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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of May 15

05/16/2017 02:12PM ● By J. Chambless

LEONARD J. MINNICK

Leonard J. Minnick, 86, of West Grove, passed away May 14 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

He was the husband of Suzanne G. Freeman Minnick, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Chester, Pa., he was the son of the late Daniel A. and Olive Heinauer Minnick. Leonard was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Chester Masonic Lodge No. 236 F. & A.M. and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 654, Boothwyn.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Susan (Paul) Surplus of Ridley Park and Patti (Gabriel) Vattilana of Cochranville; six grandchildren, Nicholas, (Rachael), Victoria, Ian, Tamara, Michael and Nicole; and three great-grandchildren, Noah, Marlo and Ezra. He was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel Minnick; and sister, Barbara Edwards.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. May 23 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford). Interment will be private. On-line condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.  


MARY MORRISSEY

Mary Morrissey, 91, of West Grove, passed away in Micco, Fla., on May 8.

She was the wife of George R. Morrissiey, who passed away in 1988, and with whom she shared 44 years of marriage. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret Cumberland Maynes. Mary was a caregiver, last working for Home Instead in  West Chester. She was a member of St. Patrick Church in Kennett Square. Mary enjoyed crocheting, traveling, playing bingo, slots, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by one son, George L. Morrissiey and his wife Jane of West Grove; one daughter, Mary Moran of Jennersville; six grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A funeral was held May 15. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In memory of Mary and her late granddaughter, Kathleen Moran, a contribution may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Association, 2004 Sproul Road, Suite 208, Broomall, PA 19008. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


DR. KENNETH R. MARTIN

Dr. Kenneth R. Martin, D.D.S., 84, of Oxford, passed away on May 6 at home.

He was the husband of Barbara Stickley-Martin. Born in Darby, Pa., he was the son of the late Raymond and Laura Reyburn Martin. He served as a Captain in the United States Army.  Kenneth attended Ebenezer Methodist Church (now Hope United Methodist Church) in  Havertown. He owned and operated his own dental practice in Havertown, which  is currently owned by his sons.

He is survived by his wife; his three children, Dr. Jacqueline Kathy Martin, D.V.M. of Clemmons, N.C., Dr. Jeffrey Martin, D.D.S. (Allison) of Oxford, and Dr. Kenneth Randolph Martin, D.D.S. of Oxford; four grandsons, Alex Matney, Winston Matney, Mason Matney, Jeffrey Chase Martin; and one brother, Lenox Martin (Merry) of Oxford.

A funeral was held May 12. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Lung Association, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 7000, Alberta Lea, MN 56007-8001. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


JAMES K. DANIELSON

James Keith Danielson, Jr., 47, of Nottingham, passed away on May 5 at home.

He was the husband of Victoria Murray. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late James K., Sr., and Doris Mae Danielson. He loved his dogs and kids. He enjoyed playing the guitar and had been in many bands over the years. James was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 2666 and a member of the I.B.E.W.

He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Wendi Murray of Elkton, Md., Nicole Murray of Elkton, Md., and Dana Murray of Nottingham; one brother, Adam Danielson (Cindy) of Hunlock Creek; and 16 grandchildren.

A service was held May 13. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford, PA 19363, to offset the cost of the memorial service. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


WILLIAM C. HUTCHINS

William “Bill” C. Hutchins, 92, of Hockessin, Del., died on May 8 at Brackenville Center in Hockessin, Del.

He was the husband of Ruth Gabel Hutchins, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of the late Albert E. and the late Louise (Pinchoff) Hutchins. He served during World War II in the Signal Corps of the Army and was stationed in England and France. He was a civil engineer, working for several companies, retiring from PSE&G at the Hope Creek Nuclear Facility in Salem, N.J. During retirement, Bill and Ruth enjoyed traveling and especially enjoyed cruising to Alaska. He enjoyed photography, cooking and gardening. Most importantly, Bill adored his family.

In addition to his wife Ruth, Bill will be missed by his three sons, William Jr. and his wife Mary of Hockessin, Del., David and his wife Barbara of Middlesex N.J., and Andrew of Toms River, N.J. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Sarah Meldrum (Samuel), Mary Keino (Andrew Kiptoo), Elizabeth Hutchins Dorsey (Timothy), Kimberly Hutchins and David Jr.; and two great-grandchildren, Charles and Eloise Meldrum.

A funeral was held May 15. Interment was held privately in Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in New Jersey. Contributions in his memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St. Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


MILDRED L. PAXSON

Mildred L. Paxson, 80, of Cochranville, passed away on May 8 at home.

She was the wife of the late Robert Paxson. Born in Coatesville, she was the daughter of the late James and Olie Hodson. Mildred was a member of Faggs Manor Church and attended Bible study. She loved her cats and enjoyed camping with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her two daughters, Candice Csala (Tom) and Brenda Bewley (fiancé Tom); two sons, Eddie Hughes (Carol) and Charles Hughes (Christina); 10 grandchildren, Jess Bewley, Becky Bewley, Jen Copeland, Bob Bewley, Samantha Pfiefer, Stephen Bewley, Justin Hughes, Stevie Hughes, Steph Bewley and Alyssa Paxson; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters.

A funeral was held May 15. Interment was in Faggs Manor Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Chester County SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


ROMA L. LEWIS

Roma L. Lewis, 92, of Cochranville, passed away quietly at her home on May 10.

Roma was born in 1924 in Lancaster. She was the wife of the late Javine F. Lewis, whom she was married to for 63 years. She was the daughter of the late Harry and Levada Wimer McCardell. Roma was a graduate of the Little Britain High School. During World War II, she worked as an inspector at a munitions plant in Elkton, Md. She was also a volunteer of the Penn Auxiliary at Jennersville Regional Hospital for many years. She was a longtime member of Manor Presbyterian Church in Cochranville, where she served as a deaconess and a Sunday school teacher.

Roma is survived by her son, Thomas F. Lewis and his wife Linda of Cochranville; four grandchildren, Timothy Lewis and his wife Shannon of Quarryville, Luann Gain and her husband Matthew of Oxford, Erin Lewis of Sterling, Va., and Joseph Lewis and his wife Lisa of Landenberg; and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Holmes of West Chester; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers and six sisters.

A funeral was held May 16. Interment was in Faggs Manor Cemetery in Cochranville. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to AI DuPont Children’s Hospital at www.nemours.org. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


SANDI NEWILL CREASY

Sandi Newill Creasy, 44, of Nottingham, passed away on May 10 at Hospice & Community Care in Mount Joy.

Born in Oxford, she was the daughter of Thomas K. and Lorraine Dixon Newill. She was a member of the Solanco Jaycees. Sandi enjoyed crafting, and traveling to the beach and mountains. She loved her kittens and taking care of animals.

She is survived by her parents; one sister, Beth Newill of Lancaster; and companion, Glenn Blizzard of Peach Bottom.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. May 20, 2017 at the Red Mens Pavilion (114 Brick Rd., Oxford). Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


DAVID MAXWELL

David “Max” Maxwell, 56, of Avondale, peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on May 14.

David is survived by his fiancée, Laurie Blackburn, with whom he shared two loving years. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Donald C. and the late Mary Lois (Young) Maxwell. After receiving his education, David went on to have various jobs, including a stone mason, but was most known as being the manager at Phillips Mushroom Farms of Kelton. When David wasn’t working, he greatly enjoyed fishing and spending time at the beach, specifically Lewes, Del. Most of all, David enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Along with his fiancée, Laurie, David is survived by his daughters, Melissa Maxwell and Hannah Maxwell; his brothers, Donald C. Maxwell and Keith D. Maxwell and his wife; his sister, Andrea Maxwell Bonner and her husband; his grandchildren, Corey and Gabriel; and several nieces and nephews.

A reception with family and friends will be held May 20 at the Red Clay Room (423 Dalmatian St., Kennett Square). David’s celebration of life will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Memorial contributions in David’s name may be made to the Colon Cancer Alliance (1025 Vermont Ave., NW - Suite 1066, Washington, DC 20005); or Forgotten Cats Inc. (4023 Kennett Pike, Suite 422, Greenville, DE 19807). Online condolences may be shared at www.griecocares.com.


VIRGINIA HUGHES FULTON

Virginia Hughes Fulton, of Oxford, died on May 15 at Jenner's Pond, 24 days before her 106th birthday.

Virginia will be remembered for her deep faith, caring ways, and a lifetime of helping and serving others.

Virginia and her twin brother Raleigh were born on June 8, 1911 in Coatesville. She was the daughter of the late Walter R. and Minnie Gray Hughes.

Surviving are daughters Susan (Joseph) Glass of Millersville, and Sandra Day of Oxford; her pride and joy grandson Michael Day; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by son-in-law, William Day; brothers Parke, Donald and Raleigh Hughes; and sisters Grace Harris, Esther Bonsall and Alice Webber.

Virginia graduated from Coatesville High School in 1929. After graduating from the Coatesville Hospital School of Nursing in 1933 as a Registered Nurse, she did private duty nursing until 1940, when she joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. She was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center until receiving orders to report to Tripler Army Medical Center at Fort Shafter, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, in 1941. Virginia arrived in Oahu via the USS Tasker H. Bliss on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1941. She cared for Pearl Harbor survivors and later, young polio victims at the Emergency Poliomyelitis Hospital. In 1945 Captain Hughes was assigned to Valley Forge General Hospital. While there she met her future husband (Waide G. Fulton). She was reassigned to Walter Reed in 1946 where she remained until her separation from service in 1947. Virginia continued in the Army Reserves until 1954.

Moving to Oxford in 1950, Virginia taught Red Cross courses in Home Nursing and Mother & Baby Care, assisted with blood drives, polio vaccine clinics and volunteered as a school crossing guard. Virginia was the Oxford Elementary School nurse from 1957 to 1976. She received her B.S. in public school nursing from West Chester State College in 1967. Retirement didn’t slow her down. Virginia was the first nurse to work at Ware Presbyterian Home. She played golf into her 90s and enjoyed traveling with her family, especially the trips to Hawaii when she was 92 and 100 years young.

Virginia never met a marshmallow Easter peep she didn’t like. Her secret to long life was "loving everyone" and eating lots of chocolate.

Virginia was a long time member (60-plus years) of the Oxford United Methodist Church. She was very active in the Winner's Class and the United Methodist Women; she was the chairperson for missions for many years and she was famous for organizing rummage sales held at the church. She was a member of the Octoraro Chapter No. 463 Order of the Eastern Star, XYZ, and the Oxford Area Senior Center. Virginia was named the Citizen of the Year in 2003 by the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce. She was a Life member of VFW Post 7294, Millersville, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Post 1779, Oxford.

Family and friends may call at the Oxford United Methodist Church (Market and Addison streets, Oxford) from 6 to 8:30 p.m. May 23, and from 9:30 to 11 a.m. May 24. Services will be held at the church at 11 a.m. An Eastern Star service will be held Tuesday at 8 p.m. Burial will be in the Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Virginia’s name may be made to the Oxford United Methodist Church, 18 Addison St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences can be given at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


WENDY DIXON WICK

The world has lost a most giving and glorious soul. Dear daughter, mother, sister, and friend Wendy Dixon Wick went to her well-earned peace on May 13.

Wendy was born in 1963 in Tom’s River, N.J., to Patricia (Hoot) and David Kresge. No daughter ever loved her parents more. She was the baby sister to Pam and Val, who shared many silly and cherished childhood days in Stroudsburg, Pa., and Cape May, N.J. She was a member of the 1980 state championship field hockey team from Stroudsburg High School, and the same year was voted homecoming queen. Wendy graduated from Ursinus College and enjoyed a wide variety of jobs, all in the service of others.

Wendy is survived by her children, Skyler and Josh, and their father Jack; her proud parents; and her sisters, Valerie Kresge and Pam Misciangna and Pam’s husband Marty and sons Luke and David; as well as her loving extended family and her many devoted friends.

A visitation with family and friends will be held May 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church (101 Old Kennett Rd., Wilmington, Del.). Her funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to The Skyler and Joshua Wick Trust, at P.O. Box 944, Mendenhall, PA 19357. Donations can also be sent online to www.youcaring.com/skylerandjoshwick-823559. Funds from the trust will be used to meet Sky and Josh’s needs, as well as their education. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


CHARLES JOSEPH HUTH, JR.

Charles "CJ" Joseph Huth, Jr., 35, of West Grove, passed away on May 15 in New Cumberland, Pa.

Born in Chester, Pa., he was the son of Charles J. Huth, Sr, of Newark, Del., and Penny Hipple Huth of West Grove. CJ was a carpenter, working for Zvorsky Construction  in New Cumberland. He was an avid fisherman, he enjoyed outdoor activities, four-wheeling, carpentry, bowling, music, playing the guitar, going to Phillies and Eagles games, and being with his family and friends. 

In addition to his parents, he is survived by one sister, Jackie Huth and her significant other, Matthew O’Brien of West Grove; his maternal grandfather, Joseph Rubino of Aston, Pa.; one niece, Aleaya Rivera; and one nephew, Leo Rivera. 

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. May 23 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in CJ’s memory may be made to the Daystar Center for Spiritual Recovery, 125 North 18th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.