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Chester County Press

Obituaries

05/07/2014 02:28PM ● By Acl

CATHERINE DeSTEFANO D'ANTONIO

Catherine DeStefano D'Antonio, 105, of Kennett Square, died on April 23 at the Jenner's Pond Retirement community in West Grove.  

She was the wife of the late Florindo D’Antonio, who died in 1988. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Pietro and the late Concetta DeCrissi DeStefano. She worked for her husband in the family business, D’Antonio Brothers Mushrooms, starting in 1928. She worked there for many years, retiring in her 80s. She was a longtime member of St. Patrick and St. Gabriel Catholic churches. She enjoyed crocheting and made beautiful afghans up until two years ago. 

Survivors include one son, Emidio D’Antonio and his wife Lena of Kennett Square; one daughter, Mary Ann Benko of Kennett Square; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, three great-great grandsons; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one brother and six sisters. 

A mass of Christian burial was held April 29. Interment was in St. Patrick Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Gabriel Church, P.O. Box 709, Avondale, PA  19311.  To share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

LOUISE O. CLASSEN

Louise O. Classen, 85, of Jennersville, formerly of Casper Wyo., died on April 24 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

She was the wife of Edward C. Classen, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage.  Born in New York, N.Y., she was a daughter of the late John and the late Edith Jacquelin (Smith) Meyerkort. Prior to marriage, she was a chemist at Brookhaven National Laboratories and a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. She was the first chair for the Cranbury New Jersey Board of Health in the 1960s.  Louise was one of the co-founders of Central Wyoming Hospice in Casper, Wyo., in the 1970s.  She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at Wyoming Medical Center and served a term as president. 

Survivors include, in addition to her husband, two daughters, Laura Classen and Julia Classen; one son, Carl Classen; and five grandchildren, Benjamin, Jennifer and Carrietta Classen and David and Ellen Pizzuto. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Linda Classen; and her sister, Margaret Dall.  

A funeral was held April 28. Interment was Brainerd Cemetery in Cranbury, N.J.  Contributions in her memory may be made to Central Wyoming Hospice, 319 South Wilson Casper, WY 82601; or to Our Savior's Lutheran Church 318 E. 6th St., Casper, WY 82601; or St. Michael Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 178, Unionville, PA 19375.  To share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com .

THOMAS EDWIN HIGH 

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Thomas Edwin High, 68, of  Elverson, passed away on April 29 at his brother's residence.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Henry L. and Eleanor Boudlich High. He was a school custodian at East Junior High School in West Chester for 34 years, retiring in 2011. In his earlier years, he worked with horses in the Unionville area. He was a member of the Ebenezer Bible Chapel in Elverson. He enjoyed going to the movies, all sports, good food, and being with his family and friends.

He is survived by one brother, Philip W. High and his wife Phyllis of West Grove; one sister, Sarah Ann Mosko and her husband Jim of Pensicola, Fla.; and one niece, Chelsea.

Service and burial were private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

DONALD RALPH HANEY, JR.

Donald Ralph Haney Jr., 59, of West Grove, died on April 19 at his home. 

Born in West Grove, he was a son of the late Donald Haney, Sr., and the late Shirley Gross. He graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1973. He was an electrical contractor in the West Grove area for most of his life.
Survivors include one sister, Lori A. Small and her husband Doug of Onancock Va.; his niece, Amanda Brewer of Wilmington, Del.; and several aunts and uncles.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on June 7 at Faggs Manor Cemetery (505 Street Rd., Cochranville). Contributions in his memory may be made to the West Grove Fire Company, PO Box 201, West Grove, PA, 19390. To share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

BARBARA E. ALBRIGHT 

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Barbara E. Albright, 60, of West Grove, passed away on April 29 at her home.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren.  

She was born in Lancaster, Pa., in 1954 to the late Robert M. and Wanda Thompson Jones. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Joseph J. Albright; two sons, Matthew R. Albright at home, James D. Albright (wife Melissa); three grandchildren, Alysa, Katelynn, and Maddox, all of Oxford; and her twin sister, Wanda K. Jones Farren of Chevy Chase, Md. 

Barbara graduated from Oxford Area High School in 1971. She was a career Army wife and passionate about supporting military families. She was always thinking of others. She was recognized by the American Red Cross and the J.C. Penney Foundation for her service to military families. Over the years, she worked at Turkey Hill, Wawa and most recently at Giant in Jennersville.  

A memorial service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on May 9 at the Penn Township Building (260 Lewis Rd., West Grove). In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital Research, ATTN: Tribute Program, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ROBERT LEWIS KEENE 

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Robert Lewis Keene, 71, of Jennersville, was led home to be with Jesus while surrounded by his family, on April 30 at Jennersville Regional Hospital. 

He was the devoted husband of Clara Bennett Keene, with whom he shared 42 years of marriage..Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Alfred Keene and Florence Knapp Keene. He served four years in the U.S. Navy, and was a  member of the American Legion. He was a production manager and plant manager for most of his working life. He was a loyal Eagles fan and loved spending time with his family more than anything. He enjoyed boating in his younger years, annual family vacations at the beach, fishing, working in his vegetable garden, canning, cooking, and holiday and birthday celebrations with his grandchildren.  He excelled at fixing things. He loved doing things for his wife and family. 

He was a  loving father to Denise Keene Mahala (husband David) of Eielson AFB, Alaska,
Kenneth Keene, Sr., of Landenberg, and Sharon Keene McAfee (husband Bill) of Jennersville; proud Pop Pop to Dylan, Jacob and Jason Mahala, Kenny Keene, Jr., Faith, Billy, Brandon and Emma McAfee; brother to Virginia Speer of Wawa, Pa., and Dorothea Todd of Havertown, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one sister, Carolyn Cundiff; and one brother, Alan Keene. 

 Memorial service and interment will be held privately at New London Presbyterian Church
Cemetery in New London. Contributions may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103; or the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

ANNA C. ANDERSON 

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Anna C. "Nana" Anderson, 85,  of Kennett Square, went home to be with the Lord on April 29 at her residence. 

She was the wife of Robert “Puggy” Anderson, who passed away in 2013, and with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. Born in Landenberg, she was the daughter of the late Catherine Pearl Warren Henry. She loved God first and was involved with anything that had to do with her church, Greater Works Ministry, and was involved with many other churches in her community.

Her passion and purpose in life was babysitting. She stopped babysitting full-time at 83, but would occasionally babysit if someone was in need of a babysitter. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends. She loved working in her garden and enjoyed the outdoors. She loved decorating the outside of her house for all occasions. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and anyone that knew her. 

She was involved with the Study Buddies for seven years, retiring  in 2006. She was the Study Buddy annual picnic organizer, with Joan Holiday. She coordinated the annual back to school book bag  and supplies program, and the annual winter coat giveaway.

She was involved with the annual angel tree program in conjunction with the YMCA. 

She was honored by the YMCA at their Healthy kids day five years ago as the "healthy Kennett citizen" at 80 years old. She ran the  Head Start program when it first started in  Kennett in the late 1970s. 

Anna is survived by one daughter, Anita Cruz of West Grove; one sister, Evelyn Butcher of Fayetteville, N.C.; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two sons, Earl Warren and Ervin Warren; and two brothers, Charles Warren and Albert Warren. 

A funeral was held May 6 at the Greater Works Ministries. Burial was in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be sent to Anita Cruz, 23 Townview Drive, West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

KENNETH A. BENSON

Kenneth A. Benson, 83, of Kennett Square, died on April 29 at the Kendal at Longwood Community in Kennett Square.  

He was the husband of Marilyn Huzzard Benson, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. Born in Montclair, N.J., he was son of the late Russell V. Benson and the late Olga Liljestrand Benson. He graduated from High School in Millburn, N.J., in 1949 and received his BChE from Yale University in 1953.  At Yale, he was president of Tau Beta Pi, The Engineering Honor Society, his senior year.  He earned his PhD ChE in 1958 from the University of Illinois. He spent 34 years working for DuPont, mostly at the experimental station in Wilmington, Del., where he met his wife, Marilyn.  They had two children, Carl L. Benson (wife Kimberly) of Crownsville, Md., and Kate Benson Ho (husband Troy) of Philadelphia.  He adored his grandchildren Kallan and Reece Benson.   He became a convinced Quaker in 1973 and was an active member of the Peace Committee at London Grove Meeting for many years.  He was a board member of the Tick Tock Early Learning Center for 20 years and a representative of London Grove Township for the Southern Chester County Refuse Authority for 17 years. 

Ken and Marilyn moved to Coniston community in 2008 from their 1840s home near Chatham, Pa.  They moved to Kendal in 2012.  Ken was always a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed. 

A memorial service will be held May 31 at 2 p.m. in the Auditorium at the Kendal at Longwood community (1109 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square).  Interment will be held privately in London Grove Friends Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Tick Tock Early Learning Center, 1694 Baltimore Pike, Avondale, PA 19311. To share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

WILLIAM ERIC BAXTER, JR.

William Eric Baxter, Jr, (Bill), 47, of Parkesburg, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on April 30. 

Born in Coatesville, he was the beloved son of Bridget Dazio McAllister and stepson of Roger McAllister of Coatesville, and the son of the late William E. Baxter, formerly of Coatesville. He was the wife of Cindy Baxter, whom he shared 26 years of marriage. He is survived by his three children, William B.J. Baxter of Honey Brook, Steven Baxter of Parkesburg, and Silest Besash of Parkesburg; and grandson Jayden Besash of Parkesburg. He is also survived by  a sister, Deana Ramirez, wife of Martin Ramirez of Parkesburg. Bill has one half-sister, Crystal Baxter of Naples, Fla., and a half-brother, Brandon Baxter, also of Naples, Fla. Bill also has two stepbrothers, Jason Mcallister and Michael Mcallister of Lancaster. 

Bill was a police officer for many years, serving in the Honey Brook Police Department as well as in Sadsburyville Township. He worked for the Unionville School District and Lauria Brothers in Coatesville (formerly known as Lukens Steel). He enjoyed the simple things in life, like fishing, hunting, mowing his yard, and spending time with his family and friends. Bill would never think twice about lending a helping hand to someone if they needed it. 

A memorial service will be held by his mother and sister on May 10 at 10 a.m. at the Gateway Church (160 Cowan Rd., Parkesburg), with a celebration of life luncheon after the service at the church. All family and friends are welcomed to attend.

ROBERT JOEL FLING, SR.

Robert (Bob) Joel Fling, Sr., 84, of Oxford, passed away on May 1 at Pinnacle Health Hospital in Harrisburg.

He was the husband of Alice Crossland Fling, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Pocopson Township, he was the son of the late Edwin D. and Verda McAllister Fling. He graduated from Unionville High School, class of 1948. He was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He served during the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service during the Vietnam War. As the flight chief at Homestead Air Force Base during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Bob ensured all aircraft were mission ready at all times. After retirement from the Air Force, he was employed with G.O. Carlson Airport in Coatesville for 30 years as an aircraft mechanic and inspector. He retired in 1995.

He was a member of the Oxford United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Cloud Kings RC Airplane Club, the Gray-Nichols Post No. 1779 VFW in Oxford, and the American Models Association. He loved animals, hunting, fishing, and building and flying radio-controlled aircraft.

He is survived by his wife; one son, Robert Joel Fling, Jr., and his wife Cheryl (“Corky”) of Oxford; three daughters, Alexa Fling of Enterprise, Ala., Julie Irons and her husband Robert Irons of Severna Park, Md., and Catherine Tennant and her husband Donald, Jr., of Kinzers;  11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Philip Fling of Honey Brook and Richard Fling of Kirkwood. He was preceded in death by a sister, Rebecca Frame.

Funeral services were held May 5 in Oxford. Internment with full military honors was in Homeville Cemetery, Homeville, Pa. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758518, Topeka, KS 66675; or the National Wildlife Foundation, 11100 Wildlife Center Dr., Reston, VA  20190; or an organization of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.