ROBERT T. STREHLAU

Robert Thomas Strehlau, 72, of West Grove, died surrounded by his loving family on Aug. 21 at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester.

He was the husband of Kathleen Holland Strehlau, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Edward and the late Frances (Deyarmin) Strehlau. He was a machinist for The Boeing Company, retiring in 1999. He was a member of the Freemasons and the UAW. He loved fishing, hunting, and sports -- especially softball and Philadelphia pro and college sports teams -- and he was a Eucharistic minister.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, four sons: Edward J. and his wife Lisa, Robert C. and his wife Jacqueline, Michael E. and his wife Lindsey, and Matthew R. and his wife Michele; one daughter, Bonnie M. Goodwin and her husband John; and 16 grandchildren. Robert was predeceased by his beloved sister, Dorothy A. Shepherd.

Interment was in Union Hill Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Association of Cancer Research. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JAY AMBROSE

Jay Ambrose, 66, of Wilmington, Del., passed away peacefully on Aug. 19, surrounded by family.

He was the husband of Paula Dorn Ambrose, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage. Born in Dover, Del., he was a son of the late Paul E. and the late Frances (Gannon) Ambrose. Jay was vice president and senior wealth advisor at Morgan Stanley in Philadelphia before retiring in 2006. He was also a member of Wilmington West Rotary Club, where he served as Seargant of Arms. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing basketball, and relaxing on the beach in Sea Isle City.

In addition to his wife, Jay is survived by his son, Gregory Ambrose of Bel Air, Md.; daughter Lindsay Curtin and her husband Tom of Valhalla, N.Y.; his brother Tom Ambrose and his wife Sandy of Landenberg; his sisters Diane Rhine and her husband Paul of Tom’s River, N.J., and Karen Russel of Salisbury Md.; his grandson Hudson Curtin; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jay’s son-in-law, Tom Curtin, will be running in the NYC Marathon on Nov. 5 to benefit the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Therefore, donations in Jay’s memory may be made at www.tinyurl.com/TeamBigJay, or payable to the MMRF and sent to Lindsay Curtin, 193 Prospect Ave., Valhalla, NY 10595. To view Jay’s online tribute and to share condolences with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JAMES E. ROCHESTER

James E. Rochester, 73, of West Grove, formerly of Chester, passed on Aug. 15 at Twin Pines Health Care Center in West Grove.

He was the husband of the late Rose Lee Shamburger Rochester. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Eunice and Bernice Brown Rochester. James was employed with NVF in Kennett Square for 29 years. He enjoyed fishing and music.

He was survived by two daughters, April D. Rochester and Jill Shamburger, both of Chester; two grandchildren, Darren Rochester and Anisha Rochester; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert S. Rochester of Wilmington, Del., and Thomas W. Rochester of Oxford; and two sisters, Rachel Twyman of New Castle, Del., and Doris Rochester, of Kennett Square. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Tawanda Rochester.

Funeral services were held Aug. 25. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the funeral home (The Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford, PA) to offset expenses. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

DEWEY F. ROOP, JR.

Dewey F. Roop, Jr., 83, of Audubon, formerly of Cochranville, passed away on Aug. 23 at the Einstein Hospital.

He was the husband of Dorothy Abel Roop, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Born in Riner, Va., he was the son of the late Dewey F., Sr., and the late Susie Johnson Roop. Dewey was a self-employed truck driver, owning Roop & Roop Trucking in Cochranville. He retired in 1996 after 32 years of service. After retirement, he taxied the Amish, with whom he formed a close relationship. He was a member of the Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church. Dewey enjoyed buying and restoring old antique cars, going to auctions, and being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons, Dewey “Rocky” III of Little Britain, Robert of Honey Brook, Richard of West Grove, and Palmer “Bud” of Thorndale; four daughters, Deborah Jenkins of Coatesville, Sandra Brown of Downingtown, Jane Rizzuto and her husband John of Audubon, and Karen Roop of Gap; 20 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased  by one son-in-law, Gary Jenkins.

A funeral was held Aug. 29. Burial was in Longwood Cemetery in Kennett Square. In memory of Dewey, a contribution may be made to Einstein Montgomery Home Health and Hospice, 1330 Powell Street, Suite 100. Norristown, PA 19401. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

DAVID A. SAMPSON

David Allen Sampson, 34, of Landenberg, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 24.

Born in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of David H. and Linda Sampson. David was the owner of D&D Security Solutions; his business was a huge aspect of his life. In his spare time, David enjoyed working on cars, going to races, and camping. He also greatly enjoyed spending time with his sons, and the rest of his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, David is also survived by his sons David and Matthew; his sisters Melanie and Michelle; his maternal grandmother Saphronia Oldaker; and aunts, uncles, and cousins. David was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Emil Oldaker; and his paternal grandparents, Mabel and Jean Trent.

A visitation with family and friends will be held Aug. 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will follow the funeral service at New London United Methodist Church Cemetery. To view his online tribute and to share condolences with the family, visit www.griecocares.com.

EDITH FISHER DONNELLY

Edith Fisher Donnelly, 92, of Newport News, Va., formerly of Cleveland, Ga., and Oxford, passed away on Aug. 24 at home.

She was the wife of the late Grant Steadman Donnelly, with whom she shared 69 years of marriage. Born in Lodi, Va., she was the daughter of the late Rush Floyd and Lucy McThenia Fisher. Edith was a member of the Mt. Yonah Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ga. Edith retired from the District Court 15-3-05 in Oxford as a bookkeeper, and was formerly employed with Davis Fuel in Oxford.

She is survived by two daughters, Ruth Ann Boyd (Thomas) of Cleveland, Ga., and Sharon Hornsby of Newport News, Va.; five grandchildren, Yvonne Boyd of Atlanta, Ga., Dawn DelRocini of Lancaster, Rick Donnelly of Ephrata, Doran Hornsby of Virginia Beach, Va., and Donnelly Hornsby of Richmond, Va.; three great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Mary Ross of Cochranville, Allen Leech of Carbondale, Ill., and Kathryn Steele of West Grove. She was preceded in death by one son, Richard Donnelly; three sisters, Frances Singleton, Russie McMichael and Ruth Evans; and four brothers, Harold Fisher, Herbert Fisher, Blake Fisher and Charles Fisher.

A funeral was held Aug. 29. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

CHARLES E. BRADY

Charles Edward Brady, 72, was called home to glory on Aug. 23.

Charles was married to Jo-Ann White Brady and resided in North East, Md. He was born in 1944 to the late Nathaniel W. Brady, Sr., and Ann (Jones) Brady of Nottingham. After graduating from Oxford High School in 1962, he received his associates degree in business in 1964 at Goldey-Beacom College. He was drafted into the Army and stationed in Germany from 1965 to 1967. Upon his return, he completed his degree in business administration at Cheyney University in 1979. Charles was employed by General Motors Assembly Plant from 1964 to 1999 (35 years). During that time, he completed his education and service to his country while working and supporting his family.

He was a member of the Mount Zoar A.M.E. Church in Conowingo, Md., since 2005. His interest in sports started at Oxford High School, where he lettered in three sports – baseball, basketball and soccer. Also, he played the trumpet and sang in the Senior Class Choir. He continued through his professional career to develop young leaders by coaching team sports. In his retirement years, Charles enjoyed playing tennis and golf.

He is survived by his wife, Jo-Ann White Brady; son, Charles Chadwick “Chad” Brady of Bear, Del.; brother, Nathaniel W. Brady, Jr. (Marie) of Oxford; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was blessed with an abundance of friends.

A service will be held Aug. 30 at 11 a.m. at Mount Zoar AME Church in Conowingo, Md. (viewing from 9 to 11 a.m.), and interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. Visit www.DeBaptiste.com.

SNOWE WALSH

Snowe Walsh, 88, of Kennett Square, formerly of Avondale, passed on Aug. 25 at home.

Born in Mt. City, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late John and Bettie Smith Maxwell. She was employed with Chester County Pocopson Home in West Chester as a healthcare nursing assistant and retired in 1998. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Kennett Square and the Kennett Area Senior Center. She loved cats and flowers and was an avid reader.

She is survived by one daughter, Susan Waltman of Nottingham; one son, Larry Walsh of Wilmington, Del.; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one brother, Tommy Maxwell (Bonnie) of Mt. City, Tenn.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 30 at the Union Hill Cemetery (424 N. Union St., Kennett Square). Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

BENNY M. HOLCOMB

Benny Mack Holcomb, 65, of Oxford, passed away on July 12 of a heart attack while staying at the home of his son and his family in California.

He was born in 1951 to the late LeRoy and Marguerite Holcomb of Hillsville, Va. He is survived by his wife, Dawn Evans Holcomb Oxford; his son, Curtis and Lola Holcomb Hemet, Calif.; his daughter, Kristie Holcomb Sugar Hill, Ga.; stepchildren Brett and Andrea Sydenstricker of Oxford; granddaughter Emily Holcomb of Hemet, Calif.; grandson Anthony Nasdeo Sugar Hill, Ga.; step-grandsons Chaice, Brody and Ryan of Oxford; brothers Bill Holcomb and his wife Rose of Davenport, Fla., and Olen Holcomb and his wife Faith of Oxford; sisters-in-law Betty Jean Holcomb (Robert M.) and Betty Holcomb (Lynnwood), both of Virginia; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Lynwood, Robert M. and Curtis; sisters Shirley and Betty; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was a member of the U.S. Navy from 1969-1973. While serving his country he was one of 3,500 crew members aboard the ship USS Bon Homme Richards under the command of captain Dickson W. Alderton. The carrier spent nearly seven months in the coastal waters off Vietnam. He helped decommission the ship in Washington State on July 2, 1971. He enlisted as a Seaman and left as a Leading Seaman with honors and an honorable discharge. While living in Pennsylvania, he worked for many years at Laurel Valley Farms as a truck driver. A celebration of his life with full military honors, including a 21-gun salute and the folding of the flag, will take place on Sept. 23 at the Lake Ridge Resort in Hillsville, Va., at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend to share fond memories of Benny with his family and friends.  

CARLA DAWN WEAVER

Carla Dawn Weaver, 67, of Oxford, passed away on Aug. 25 at home.

She was the wife of the late Sidney R. Weaver. Born in Kingston, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Carl and June Smith Kishbaugh. Carla enjoyed spending time with her family, and especially her grandson.

She is survived by two sons, Tim A. Weaver (Sara) of Nottingham, and Tom R. Weaver of Nottingham; one daughter, Tami A. Sheets (Jeff) of Oxford; one grandson, Camden Weaver; and one brother, Preston Whitesell (Carol) of Hatfield. She was preceded in death by a sister, Sherry Wood.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Sept. 1 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Union Cemetery in Kirkwood. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Oxford Golden Bears Football, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

BETTY JEAN HARRIS

Betty Jean Harris, 78, a loving and devoted wife and mother, transitioned into eternal rest on Aug. 26 at home.

She was born in Atlanta, Ga., in 1938 to the late Ralph and Dorothy Harrison. Betty was co-owner of D&B Fuel Company for over 30 years.

Those who will cherish fond and precious memories of Betty are her loving husband of over 50 years, Thomas Harris; three daughters, Brenda Childs of Atlanta, Ga., Vickie Brunswick of Philadelphia, and Sharon Cummings of Philadelphia; one sister, Leola Bentley, of Atlanta, G.; five brothers, Joseph Bonner of California, and Nathan Jackson, Ralph Harrison, Clarence Harrison, and Kenneth Harrison of Atlanta, Ga.; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; as well as other relatives and friends that will miss her. Betty was preceded in death by a son, Alan B. Cummings.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Sept. 1 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her funeral will follow at noon. Burial will be in Media Cemetery. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ANDREW R. MATYAS, SR.

Andrew Robert Matyas, Sr., 73, a wonderful man, husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many, passed away on Aug. 26.

He was most proud of his family and enjoyed the time spent with them. In 2002, he and his wife moved from Newark, Del., to Ocean Pines, Md. He loved boating and fishing, and was an avid Eagles and NASCAR fan.

He was born on June 1, 1944 to Andrew and Eleanor (Jean) Matyas in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. For 39 years, he was an employee of the General Motors Wilmington Plant. He was a member of the Ocean Pines Corvette Club, MSSA Organization, and the Ocean Pines Angler’s Club.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 34 years, Helen; daughter Denise Crossan and husband Cecil of Bear, Del.; son Michael Jones and wife Cortney of Hockessin, Del.; granddaughter Michele Williams and husband Jason of New Castle, Del.; grandsons Sean Crossan of Bear, Del., and Mason and Callum Jones of Hockessin, Del.; great-grandsons Julian Crossan and Jacob Williams of Bear, Del.; and sister Marion (Peter) of Virginia.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 1 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ANTHONY TALAMONTI

Anthony “Tony T” Talamonti, 72, of Kennett Square, peacefully passed away on Aug. 26 at home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the husband of the late Betty Lou Talamonti, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. Born in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of the late Giuseppe and Frances (DiTomasso) Talamonti. Tony worked at A. Duie Pyle, Inc., as a manager of operations, retiring after 30 years. He then went on to start his own company, World Class Fire Equipment, and became America’s No. 1 Metz Agent while working with Metz Aerials, USA Division and the Rosenbauer Group. He traveled the U.S. and abroad, making many good friends along the way. Tony was a special person, a selfless man who dedicated his life to his community and helping others. Whether it was the lifetime he spent volunteering at the Kennett Fire Company, serving as president for over 35 years, readily assisting with the cleanup effort in New York after 9/11, or helping someone in need, he never asked for anything in return or desired any recognition. Tony was a member of the Four Seasons Motorcycle Club. He also enjoyed an occasional game of golf, spending time with his grandchildren, and Saturday morning breakfasts with his buddies. A devoted family man, Tony was an incredible role model for his family.

Survivors include three daughters, Pamela Talamonti, Angela Kavanaugh, and Donna Schuibbeo (Eric), all of Kennett Square; one son, Joseph Talamonti (Kim) of Cochranville; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Donna Miller (Dan) of Kennett Square; and his mother-in-law, Betty B. Harkins of Kennett Square. He was predeceased by two brothers, Luigi and Joseph Talamonti.

A visitation will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Sept. 1 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church (7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, Del.). A funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m., and interment will be at Cathedral Cemetery (2400 Lancaster Ave., Wilmington, Del.). Contributions in Tony’s memory may be made to ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Rd., Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002; or St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To view Tony’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

NICHOLAS F. REPETTO

Nicholas F. Repetto, 23, of Lincoln University, passed away suddenly on Aug. 28.

Born in West Chester, he was a son of Maureen Boyle and Joseph A. Repetto, Jr. Nicholas was a 2012 graduate of Oxford High School. He attended Cecil College, where he played soccer. In his spare time, Nicholas enjoyed playing Xbox, watching his favorite shows, and playing soccer. Nicholas was very inquisitive and “researched everything.”

Nicholas is survived by his mother, Maureen Boyle Repetto of Lincoln University; his father, Joseph A. Repetto, Jr., and his wife Nashara of Lincoln University; his maternal grandparents, Maureen and Frank Boyle of West Chester; his paternal grandfather, Joe Repetto of Beckley, W. Va.; his paternal grandmother, Sharon Repetto of Downingtown; his siblings, Zachary Repetto, Dylan Repetto, Tanner Repetto and Serena Maccombie; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 3 at the Christian Life Center (125 Saginaw Rd., Lincoln University). A funeral service in memory of Nicholas’s life will follow at 5 p.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to Kacie’s Cause, 232 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348; or Oxford High School Boy’s Soccer Program, 705 Waterway Road, Oxford PA 19363. To view his online tribute and share condolences with the family, visit www.griecocares.com.