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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of Feb. 27

02/28/2017 11:05AM ● By J. Chambless

TREVOR D. ELVIN, JR.

Trevor D. Elvin, Jr. (“Skip”), 64, of Lewisville, Pa., passed away on Feb. 22 as a result of an automobile accident.

He was born in 1952 in West Chester, to the late Trevor D. Elvin, Sr., and Esther P. Elvin. Skip was born and raised in Unionville. After graduating from Unionville High School, he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany as a Military Police Officer from 1972-1974. He proudly retired as a foreman from PennDOT after 35 years. He also served as Road Master for Penn Township. Skip was an avid car enthusiast. He enjoyed the muscle car era during the late 1960s and 1970s. Later in life, he enjoyed street rods and collectibles. Growing up, Skip and his family spent a lot of time at White Crystal and Hollywood Beach, which created his passion for the Upper Chesapeake Bay. He also enjoyed spending time on the North East River as an avid boater, where many will remember him as “Mayor of the Flats.”

Skip is survived by his loving companion, Susan; brother, David Elvin and his wife Joan of Kennett Square; and their children Colleen Elvin of Arlington, Va., and David Kristopher Elvin of Kennett Square; Curtis Mason, Sr. of West Grove, a cousin who Skip considered to be a brother; sister, Carol Hollister of Phoenixville and her children; several cousins; and many friends.

A celebration of Skip’s life will be held on March 3 at 11 a.m. at R.T. Foard Funeral Home (111 S. Queen St., Rising Sun, Md.). A visitation will be held beginning at 10 a.m., as well as Thursday, March 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will take place after the service at Unionville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to “Chesapeake Bay Foundation” and sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911. To send an online condolence, visit www.rtfoard.com.


JAMES A. CONNER, SR.

James A. Conner, Sr., of Avondale, passed away on Feb. 29 after a brief illness.

Born in 1927, Jim was the son of Jennie Ostensen and James F. Conner. A lifelong plumber, he retired from DuPont (Louviers). He was a wonderful storyteller, wickedly funny, and loved making people laugh. He will be remembered for that and his smile, his kindness, his “way with words,” and always singing (or whistling). He enjoyed many, many summers with friends and family at Treasure Beach in Fenwick Island. Jim was a member of the Avon Grove Lions Club and was extremely active (Lion of the Year several times and top ticket seller for events and raffles most of the time) for many years. His love of dogs made him especially interested in their support of Canine Partners for Life.

A proud veteran, he was drafted in 1945, served in the United States Army and Army Air Force and was honorably discharged as a Corporal.

Jim adored his family. He is survived by his wife, Jane (Entriken);  daughter Betsy; sons David and wife Candy, and Andy and wife Kate; daughter Sallie and partner David Pollard; sister Marie Gregg; sisters-in- law, Graceanne Sellitto, and Col. Barbara Entriken (USMC retired); grandchildren J. Clark Conner, Drew and wife Amanda Rush, Grace Rush, Jac (James Andrew III) Conner; many nieces and nephews; and a faithful companion for many years, his dog, Lady Sarah. Jim was preceeded in death by his sister, Helene DiCarolis Poore.

A service was held Feb. 27. Interment was at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Avon Grove Lions Club, 600 N. Baker Station Rd., West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


ALAN P. WINKS

Alan P. Winks, 88, of West Grove, passed away on Feb. 22 at Neighborhood Hospice.

He was the husband of Hilary Westlake Winks, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage. Born in Croyden, England, he was the son of the late Alan F. and Ann Winks. He was a self-employed accountant. He was a member of the British Officers Club of Philadelphia, and the Royal Horse Artillery and Honorable Artillery Company, both in England. He enjoyed golfing, reading, writing, soccer, cricket, tennis, and being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Jeremy Alan Winks of West Chester; one daughter, Jane Smith and her husband Geoff of England; two stepdaughters, Alison Graham Bertolini and her husband David of Fargo, N.D., and Elizabeth Graham of West Chester; one brother, David Winks of England; one sister, Margaret Worley of England; and one grandson, William Beckett Bertolini.

His services will be held in England at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Neighborhood Hospice, 400 East Marshall St., West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


WILLIAM R. ADAMSON

William Richard Adamson, 89, of Oxford, passed away on Feb. 21 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

He was the husband of Winifred Pemberton Adamson, with whom he shared 70 years of marriage. Born in Trenton, N.J., he was the son of the late William and Mary Ann Seifritz Adamson. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in World War II. William was employed for 28 years with Boeing Vertol in Ridley Park, and later with Miller Edge in Jennersville in the Quality Control Department. He was a member of the Roy W. Gibson Post No. 535 American Legion in Oxford. He enjoyed puzzles and writing poetry. William always had a joke, and was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his wife; two sons, Jeffrey B. Adamson (Cindy) of Pen Argyl, Pa., and Richard D. Adamson (Cheryl) of Kutztown; one daughter, Mona E. Coldiron (Larry) of Oxford; eight grandchildren, Jared, Tina, Columbus, Donovan, Portia, Alex, Matthew and Daniel; and five great-grandchildren, Grace, Connor, Benjamin, Elizabeth and Gavin.

Interment was private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


JAY R. MINSHALL

Jay Roland Minshall, 96, formerly of Avondale and recently a resident at the Friends Home in Kennett Square, died on Feb. 21 at Linden Hall from congestive heart failure.

He was the husband of Jeanne LeFevre Minshall, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage. Born in a log house in New Garden Township, he was the son of the late Chandler Pennington and the late Grace Gregg Minshall. Starting in the one-room Greenwood School near Rosedale, Roland graduated from Kennett High School in 1938 and later from Drexel University with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. He became a registered professional engineer. In the 1950s, he was a tractor and machinery dealer located south of Kennett Square. Following a family boat trip to Florida and a few short jobs, Jay worked at the Haveg Research Center in Marshallton, Del., which was later acquired by Hercules, Inc. In 1982, he retired from the Hercules Engineering Department.

During his life he was a member of several civic and fraternal organizations -- the Boy Scouts as a Cubmaster and Scoutmaster, Chief of the Octoraro Lodge, president of Chester County Farm Equipment Dealers Association, commander of the Wilmington Power Squadron and all the offices in the Kennett Masonic Hall Association.

He was a part-time mate on various tug boats and subsequently passed exams to become a licensed captain. Part-time bus driving for the Kennett Area Senior Center and later for Hagley Museum both enabled and interfered with Jay maintaining his old wooden boat, built in 1948.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children, Tom, Susan Clark and Bob in the local area, Kay in Northeast Md., Ann Brown of Las Vegas Nev., Dot Smith of Salunga Pa.; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren; and a brother, William Thomas Minshall of Franklin, Tenn.

A viewing will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. March 4 at the Longwood Funeral Home of Matthew Genereux, (913 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square). A Masonic service will be at 10:45 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Union Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Kennett Masonic Lodge or Friends Home in Kennett Square.


CLAYTON J. CASHWELL

Clayton J. Cashwell, 83, of Oxford, passed away on Feb. 19 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

A man who was not shy about expressing his likes and dislikes, Clayton's favorite pastimes included yard work, long destination-less drives in the country, and being asked his opinion. Born for retirement, after Clayton left his career in insurance, he fully enjoyed the quiet life with his wife of 57 years, “Miss Vivian” Cashwell (née Franks). The two of them met at Elon University and shared a love of college basketball -- from different sides of the court when Duke and Carolina were playing.

In addition to his wife, Clayton is survived by daughter Amy Cashwell, her husband Rob Maresca, and their two sons Troy and Clay; and son John Cashwell, his wife Meredith, and their son Rob. The greatest happiness of Clayton's entire life was his three grandsons. As they would race, screaming, through the house, he would sit back with a smile and say “this is great.”

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


JEANNETTE E. MEEDER

Jeannette E. Meeder, 82, of Nottingham, formerly of Ogden, passed away on Feb. 23 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

She was the wife of the late Glenn O. Meeder, Sr. Born in Ridley Park, she was the daughter of the late Edward Grueninger and Elsie Heron McGinley. Jeanette enjoyed family dinners, baking, solitaire, watching game shows and playing rummy cube with her grandchildren.

She is survived by two sons, Glenn O. Meeder, Jr. (Donna) of Glen Mills, and Kenneth B. Meeder (Julie) of Drumore; two daughters, Donna L. Lamonica of Wilmington, Del., and Charlene Mazepink (Joseph) of Nottingham; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Charles McGinley of Broomall and Francis McGinley of Newtown Square. She was preceded in death by a son, Michael E. Meeder; and a grandson, Kenneth Meeder, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. March 1 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Bethesda United Methodist Cemetery in Holtwood. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


SHERYL KATHLEEN VENUTO BERGEY

Sheryl Kathleen Venuto Bergey, 65, of West Chester, passed away at her home on Feb. 23.

Born in 1951, she was the daughter of Joseph and Kay Venuto. Sheryl graduated from Villanova University in 1973, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree. Shortly after graduation, she married Richard Bergey. Sheryl and Richard had been married for 43 years and have been inseparable. Sheryl enjoyed many family trips to Stone Harbor, N.J., and abroad over the years. She loved watching the Eagles, Phillies and Villanova. Sheryl was an avid reader, and lover of crosswords and puzzles. Sheryl was dedicated to faith and morality, the pursuit of knowledge and making the lives of those around her better. Her generosity and selflessness extended to many areas, including working with children at the St. Patrick’s school and providing extensive support to charities and to the church. Sheryl’s faith and love brightened the lives of everyone she encountered.

Sheryl’s greatest passion and love was to her family, and she is survived by her husband Richard; her four children, Heather, Meredith, Brett and Brad; her granddaughter, Emma; and her mother, Heather.

A visitatino will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 1 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Sheryl’s funeral mass will be held on Thursday morning at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square). The burial service will be in private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 (www.diabetes.org). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


PAUL E. YODER, JR.

Paul E. Yoder, Jr., 75, of West Grove, died on Feb. 26 at his home, surrounded by family.

He was the husband of Nancy Yoder (nee, Getta), with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Paul E. Yoder, Sr., and Caroline (nee, Hildebrand). Paul joined the U.S. Army in 1959, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. After three years in the Army, he joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 1964. Originally stationed at the Somerset Barracks, he was transferred to the Avondale Barracks in 1973 until retiring as a Detective Trooper in 1990. After retiring from the State Police, Paul was elected as local constable for West Grove.

Surviving him, in addition to his wife Nancy, are three daughters, Paula Dixon of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Lori Dunn of Toano, Va., and Carol Priestley of West Grove; and six beloved grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. to noon March 2 at the New London Presbyterian Church (1986 Newark Road, Route 896, New London). His funeral service will follow at noon. Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


JANET L. KIRKLEY

Janet (Graybeal) Kirkley, 73, entered eternity on Feb. 26.

She was a resident of Cecil County, Md., for over 40 years. Janet is survived by two daughters, Jacqueline (Gregory) Bulanow of North Charleston, S.C., and Denise (Gary) Simpers of North East, Md.; two brothers, Bert (Suzanne) Graybeal of Coatesville, and Phil (Elaine) Graybeal of Greer, S.C. Also surviving are many cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as her grandchildren, Lucinda Jan, Nadia Marie, Claudia Jean, Carson Ridgley and Charlotte Gwen. Janet was predeceased by her oldest brother, Jim Graybeal.

Janet was born at home on the family farm in southern Chester County to H. Wayne and Catherine Graybeal. Both parents are deceased. Along with her brothers, Janet enjoyed the discipline of living on a farm. Hard work and the thrill of accomplishment were attitudes that were evident throughout her life. As a mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, cousin and aunt, she enjoyed being with family, as well as friends and neighbors. Her church family at Grace Bible Chapel in Rising Sun, Md., was always part of her life over the past 40 years. She, during those years, delighted in teaching the 4- and 5-year-old Sunday school class, teaching Adventure Club to third graders, VBS, being a Deaconess, and enjoyed the fellowship of being part of the congregation.

During her years of employment with the Cecil County Public Schools, Janet was lead secretary at the Cecil Manor Elementary School for 23 years, retiring in 2009. Following retirement, Janet dedicated much of her time caregiving for her parents. 

Friends and family may visit on March 5 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., and March 6 from 10 to 10:45 a.m., with service to follow from 11 to noon at Grace Bible Chapel (1949 Joseph Biggs Memorial Hwy., Rising Sun, Md.). Interment will be private in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery, Oxford. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Grace Bible Chapel Building Fund, 1949 Joseph Biggs Memorial Hwy., Rising Sun, MD 21911. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com


JOHN R. ST. JOHN, JR.

John R. St. John, Jr., of New London, passed away on Feb. 27 at home, just shy of his 90th birthday.

He was the husband of the late Joan Elizabeth Lester St. John, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Bristol, Tenn., he was the son of the late John R. Sr., and Ola Hendrickson St. John.

John was a member and Deacon for many years at the New London Presbyterian Church. He was a dairy farmer all his life. John was a pioneer in the local truck farming industry. He grew strawberries, cantaloupes, tomatoes, turnips, sweet corn, watermelon, apples, peaches and pumpkins. He was a member of the Avon Grove Lions Club, New London Civic Association, and the Forest Lawn Hunting Camp in Mifflinburg. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. John was a basketball enthusiast and accomplished equestrian. He enjoyed fox hunting, bluegrass and country music, and his cat, Blue. He loved telling his stories.

He is survived by two sons, James St. John and wife Kathy, and John David St. John and wife Kathy, all of New London; three daughters, Carol St. John of New London, Jill St. John Bair and husband Timothy of Williamsport, and Kelly St. John Cairns and husband Donald of Parkesburg; 13 grandchildren, Nadine St. John Turner, JR (John Reuben) St. John, III, Craig St. John, Ryan St. John, Krystal St. John, Kasey Kreider, Sarah Kudlack, Melissa Alleman, Troy St. John, Travis St. John, Nicole Bair, Lauren Cairns and Jacob Cairns; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his four sisters, Beatrice Parrot, Jeanette Stone, Lillian Lester and Mary Nell Keily; and a brother, Marvin St. John.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. March 4 at the New London Presbyterian Church (1986 Newark Rd., New London), where friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Friends may also visit Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford). Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Avon Grove Lions Club, 600 N. Baker Station Rd., West Grove, PA 19390. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.