Obituaries for the week of May 4
05/05/2015 10:49AM ● By J. Chambless
CHELSIE M. DODSON
Chelsie M. Dodson, daughter of the late Ottis and Emmogene Dodson, was born in West Grove in 1947 and passed away on April 23 at Lancaster General Hospital, at the age of 67.
Chelsie was known as “Check” or “Checkie” by many. She was employed for many years at ATACs Corporation in Oxford as a team leader and head of soldering. She also worked at W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., in Newark, Del., as an assembler, where she retired in 1999. In addition to fishing and going to local mud sales, Chelsie was happiest spending time with her family and enjoying her grandchildren.
Chelsie was the wife of Donald G. Jones, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children, Belinda L. Thompson (George), Donna G. Wood (Mike), and W. Jeff Jones (Tia); six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Kathy G. Reisler of Newark, Del.; two brothers, Ottis Dodson, Jr. of Peach Bottom, and Larry Dodson of Calvert, Md.; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother.
Funeral services were held April 28. Interment was in Fremont Cemetery in Nottingham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Little Britain Park in East Drumore Township, Pa.
CHARLES L. MALIN
Charles L. Malin, 73, of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully on April 27 at the Pocopson Home.
Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Hazel Malin Pugh. He was a lifelong resident of Kennett Square, and he attended Kennett High School. He was a machine operator at the NVF Company, where he worked alongside his mother and cousin Greta, retiring after 27 years of service.
He is survived by his cousin, Greta L. Jewett, who shared his life for 73 years. He is also survived by his cousins, Ronald Eichelberger of Honolulu, Hi., and Roy (Sam) Thompson and J. Douglas (Doug) Thompson, both of Wilmington, Del. He was predeceased by his sister, Janet L. Malin, in 2000. His graveside service will be at 1 p.m. on May 1 at the New Garden Friends Cemetery, Newark Road, New Garden Township. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.
MARTHA R. WILSON
Martha R. Wilson, 92, of West Grove, passed away on April 24 at her residence.
She was the wife of Robert T. Wilson, Sr., who passed away in 2005, and with whom she shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Roy S. and Ruth Jackson Mayo. She was a homemaker, but most importantly, she was a mother. She was an avid reader and she enjoyed poetry, enjoyed gardening, fishing, cooking, baking, bird watching, doing crafts and especially enjoyed holiday gatherings and Sunday dinners with her family. Her family was her life. She always made people feel welcome in her home and she never met a stranger.
She is survived by three sons, Robert T. Wilson, Jr., and his wife Edith of West Grove, Timothy A. Wilson and his wife Gwen of West Grove, and George R. Wilson and his wife Teresa of West Grove; two daughters, Ruth R. Mallard of West Grove, and Helen W. Bautista of West Grove; three brothers, Roy Mayo of Newark, Del., Leon Mayo of Illinois and Donald Mayo of West Grove; one sister, Lillian Crampton of Avondale; 13 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one son, James K. Wilson.
A memorial service was held May 1. Burial was in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.
ALLEN CLYDE MAINS, SR.
Allen Clyde Mains, Sr., 94, of Toughkenamon, passed away on April 27 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.
He was the husband of the late Marie Ward Mains. Born in Shouns, Tenn., he was the son of the late Brownlow and Zilda Tester Mains. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in World War II. He was a retired carpenter. Clyde was a member of the Wm. W. Fahey Post 491 American Legion, Kennett Square. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, watching Eagles football games and NASCAR.
He is survived by one son, Allen C. Mains, Jr. (Evelyn) of Landenberg; one daughter, Sherry Potter (Donald) of Lincoln University; two grandchildren, Donald Potter, Jr. (Jeannie), and Tina Pairo (Larry); and four great-grandchildren, Timmy, Shelby, Alexis, and Donny. He was preceded in death by two brothers, William Mains and Charles Mains.
Funeral services were held May 2. Interment with full military honors was in Homeville Cemetery in Cochranville. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Wm. W. Fahey Post 491 American Legion, 208 E. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348.
Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
DAVID M. CSERNICA
David M. Csernica, 79, of Kennett Square, passed away on April 28 at the Harrison House Senior Living facility after a long illness with Parkinson’s disease.
He was predeceased by his wife, Stefanie Zienkiewicz Csernica, who died in 2012, and with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. Born in 1935 in Bayonne, N.J., to Joseph and Anna Csernica, he graduated from Bayonne High School and St. Peters College in Jersey City. He worked his entire career at DuPont for 33 years, and retired at the age of 55. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Kennett Square. David was an avid New York Giants and Mets fan, a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend.
He is survived by six children, Jacky, wife of Terry Cooley of Dallas, Texas, David Csernica and his wife Jolie of Havertown, Pa., Lisa, wife of Michael Rotella of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; Micky Csernica and his wife Gillian of Kennett Square, Joey, wife of Tim Sipes of Downingtown, and Tommy Csernica of Kennett Square. He is also survived by two brothers, Joseph and Theodore; 14 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one sister, Justine Paster.
A funeral was held May 4. Burial was in St. Patrick's Cemetery. In memory of David, a contribution may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018, or or www.parkinson.org. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.
CAROLINE M. HEIMBERGER
Caroline M. Heimberger, of Kennett Square, passed away on April 27 at the age of 88.
She was the wife of George J. Heimberger, who passed away in 2012, and with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. She was born in Richfield, Pa., in 1926 to Jerome Graybill and Naomi (Elsasser). She graduated from Susquehanna University in 1948 with a major in science and mathematics, and started her teaching career in the Mifflintown public school. She served in the Special Services of the U.S. Army in Okinawa, where she established a library for the occupation troops. Later, while serving in the library at Ft. Meade, she met her husband, 1st Lt. George J. Heimberger. They were married in the chapel at Ft. Meade in 1952. In the 1960s, the Heimbergers moved to Lehighton, Pa., where Caroline worked in the Lehighton area public schools and earned a masters degree in guidance and counseling at Lehigh University. When her husband transferred to Wilmington, Del., she worked in the guidance department at Unionville High School for 24 years. While at UHS, she introduced programs in career education and work experience. A member of St. Michael Lutheran Church since 1966, she served on the landscaping and gardening committees.
She enjoyed family, travel, and gardening. In retirement, she took the Master Gardener program offered by the Chester County Extension Service and volunteered on projects, including the Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square. Her love and enjoyment of other people always included a tour of her garden and a few plants to take home.
She is survived by two sons, Keith Allen and James Edward; her daughter-in-law Robin Joy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Her viewing will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on May 11 at the Kuzo and Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Michael Lutheran Church (109 E. Doe Run Rd., Unionville). Burial will be at 11 a.m. on May 12 at the Richfield Community Cemetery in Richfield, Pa. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.
JOSEPH F. MYERS, SR.
Joseph Franklin Myers, Sr., 82, of Hamorton, Pa., went to be with the Lord on May 1, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in 1933 to Charles A. Myers and Georgia M. Myers of Hamorton, Pa. Married for 57 years, he was and always will be the beloved husband of Miriam (Rohr) Myers. He was the cherished father of five children, Ruth Elaine (Joseph) Latorre, Joseph Franklin Myers Jr. (special friend Katherine), Mark Wayne Myers (special friend Carol), Thomas Owen Myers, and Patricia Anders (Kenneth) Ashley. He is also survived and loved by two sisters, Elizabeth Bogle and Shirley Corkell; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Joseph was a graduate of Kennett High School (1951), and Goldey Beacon School of Business. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was employed at Wilmington Trust, Dean Witter, Laird Bissell & Mead Stockbrokers, and spent the remainder of his career working at Longwood Gardens until retirement, following in his father’s footsteps.
Joseph was an active member of the Longwood Volunteer Fire Company, Kennett Masonic Lodge No. 475, and East Lynn Grange, where he organized the lively pinochle tournaments for many years. He was an avid bowler, and after retirement, he continued to use his accounting skills to prepare taxes for clients and friends, and was a very important “M” in M&M Automotive. He was baptized, attended and was involved in Willowdale Chapel of Kennett Square since 1960.
There will be a visitation with family and friends from 9 to 11 a.m. on May 8 at the Willowdale Chapel (675 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square). His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Longwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to: Willowdale Chapel, 111 Marshall Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. To leave an online condolence, visit www.griecocares.com.
SEAN MAURICE BENNETT, JR.
Sean Maurice Bennett, Jr., 15, of Avondale, passed away on April 29 at the Christiana Hospital.
Born in Rockingham, N.C., he was the son of Sean M. Bennett, Sr., and Raquel Pagan Bennett of Avondale. Sean was a student at Kennett High School, where during his freshman year he was a member of the football team and the track team. He previously attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Chatham. He enjoyed long boarding, listening to music, playing video games, the beach and football.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by one brother, Damian Maurice Bennett of Avondale; three sisters, Courtney Nicole Bennett of Avondale, Dana Marie Bennett of Avondale, and Lyric Chanel Bennett of Denver, Colo.; his paternal grandfather, Willie Bennett of Hamlet, N.C.; and his maternal grandparents, Virginio and Hermelinda Pagan of Kennett Square.
His memorial service was held May 5. Burial was private. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.grieoccares.com.
JENNIE GIOFFREDI
Jennie Gioffredi, 100, of Landenberg, passed away on April 30 at her residence.
She was the wife Archemedi “Arkie” Gioffredi, who passed away in 1983, and with whom she shared 35 years of marriage. Born in Enterprise, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Giovanni and Eurosia Ori Bertogli. She was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed baking bread, sewing, needlepoint, gardening, and especially being with her family.
She is survived by one son, John Gioffredi and his wife Nancy of Landenberg; and loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sons, David J. Gioffredi and Dennis Eugene Gioffredi; one brother, Eugene Bertogli; and two sisters, Louise Guizzetti and Olympia Pizzini.
A funeral was held May 5.Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In memory of Jennie, a contribution may be made to Heartland Hospice, 5 Christy Drive, Chadds Ford, PA 19317. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.
ROBERT A. NAEGELY, JR.
Robert Alexander Naegely, Jr., 80, of Unionville, passed away at home on April 25.
Born and raised in Philadelphia and later Upper Darby, he was the son of the late Robert Alexander Naegely and the late Gladys Giles Naegely. He was a graduate of Upper Darby High School and Duke University. He served our country in the United States Army.
He was the beloved husband of Joanna Buono Naegely; father of Rob Naegely and Beth Foster; grandfather of Anna Naegely and Elsa Foster; and brother of the late Patricia Naegely Root. Burial was held privately in Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill. Memorial donations to Willow Tree Hospice or Chester County SPCA would be appreciated.
SHERRY LYNN ALBERT
Sherry Lynn Albert, 66, of Kennett Square, passed away on April 20.
Born and raised in Kennett Square, she was the daughter of the late Robert Messick and the late Evelyn Major Messick. After graduating from Kennett High School in 1966, Sherry began her life devotion to the deaf. Although her first introduction of formal training began at the John Roberts Powers School of Modeling, her dharma training matriculated at Gallaudet University under the direction of Gil Eastman and Malzhuhn, where her skills in non-verbal communication and reverse interpreting were certified. This pilot program was the first in the country to formalize the instruction of interpreting. Sherry would further her education through many programs and studies at Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, Orleans Technical Institute and West Chester University. In 1973, she began her professional career for the Deaf Hearing Communication Center in Springfield, Pa. She would continue to teach ASL at Elizabethtown College for 30 years. Sherry was a freelance interpreter. She signed in the educational system at the high school and university levels throughout the region, the prisons and legal court system for civil, family and criminal proceedings. Her audience expanded into conferences, professional workshops, fundraising telethons and numerous types of television shows.
Sherry’s presence was requested by President Carter and President Reagan to attend and participate in the annual meeting of the President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. Governor Dick Thornburgh, Mayor Rizzo and Mayor Goode, President George HW Bush all looked to Sherry to help deliver their messages. During the 1992 presidential campaign, then-Governor Bill Clinton would make the request that Sherry be available as he came to the region.
She was bestowed a Lifetime of Achievement from the PA Society for the Advancement of the Deaf, “Interpreter of the Year” from the PA Registry and Greater Pittsburgh Registry of Interpreters.
She enjoyed participating in regional theatrical productions that encompassed dance along with signing, many which she coordinated.
She was the beloved mother of Lynette Albert, and Nathan Albert and his wife Jacy Arrison; grandmother of Alayya, Valencia, Mercedi, Savana, Rylan, Ginger, Isla, Fallon and Declan; sister of Robert E. Messick, Jr. and his wife Pat.
Per her request, services will be private. Memorial donations would be appreciated to the Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre, Inc., 630 Fairview Road, Suite 100, Swathmore, PA 19081 (www.dhcc.org); or the Kennett Square VFW, 704 West Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, PA 19348.
ALICE D. STROHMAIER
Alice D. Strohmaier, 83, of Oxford, passed away on April 29 at her home.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Christian Strohmaier, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage. Born in Wilmington, Del., she was the daughter of the late Samuel J. and Jane T. McCafferty Durney. She was employed with Purina Company in Wilmington until she married. After she raised her family, she was employed with the Oxford Senior Center for 20 years as a bookkeeper and retired in 2010. Alice was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford. She enjoyed spending time at the beach with her family.
She is survived by five children, Thomas Strohmaier and his wife Leisa of Guilford, Conn., Patricia Sexton of Indiana, Pa., David Strohmaier of Oxford, Karen Post and her husband Robert of Hiawassee, Ga., and Christian E. Strohmaier of Kennett Square; six grandchildren, Jason, Megan, Nicole, Anna, Christian and Stephanie; four great-grandchildren, Hannah, Hailey, Teanna and Garrett; one brother, John Durney and his wife MaryEllen of East Stroudsburg, Pa.; one brother-in-law, Gottlieb Strohmaier and his wife Marie of Oxford; and sister-in-law Doris Strohmaier of Rising Sun, Md. She was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters.
A funeral was held May 4. Interment was in Union Cemetery in Kirkwood. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Oxford Senior Center, 12 East Locust St., Oxford, PA 19363; or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
WILLIAM A. HICKLEN
William A. Hicklen, 79, of Oxford, passed on April 28 at Jennersville Regional Hospital.
He was the husband of Brenda L. McMillan Hicklen, with whom he shared 17 years of marriage. Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late John and Cora Glover Hicklen. He was a resident of Oxford for 32 years. He retired as a police officer in Coatesville, South Coatesville and Caln Township, and fireman for the Coatesville VA Hospital. He enjoyed hunting.
He is survived by his wife; four daughters, Donna Curry (Michael) of Coatesville, Shirley Artis of Exton, Denise Hicklen of Lancaster, and Sharon Kargbo of Coatesville; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five stepchildren, Darlene Robbins (Morgan) of Bel Air, Md., Tyrone Reeves (Vicky) of Oxford, Jerry Reeves (Elizabeth) of Lancaster, Eric Reeves (Sharon) of Morgantown, and Charlene Chandler (Bornell) of Sicklerville, N.J.; eight step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; and three brothers, Clement Hicklen (Carolyn) of Snellville, Ga., Nelson Hicklen (Betty Ann) of Coatesville, and Tony Hicklen (Gloria) of Coatesville.
A home-going service will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on May 9 at the Oxford Presbyterian Church (6 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may call from 8 to 10 a.m. Interment will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park in West Chester. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to DaVita Jennersville Dialysis Center, 1011 W. Baltimore Pike, West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
DOROTHY G. HAYS
Dorothy Griffin Hays, 72, of Nottingham, passed away on May 2 at the Christiana Hospital Hospice unit.
She was the wife of John M. Hays, with whom she celebrated 28 years of marriage. Born in Coatesville, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Laura Mae Clemens Griffin. Dot was a member of the Eagles Club of Oxford, where she was a past Grand Maiden President and a member of the Degree of Pocahontas Oxford. She enjoyed camping, riding on the back of a motorcycle, her dog Snuggles, and was an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan. She truly enjoyed driving the school bus and her kids on it, but mostly she enjoyed spending time with her family.
In addition to her husband, Dot is survived by her daughter, Terri Viers of Mt. City, Tenn., a son, William Chesnet (Deborah) of Oxford; stepchildren, John M. Hays, Jr.(Elizabeth) of Oxford, Michael Hays of Oxford, Victoria Murray of Nottingham, and Lynn Johnston of Coatesville; 15 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren; a brother, John Griffin; and a sister, Ethel Calhoun, both of Coatesville. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Tonya McDaniel; and a sister, Erma Jones.
Dot’s funeral will be held on May 6 at 11 a.m. at the Ruffenach Family Funeral Home (224 Penn Ave., Oxford). Interment followed in the Little Britain Presbyterian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dot's memory can be made to the Helen F. Graham Cancer and Research Center, 4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713. Online condolences may be made at www.ruffenachfuneralhome.com.
