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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of Feb. 29

02/29/2016 12:07PM ● By J. Chambless

EARL K. RIGLER, SR.

Earl Kenneth Rigler, Sr., 89, passed away on Feb. 25 at his home in Landenberg, surrounded by his beloved wife and family.

Earl was born in 1926 in Landenberg. He was the son of William and Lydia Crossan Rigler. He attended Kennett Consolidated School District, and served in the U.S. Army, with deployment to the European theater during World War II. In 1949, he was married to Alma Hendrickson, also of Landenberg. He worked at the E.I. DuPont Experimental Station until his retirement in 1992 following 40 years of service. He played baseball throughout his youth, including for Kennett High School; he had a .461 batting average in 1943. He continued playing baseball during his time in the Army, where he played catcher for the 47th Infantry Raiders. Earl was honorably discharged from the service in 1946 with the rank of Sergeant. In 2007, he was inducted into the Kennett Old Timers Baseball Hall of Fame. Earl was an avid sports fan. He especially enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. He also was a skilled craftsman. He built the Chester County fieldstone home that he and Alma shared for the past 52 years, and enjoyed restoring antique furniture, doing metalwork, and growing and sharing vegetables with his neighbors.

Earl is survived by his wife of 67 years, Alma; his son and daughter-in-law, Earl Jr. and Linda Rigler; two sisters, Helen Oliveri and Margaret Lore; eight grandchildren, Jess, Alicia, Monica, Melissa, Todd, Bill, Gina, and Tyler, and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael; and two brothers and three sisters.

A visitation with friends and family will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on March 5 at Landenberg United Methodist Church (205 Penn Green Rd., Landenberg, PA 19350). His memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in Earl’s memory may be made to the church at the aforementioned address. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

EUGENE F. COYLE

Eugene “Mose” F. Coyle, 84, of Oxford, died on Feb. 19 at the Hospital Of The University Of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

He was the husband of the late Marie Elser Coyle, who died in 2009, and with whom he shared 54 years of marriage. Born in Riverside, N.J., he was a son of the late Charles and the late Sara (Beekler) Coyle. Mose served our country during the Korean War, in the Navy. He was a camp ranger for the Girl Scouts of Delaware County for 37 years, retiring in 2003. He coached and enjoyed playing baseball and basketball. He loved Notre Dame Football. He was a skilled carpenter, building birdhouses for anyone who cared for him or his family throughout his life.

Survivors include two sons, Bruce M. Coyle (Tracy) of Ottsville, Pa., and Brian P. Coyle (Tricia) of West Grove; one daughter, Sally Grimes of Oxford; sisters-in-law, Marlene Coyle of Reno, Nev., and Patricia Coyle of Medford Lakes, N.J.; five grandchildren, Logan and Nicholas Coyle, Brianna Grimes, and Jason and Johnathon Thiboutot; and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two sons, Eugene J. and Daniel T.; and three brothers, Charles, James and Richard.

A funeral was held Feb. 27. Interment was in New London Presbyterian Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to LaMancha Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 656, Unionville, PA 19375. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

GAIL L. McMAHON DOLAN

Gail L. McMahon Dolan, 63, of Oxford, died on Feb. 19 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

She was the wife of Linwood Dolan, with whom she shared 40 years of marriage. Born in Wilmington, Del., she was a daughter of the late William J. and the late Edna Mae (Jenkins) McMahon. Gail graduated from the Kennett High School and Votech beauty school in 1970, and then owned and operated her own salon. For most of her career, she worked for Longwood Beauty Salon. Gail was well liked by her clients and went out of her way to care for them. She was a longtime member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oxford. She enjoyed gardening, reading, the aquatics programs at the Jennersville YMCA, going to the beach, and was a lover of all animals, especially cats and dogs. Gail was a Girl Scout leader for her daughter's Brownie and Daisy troops and was involved in her daughter's 4-H and equestrian events. She volunteered and was a teacher’s parent helper for the Oxford elementary schools. Gail just recently embraced a passion for motorcycles and enjoyed riding with her husband and family every opportunity she had. She also adored spending time with her grandson.

Survivors include, in addition to her husband, one daughter, Tracy L. Dolan (Jonathan Novoa) of North East, Md.; two sisters, Sharon McMahon Journey (Harvey) of Chatham, and Sheila McMahon of Santa Fe, N.M.; and one grandson, Tristan Michael Novoa.

A memorial mass was held Feb. 27. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Chester County SPCA, 1212 Pheonixville Pike, West Chester PA 19380; or to Father Martin's Ashley, 800 Tydings Lane, Havre de Grace, MD 21078. To view her online tribute or to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

GUENTHER HENDRICH

Guenther Hendrich, 87, of Kennett Square, passed away on Feb. 20 at his residence.

He was the husband of Maria Arbe Hendrich, with whom he shared 22 years of marriage. Born in Jena, Germany, he was the son of the late Kurt and Charlotte Scholze Hendrich. He was the director of sales for the Nestle Company in Berlin, Germany, retiring after 25 years of service. He traveled extensively throughout the world. He met his wife on a European cruise in 1993, and was married the following year and settled in Kennett Square.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Dieter Arbe and his wife Jan of Lake Worth, Fla.; one daughter, Jutta Manfredonia and her husband Frank of Devon, Pa.; and five grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Feb. 26. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

JOHN MURPHY

On Feb. 2, John Arthur Murphy, of Oxford, passed away.

He and his wife Joan were devoted to each other for 63 years, and his devotion to her was one of the most remarkable aspects of his recent life. John was born in Philadelphia in 1931 and attended Germantown High School and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, where he met Joan. Post-graduation, he became a machinist and served in the Seabees during the Korean War in Cuba (Guantanamo Bay) and Newfoundland. He married Joan in 1953. Later, he attended Penn State University, where he studied business and management. He worked for many years at the United States Banknote Company, initially holding several positions as a manager. Then, without a formal engineering degree, he became their Vice President of Engineering and served in that role for many years. He was both an engineering and currency expert. He had a technical, sharp mind and expected others to hold themselves to the same high standard he held for himself, but was also witty and warm.

At home, he was not only a devoted husband, but also a dedicated, wise and loving father to his three children. Outside of work and family, he was a creative individual, skilled with woodworking, leather working, stained glass, and gardening. He was also a very talented lifelong singer, first as a boy soprano at several big Philadelphia churches, and then as a baritone soloist and bass singer in many different ensembles and at every church he ever attended. He was committed to his faith, and volunteered his time on many Lutheran church committees over the years. Beyond his work, home and church life, he and his wife loved to travel, and they trailered their way through most of the United States.

He will be missed by his wife, Joan; his three children, Judi (husband Bob), John (wife Dori) and Joy (husband Doug); and his grandchildren, Noelle and Aliza. A service was held Feb. 27. Memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

ZELLA MAE TEEL

Zella Mae Teel, 82, of Quarryville, went to be with the Lord on Feb. 22 at Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community.

She was the wife of the late Elmer Teel, and was preceded in death by her first husband, James “Jim” Wood. Born in Bluff City, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Paul and Nola Ruth Cagle Carr. She was a member of Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church. Zella was an avid southern cook, and loved her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by one daughter, Diane Boyd (Chuck) of Quarryville; one son, Robert Paul Wood of Maryland; one grandson, Brandon Boyd; two step-grandchildren, Aaron Boyd and Leah Boyd Owens; and two brothers, Bill Carr (Ruth) of West Grove, and Ben (Michele) Carr of Landenberg.

A funeral service was held Feb. 27. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

DANIEL L. MCCARTHY

Daniel L. McCarthy, 78, of Oxford, formerly of New London, passed away on Feb. 22 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

He was the husband of Monica A. Reicher McCarthy, and was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Elaine Miller McCarthy. Born in Ridley Park, he was the son of the late Michael Lawrence and Gertrude Booth McCarthy. Daniel graduated in 1955 from Saint James Catholic High School for boys.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1955, where he served in K-9 Police until 1959. Daniel was employed with Philadelphia Electric Company in Eddystone until his retirement in 1991. He enjoyed traveling in his RV all over the county, fishing, hunting, the Philadelphia Phillies, but most of all spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Elaine Anderson of Elverson, Colleen McCarthy of Kennett Square, and Danielle McCarthy of Oxford; four sons, Daniel McCarthy of Stafford, Va., Michael McCarthy of Malvern, Paul Greenleaf of Kemblesville, and Brian Greenleaf of Newark, Del.; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Trudy Delacy of Magnolia, Del.; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ellen Stombaugh.

A funeral was held Feb. 25. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Interment will be private.

ANTONIA E. ALDERMAN

Antonia E. Alderman, 96, of Oxford, formerly of Philadelphia, passed away on Feb. 24 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

She was the wife of the late Hardy B. Alderman. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Silvio and Lucia Amodei Campellone. Antonia was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford.

She is survived by one daughter, Jacqueline Duvall (William) of Oxford; two sons, Hardy E. Alderman (Linda), and Gerald Alderman, all of Philadelphia; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by nine siblings.

A funeral was held Feb. 29. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

LUKE MICHAEL MCLAUGHLIN II

Luke Michael McLaughlin II, a newborn infant, entered this world a little too early on Feb. 24, but will forever touch our hearts.

He was the son of Luke Michael McLaughlin and Lindsey McClure of Cochranville. He is survived by his parents; one brother, Triston McClure; paternal grandparents, Paul and Denise McLaughlin of Sommers Point, N.J.; paternal great-grandmother, Mary Vassallo; maternal grandfather, Dennis McClure of West Grove; and maternal great-grandparents, Dolores and Martin McClure of West Chester.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. March 2 at Sacred Heart Church (203 Church Rd., Oxford). Interment will be in private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JOHN F. FECONDA

John F. “Knuckles” Feconda, 66, of Oxford, passed away on Feb. 23 at Lancaster General Hospital.

He was the husband of the late Kathy A. Pierce Feconda, with whom he shared 34 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Beardi F. and Virginia DiFillippo Feconda. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War. He retired from PennDOT as an equipment operator. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 2666 in Oxford. Knuckles enjoyed his cat, watching the Philadelphia Eagles and NASCAR. He enjoyed having a good time and was the life of a party He always helped someone in need.

He is survived by one son, Kyle J. (Janette) Feconda of Smock; one granddaughter, Emily Nicole Burgett Feconda of McCallisterville; stepdaughters Taylor Rupard and Jennifer Hayworth, both of Cochranville; step-grandchildren; one brother, Richard (Ellie) Feconda of Sadsburyville; one sister, Deborah Kline of Kennett Square; goddaughter Tonya Feconda; and companion Michele Taylor.

Funeral services were held March 1. Interment was in New London United Methodist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ROBERT A. MYERS, SR.

Robert A. “Bob” Myers, Sr., passed away peacefully on Feb. 24, surrounded by his loving family at Towne Manor West in Norristown, Pa. He was 75.

He was a longtime resident of Oxford, where he raised his family. He worked as a self-employed carpenter/contractor for over 50 years, building many homes throughout Chester and Delaware counties. While raising his family, Bob was active within his church, teaching Sunday school, driving the church bus and participating in youth ministry activities. He enjoyed fishing in the Indian River Inlet, hunting, working with his hands, and the outdoors. He served his country as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Born in Chester in 1940, he was a son of the late Arthur Chester and Kathleen (Hawksby) Myers. Surviving is his loving family, including a son, Robert A. “Rob” (Jennifer) Myers, Jr., of Rising Sun, Md.; three daughters, Sherrie Y. (James) Rubincan of Nottingham, Suzann E. (Brian) Poppe of Downingtown, and Martha A. (Brian) Caparella of Shermans Dale, Pa.; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two sisters; and many other loving family members. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jimmy Rubincan; and a brother, Alfred Myers.

Services and interment will be private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to Towne Manor West, 205 E. Johnson Highway, Norristown, PA 19401. Condolences can be offered at www.bacchifh.com.

ALAN J. THOMPSON

Alan J. "Bill" Thompson, 76, of West Grove, died on Feb. 28 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Born in 1940 in Chester County, he was employed by Chester Tricot Mills of Kennett Square, The Servomation Company of Downingtown, and the Hewlett-Packard Company of Avondale.

Alan was the husband of Nancy Ann Price Thompson for 40 years. He was the son of the late Walter A. Thompson and Annie Anderson Thompson Brooks. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Albert and Betty Thompson; sister and brother-in-law, Alma and Kenneth Levenite; and sister Alta F. Caudell. He also was preceded in death by two nephews, Timothy W. and Steven W. Mains. He is survived by one sister, Alice Lewis and husband Steve of Cochranville; and five nieces and nephews.

Services will be private. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com.