WILLIAM C. DuROSS

William C. DuRoss (“Bill,” “Chub”), 74, of Wilmington, Del., died on Oct. 8 at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington.

He was the husband of Margaret “Peg” Teague DuRoss, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Joseph and the late Mary (Fanning) DuRoss. He served our country from November 1958 to February 1962 in the Army. He was a mechanic for over 40 years, working for Hagley Museum/DuPont and DelDOT/State of Delaware, retiring in 2005. He was a longtime member of Holy Child Catholic Church and St. Patrick Church in Kennett Square. He owned a six-pound cannon and was a member of Brandywine Creek Gun Fighters. He enjoyed dancing, hunting, fishing and was a collector of old guns. He enjoyed playing the drums and listening to oldies. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, cookouts and holiday dinners.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife Peg, daughters Bernadette Miller (Paul), Lisa Ann Allen and her fiancé Jim McCraw of New Castle, Del.; twins sons, William Charles DuRoss, Jr., and John Joseph DuRoss, both of New Castle, Del.; five sisters, Peg Efta of New Castle, Mary Beale of New Castle, Ann Petty of North Carolina, and Edna Smith (John) of Pennsulvania; six grandchildren; stepchildren Paul Lozier, Sandra Johnson (Wally), Linda Markham (Tom); and a host of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Michael, a brother Joseph, and three sisters, Francis, Catherine and Jean.

A funeral was held Oct. 15. Interment was in the St. Patrick Cemetery. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

RANDALL L. THOMPSON

Randall Lee Thompson, 51, of Champions Gate, Fla., passed away peacefully at his residence on Oct. 6 after a courageous five-year battle with cancer.

He was the childhood sweetheart, beloved friend and husband to Dori Thompson for over 35 years. Born and raised in West Grove, he was the son of the late Paul and Stella Thompson. He attended Avon Grove High School. He worked for 18 years at Sonoco Paper Products in Downingtown, and worked his final years at his favorite vacation destination, Walt Disney World, as custodial trainer for new employees.

He will be deeply missed by his three children, Matthew Thompson of West Grove, Lydia Thompson of Galveston, Texas, and Jesse Thompson of Oxford; one grandchild, Xavier Thompson; and remembered by his devoted brothers Don Thompson of Dover, Del., Roger Thompson of West Grove; sister Wanda Shrewbrooks of Middletown, Del.; and brother-in-law Gordon Trottier of Kissimmee, Fla.; along with countless other friends and family. Randall touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end, with his political views, and the bleeping weather updates.

A memorial service was held Oct. 17. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to: Cancer Research Institute, National Headquarters, One Exchange Plaza, 55 Broadway, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10006 (www.cancerresearch.org). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

OSCAR J. CROSSON, JR.

Oscar “Monk” John Crosson, Jr., 71, of Oxford, passed away on Oct. 10 at his residence.

He was the husband of Maryetta Plebani Crosson, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, he was the son of Elizabeth Hickman Crosson of Newark, Del., and the late Oscar John Crosson, Sr. He was horseman/equestrian at Cheshire Hunt in Unionville. He was the whipper-in for Cheshire Hunt and the Cochran Hunt. He was also a huntsman for the Vic Mead Hunt. He was a member of the Unionville Presbyterian Church, the Professional Horsemen’s Association, where he had served as past president, and numerous gun clubs.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by two sons, Michael Crosson of West Grove, and John Crosson and his wife Rachel of East Earl, Pa.; two daughters, Beth Nance and her husband Daniel of Pocopson, and Amy Crosson of Oxford; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Crosson of Kennett Square; one sister, Patricia Ingle and her husband Bob of Newark, Del.; eight grandchildren, Ashlee, Brian, Carly, Lexi, Zach, David, Dylan, and Kyle; one great-grandson, Nicky; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one sister, Iva Young.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ann Esposito and Neighborhood Hospice. A visitation with the family will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Oct. 21 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His memorial service will follow at 11 a.m.  Burial will be private. If you hunted with Monk, the family requests that you wear hunting attire to the service. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Brandywine Valley Chapter Professional Horsemen’s Association (BVCPHA), c/o Nancy Tully, 226 South Union Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348; or to the Unionville Presbyterian Church, 812 Wollaston Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

BERTHA GALLAGHER FABIUCCI

Bertha Gallagher Fabiucci, 97, of Hockessin, Del., and formerly of Toughkenamon, passed away on Oct. 10, surrounded by her loving family.

She was the wife of Michael Fabiucci, who passed away in 1997, and with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Born in Kennett Square, she was the daughter of the late George G. and Mayme Nelson Gallagher. She worked as a mushroom packer for Phillips Mushroom Company for 30 years prior to her retirement. Bert had a great love for family and life, spending many years at Hollaway Beach. She will be missed by her family and many nieces and nephews.

She leaves many memories to her family, Virginia Forenski (Robert) of Hockessin, Del., with whom she resided, and Linda Thompson (Chalmer) of Newark, Del.; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Helen Detter. She was predeceased by three sisters, Margaret Allaband, Martha Bailey and Virginia Gallagher; and one brother, David Detter.

A funeral was held Oct. 17. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, P.O. Box 421, Avondale, PA 19311; or to the Avondale Fire Company, 23 Firehouse Way, Avondale, PA 19311. To leave an online condolence, visit www.griecocares.com.

MANLY J. HENDRICKSON

Manly “Nick” J. Hendrickson, 89, of Landenberg, died Oct. 11 at Heartland Hospice House in Wilmington, Del.

He was the husband of the late Betty Mae George Hendrickson, who passed in 2012, and with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. Born in New Castle, Del., he was a son of the late Manly M. and the late Henrietta (Lucus) Hendrickson. He served our country in the U.S. Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. He worked for NVF Company in Yorklyn, Del., for 45 years. He attended St. Gabriel and St. Patrick Catholic Churches with his wife during their lifetime. They loved traveling to all points of the country, especially the mountains. He loved hunting, fishing, and animals.

Survivors include two daughters, Nettie Joan Hanna (Tex) of Townsend, Del., and Linda Schroder (John) of Hustontown, Pa.; two sons, Nelson D. Hendrickson (Jean) of Nottingham, and Joseph "Nick" Hendrickson, Jr. (Edna) of Kirkwood; three brothers, Howard Hendrickson of Buck, Robert Hendrickson of Landenberg, and Sam Hendrickson of West Grove; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 19 great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two grandchildren.

A funeral was held Oct. 20. Interment was in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. Contributions in his memory may be made to Heartland Hospice, 5661 Ochletree Lane, Wilmington, DE 19808. To share a memory, visit www.griecocares.com.

PATRICIA ANTONIA LEACH

Patricia (Trish) Antonia Leach, 56, of Landenberg, died on Oct. 10 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Born in Rockville Centre, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Anton J. Juras and the late Helen Mollenhauer Juras. Trish graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., with a Bachelor’s Degree in social work and psychology. She received her Master’s Degree in elementary education from Wilmington College in Wilmington, Del. She worked as a loan officer for credit unions in Colorado, as a teacher in the Christina School District in Delaware, and as a homemaker, mother and home-school teacher to her three children. Trish loved Jesus, and she enjoyed teaching Bible studies with her home group in Landenberg and attending church at The Barn Vineyard Church. Trish loved adventure, and she traveled all across the United States. Trish loved her family, and enjoyed spending time with them. Trish loved her friends, and enjoyed giving generously to help people. Trish loved animals, enjoying her dogs and cats throughout her life.

Survivors include her husband James; her son Joshua; her daughter Jasmine Zook and Jasmine’s husband Chris Zook; her daughter Nicolette; two brothers, Richard Juras and Michael Juras; and her sister Virginia St. John.

A funeral was held Oct. 17. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Trish Leach Education Scholarship at Fulton Bank in West Grove. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

WILLIAM F. ROBINSON

William Frederick “Fred” Robinson passed away peacefully at home in Chadds Ford on Oct. 11 at the age of 76.

Fred was born in Atlanta, Ga., in 1938. He worked for Avon Products for 28 years, and retired in 1994. He enjoyed studying genealogy, golf, and boating.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janet, of nearly 58 years. They were married in 1957. Fred is lovingly remembered by his four children and their spouses, Terri Robinson of Wilmington, Del., Glenda Cameron (Don) of Landenberg, Dale Robinson (Liz) of Newark, Del., and Dwayne Robinson (Erin) of Wilmington, Del. He was an adoring grandfather to nine grandchildren, Jennifer Daher of Philadelphia, Christopher Daher of Wilmington, Peter Robinson of Wilmington, Donny Cameron of Landenberg, Amelia Hamm (Tyler) of Quarryville, Daniel, David, and Julia Robinson of Newark, and Ethan Robinson of Wilmington. Fred also leaves two great-grandchildren, Haley Daher and Lili-Ann Robinson.

A funeral was held Oct. 17. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 178, Unionville, PA 19375-0178.

ANTHONY J. TAVONI, SR.

Anthony J. Tavoni, Sr., 96, passed away on Oct. 11 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.

He was born in 1918 in his aunt’s home on Hillendale Road, Kennett Square. Tony was the first son, and second child of Grace Martelli Tavoni and Domenic Tavoni of Kennett Square. He grew up working in his father’s mushroom business, and was on the track and soccer teams at Kennett Consolidated High School. In April of 1942, he married Josephine M. DiAngelis (Pip). Later that year he entered the U.S. Army, and after boot camp, was shipped off to the war in the Pacific. Although in the infantry, he worked various jobs -- billets officer, driver, and received his corporal strip after completion of radio school. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 27, 1945, and went back to work for his father, along with his two brothers, Sam and Dom. He and Pip started their family (Vicki and Tav), and he pursued his passion by obtaining his private pilot's license that he maintained for 40 years. Golf later also became another favorite pastime. Tony was a chartered member of the American Mushroom Institute, a longtime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion, a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Kennett Square County Club, and an almost founding member of the Italian-American Club in Kennett Square.

All those he touched will miss his comradeship and wit. He became an avid reader and until the very end, he enjoyed talking and challenging you about everything and anything, especially the Phillies, history and politics.

A funeral was held Oct. 19. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. To share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ANN R. BALDWIN

Ann R. Baldwin, 84, of Lander, Wyo., passed away on Oct. 13.

Ann was born in 1931 to Parke R. and Bertha R. Rhodewalt in Oxford, Pa. She loved to travel and fly with her husband, adventuring to national parks, the beach, Alaska, Venice, and Paris. She also loved to read mystery and history books, do needlepoint, and visit with her family. And she had a special place in her heart for dogs. She was a member of the Lander chapter of the PEO. In her professional life, Ann was a gifted counselor who helped guide students in The Miami Valley School and the Kettering Fairmont High School in Ohio. She also taught math, taking special effort to bring in math history to deepen the experience for her students. Ann will be remembered for her beautiful blue eyes, the soul behind them, her sharp mind, her good heart, her ironic wit, and her strong will. She is deeply missed by her family and friends.

Her survivors include her husband of 64 years, Wayne Baldwin; son Andrew Baldwin and wife Gina; son Gregg Baldwin and husband Mark Collins; daughter Julie Baldwin and husband Dave Resch; granddaughter Sarah Reilley and Ben Reilley; grandson Adam Baldwin and wife Sarajean; grandson Nate Baldwin and wife Anna; and her great-grandchildren Natalie, Caitlin, Ze, and Azalea. She was preceded in death by her sister, Bertha R. Harris, in 2012. Visit www.hudsonsfuneralhome.com.

BRIAN D. SHULTZ

Brian Dyson Shultz, 57, of Modena, passed away on Oct. 6 at his residence.

Born in Blossburg, Pa., he was the son of Dyson Shultz of Greenfield, Mass., and Marcia Gatz Murtagh of Wysox, Pa. Brian was a site manager for Waste Oil Recyclers in Modena. He was a great outdoorsman, and enjoyed spending time in the woods, camping and kyaking. He enjoyed working and cars and was a good cabinetmaker. He enjoyed mentoring others, he was kindhearted, was curious about things and was a hard worker.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sons, Matthew D. Shultz and his wife Marisha of San Diego, Calif., and Daniel J. Shultz and his wife Jen of Oxford; two brothers, David Shultz of Manlius, N.Y., and Brandon Shultz of Pennsylvania; and two grandchildren, Justice and Agape.

His memorial meeting for worship was held Oct. 15 at the London Grove Friends Meeting. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

JOSEPH J. BISSINGER, JR.

Joseph (Joe) Bissinger, Jr., 63, died peacefully in Brandywine Hall Nursing Facility in West Chester after battling a long illness.
He is survived by his wife, Anna; children, Joseph III, Jacob, and Julia Bissinger from West Chester; Jason Bissinger, Tiffany Van Note; two granddaughters from Cape May, N.J.; his stepchildren, John Gray from Kennett Square and Megan McCambley from Pottstown; mother, Faith Williams of Christiana; siblings John Bissinger and Judi Houser from Broomall, sister-in-law Joann; niece Jeanna Bissinger from Parkesburg; nephews Timothy Houser of Broomall, and Jonathan, Joshua, and Jessee Bissinger from Cochranville. He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Bissinger, Sr.; and his sister, Dorothy (Dottsie) Bissinger of Woodlyn.

Joe was a self-employed master craftsman. Everyone who met Joe remembers him as a man of great humor who took enormous pleasure in making others laugh. Joe respected and treasured his unique relationship with each one of his family members.

At Joe’s request, the family will hold a private memorial service. Memorial donations may be given to The C.A.S.T. for Kids Program (https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/castforkids).

HELEN TOWNSEND MATSON

Helen Townsend Matson, 90, of West Grove, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Oct. 17 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

She was the wife of Thomas Matson, who passed away in 1998, and with whom she shared 28 years of marriage. Born in Jonesborough, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Frank and Lilly Mae Cole McKee. She was a certified nursing assistant at the Pocopson Home in West Chester for 10 years, before retiring. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kennett Square, the Kennett Senior Center and the Golden Slippers Dance Group. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilting and traveling.

She is survived by one son, Bobby Townsend, Jr., and his wife Mary Jane of Nottingham; one daughter, Julia A. Emery and her husband Warren of Downingtown; one sister, Mary Malone of Jonesborough, Tenn.; nine grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one son, David F. Townsend.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 21at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Quarryville Cemetery (Route 222, Quarryville). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

CHARLES E. WALLNER

Charles E. Wallner, 84, of Kennett Square, died on Oct. 16 at Southeastern Veteran’s Center in Spring City, Pa.

He was the husband of Louise Cloud Wallner, who died in September of this year, and with whom he shared 38 years of marriage. Born in Hanceville, Ala., and raised in Montgomery, Ala., he was one of six children and the son of a Lutheran minister. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a Second Lieutenant and was discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1956. He graduated from Auburn University in 1953 with a degree in mechanical engineering and worked for over 50 years as a licensed professional engineer. He was employed by the DuPont Company for 28 years as an engineer in plastics, producing the first nylon fishing line. He later served as Town Engineer and Building Inspector for the Borough of Kennett Square. With his wife, Louise, he built and renovated houses in Sea Isle City, N.J., and was loved as a host, storyteller, and boatsman. He was a devoted father and grandfather who was filled with love and pride for his children and their families.

He is survived by a son, John C. Wallner (Cristina); and a daughter, Kathleen Allen (Rich); a stepson, Edward Killheffer (Sharon); and two stepdaughters, Margaret Oplinger (Tod) and Christine Muench (David); six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Also surviving are two sisters, Edna Ruth Billings, Barbara Ann Sorter (Jack); and one brother, Francis Wallner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Cloud Wallner; brother Norman; sister Agnes; and his parents, Reverend and Mrs. Herbert E. Wallner.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 23 at Avondale Presbyterian Church (420 Pennsylvania Ave., Route 41, Avondale). A funeral ceremony celebrating his life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Longwood Cemetery.　Contributions may be made to SEVC Welfare Fund, in memory of Lt. Charles Wallner, Attn: April Harley, Southeastern Veteran’s Center, One Veterans Drive, Spring City, PA 19475. To share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ALLEN L. KINNER

Allen L. Kinner, 69, of Eaton, Ohio, formerly of Oxford, Pa., died on Oct. 14 at his home.

Born in 1946 in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of the late Estle Lloyd “Bud” and Faye Ellen (Weisenbarger) Kinner. He was a 1964 graduate of Eaton High School and served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal. He was a plastic engineer for Collins & Aikman in Havre de Grace, Md., a member of the NRA, and followed the plastic industry news for many years.

He is survived by his son, Jason A. (Ashli) Kinner, of San Jose, Calif.; brothers Sam D. and Cindy (Brown) Kinner of Eaton, Ohio; Terry and Beth (Hopkinson) Kinner of Chino Valley, Ariz.; Ellen (Kinner) and Kenny Saucier of Eaton, Ohio; grandson Eric M. Kinner; many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Oct. 21 in Ohio, with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Senior Center, 12 East Locust St., Oxford, PA 19363, in memory of Faye Kinner. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barnesfuneralhome.com.

ELIZABETH O'NEILL

Elizabeth (Liz) O’Neill, 91, died peacefully on Oct. 13 at Jenners Pond in Jennersville, after a 21-year bout with Parkinson’s disease.

She was born in 1924 in Philadelphia, the daughter of Christian and Alma Wilhjelm. She is survived by husband William O'Neill; her son Charles; her daughter Martha Belyea; and four grandchildren, Travis, Ansley, Margot and David.

She attended University of Pennsylvania and was an active alumnae and Theta. Liz and Bill were married for 63 years. In addition to raising their two children, she returned to school and received a masters degree in special education from American University, and taught at the Cathedral School in Washington, D.C. Liz and Bill enjoyed traveling and had many fun times on their excursions through Europe and the U.S. Together, they spent many a wonderful summer at their cabin on Moose Pond in Denmark, Maine.

Services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to Moose Pond Association, PO Box 674, Bridgton, ME 04009 (www.moosepondassociation.org).