 31, 2010 at the Courthouse Convalescent Center in Cape May Court House, N.J.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Tinicum Township, Mrs. Ford was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Dorothy Forte. She was a resident of West Wildwood, N.J. since 1997, having lived in Ridley Park for 20 years before that and ten years in Prospect Park prior to that.
Mrs. Ford was an avid bowler, and bowled with leagues at Ridley Lanes while living in Ridley Park and then with leagues at Wildwood Lanes while living at the shore.
She loved to take trips to Wildwood with her family and it was her great desire to live there. She and her husband, Tom, moved there in 1997 much to her delight.
Mrs. Ford was known for her talent working with ceramics. She enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, and always enjoyed dining out with her family and friends.
She was devoted to her family, and her greatest love was spending time with her husband, her children, and her grandchildren.
Mrs. Ford was the mother of the late Thomas S. Ford, Jr., who died in 1974. She was also predeceased by a sister, Margaret Ziegler.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Thomas S. Ford; her son, Robert Ford of Reading, Pa.; her daughter, Diane Carpenter of Springfield; her sisters, Joan Maffei of Essington and Benay Forte of Quakertown; and her six grandchildren and her great-granddaughter.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 9th, at 10 A.M. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 2130 Franklin Avenue, in Morton. Her visitation will be on Saturday from 8:30 A.M. to 10 A.M. at the church. Her burial will be in Lawn Croft Cemetery in Lower Chichester Township.
Contributions: To St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942
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Helen V. Sherman
Helen V. Sherman, 77, a resident of Plush Mills Senior Living in Wallingford, Nether Providence Township, and a former longtime resident of Ridley Park, died on January 1st at her residence.
Born in Chester, she was the daughter of the late Myron and Vera Sowiak. Mrs. Sherman was a resident of Plush Mills Senior Living for the last year, having lived in Ridley Park for 55 years before that.
Mrs. Sherman was employed as a ticket agent at the Ridley Park Train Station for 26 years until her retirement.
She was an active member of the Ridley Park Seniors, and was a talented painter primarily using watercolors. She was an excellent gardener and was known for her beautiful flowers in her garden. Mrs. Sherman was always seen enjoying the company of her cat.
She will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother and grandmother.
Mrs. Sherman was the mother of the late David Murray.
She is survived by her daughter, Diane Torelli of West Grove, Pa.; her brother, Milton Sowiak of Mercerville, N.J.; and her two grandchildren, Daniel Torelli and Lisa Torelli-Sauer.
Her funeral service ill be held on Wednesday at 10:30 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood. Her visitation ill be on Wednesday from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home. Her burial will be in Lawn Croft Cemetery in Lower Chichester.
Contributions: To the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 125 S. 9th Street, Suite 202, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107.
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Katherine 'Kay' Rodgers Abrams
 Katherine “Kay” Rodgers Abrams, a lifelong resident of Prospect Park and an active choir member, died on December 31st at Fair Acres Geriatric Center in Middletown.
Born in Glenolden, Mrs. Abrams was a resident of Prospect Park for more than 80 years. She was a 1939 graduate of Prospect park High School and a was a member of the Alumni Association.
She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Ridley Park for over 20 years. Prior to that, and from childhood, she was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Prospect Park. Mrs. Abrams loved music and was gifted with a pretty contralto voice. She shared that gift, singing in the choir of both churches for most of her adult life. Mrs. Abrams also served as a Taylor Hospital volunteer for several years.
She was the widow of her beloved husband William “Bill” Abrams who died in 1988; was the daughter of the late Minnie B. and John R. Rodgers, Sr.; and was sister of her late brothers, Edward Rodgers who died in infancy, John R. Rodgers, Jr., The Reverend Kenneth R. Rodgers, and Harry B. Rodgers.
Mrs. Abrams will be remembered fondly by her children for her love and devotion as their mother and as wife to her husband, Bill.
She is survived by her daughter Joyce Abrams Bernasz and her son, Rodger E. Abrams.
Her memorial service and eucharist will be held on Saturday, January 9th, at 10 A.M. at Christ Episcopal Church, Sellers Avenue and Nevin Street, in Ridley Park. Her visitation will be immediately following the service in the Deppich Room of Christ Church. Her burial will be private in the Christ Church Memorial Garden at a later date.
Contributions: To Christ Church, 104 Nevin Street, Ridley Park, Pa. 19078 or to Taylor Hospital, 175 E. Chester Pike, Ridley Park, Pa. 19078 or to Caring Hospice Services, 400 Commerce Drive, Suite C, Fort Washington, Pa. 19034.
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David M. Epright
 David M. Epright, 54, a resident of Folsom, Ridley Township and of New London, Connecticut, died on December 30th at his residence in Connecticut.
Mr. Epright was a graduate of Ridley High School, Class of 1973, a graduate of Widener University, Class of 1977, and a graduate of McGill University in Montreal in 1979 with a Masters in Business Administration.
Mr. Epright was an international traveler and worked as a marketing and general manager of overseas operation of a number of large, well known, multi-national corporations. More recently, he has been involved with real estate and is the owner of Gatehouse Farm.
He enjoyed gardening, traveling, and the challenge of running his business. He will be remembered as a person who was devoted to his family and his friends.
Mr. Epright was predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth H. Epright.
He is survived by his father, Matthew S. Epright; his brothers, Alan Epright with Sue Ladislaw and Gary Epright with Kristine; his sister, Lisa Fielding with James; his dear friend, Mok Yee Kwong; his nieces, Mary Towle-Hilt with David and Elizabeth Epright; his nephew, Matthew Epright; his uncles, Albin Tkacz with Marjorie and Paul Tkacz with Joan; his cousins, Nancy Browne with Allen, and Betsy Lee and her Children, Anna and Laura.
His funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 3 P.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood. His visitation will be on Wednesday from 2 P.M. to 3 P.M. at the funeral home. His burial will be private.
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Mary Elizabeth Ewachiw-Graefe
 Mary Elizabeth Ewachiw-Graefe,83, a longtime resident of Secane, died at her home and went to be with the Lord on December 22nd.
Raised in Milmont Park, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Frank and Mary Krayak. Mary’s schooling began at Our Lady of Peace in Milmont Park and continued at Notre Dame in Moylan. She worked at Baldwin’s Locomotive Parts in Eddystone; as a secretary for Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne; as a bookkeeper for RCA in Collingdale; and lastly, as an accounts receivable clerk for The Society of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters in Malvern and formerly in Media, retiring in 1997 after 28 years.
Mary loved to laugh. Her kindness and concern for others was deeply rooted both in her personality and in her spirituality. She thoroughly enjoyed her personal outreach program, mailing weekly handwritten cards of Christian encouragement to an ever growing list of friends. She volunteered extensively in retirement. Her assigned work as a reading tutor at Westbrook Park Elementary School, through The Retired Senior Volunteer Program, gave her special joy and many new children and teaching friends. And, as she loved music and her husband so, she became something of an informal “PR Manager” for the Sousa Band that he is involved with; selling their CD’s during performances. She especially loved God, people, gardening, traveling, and reading. Mostly, she will be remembered for her loving devotion to her husband, daughters and family, and to the countless sons and daughters she “adopted in her heart.”
Mary was predeceased by her sister, Alberta Newsome; and her two brothers, Joseph Morton Krayak and Frank Krayak.
Mary is survived by her husband, Paul Graefe, Jr; and her daughters, Mary Ann Glinske of Glenmoore, Joan Lind of Thornhurst, Diane Witt of Hartselle, AL, and Terry Favre of San Jose, CA; her ten grandchildren; and her four great-grandchildren.
The Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 29th, at 1 P.M. at the Folsom Church of Christ, located at 4th Ave and Tasker St, in Folsom, Pa. Her burial will be private.
Instead of flowers, if you wish to contribute to a place near and dear to Mary’s heart, it would be: Delaware Valley Christian Camp, Attention: Mr. Doug Edwards, 33 Camp Road, Douglassville, Pa. 19518.
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Charles E. McIntyre
Charles E. McIntyre, 86, a resident of Rio Grande, N.J. and a former longtime resident of Tinicum Township, died on December 19th at The Taylor Hospice Residence in Ridley Park.
Born in Tinicum Township, he was the son of the late David and Catherine McIntyre. He was a resident of Rio Grande, N.J. for the last 20 years, having lived in Tinicum Township for many years prior to that.
He was employed in construction for many years until his retirement.
Mr. McIntyre enjoyed blue grass music, and played the dobro (flat guitar) with various blue grass groups in the area. He loved taking trips to the race track to bet on the horses, and then in his later years he enjoyed trips to the casinos in Atlantic City. While living in South Jersey, he was always seen going fishing with friends and family.
Mr. McIntyre was the husband of the late Roberta McIntyre. He was also predeceased by a grandson, Charles L. McIntyre, Jr.
He is survived by his sons, Charles L. McIntyre of Cochranville, Pa. and Lewis McIntyre of Linwood, Lower Chichester; his sister, Catherine Matuliewich of Tinicum Township; his four grandchildren and his three great-grandchildren.
His funeral service and interment will be private.
Contributions: To Taylor Hospice, P.O. Box 147, Ridley Park, Pa. 19078.
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Evelyn Davis Sheppard
Evelyn Davis Sheppard, 81, a resident of the Woodbury Mews Assisted Living Community in Woodbury, N.J., and a former longtime Prospect Park resident, died on December 16th at her residence.
Born in Chester, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Florence Davis. Mrs. Sheppard worked with her late husband, Bill, for many years at Davis Motor Parts on Chester Pike in Prospect Park where she was a secretary; and then continued in that capacity when her husband took ownership of the store as Sheppard’s Motor Parts. They both retired fives later.
Mrs. Sheppard and her husband enjoyed many years at their vacation home at the Woodlands Camping Resort in Elkton, Maryland.
Mrs. Sheppard enjoyed knitting and sewing for her family, but most of all, will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
She is the wife of the late William “Bill” John Paul Sheppard, to whom she was married for 59 years.
She is survived by her sons, William E. Sheppard of Swedesboro, N.J. and Robin D. Sheppard of Norwood; her sister, Elva Schuler; and her grandchildren; Michelle and Christopher.
Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 10 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, Pa. Her visitation will be on Tuesday from 8:30 A.M. to 10 A.M. at the funeral home. Her burial will be in Philadelphia Memorial Park in East Whiteland Township.
Contributions: To the Woodbury Mews Assisted Living Community, 124 Green Avenue, Woodbury, N.J. 08096.
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Amber Dawn Muldowney
 Amber Dawn Muldowney, 31, of Holmes, died on December 4th.
Born at Riddle Memorial Hospital in Media, Pa. She graduated from the Springfield High School and Venus Beauty School.
She enjoyed being with her son and going to the Jersey shore.
She was preceeded in death by her maternal grandparents, Leslie and Virginia (Ginny) Gillis and her paternal grandparents, Raymond and Dorothy Muldowney.
She is survived by her son, Dylan Matthew Muldowney; her mother, Diane L. Muldowney (nee Gillis) and her step-father, John Walton.
Friends and family are invited to her Memorial Service at 6 P.M., Thursday, December 10th at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, Norwood,Pa. Her burial will be Private.
Donations: In lieu of flowers, can be made to the Muldowney family C/O Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, P.O. Box 56, Norwood, Pa. 19074
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William J. 'Midge' Revelli, Sr.
 William J. “Midge” Revelli, Sr., 90, a longtime resident of Darby, died on December 4th at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland.
Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Revelli was a resident of Darby for over 70 years. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946.
He was employed as a bus driver at the Inglis House in Philadelphia for 30 years until his retirement.
Mr. Revelli, who was known to his friends as “Midge”, loved to tinker with things, take things apart and rebuild them, repair any thing that needed fixing, and referred to himself as a general “handyman”. He loved taking trips to Atlantic City, N.J. with his family and friends. Most of all, he was devoted to his family, and will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He is the father of the late William J. Revelli, Jr.
He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Norma Caruso Revelli; his daughters, Joyce Revelli of the Florida Keys and Carol McMonagle of Glenolden; his brother, Joe Revelli of Florida; his five grandchildren; and his four great-grandchildren.
His funeral service will be held on Thursday at 12 Noon at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood.His visitation will be on Thursday from 11 A.M. to 12 Noon at the funeral home.His entombment will be in Glenwood Memorial Gardens in Marple Township.
Contributions: To the American Heart Association, 5455 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43214.
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Regina 'Jeannie' Adorno
 Regina “Jeannie” Adorno, 49, a resident of Prospect Park, a person who lived life to its fullest and was known for her generosity and acts of kindness, died on November 21st at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Born in Darby, Mrs. Adorno was a resident of Prospect Park for the last 25 years. She was raised in Ridley Township and attended Our Lady of Peace Parish School in Milmont Park. She was a 1978 graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School.
Mrs. Adorno worked as a retail sales clerk at Giannini Jewelers in Ardmore for a number of years.
Most of all, she will be remembered as a woman who loved life and enjoyed being with family and friends. She was known for her generosity and acts of kindness and for her ability to help anyone in need with her “problem solving” abilities.
Mrs. Adorno was a loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister.
She is the daughter of the late Joseph Henry.
She is survived by her husband, Mark Adorno; her daughter, Kelly Adorno of Prospect Park; her mother, Regina Henry of Folsom, Ridley Township; her brothers, Joseph Henry of Lester, Tinicum Township, Dennis Henry of Wilmington, Delaware, Thomas Henry of Folsom, Ridley Township, and Patrick Henry of Woodlyn, Ridley Township; her sister, Eileen Henry of Rochester, N.Y.; and her many nieces and nephews.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 A.M. at St. Madeline Catholic Church, Penn Street and Morton Avenue in Ridley Park. Her visitation will be on Tuesday from 9 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. at the church. Her burial will be in Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery in Marple Township.
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Contributions: To Gift of Life, 401 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19123
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Charles B. Rodgers
 Charles B. Rodgers, 81, a longtime Norwood resident who was dedicated to the well being of his community and was devoted to his family, died on November 17th at his residence.
Born in Essington, he was the son of the late William and Clara Rodgers. He was a resident of Norwood for the last 49 years. Mr. Rodgers served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1947, and then served in the U.S. Air Force from 1947 to 1949. He was a member of American Legion Post #507 in Norwood.
He was employed as a union painter at Sun Shipbuilding and Penn Shipbuilding for seven years until they closed and then worked and retired from the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Before that, he was a union painter for several local contractors.
An articulate and prolific writer, he was a frequent guest columnist for the Delaware County Daily Times and was known for expressing his opinions on both local and national topics.
Although never holding a public office, Mr. Rodgers was a major contributor to the success of the Norwood Democratic Party for over 30 years starting in 1972.
Mr. Rodgers held a pilot’s license and enjoyed flying seaplanes from the Philadelphia Seaplane Base in Essington. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and always participated in the children’s and grandchildren’s activities. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, June Rodgers; his sons, Charles Rodgers of Prospect Park and Robert Rodgers of Spotsylvania, Virginia; and his seven grandchildren.
His memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21st, at 11 A.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Chester Pike & Winona Avenue, in Norwood. His visitation will be on Saturday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the church. His burial will be private.
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Contributions: To Delaware County Memorial Hospital Hospice, 5030 State Road, Suite 3001, Drexel Hill, Pa. 19026
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Laurie L. Roach
 Laurie L. Roach, 46, a resident of Prospect Park and a loving family caregiver, died on November 13th at her residence.
Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Barbara McGurl. Mrs Roach was a resident of Prospect Park since 1969 and was a 1980 graduate of Interboro High School.
A homemaker, she was employed for a period of time at Camco, a property management company located in Havertown.
Mrs. Roach will be remembered as a devoted and loving mother and as a loving care giver for the entire family. She was skilled in various crafts, especially beadwork, painting, and working with ceramics and was also known for her candy making.
Mrs. Roach was the sister of the late Keith McGurl, who died earlier this year.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Roach of Prospect Park; her daughter, Amanda Roach at home in Prospect Park; her brother, Kevin McGurl of West Grove, Pa.; her grandmother, Janet Santon of Palm Coast, Florida; and her sisters-in-law, Natalie McGurl of West Grove and Georganna McGurl of Aston.
Her memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 7:30 P.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood. Her visitation will be on Wednesday from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at the Funeral home. Her burial will be private.
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Contributions: To the Amanda Roach Education Fund, c/o PNC Bank, 501 Chester Pike, Prospect Park, Pa. 19076.
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John J. Miller, Sr.
 John J. Miller, Sr., 93, a longtime resident of Ridley Park, died on November 12th at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.
Born in Florida, he was a resident of Ridley Park for the last 60 years. Mr. Miller was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater and had participated in the Battle of the Bulge.
Mr. Miller was employed as a pipe fitter at the American Viscose Co. in Marcus Hook for a number of years until his retirement and then worked at Fair Acres Geriatric Center for ten years.
He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Ridley Park for over 50 years. Mr. Miller was a member of the former American Legion Post #168 that was in Prospect Park. He enjoyed the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing; and was a Philadelphia sports fan, and always followed the Phillies’ games and the Eagles games.
Mr. Miller was the husband of the late Christine Miller, who died in 1999.
He is survived by his daughter, Justine M. Ferguson of Macon, Georgia; his son, John J. Miller, Jr. of Morton; his six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and his Great-great-grandson.
His funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11 A.M. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 628 E. Chester Pike, in Ridley Park. His visitation will be on Saturday from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the church. His burial will be in Glenwood Memorial Gardens in Marple Township.
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Contributions: To St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 628 E. Chester Pike, Ridley Park, Pa. 19078
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Walter W. 'Walt' Ward
 Walter W. “Walt” Ward, 66, a resident of Darby, died on November 9th at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.
Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Walter and Carrie Ward. Mr. Ward served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
He was employed as a machinist mechanic at Distant Precision in Philadelphia for 18 years until his retirement.
Mr. Ward was a Mason and was a member of Prospect Lodge #578, F & AM located in Prospect Park.
He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing and was skilled in woodcarving.
His family will all miss his loving ways and his guidance through life’s ups and downs. He will be remembered as a person who loved life and lived it well.
Mr. Ward was predeceased by his previous wife, Estelle Ward. He was the brother of the late Bessie Watson, Caroline Bell, Alma Maura, and William Duncan.
He is survived by his wife, Marie L. Ward; his sons, James Bowen of Media and James F. Ward of Darby; his daughters, Christine Gaydos of Leesport, Pa., Sherry Horne of Florida, and Karen Edge of Eddystone; his sister, Agnus Bell of North Carolina; his eleven grandchildren and his great-granddaughter.
His funeral service will ill be held on Saturday at 10 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood. His visitation will be on Saturday from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M. at the funeral home. His burial will be in Edgewood Memorial Park in Concord Township.
Condolences: To send condolences, please use the 'Condolences' option at left.
Contributions: To the American Heart Association, 5455 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43214.
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Charles E. Stouffer
Charles E. Stouffer, 102, a longtime resident of Ridley Township, died on November 2nd at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland.
Born in York, Pa., he was the son of the late Victor and Jenny Stouffer. Mr. Stouffer was a resident of Ridley Township since 1950.
Mr. Stouffer was employed as a lathe operator at Westinghouse for many years until his retirement in 1972. After retirement, he worked at Wizda’s Service Center in Ridley Park for a number of years. In his earlier years while living in York County, he worked as a butcher.
Mr. Stouffer enjoyed going to the race track, and made many trips to the old Atlantic City Race Track and Delaware Park He was still driving his car at age 101.
He was a friend to many, and was always willing to help anyone in need. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Mr. Stouffer is the husband of the late Helen C. Stouffer, who died in 1991. He was also predeceased by a grandson, Chad Venditti. He was the brother of the late Henry Stouffer and Evelyn Kepner.
He is survived by his daughters, Andrea Palkki of Chambersburg, Pa. and Jane Venditti of Sandy Springs, Georgia; his four grandchildren and his four great-grandchildren.
His funeral service and burial will be private.
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Gloria Rose Marie Earl
Gloria Rose Marie Earl, 81, a resident of Lansdowne and a former Clifton Heights resident, died on November 1st at her residence.
Born in Delaware County, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Rose Angelo. Mrs. Earl was a resident of Lansdowne for the last 21 years, having lived in Clifton Heights for many years before that.
Mrs. Earl was employed as a food concession manager with Woolworth’s for 17 years until her retirement.
She was a parishioner at St. Eugene’s Catholic Church in Primos for many years. Mrs. Earl was an avid reader in her spare time and will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
She is survived by her husband, John P. Earl; her daughter, Patricia Mathewson of Ridley Park; her son, Richard J. Mathewson of Wilmington, Delaware; and her granddaughter, Taylor Marie Mathewson.
Her funeral service and burial will be private.
Condolences: To send condolences, please use the 'Condolences' option at left.
Contributions: To the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106.
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Edward C. 'Big Ed' Wilbank
 Edward C. “Big Ed” Wilbank, 78, a lifelong resident of Prospect Park, died on October 31st at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.
Born in Prospect Park, he was the son of the late John and Lillian Wilbank. He was a resident of Prospect Park all of his life. Mr. Wilbank was a graduate of Prospect Park High School.
He was employed as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service for 38 years until his retirement.
Mr. Wilbank enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and boating, spending many hours on the local waterways. He was a breeder of beagles, and was proud of his dogs and at one time was a member of the local Beagle Clubs and the Delaware County Beagle Club. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.
Most of all, Mr. Wilbank will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
He was the brother of the late Jack Wilbank, Ada Corriston, Helen “Sis” Brown, Sara Founds, Wes Wilbank, and James Wilbank.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Myrna Smith Wilbank; his son, Edward C. Wilbank of Wilmington, Delaware; his daughter, Jill Wilbank of Prospect Park; his sister, Frances Morrison of Essington, Tinicum Township; and his grandson, Zack.
His funeral service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5th, at 11 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood. His visitation will be on Thursday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. and on Wednesday evening from 7 P.M. to 9 P.M. at the funeral home. His burial will be private.
Condolences: To send condolences, please use the 'Condolences' option at left.
Contributions: To the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, Pa. 19004.
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Charlotte Kohler Guy
 Charlotte Kohler Guy, 96, a resident of Ridley Park, Pa. in Delaware County, died on October 30th at the Freedom Village retirement community in West Brandywine, Pa.
Born in Littlestown, Pa., Mrs. Guy was then raised in Red Lion. She was graduated from Red Lion High School and attended the University of Alabama where she received a degree in English with a minor in Library Science. While attending the University of Alabama, she was selected to be in the Homecoming Queen Court.
She moved to Ridley Park with her husband, the late Reverend James Harold Guy, in 1946 when he became the pastor of the Ridley Park Presbyterian Church and remained pastor for 32 years. He died in 1982.
Mrs. Guy was devoted to her family and supported activities in her husband’s churches. After suspending her career in secondary education when she married and had a family, she resumed her career as librarian at Eddystone High School in 1962 and later at Collingdale High School where she retired in 1978.
After her retirement, she served many years on the Philadelphia Presbytery Home (PPH) Women’s Auxiliary Board which raised funds for improvements at the facilities of PPH.
Mrs. Guy enjoyed listening to classical music, studying the Bible, and reading newspapers and magazines.
She will be remembered for her love and devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild.
Besides her husband, she is predeceased by her daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth Guy and her sister, Betty Jane Yates.
Mrs. Guy is survived by her sons, James H. Guy, Jr. of Sharon, Pa. and Ronald K. Guy of Downingtown; as well as her two grandchildren (Angelique Stephens of Columbia, S.C. and Kristofer R. Guy of Ridley Park), six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 7th, at 11 A.M. at the Ridley Park Presbyterian Church, 300 N. Swarthmore Avenue, in Ridley Park. Visitation with the family will be held in the church parlor from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. prior to the service. The burial will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ridley Park Presbyterian Church, 300 N. Swarthmore Avenue, Ridley Park, Pa. 19078 or to the Lupus Foundation of America, Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter, Rydal Square, 500 Old York Road, Suite 110, Jenkintown, Pa. 19046.
Condolences: To send condolences, please use the 'Condolences' option at left.
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Faith H. Sikaras
 Faith Hope Funke Sikaras, 76, a resident of Wallingford, Pa. and a former resident of Wellsville, N.Y., passed away Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.
She was born November 4, 1932, in New York City, the daughter of the late Emma Stange and Frederick R. Funke. On May 17, 1956, in Floral Park, N.Y., she married James T. Sikaras, her college sweetheart, who predeceased her in 2002. She was also predeceased by her two sisters, Bettyjane Wilson and Carolyn Ward.
Prior to moving to Wallingford, she resided in Wellsville, N.Y. for nearly 50 years. She was an extremely active member of her community, serving on the boards of the David A. Howe Library and the Jones Memorial Hospital. She was a dedicated member and President of the Monday Club. She served in many supportive roles for St. John’s Episcopal Church. She was an alumna of St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. and was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority.
Mrs. Sikaras is survived by her daughters, Cynthia (Bryan) Simmons of Wallingford and Bethany Sikaras of Clifton, Virginia; a brother, Frederick (Lucy) Funke, Jr. of New Berlin, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Alexis, Rebecca, Leonard, and Isabelle; a dear, caring sister-in-law, Martha (Robert) Driscoll of Marietta, Georgia; and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 31st, at 4 P.M. at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 301 North Chester Road, in Swarthmore. A memorial and burial service will also take place in Wellsville, N.Y. at a later date.
Condolences: To send condolences, please use the 'Condolences' option at left.
Contributions: Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Trinity Episcopal Church, 301 North Chester Road, Swarthmore, Pa. 19081 or to the David A. Howe Library of Wellsville, 155 N. Main St., Wellsville, N.Y. 14895-1149.
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Albert Edward Perry Firlein
 Albert Edward Perry Firlein, 88, a resident of Ridley Park and formerly of West Chester and Norwood, died on October 29, 2009 at the Taylor Hospice Residence in Ridley Park.
Born in Chester, Pa., he was the son of the late Ernest and Della Lewis Firlein. He attended Chester School, and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving aboard the USS Hazelwood in the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California.
Mr. Firlein had been a resident of Ridley Park since 1994, having lived in West Chester and Norwood for many years prior to that.
Mr. Firlein worked for Sun Shipyard, Congoleum, and retired in 1982 after 30 years of service with Gulf Oil Company.
He was a great handyman, and enjoyed gardening, hunting, and fishing. A Scout Master for many years, he also served as Assistant District Commissioner for the Boy Scouts.
Mr. Firlein was the husband of the late Jean Search Firlein, who died in 2001. He was also the father of the late Albert (Jerry) Firlein. He was predeceased 11 brothers and sisters, and by two grandchildren.
He is survived by his sons, Jon Firlein of Aston and James Firlein of Skippack, Pa.; his daughters, Judi Wallgren of Ridley Park and Jacquelin “Amy” Firlein of Folsom, Ridley Township; his many grandchildren and his many great-grandchildren.
His funeral service will be held on Monday, November 2nd, at 11 A.M. at The Eddystone United Methodist Church, 9th and Seville Avenues,in Eddystone. His visitation will be on Monday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the church. His burial will be in Glenwood Memorial Gardens in Marple Township.
Condolences: To send condolences, please use the 'Condolences' option at left.
Contributions: To the Memorial Fund of the Eddystone United Methodist Church, 9th & Seville Avenue, Eddystone, Pa. 19022.
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Mary E. Jefferis Kindt
Mary E. Jefferis Kindt, 90, a resident of Lancaster, Pa. and a former longtime resident of Parkside, went to be with the Lord on October 24, 2009 at Manor Care in Lancaster.
Born in Somerset, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Henry and Sarah Gnagy. Mrs. Kindt lived in Lancaster for the last two years, having lived in Elizabethtown for eight years before that. She resided in Parkside for many years before moving to Elizabethtown.
Mrs. Kindt worked for a period of time with ARA Cafeteria Services at Boeing, and then worked at a deli in Claymont, Delaware. She was a homemaker most of her life.
While living in Parkside, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Aston and was an avid bowler, having bowled in the leagues at Brookhaven Lanes.
Mrs. Kindt loved to sing with area churches and at outdoor services with her first husband, the Rev. Leonard S. Jefferis, Sr., who was an ordained non-denominational minister. She enjoyed playing bingo and was a great fan of animal animated films.
Most of all, Mrs. Kindt will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.
She is the wife of the late Gustave Kindt, and wife of the late Rev. Leonard S. Jefferis, Sr. She is also the mother of the late Leonard S. Jefferis, Jr.
She is survived by her daughters, Marie E. Cooper of Somers Point, N.J., Leona E. Jefferis of Lancaster, Pa., Sarah V. Morro of Howell, N.J., and Katherine F. Browne of Quarryville, Pa.; her sons, Walter H. Jefferis Sr. of Newark, Delaware, Edgar L. Jefferis Sr. of Morton, and Harry L. Jefferis of Dallas, Pa.; her 27 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.
Her funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood. Her visitation will be on Friday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home.Her burial will be in Glenwood Memorial Gardens in Marple Township.
Condolences: To send condolences, please use the 'Condolences' option at left.
Contributions: To the Griffith Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 56, Norwood, Pa.19074 to help expenses for the Kindt Family.
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Helen O'Donnell
Helen O’Donnell, 86, a longtime resident of Norwood and former resident of Prospect Park, died on October 26th at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.
Born in Alliance, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Julius and Helen Sloan. Mrs. O’Donnell was a resident of Norwood since 1977, having lived in Prospect Park from 1952 until moving to Norwood.
Mrs. O’Donnell was employed as a salesperson at Baily, Banks, and Biddle in Springfield for a number of years until her retirement.
She was an avid reader and maintained an extensive collection of books. She enjoyed working in her beautiful gardens and was always seen working on a new crossword puzzle. On Saturday mornings she was always off to explore the local yard and garage sales for things that would be valuable to her.
Mrs. O’Donnell was very proud of her appearance as a contestant on the game show,“Concentration” hosted by Hugh Downs in New York; where she went on to win and become the World Champion of “Concentration” in 1966.
Mrs. O’Connell loved her dog and was concerned with animal welfare throughout her life.
She will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother and grandmother.
Mrs. O’Donnell was the mother of the late William Plennert.
She is survived by her son, W. Richard O’Donnell of Barrington, N.J.; her daughters, Kathleen Frost of Coatesville and Marcia Hawley of Fairfield, Conn.; and her four grandchildren.
Her funeral service and burial will be private.
Condolences: To send condolences, please use the 'Condolences' option at left.
Contributions: To the Animal Welfare Association, 509 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, N.J. 08043
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