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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of Sept. 28

09/29/2015 09:42AM ● By J. Chambless

KEVIN B. TYNES

Kevin Bernard Tynes, 50, passed away on Sept. 11 at Riddle Hospital.

He was the son of Edward I. Tynes, Sr., and Patricia Tynes of Kennett Square. Kevin was born in 1965 in Chester County. He grew up in Kennett Square and graduated from Kennett High School, class of 1984. Kevin enjoyed working with his hands and was a very skilled tradesman and mason. He enjoyed relaxing and watching TV, joking with family and friends. Mostly, he enjoyed working hard to bring a smile to his children’s faces.

He is survived by his mother, Patricia Tynes of Kennett Square; two sons, Kevron Bernard Tynes (Brandy) of Avondale, and Kaleb Tynes; four daughters, Kelsey Tynes, Jasmine Morefield-Tynes, Kayla Morefield-Tynes, and Kamryn Morefield-Tynes, all of Kennett Square; one brother, Edward I. Tynes, Jr., of New Castle, Del.; one sister, Tonya Price of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; one grandson, Liam A. Tynes of Avondale; and his companion, Jodie Morefield of Kennett Square. Kevin was predeceased by his father, Edward I. Tynes, Sr.; and his grandmother, Sarah Brison-Walls.

A funeral was held Sept. 23. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Morefield-Tynes Children痴 Fund; a fund set up for the benefit of his minor children. Checks may be made payable to: The Morefield - Tynes Children's Fund,131 Garner Drive, Avondale, PA 19311. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

PAUL L. SIMMERS

Paul L. Simmers, 77, of Oxford, formerly of Nottingham, passed away Sept. 20 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

He was the husband of Joan L. Shank , with whom he shared 30 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late Paul G. and Frances C. Simmers. He was employed with Longwood Gardens for 36 years and retired in 2000. He was a member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Oxford, and Penn Dutch Pacers Volksmarch Club.

He is survived by his wife; three children, Darlene Sosis (Jay) of Coatesville, Daniel Simmers (Neeia) of Bay City, Texas, and Daphne Mitchell (Marvin) of Deluth, Ga.; four stepchildren, Sharon McGrath (Mark) of Ephrata, Kathleen Ball (Brian) of Euless, Texas, William Brittingham (Michelle) of Nottingham, and Robert Brittingham (Sandra) of Carneys Point, N.J.; 15 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Genevieve Doland of Atglen, Joanne Szakos (Joseph) of Hellertown, and Louise Kreuter (Andrew) of Toughkenamon. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Peter Dolan.

A memorial service was held Sept. 26. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, 750 E. King St., Lancaster, PA 17602. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

VITTORIO U. SIRIANNI

Vittorio U. Sirianni, 88, of Kennett Square, passed away on Sept. 20 at the LifeCare Hospital of Chester County.

He was the husband of Rosina Fazio Sirianni, who passed away in 2010, and with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Accaria, Catanzaro, Italy, he was the son of the late Antonio and Antonia Lio Sirianni. He was a circuitry assembler at the NVF Company in Kennett Square for 37 years, retiring in 1992. Vittorio was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Kennett Square. He enjoyed gardening, and being with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by three daughters, Vittoria Baker and her husband Robert of Kennett Square, Sisina Sirianni of Kennett Square, and Maria Miller and her husband Randy of Jennersville; six  grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Antonio Fazio of Kennett Square, and Antonio Aiello of Italy; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, Guglielmo Sirianni; and one sister, Aldina Sirianni.

A funeral was held Sept. 25. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, 205 Lafayette Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348; or to the LifeCare Hospitals of Chester County, 3rd Floor, 400 East Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

RONALD E. SCHMIDT, SR.

Ronald E. Schmidt, Sr., 76, of the Calvert area/Rising Sun, Md., passed away on Sept. 16 at Union Hospital in Elkton, Md.

He was the husband of Theresa C. Griffith Schmidt, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Virginia Gilley Schmidt. He was a retired auto dealership owner, and was also a bus driver with Benjamin and Marshall Bus Companies. Ronald was a member of Good Shepherd Parish in Perryville, Md. He was also a member and past president of the Rising Sun Lions Club, past president of the Better Business Association, and court clerk for the Baltimore City Courts. He loved baseball, westerns, train rides, Christmas and the ocean.

He is survived by his wife; one son, Ronald E. Schmidt, Jr. (Melissa) of Rising Sun, Md.; two daughters, Theresa C. Springel (Anthony) and Michelle L. Rash (John), all of Rising Sun, Md.; eight grandchildren, Christopher Buell, Lauren Springel, Ethan Springel, Marissa Rash, Randall Rash, Robert Rash, Daniel Rash, and Alyson Schmidt; one great-grandson, Bryson Buell; and one brother, William H. Schmidt (Joan T.) of Airville, Pa. He was preceded in death by a sister, Paula V. Benton; and uncle, William R. Gilley.

Ronald was a loving husband, father and grandfather. His greatest joy in life was his children and grandchildren. His passing will leave a void in our hearts that not even time can heal.

A memorial service was held Sept. 26. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in c/o Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford, PA 19363 to assist with expenses. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

WILEY E. PAISLEY

Wiley E. Paisley, 95, of Landenberg, went home to be with his Lord on Sept. 17.

He was the husband of Ollie Greer Paisley, with whom he shared 73 years of marriage. Born in Piney Creek, N.C., he was the son of the late Lee Gordon Paisley and Phoebe Jane Caldwell Paisley. Wiley was a machine tender of the NVF Company in Yorklyn, Del., for over 30 years, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene in West Grove. He was one of the original members of the North Carolina Ridge Runners. He enjoyed traveling to Potter County, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and being with his family and friends. He served his country in World War II as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Garland Paisley of New London, Arnold Paisley and his wife Sandy of Downingtown, and Marvin Paisley and his wife Judy of West Grove; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Wiley was predeceased by five brothers, Hershall Paisley, Cecil Paisley, Wilder Paisley, Thomas Paisley and Dale Paisley; and seven sisters, Ida DeBoard, Erie Caldwell, Dora Halsey, Reba Wallace, Edna Paisley, Donna Caldwell and Annie Caldwell.

A visitation was held Sept. 23. Burial was in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Tim Leonzio Foundation, VTEFD, Attn: Lynn Cox, 555 Hyetts Corner Road, Middletown, DE 19709. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

WILLIAM M. WOLF

William M. Wolf, 88, of Oxford, passed away Sept. 18 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

He was the husband of Frances Grason Wolf, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. Born in Hayesville, he was the son of the late Earl and Ella McKinney Wolf. William was a veteran of the US Army, serving in the Korean War. He retired in 1985 after 40 years of service with PECO. He was a member of the Nottingham Presbyterian Church, Oxford Hunt Club, and PECO Quarter Century Club.

He is survived by his wife, and one brother, Earl Wolf, Jr., of Wyoming. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Lawrence and Nathan Wolf.

A funeral was held Sept. 22. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

WILLIAM G. SMITH

William G. Smith, 95, of West Grove, passed away Sept. 20 at his home.

He was the husband of Goldie R. Gray Smith, with whom he shared 74 years of marriage. Born in Forrestville, Pa., he was the son of the late George and Mary Letitia Massey Smith. William attended the First Baptist Church of Oxford. He was employed with Joseph Coates of Oxford, Abernathy’s Auto Body in Avondale, and owned and operated his body shop in West Grove. He enjoyed rebuilding farm tractors and hay wagons.

He is survived by his wife; two children, Randy W. Smith and Faye A. Hipkins, both of West Grove; two grandchildren, Douglas Allen Hipkins, Jr., and Renee Lynn Smith; three great-grandchildren, Kiersten Hutchinson, Maryn Hipkins and Rachel Hipkins; brother, Howard Smith; and sister, Dorothy Maher. He was preceded in death by a three brothers, Harold Smith, George Smith, Jr., and Roland Smith; and sister, Janet Dudley.

Funeral services were held Sept. 24. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Canine Partners for Life, 334 Faggs Manor Rd., Cochranville, PA 19330. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JEAN MADGE DEMPSEY SWAYNE

Jean Madge Dempsey Swayne, 93, of West Grove, died Sept. 20 at home in West Grove.

She was the wife of the late William E. Swayne, Sr., who died in 2002, and with whom she shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Liberty Grove, Md., she was a daughter of the late Roland and the late Ethel (Moulton) Dempsey. Jean was a longtime member of the West Grove Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed vacationing at the Thunder Hill Gun Club in Potter County with her husband. She was an amazing cook. Her signature dishes included her bean soup with dumplings and apple crisp.

Survivors include three sons, William, Jr., of West Grove, Joseph (Nancy) of Wilmington, Del., and Thomas (Mable) of Newark, Del.; one daughter, Deborah Reinike (Allan) of Hillsboro, Tenn.; two sisters, Annie Clendenin of West Grove and Virginia Roberts of Smyrna, Del.; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral was held Sept. 24 at West Grove Presbyterian Church. Interment was in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Del. Contributions in her memory may be made to either to West Grove Presbyterian Church, 139 West Evergreen St., West Grove, PA 19390; or to Neighborhood Hospice, 795 E. Marshall St., Suite 204, West Chester PA 19380. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

DENNIS K. HETRICK

Dennis Kime Hetrick, 89, of Cochranville, died on Sept. 11 at the Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

He was the husband of Louise M. DeLillo Hetrick, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. Born in DuBois, Pa., he was a son of the late Bertram A. and the late Louise (Kime) Hetrick. He served during World War II in the Air Force as an aerial gunner in Europe, and following served on air/sea rescue crash boats. He was a commercial insurance adjuster for many years. He also fulfilled a dream of moving to the west coast with his family and owning his own commercial fishing boat, for which he trolled the pacific for salmon and tuna. He enjoyed sculpting and furniture making. In recent years, he owned and operated his own business, GMAR Company, an architectural elements firm. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oxford.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, two daughters, Denise Ciotti and her husband John Ciotti; and Lisa Ventresca, both of Wilmington, Del.; one sister, Avis Serafini of Hagerstown, Md.; six grandchildren, John Ciotti, Jr., and his wife Katherine Ciotti, Alexis Ciotti, Meredith Ciotti, Julia McDerby and her husband Brian McDerby, Michael Donnelly and Keenan Donnelly; and, two great-grandchildren, Charlotte McDerby and Antonella Ciotti. He was predeceased by a brother, Keith A. Hetrick of Shreveport, La.

A memorial service was held Sept. 28. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

PETER J. HUF

Peter “Pete” J. Huf, 57, Kennett Square, died on Sept. 15 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Born in Omaha, Neb., but raised in Chester County, he was a son of Dorothy (Pierce) Huf and the late Gustav F. Huf of Kennett Square. He graduated from Upland County Day School and Kennett High School. Pete was a talented stone mason who was also skilled in other trades. Hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends were among his favorite things. He was known for his sense of humor and love of the great outdoors.

Along with his mother, survivors include one daughter, Mya Frantz of Morgantown, Pa.; one son, Jed Huf of Oxford; two grandchildren, Nevin and Lilyanna Frantz of Morgantown, Pa.; three brothers, Mark Huf and his wife Suzanne of Oxford, David Huf and his wife Kala of Cotopaxi, Colo., and Paul Huf and his wife Rosemary of Charles Town, W.Va.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Nov. 7 at St. Michaels Lutheran Church (109 E. Doe Run Rd., Unionville, Pa.). A memorial service in celebration of his life will follow at 11a.m. Contributions in his memory may be made to The Land Conservancy of Southern Chester County, P.O. Box 734, Unionville PA 19375. To view his online tribute, visit www.griecocares.com.

KATRINA REBEKAH WESTON

Katrina Rebekah Weston, born on July 8, 1991, went on to glory with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the home of her parents in Cochranville on Sept. 14, surrounded by her family, after a four-month battle with colon cancer.

Born in High River, Alberta, Canada, she was a daughter of Brent and Gowmatie Romona (Samlall) Weston. Katrina earned a double bachelor’s degree, one in Bible and the other in elementary education, graduating summa cum laude from Cairn University in 2014. She also earned an associate’s degree -- as the youngest student of all time – in elementary education, graduating summa cum laude from Delaware Technical and Community College in 2010. She spent the last academic year teaching fifth grade to underprivileged children at Hunting Park Christian Academy in Philadelphia. She had ambitions to teach English as a second language as a Christian missionary.

Survivors include, in addition to her parents, one brother, Jonathan (Alisha); five sisters, Jayla, Naomi, Faith Lowe (Lucas), Heidi and Victoria; nephew and nieces, Lucas, Serena, and Elizabeth; her grandmother, Bev Weston; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Special condolences to her loving boyfriend, Rob Timlin, Jr.

A funeral was held Sept. 19 at Bible Baptist Church of West Chester. Interment was in Longwood Cemetery in Kennett Square. Contributions in her memory may be made to a scholarship in her name at Cairn University (215-702-4395). To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

LEE HUGHES

Lee Hughes, 84, of West Grove, died on Sept. 22 at his home in West Grove.

He was the husband of Mary Badger Hughes, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Mitchell, N.C., he was a son of the late Garfa and the late Sena Barnett Hughes. Lee was a retired machine operator for NVF Company in Yorklyn, Del. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and watching “Smack Down” wrestling and Nascar.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, two daughters, Sandra Lee Hughes and Pamela Diane Bell (Andy); a sister, Olene Hutchings (Everett); one granddaughter, Crystal Roark; one grandson, Andrew Bell III; and a great-grandson, Connor Domurad. He was predeceased by a brother, L.C., in 2010.

A funeral was held Sept. 29. Interment was in New London Presbyterian Cemetery. To view his online obituary, visit www.griecocares.com.

LANCE D. REISLER

Lance Dale Reisler, 68, died on Sept. 13 at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton.

He was born in 1946 in Oxford, the son of the late Donald and Helen (Garrett) Reisler. He graduated from Oxford Area High School in 1964. He retired from Lukens Steel Company in Coatesville. A former resident of the Oxford area, he recently resided in Scranton. He was a member of St. Peter's Cathedral in Scranton. He was a kind loving and caring man. He will be missed dearly.

He is survived by one niece, Melissa Reisler of Newark, Del.; one nephew, Gary Reisler of Laurel, Del.; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Kameron of Anchorage, Alaska, Lila and Dalton of Laurel, Del., Sandie, Carisa, Kari, Aubrey, Harmonie and Gabriel, all of Newark, Del.; and sister-in-law Kathy Reisler of Newark, Del. He was predeceased by a brother, Gary Reisler.

Interment was private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

DAVID L. MUNDAY

David Lee Munday, 51, of Avondale, passed away on Sept. 23 at his home.

Born in West Grove, he was the son of Irma Doss Munday of Avondale and the late Dale L. Munday, Sr. He is survived by his mother; son, Tyler Munday and his mother, Michele Jackson of Moyock, N.C.; two sisters, Janice L. Munday of Avondale and Judy L. (Dennis) Laub of Cochranville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Dale L. Munday, Jr.; and sister, Joyce L. Blevins.

Services were private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

THOMAS P. VAHEY

Thomas “Tommy” P. Vahey, 71, of Cochranville, went to be with his Lord on Sept. 24 at his home.

He was the husband of Roberta Work Vahey, with whom he shared 24 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Michael and the late Sabina (Shevlane) Vahey. Tommy was a 1962 graduate of Bonner High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Villanova University. He was a longtime bartender in the area and eventually owned his own restaurant, Seamus Mulligan's Pub, in Kennett Square. He was a longtime active member of Brandywine Baptist Church and the Concord Masonic Lodge F.&A.M. 0625. He enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his family and friends, especially his dog, Maggie-Mae.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, three brothers, Joseph (Pat), Harold (Regina), and Michael “Jack” (Ginny); two sisters, Joan McCray and Mary Mallee; five daughters, Traci Nardo of Newark, Del., Jodi Vahey (Paul Pappili) of Wilmington, Del., Kelly Vahey of Leland, N.C., Robyn Welsh (Scott) of West Grove, and Anita Snow (John) of Kennett Square; one son, Anthony Pannell (Kim) of Kennett Square; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and one great-grandson. He was predeceased by one sister, Kathleen “Cass” Lyons.

A visitation with family and friends will be held Oct. 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St. Kennett Square), and from 10 to 11a.m. Oct. 2 at the Brandywine Baptist Church (1463 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford). His funeral service will follow 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to the church at P.O. Box 162 Chadds Ford, PA 19317. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ERNEST S. GOSS

Ernest S. Goss, 58, of Coatesville, died on Sept. 23 at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester.

He was the husband of Marjorie “Midge” Brockett Goss, with whom he shared 32 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, he was a son of the late Samuel L. and the late Elinor (Cook) Goss. He was a computer technician working for DecisionOne at DuPont Corporation in Wilmington, Del. Ernest was a 1974 graduate of Kennett High School. He was also a longtime member of the Kennett Fire Company and served as an EMT for many years. He was a model train enthusiast, loved antique car shows, was a good cook and could fix anything.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Sara E. Goss and Samantha L Goss, both of Coatesville; two brothers, Gary S. Goss (Nance) of Christiana, and Galen L. Goss (Amy) of Fairfax Station, Va.; and two sisters, Kathleen “Kasey” Goss (Scott Danforth) of Missoula, Mont., and Joye (Joyce Reynolds) Wilcox (Steven) of Cocoa, Fla. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, lots of cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by a stepbrother, Curt Reynolds.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 30 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 1 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A funeral celebrating his life will be at 11 a.m. Thursday. Interment will be private. Contributions in his memory are encouraged to a gofundme campaign, “Goss Daughters College,” to establish college funds for his daughters. To view his online obit and to share memories with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.