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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of March 13

03/13/2017 11:07AM ● By J. Chambless

GERTRUDE V. ORR

Gertrude V. Orr, 95, of Garner, N.C., formerly of Oxford, passed away on March 2 in Central Harnett Hospital, Lillington, N.C.

She was the wife of the late Ralph M. Orr. Born in Elkton, Va., she was the daughter of the late Wesley and Mattie Morris Shiplet. She was a member of the Oxford Senior Center, Golden Slippers and Gray – Nichols Post No. 1779 VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Oxford. Gertie enjoyed crafts, going to craft shows, dancing, and especially spending time with her granddaughter and great-grandsons.

She is survived by two daughters, Susan L. Freeman (Barry) of Holly Springs, N.C., and Sandra K. Taylor (J. Earl) of Garner, N.C.; one granddaughter, Terri E. Taylor (William Gabor) of Raleigh, N.C.; and two great-grandsons, Zachary Gabor and Noah Gabor. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Bizeel Shiplet and Warfield Shiplet; and two sisters, Ethel Jackson and Leona Sexton.

Funeral services were held March 8. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


JESSICA M. PRIGG

Jessica M. Prigg, 28, of West Grove, passed away on March 3 at her residence.

Born in Newark, Del., she was the daughter of the late James T. Prigg, Jr., and the late Cheryl Erickson Prigg. Jessica enjoyed shopping, dining out, going to the beach, her dogs Odie and Odessa, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by two brothers, Jason Prigg, her twin brother, of West Grove, and Kenny Walker of Newark, Del.; one sister Lauren Walker of Claymont, Del.; her maternal grandmother, Mary Lou Erickson of Claymont, Del., her paternal grandmother, Betty Warren of West Grove; and her paternal grandfather, James Prigg, Sr., of West Grove.

Her service and burial were held privately. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.



CAROL ANN CALLAHAN GLENN

Carol Ann Callahan Glenn, 56, of Nottingham, formerly Glenolden, passed away on March 4 in Berwyn, Md.

She was the wife of Mitchell K. Glenn, with whom she shared 31 years of marriage. Born in Darby, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Gertrude O’Neill Callahan. Carol owned the Sunoco Gas Station in Oxford, where she was the cashier. She received the Business of the Year award 2015 from the Oxford Area Civic Association. She enjoyed her beach home and dancing.

She is survived by her husband; two daughters, Shannon A. Glenn and Keri A Glenn, both of Nottingham; two sisters, Debra Carroll of Coatesville and Karen Callahan of Ports Mouth, Va.; one brother, Donald Callahan of Glenolden; and best friend, Carol “Buchy” Flood of Newark, Del.

A celebration of life service will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. March 18 at the Wyncote Restaurant (50 Wyncote Dr., Oxford). Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Oxford Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 142, Oxford PA 19363. A scholarship will be awarded to an Oxford Area High School graduating senior. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


MARY TEALE BATTIN

Mary Teale Battin, 88, of Kennett Square, passed away on Feb. 27 at the Crosslands retirement community.

Born in 1928 in Des Moines, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Marcella (Stearns) Teale. She and her mother moved to Buffalo, N.Y., in 1941, where she resided until 1950. In Buffalo, Mary attended the Buffalo Seminary and graduated with a scholarship to Swarthmore College. At Swarthmore she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and graduated in 1950. While at Swarthmore, she met her future husband, Joseph Battin, who was a civil engineering student. Upon graduation in 1950, they married, and Joe embarked on an engineering and construction career with the Bechtel Corporation of San Francisco. With Bechtel, they lived in many places and traveled to many more. In 1978 they were resident in Teheran, Iran, when the Shah fell to Khomeini’s forces. Eventually, they moved to San Francisco and remained there for 22 years before moving to the Crossland Community in 2003.

Mary was an only child. She is survived by her husband, Joe; her children, Sheila Monahan and Stephen Battin (wife Elizabeth); and one grandson, Justin Seides.

She became an accomplished hiker, was a world-class cook and participated in community affairs at Crosslands. First and foremost, she was a wonderful wife, mother and friend and will be much missed.

A memorial service will be held for Mary at the Crosslands Community on April 2 at 2 p.m. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


HAROLD L. WAGNER

Harold “Hal” Lane Wagner, 78, of Avondale, died on March 4 at his home, surrounded by family.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Charles F. and Margaret F. Anderson Wagner. He graduated from Kennett High School in 1957, where he was a baseball pitcher and earned the nickname “Honus.” He was also an active member of their FFA program. Harold was a lifelong farmer and lived the majority of his life on the family’s century farm on Hillendale Road. Harold was famous for joke telling and his quick wit. He made an impact on everyone he met. Harold regularly had coffee with friends before starting his busy day. In his 40s, Hal picked up golfing and joined the Over the Hill Gang golf group. It wasn’t allowed to rain on Thursdays, his weekly golf day. Hal had a passion for Oliver tractors, and began collecting and restoring them. For the past 10 years he enjoyed spending winters in Florida with friends and his brother, Wayne.

Survivors include his only daughter, Julianne Wagner Desmond and her husband Darren of Phoenix, Ariz.; his brother, C. Wayne Wagner and his wife Terry of Wilton, N.H.; four grandchildren, Sarah, Katie, Maggie and Darren Jr.; along with many nieces and nephews who he adored. To many in the family, he was known as “Uncle Bear.”

A visitation with friends and family will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. March 23 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A memorial service celebrating his life will follow at 11 a.m. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19103. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


CARMELITA A. BROWN

Carmelita A. Brown, 98, of Oxford, passed away on March 7 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of the late Roscoe C. Brown, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. Born in Freeland, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Giordano Yarrusso. Carmelita was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford.

She is survived by one son, Steven Brown of Oxford; two daughters, Gail Vahey of Wilmington, Del., and Antoinette Mitchell of Saxton, Pa.; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Pauline Renai, Anna Watts and Josie Woodis. She was preceded in death by a son, Charles Musser.

Funeral services were held March 10. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


GUY RICHARD MARTINDALE

Guy Richard “Dick” Martindale, 76, of Lewisville, Pa., passed away on March 6 at Lancaster General Hospital.

He was the husband of the late Lois Martindale. Born in Lewisville, he was the son of the late Joseph and Marian Martindale. Dick retired as a heavy equipment operator with James Julian in Wilmington, Del. He graduated from Oxford Area High School, class of 1958. Dick was a member of the Ancient Order of the Croaking Frogs, Quarryville; and Moose Lodge, Elkton, Md. He enjoyed farming and carving duck decoys.

He is survived by the love of his life, fiancé Barbara Pryor of Oxford; two nephews, Dr. Steven Parsons and Douglas Parsons, both of Raleigh, N.C.; and two nieces, Deborah Dills of Lewisville and Victoria Parson. He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Parsons; and brother, Bobby Martindale.

Funeral services were held March 13. Interment as in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Cherry Hill, Md. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


KIM E. OSBORNE THOMPSON

Kim E. Osborne Thompson, 53, of Downingtown, died on March 6 at her home.

Born in West Chester, she was a daughter of James J. and Ann E. (Millard) Osborne. Kim was a 1981 graduate of Kennett High School. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) specializing in disabled pediatrics. She was a diehard Eagles fan and never missed watching a game. She loved her family and friends, and her dog, Katie.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her beloved son, Matthew J. Osborne of Downingtown; one brother, James Osborne and his wife Shirley of Lewes Del.; one sister, Sandi Seiler and her husband Bill of Garnet Valley; and four grandchildren, Dominic, Devin, Dylan and Dawson.

A memorial service was held March 11. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Chester County SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike West Chester PA 19380. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


R. KENNETH GALLAGHER, JR.

R. Kenneth Gallagher, Jr., 84, passed away peacefully at home in Oxford on Feb. 5.

He was born and raised in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia. Ken graduated from Central High School. He attended Muhlenberg College in Allentown for two years prior to being drafted in the U.S. Army. After serving in the army for two years, Ken attended La Salle University. He was captain of the La Salle soccer team before graduating in 1959. Ken was hired by Rust Craft Greeting Cards, Inc., in 1960 and eventually moved his wife and three children to Foxborough, Mass., in 1966. The family moved back to Pennsylvania in 1971 and spent much of their time living in Hollidaysburg. All three children graduated from Hollidaysburg High School. Ken and Kay moved to Morgantown, Pa., in 1986 to be closer to their family in Philadelphia. They lived in Morgantown for 25 years and were very active in the community, including Saint Thomas Episcopal Church. Ken spent the last six years of his life living in Oxford. Ken was a member of the Boy Scouts of America during his childhood and continued his involvement as a young adult with the Explorers Club. Ken’s other hobbies included photography and stamp collecting.

Ken was a devoted husband to his wife of 58 years, Kay. He is survived by his wife, Kathryne (Kay) Bateman Gallagher; daughters, Connie Gallagher and Carolyn Gallagher Hall; and son, Kenneth E. Gallagher; granddaughter, Sydney Marie Hall; son-in-law, Richard Allen Hall; brother, Ronald A. Gallagher; sister-in-law, Doris Gallagher; and sister-in-law, Shirley Bateman Smith. He was predeceased by one grandson, Trevor Allen Hall. Ken was the son of the late R. Kenneth Gallagher, Sr., and Naomi Hoffman Gallagher.

A memorial service was held March 11. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church or the Parkinson’s Foundation. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


PHILIP H. MATHIAS

Philip H. Mathias, 83, of Kennett Square, passed away on March 9 at Kendal at Longwood.

He was the husband of Shirley Fischer Mathias, who passed away in 2015, and with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Middletown, Pa., he was the son of the late Russel and Stella Hoffman Mathias. He was a district manager for customer service at Bell Telephone Company in Upper Darby, retiring in 1990 with 35 years of service. After working at Bell Telephone Company, he worked for 18 years at H&R Block. He also was a past volunteer at Longwood Gardens. Philip was a faithful and committed member of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Unionville. Prior to that, a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Broomall for 30 years.

He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and was an avid Philadelphia sports fan for all the teams. At Reading High School, he was an outstanding athlete. While attending Yale University, he played football and baseball, receiving many awards for his athletic ability. In 2013, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

He is survived by one son, Mark F. Mathias and his wife Laura of Rochester, N.Y.; two daughters, Marcy L. Wisbauer and her husband Kenny of Charlottesville, Va., and Sharon L. Mathias of Kansas City, Mo.; one brother, Larry Mathias and his wife Joyce of Stuart, Fla.; five grandchildren, Andrew Mathias and his wife Allison, Jeremie Mathias, Kevin Mathias, Katie Wisbauer and Kelli Wisbauer; and two great-granddaughters, Samantha Mathias and Kate Mathias.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. March 18 at St. Michael Lutheran Church (109 E. Doe Run Rd., Unionville). His memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Philip’s memory, may be made to St. Michael Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 178, Unionville, PA 19375. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


ELVERA R. HALLMAN

Elvera R. “Eva” Hallman, 96, of Oxford, formerly of Kennett Square, passed away on March 8.

She was the wife of the late Charles H. Hallman. Born in Springdale, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Michael J. and Anna DiPaola DiFilippo. Eva lived most of her life in Kennett Square. She retired from MGA Mushroom Cannery in Kennett Square after 52 years of service. She was a member of St. Patrick Church, Kennett Square and the Oxford Area Senior Center.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Betty J. Hallman of Oxford; three grandsons, David (Anita) Hallman of Oxford, Glenn (Cathy) Hallman of West Grove, and Michael (Stacey) Hallman of New London; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Marie Leone of Kennett Square. She was preceded in death by a son, Charles M. Hallman; three brothers, Michael DiFilippo, Freddie DiFilippo and Frank DiFilippo; and four sisters, Rosie Pesilo, Yolanda Johnson, Mafalda Hallman and Millie Jordan.

Funeral services were held March 13. Interment was private in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


CHARLES W. HANBY, JR.

Charles (“Buck”) W. Hanby, Jr., 79, of Lincoln University, passed away on March 9 at his home.

He was the husband of Sandra Ferguson Hanby, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. Born in Boothwyn, he was the son of the late Charles W., Sr., and Doris Sheetz Hanby. Buck farmed in Upper Oxford Township with his brother, Beau Hanby. A well-known fox hunter, Buck had a love for all animals, especially his dogs, which he enjoyed riding with in his golf cart. He also enjoyed his beach house in Rehoboth, and NASCAR

He is survived by his wife; one son, Charles (Chip) W., III and his wife Debra of Carney’s Point, N.J.; one daughter, Megan Cadreau and her husband Michael of Lincoln University; five grandchildren, Zaria, Zaniah and Zayden Cadreau, Melissa (Joseph) Lafferty, Kristin Martin; and three great-grandchildren, Madison, Gemma and Bryanna.

A memorial service will be held at noon on March 15 at the New London United Methodist Church (1010 State Rd., New London). Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Rough Riders 4H, 325 Noble Rd., Christiana, PA 17509. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


CAROLE JUANITA DIFILIPPO

Carole Juanita DiFilippo, 80, of Rexford, N.Y., formerly of Kennett Square, died on March 3 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family.

Born in Bluff City, Tenn., Carole was the daughter of Smith and Opal Gentry. She moved to Kennett Square in her early 20s and eventually met and married Robert E. DiFilippo. She worked at Chatham Acres Nursing Facility for over 30 years, and retired in 2006, when she moved to Rexford, N.Y., to live with her daughter and grandson. Carole enjoyed keeping her mind active by doing crossword puzzles, crocheting, and trying to keep up with her grandson. She also adored her chihuahua, Mimi.

Survivors include her children, Karen V. Daley, Barbara A. Parker, and Robert A. DiFilippo; one grandchild, Matthew Robert Parker; three sisters, Hazel Vandergrift, Mary Jenkins, and Peggy Hartsook; and two brothers, Donny Shaffer and Arliss Shaffer.

Carole will be laid to rest at 11 a.m. April 22 at St. Patrick Cemetery (460 N. Union St, Kennett Square). She will be buried next to her husband Robert, who died in 1995. Contributions in her memory may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Society, 12 Germay Drive, Wilmington, DE 19804. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


TARA LYNNE KELLY WALTZ

Tara Lynne Kelly Waltz, 45, of Kennett Square, passed away on March 9 at her residence.

She was the devoted wife of Timothy M. Waltz, with whom she shared nine years of marriage. Born in Wynnewood, Pa., she was the daughter of Edward Kelly of Royersford, and Joy Meliori Cionci of Denver, Pa. She attended Downingtown High School. Tara was an owner of an antique business, and enjoyed Washington Capitols Hockey, antiques, vacations at the beach in Topsail Island, homemaking, and being with her family and friends.

Tara is survived by, in addition to her husband, one son, Robert James Bender III and his girlfriend, Molly L. Smith of Kennett Square; one daughter, Lynne Marie Bender of Wilmington, N.C.; two stepdaughters, Ashley N. Waltz of Philadelphia, and Heather A. Waltz of Hollywood, Fla.; and one grandson, Nicholas A. Waltz of Kennett Square. She is also survived by her maternal grandmother, Anne D. Meliori; several aunts, uncles, and  half brothers and sisters.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. March 17 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Lifeline Baptist Community Church, A Lively Hope, 230 Nutt Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460; or to the Kennett Community Wrestling Club, 107 Quail Lane, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com