CLIFFORD P. HEMPHILL

Clifford P. Hemphill, 66, of Kennett Square, passed away on June 8 at his home.

He is survived by his mother, Pauline Blake; and three siblings, Mark, Michael, and Dorian Lelli. Clifford grew up in, Kennett Square, and attended, Kennett High School. After graduating in, 1968, he went to West Chester University, where he left after his junior year. Cliff lived in, Miami Beach, Fla., in the late, 1970s and then moved to, Malibu, Calif., and lived there for a couple of years, before moving to Venice Beach, Calif. He eventually returned to Kennett Square in 1985.

Cliff enjoyed music, and had a great appreciation for nature, where he felt the happiest and at peace. He also enjoyed the beach, and loved swimming in the ocean. During Cliff's high school years, he played, soccer, basketball, and baseball, and was very good at all three sports. In college, he played soccer. Cliff was fortunate to have many friends and was well liked, and he had a great sense of humor. He had a successful painting business for 16 years, and had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects. Cliff was an avid reader of esoteric books. His favorite author was, Zecharia Sitchin. He was an extremely giving person, and would do anything for people without expecting something in return. Cliff was a very spiritual person. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

There will be a mass on June 23 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square).  Burial will be private. Immediately following the mass, there will be a gathering to celebrate Cliff's life. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

JAMES A. PAXSON

James A. Paxson, 69, of Conowingo, Md., formerly of Oxford, passed away on June 4 at Calvert Manor Healthcare Center in Rising Sun, Md.

Born in 1948, he was the son of the late Everard (Buzz) and Elizabeth (Betty) Fuchs Paxson of New London. James was an avid fisherman.

He is survived by his brother, John E. Paxson, Sr. (Sara) of Nottingham; nephews, John E. Paxson, Jr. (Chris) of Nottingham, Thomas C. Paxson (Whitney) of Washington, D.C.; and a niece, Kimberly A. Anderson (Scott) of Oxford; and six great-nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by a brother, Howard (Buddy) W. Paxson.

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

SHIRLEY ANN WYATT WILSON

Shirley Ann Wyatt Wilson, 67, of West Grove, passed away on June 5 at her residence.

Born in Kennett Square, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Orren Wyatt and the late Elizabeth Dilley Wyatt. She was a homemaker. Before that, she was a former owner of the Chatham Diner in Chatham, and was a secretary for Brandywine Cylinder Heads in West Chester, and for the Hampton Body Shop in Avondale. Shirley was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Kennett Square VFW. She enjoyed going to Delaware Park, Las Vegas, shopping, and being with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by one son, Christopher Michael Wilson and his wife Rachael of Lincoln University; one daughter, Michelle Griffith and her husband Rob of West Grove; one sister, Carolyn Walsh of Newark, Del.; four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by two brothers, Albert Wyatt and Jack Wyatt.

A memorial service was held June 10.Burial was in the Longwood Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 E. Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348; or to the Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church, 408 Bayard Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.grieoccares.com.

SAMUEL FELTNER

Samuel Feltner, of Kennett Square, passed away on May 11 at home, surrounded by loved ones, after a fight with pancreatic cancer.
He was born in Camden, N.J., to Dora Dean Hughes and the late Wilbert Feltner. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Karen Holman. Along with his mother, Samuel is survived by his daughter, Hannah Feltner and her fiance Michael Grubb; girlfriend Deborah Riale and her son Brian Zavala; brothers Wilbert Feltner of Massachusetts, John Feltner and wife Kathy of Pennsylvania, Walter Feltner and wife Della of Maryland, and Ira Welch and wife Heather of Pennsylvania; sisters Sharon Mains and husband Kenny of Tennessee, Sue Holman and husband Dan of North Carolina, Elizabeth Arnold and husband Mike of Pennsylvania, Bonnie Geiser of North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.
Samuel worked as a truck driver and loved being on the road. When at home, he enjoyed riding his Harley, going to flea markets, and visiting with friends and family.
A celebration of life will be held on June 17 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Avondale Fire Hall. Reach out to his family members for more details.

HAROLD E. BLITTERSDORF

Harold E. Blittersdorf, 94, of West Grove, passed away on June 1.

He is survived by his loving wife, RoseMarie, with whom he shared 30 years of marriage. Harold was born to the late Charles and Emma Blittersdorf. He graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1940 and was awarded a full scholarship to the Academy of Arts in Wilmington, studying under N.C. Wyeth. He served in the Army European Theatre as a topographical engineer in World War II. He owned Vermont Art Studio for over 40 years and HB Graphics for 20 years. SKI Magazine commissioned him to paint the Mountain Town Series. Harold was commissioned to paint the 1980 Olympic painting in Lake Placid. Throughout his life he enjoyed flying, fishing and photography, making friends along the way.

Harold and Lois were proud parents to Bonnie, John, Jim, Dave and Jeff, living in Vermont; proud grandparents of many beloved grandchildren and two great-grandsons. Harold came home to West Grove after many years and married RoseMarie and became father to Daisey, Andy, and Don Bloss; and the loving grandparent of Payton, Stephanie, Lily, and Jameson.

A memorial service was held June 10. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Harold’s name to the American Red Cross. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.griecocares.com.

WILMA JEAN ADAMS POWELL

Wilma Jean Adams Powell, 81, of West Grove, passed away on June 5 at the Chester County Hospital.

She was the wife of Robert A. Powell Sr., who passed away in 2011, and with whom she shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Springdale, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Fred V. and Lovertus McGinnis Adams. She was an eight-year resident at the Luther House in Jennersville, where she developed many friendships and spread seeds of love everywhere she went. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, and she loved the Lord with her heart and soul.

She is survived by one son, Robert A. Powell, Jr., and his fiancé Beth Wirt of North East, Md.; one daughter, Scarlett A. Hamm of Lincoln University; one brother, Richard Adams of Palatka, Fla.; two sisters, Tiz Cox of Coatesville, and B.J. Holley of Satsuma, Fla.; four grandchildren, Megan Alpaugh, Stephanie Vargas, Zanna Powell and Paige Powell; along with four great-grandchildren, Remington and Reese Alpaugh, and C.J. And Carter Vargas.

Her graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. June 14 at the New London Presbyterian Church Cemetery (1986 Newark Road, Route 896, New London). In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, Suite 610, 400 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

GARY MICHAEL JOHNSON

Gary Michael Johnson, 29, of Bear, Del., formerly of Oxford, died suddenly on June 8 at home.

Gary attended school in the Oxford School District and later Christiana High School. He worked for Serv-Pro for three years, and Deltrans as a mechanic for four years, and was currently driving a truck for Republic Services. Gary was a proud, card-carrying member of the NRA, and enjoyed fishing, collecting guns, detailing cars (his especially), playing guitars, and racing cars.

Gary is survived by his mother, Joy McKee of Bear; his sons, whom he adored, Jordan Michael Johnson of Newark and Shaun Michael Johnson of Oxford; sisters Michelle Johnson of Newark, Nichole Johnson of Bear, and Kelly Bradley of Lewes; and nieces Natalya Iannone and Rylee Templin, both of Newark.

A service was held June 13. To send a message of condolence to the family, visit www.mccreryandharra.com.

HELEN G. CAMERON

Helen G. Cameron, 89, of Oxford, went to be with her Lord on June 7 at her home.

She was the wife of Clyde L. Cameron, with whom she shared 70 years of marriage. Born in 1928 in Kemblesville, she was the daughter of the late Vance and Leota Phillips Goodman. She graduated from Newark High School, class of 1945. She was a faithful member of Bethany Presbyterian Church in  Oxford, where she taught Sunday school and Bible school and served on the Fellowship Committee.  Helen was active in the former family business, Cameron’s, Inc. the Hardware Store. She was a devoted wife and mother who took great care of her family, always putting her family first and was always an immense help for her husband.

She is survived by her husband; one son, Ken Cameron (Martha); one daughter, Sandy Oliver (Ron); five grandchildren, Andrew Oliver, Kristy Cameron Hunt, Heather Oliver Sauder, Rachel Cameron Walsh and Joseph Oliver; and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Josephine Drennen.

A funeral was held June 10. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Bethany Christian School, 1137 Shadyside Rd., Oxford, PA 19363.  Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

DONALD C. ALLABAND, SR.

Donald C. Allaband, Sr., 70, of Unionville, passed away on June 10 at the Chester County Hospital.

He was the husband of Sharon Allaband, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Earl and Eva Crosson Allaband. Donald was the environmental services manager at Kendal/Crossland Communities for the past 17 years. He attended the Unionville Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed sailing, and in his earlier years, he was very active in sports, especially baseball, where he was a unique side arm knuckleball pitcher. He enjoyed being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Donald C. Allaband, Jr., of Unionville; and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by a twin brother, John Allaband.

A visitation with family and friends will be held June 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Unionville Presbyterian Church (81 Wollaston Rd., Unionville). His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Unionville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Unionville Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 394, Unionville, PA 19375. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

JOHN D. THOMPSON

John “Toby” D. Thompson, Jr., 70, of Oxford, passed away on June 6.

Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late John D., Sr. and Nancy McFadden Thompson. Toby was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of Wickerton Hunt Club in Luzerne County, Pa.

He is survived by two brothers, Robert M. Thompson of West Grove and William M. Thompson of Newark, Del.; one sister, Betty Jane Michaels of West Grove; two grandchildren, Jonathan D. Thompson Myer of Nottingham and Whitney N. Thompson Chant of York, Pa.; and six great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Jr., Hailey, Cameron, Eric, Jr., Macie and Holly. He was preceded in death by a son, John David Thompson Myer.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. June 14 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where family and friends called from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment with full military honors will be in the Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JAMES P. MALCHIONE

James P Malchione, 74, of Kennett Square, and a resident of Pocopson Home, died suddenly on June 9 of natural causes while visiting with family in Quarryville.

Born in Pottsville, Pa., he was the son of the late A. Paul and Alice Malchione. Jim worked in the mushroom industry for many years and later as a custodian for the Avon Grove School District. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by daughters Elizabeth and her husband John Mastrippolito of Kennett Township, Lori Malchione and partner Danny Draper, Jr., of Oxford, Kathleen and her husband Bryan Truett of Quarryville, Sharon Malchione and partner Eric Hines of Kennett Square; his son, James P Malchione, Jr. of Kennett Square; two sisters, Eileen Love of Jennersville, and Joanne Brown of Coatesville; and eight grandchildren, Mikayla Malchione, Ninah Draper, Daniel Draper III, Ciana Malchione, Mia Truett, Jackson Truett, Angele Vazquez and Annalina Hines.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. June 16 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A service celebrating his life will follow at 11 a.m., followed by burial at St Patrick Cemetery. In memory of Jim, contributions can be directed to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.