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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of Nov. 7

11/07/2016 03:43PM ● By J. Chambless

GUIDO J. FECONDO

Guido J. Fecondo, 92, of Landenberg, died on Oct. 29 at the Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

He was the husband of Mary Jane Segner Fecondo, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late Joseph F. and the late Maria (DiGorgio) Fecondo. Guido was a graduate of Avon Grove High School. His career was long and varied. Early on, Guido owned and operated Fecondo Food Market in Avondale from 1947-1955. He worked for Westinghouse and was a manager at Starr Roses, Penn Eastern and Kelton Supply. In the later part of his career, he was a realtor for Hannum Realty. He retired as owner of Hockessin Fine Foods.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, one son, Joseph V. Fecondo of Middletown, Pa.; one daughter, Patricia Y. Kieras and her husband Arthur of Landenberg; one sister, Mary Fecondo of Lima, Pa.; two grandchildren, Alison and Adam; and one great-grandson, Chase.

Interment was in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. Contributions in his memory may be made to Mother of Mercy House, 709 E. Allegheny Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


ANTHONY L. Di FABIO

Anthony L. Di Fabio, 93, of Toughkenamon, passed away on Oct. 17 at his residence.

He was the husband of Rose Maria Basciani Di Fabio, who passed away in 2010, and with whom he shared 63 1/2 years of marriage. Born in Ardmore, he was the son of the late Louis and Mary Nespoli Di Fabio. Tony was a supervisor at the NVF Company in Kennett Square, retiring in 1986 after over 30 years of service. He was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Avondale, and the American Legion and VFW, both in Kennett Square. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving in the 11th Airborne, 472nd Field Artillery Para-Glider Battalion “The Angels." Tony enjoyed gardening, working in his yard, watching wrestling, watching QVC, and being with his family and friends.

He is survived by one daughter, Mary Ann Di Angelis and her husband Joe of Toughkenamon; two brothers, Frank Di Fabio of Newtown Square, and Henry Di Fabio of Aston; two granddaughters, Angela, and Jo Anne and her husband Eric; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one sister, Angelina Di Fabio; and two brothers, Louis Di Fabio and Charlie Di Fabio.

A funeral was held Oct. 24. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In memory of Tony, a contribution may be made to St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, P. O. Box 709, Avondale, PA 19311; or to the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


JOHN A. WOODFORD

John A. Woodford, 64, of Kennett Square, died on Oct. 31 at his home, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with ALS.

He was the husband of Pamela Winchester Woodford, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage. Born in Paterson, N.J., he was the youngest son of the late Robert and the late Mary (Dillistin) Woodford. He grew up in Wilmington, Del., and graduated from Mount Pleasant High School. John earned his master’s degree in city and regional planning from The Ohio State University, and his undergraduate degree in sociology from Duke University. John and his family lived in Louisville, Ky., for over 30 years, where he was the Assistant Executive Director for TARC for 27 years until his retirement. He then worked nine years as Senior Vice President for First Transit Inc. before retiring again. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Louisville, where he earned the “Man of the Year Award.” He also volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club of Louisville and served on the Board of Directors for Safe Place Services.

John was loyal to his faith, family and multiple sports teams. He was a longtime member of Harvey Browne Memorial Presbyterian Church in Louisville, and became a member of Unionville Presbyterian Church shortly after relocating to Kennett Square. He relished spending time with loved ones at the family lake house in New Jersey. He rooted on the Blue Devils, the Buckeyes, the Phillies and the Eagles with much passion and enthusiasm.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Pamela, include one son, Robert L. Woodford of Louisville, Ky.; two daughters, Kate E. Woodford of Philadelphia, and Robin W. Kauffman and her husband Christopher of Media; three grandchildren, Ansley, Benjamin and Chase Kauffman; a brother, William Woodford (Debbie) of Upper St. Clair, Pa.; and a sister, Alice Gillespie (Jim) of Danielsville, Pa.

A memorial service was held Nov. 4. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Avon Grove Lions Club, 600 N. Baker Station Rd., West Grove, PA 19390; or to The Gleason Initiative Foundation, PO Box 24493, New Orleans, LA 70184. To view an online obituary and share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


JOHN M. TORELLO

John (“Duke”) M. Torello, 70, of Kennett Square, passed away on Nov. 1 at his residence.

He was the husband of Amy Davidson Torello, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Wilmington, he was the son of the late Joseph and Alice Hickey Torello. He worked at Agilent Technologies in Wilmington for 45 years, retiring in 2010. He was a member of the Italian American Club in Kennett Square. He enjoyed golfing, cooking, playing softball, watching sports on TV, and especially watching his grandchildren play sports and all activities they enjoyed. He also enjoyed being with his family and friends. He was a beloved husband, gather and grandfather, and will be missed by all.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, John J. Torello of Avondale; one daughter, Tina M. Miller and her husband Steve of Toughkenamon; two brothers, Joseph Torello of Cherry Hill, N.J., and Richard Torello of Florida; one sister, Rosalie Porter of Wilmington; and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by one sister, Jackie Baird.

A funeral was held Nov. 8. Burial was in the London Grove Friends Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

 

JUDY L. WILSON YAKSCOE

Judy L. Wilson Yakscoe, 69, of Cochranville, died on Nov. 4 at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

She was the wife of Joseph Yakscoe, with whom she shared 47 years of marriage. Born in West Jefferson, N.C., she was a daughter of the late Paul L. and the late Irene (Wilson) Wilson. Judy loved shopping for antiques with her husband. Her passion in life was her family.

Survivors include, in addition to her husband, two sons, Richard Yakscoe and his wife Becky of Cochranville, and Shawn Yakscoe and his wife Marcie of Elizabethtown; one sister, Jacqueline L. Wilson of Reading, Pa.; seven grandchildren, Jeremy, Jessica, Joselyn, Ashton, JJ, Brody and Palmer; and one great-grandson, Mason. She was predeceased by a daughter, Rene Mumma.

Services and interment will be held privately. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

 

AIDAN JAMES MULLINS

Aidan James Mullins, lovingly known as “AJ,” 8, of Lincoln University, died on Nov. 4 at A.I. DuPont Hospital For Children in Wilmington.

Born in Newark, Del., he was the son of Michael and Sarah (Scavia) Mullins. Aidan was a second grade student at Penn London Elementary, but he spent most of his time teaching everyone around him how to better enjoy life. AJ loved crayons, puzzles, sea creatures, and farm animals, but there was nothing he loved more than people. He’d take you by the hand the moment he met you, and hug you goodbye as though he’d known you forever. He’d cross a sea of people to help calm a crying baby, and many of you reading this are likely taking deep breaths just like he taught you.

Survivors include, in addition to his parents, his paternal grandparents, Gary and Joan Mullins of Turners Falls, Mass.; his maternal grandparents, Ellen and Don Scavia of Landenberg; his sister Hannah, who adored and cared for him; and the aunts, uncles and cousins he loved to visit.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A service celebrating Aidan’s life will follow at 7 p.m. The family requests that your attire be casual and comfortable and not formal. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to Dravet Syndrome Foundation, PO Box 16536, West Haven, CT 06516. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


JESSICA LYNN SARLO

Jessica L. (Ehlers) Sarlo, 39, of Kirkwood, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 2.

She was born in West Chester in 1977 to Lisa Campbell and William Love. Jessica was the wife of the late Charles Sarlo III. Jessica loved her girls dearly, God and music. She had a bright and cheery spirit and enjoyed helping others.

She is survived by her children, Brianna Ehlers, Cayla Webb, Jenna Ehlers and Emma Sarlo; grandson, Brayden Kneisley; and brother, Mark Campbell.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at Gateway Baptist Church (58 Foxy Court, Rising Sun, Md.). A private interment will be held at Gloucester Veterans Cemetery, N.J. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Domestic Violence Shelter, PO Box 832, West Chester, PA 19383; or City Gate Mission, 17 N. 7th Ave. Coatesville, PA 19320. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


MARY DILLON O'CONNELL

Mary Dillon O'Connell, 99, of Oxford, formerly of West Grove, died on Nov. 4 at the Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of John P. O’Connell, who died in 1964, and with whom she shared 24 years of marriage. Born in Wilmington, Del., she was a daughter of the late Martin P. and the late Margaret (Conner) Dillon. She was a Registered Nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, retiring in 1986, where she also graduated from the nursing school in 1938. She was a longtime member of Assumption BVM Church in West Grove.

Survivors include two sons, John P. O'Connell, Jr., of Dothan, Ala., and William “Radar” P. O’Connell and his wife Joyce of West Grove; one sister, Margaret Markel of Oxford; three grandchildren, Danny, Sean, and Meghan; and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Nov. 10 at Assumption BVM Catholic Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). Her mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, West Grove. Contributions in her memory may be made to Assumption BVM Church at the aforementioned address, or to West Grove Fire Company, PO Box 201 West Grove, PA 19390. To view her online tribute visit www.griecocares.com.


LORRAINE C. VINES

Lorraine C. Vines, 100, of Oxford passed away on Nov. 4 at her home.

She was the wife of the late Herman Vines. Born in Kennett Square, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Ethel Chandler Cullen. She was employed with the Oxford Area School District. After retiring, Lorraine and Herman owned and operated an antique shop, Glass and Brass, in Oxford. She graduated from Avon Grove High School and attended Goldey-Beacom College. She was a member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church and charter member of the Memory Garden Committee, Country Gardeners, Green Thumb Garden Club, Oxford Research Club and Hopewell Historical Associations. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, traveling, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by three children, Gail Burcham (Leonard) of Havre de Grace, Md., Scott Vines (Rebecca) of Oxford, and Pam Golden (Lew) of Woodbury, Minn.; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 10 at the Oxford Presbyterian Church (6 Pine St., Oxford), where relatives and friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Memory Garden or the Presbyterian Women of Oxford Presbyterian Church, 6 Pine St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


RANDOLPH S. KASCHALK

Randolph Scott (Randy) Kaschalk, 48, of Cochranville, passed away on Nov. 4 at Abington Hospital.

He was born in West Grove to Nancy Marsh Kaschalk Bartram of Cochranville, and the late Frank W. Kaschalk. He was employed with Gwynedd Manufacturing, Inc., in North Wales, Pa. He was a member of the Oxford Church of the Nazarene. Randy loved going to movies, dancing, and spending time with his friends and loved ones. Randy was an organ donor whom saved many lives by contributing to the gift of life organization.

He is survived by his mother; sister, Christel Preece of Oxford; two nieces and one nephew. Funeral services were held Nov. 8. Interment was in Homeville Cemetery, Cochranville. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


CHRISTINE A. KREBS KENNEDY

Christine A. Krebs Kennedy, 81, of West Grove, died on Nov. 4 at Pocopson Home in West Chester.

She was the wife of John R. Kennedy, with whom she shared 44 years of marriage. Born in Delaware County, she was a daughter of the late Wolfgang and the late Christina Ann Krebs. In her early years, Christine worked for Bell Telephone and Burrows Manufacturing. She later worked for Oxford Royal. She loved riding horses, motorcycling with her husband, going to the drag races, and vacationing in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania with her family.

Survivors include, in addition to her husband, five sons, John, Rob, Rick Jimmy and Tom; two daughters, Jean and Suzanne; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her sister, Lisa. She was predeceased by a brother, Frederick; and a sister, Johanna.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). A funeral service celebrating her life will follow at 7 p.m. Interment will be held privately. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


ANTONIA RITTENHOUSE WILSON

Antonia Rittenhouse Wilson (“Tony”), of Oxford, went home to the Lord on Nov 5. She was 88 years old.

Born in Merion, Pa., she was the daughter of Taylor and Sara Rittenhouse of Philadelphia. Her family later moved to Stomally Farm in West Chester. She graduated from West Chester High School in 1945. As a teenager, Tony worked on the farm and enjoyed riding horses. She married Charles Davis Wilson, Jr., and lived in King of Prussia and Valley Forge. They then settled in Oxford, on Meadow-Vue Farm, in 1950. She helped run the farm and The Barn, the milk store they founded in Oxford. She later became a bookkeeper and worked for her son’s business in Wilmington for several years. She continued to work part-time at home after she retired. Tony was a devout Christian. She attended Mt. Vernon Christian Church and Bethany Presbyterian Church. She loved her Sunday school class at Mt. Vernon. Tony enjoyed gadgets and liked to keep up with technology. She was talented with a camera and produced beautiful photographs. Although she became partially blind in her later years, she continued to use the computer and became very proficient. She became well known in the community for creating greeting cards for her friends and family.
Tony was devoted to her family. “Gran” was blessed to have the opportunity to enjoy her grandchildren and be a part of their lives. She will be missed by all.
She is survived by three sons, Charles D. Wilson III, and H. Taylor Wilson, both of Oxford, and M. Scott Wilson of Wilmington, Del.; two daughters, Sally Wilson Paulson of Lincoln University, and Laura R. Wilson of Bluffton, S.C.; 10 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter; one sister, Sally Rittenhouse Parry; and one brother, P. Neel Rittenhouse. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Antonia “Toy” Wilson; and two sisters, June Rittenhouse McClure, and Elizabeth Ellis Bailey.
A memorial service will be held at Bethany Presbyterian Church (2483 Baltimore Pike, Oxford) on Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society and the National MS Society. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


CHARLOTTE G. MAY

Charlotte G. May, 81, of West Grove, passed away on Nov. 5 at her home.

She was the wife of the late Arlton “Blackie” C. May. Born in Shouns, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Ambrose and Elzina Coldiron Eldreth. She was a charter member of New London Baptist Church. Charlotte enjoyed gardening, canning, quilting, and making jams and jellies. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and helping others.

She is survived by two sons, Billy May of Casper, Wyo., and Wayne May (Paula) of West Grove; two daughters, Pam Bolt (Larry) of Nottingham, and Patti Taylor (Randy) of Nottingham; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Patsy Miller of Mt. Pleasant, N.C. She was preceded in death by a son, Jimmy “Macky” May; two grandchildren; three brothers; and six sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 9 at New London Baptist Church (226 Pennocks Bridge Rd., West Grove, PA 19390), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m., and Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in New London Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the church. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.