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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of Jan. 1

01/02/2018 08:35AM ● By J. Chambless

MARGARET ELLEN BEACH

Margaret Ellen Beach, 63, of Elkton, Md., passed away on Dec. 20 at her home.

Born in Wheeling, W.Va., she was the daughter of Elizabeth Shriver of Salyersville, Ky. She was a teacher for 40 years at Chestertown Christian Academy and Elkton Christian School. Margaret was a member of Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church. She loved cooking, baking, and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her mother; two sons, Adam D. Beach (Katherine) of Rising Sun, Md., and Andrew Scott Beach (Ashley) of Landenberg; one daughter, Amber Dawn Flanagan (Michael) of Marlton, N.J.; nine grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Felber of Salyersville, Ky., and Danny Wade of Salyersville, Ky.; and one sister, Donna Richards of Bridgeport, Ohio.

A funeral was held Dec. 23 at Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church in Nottingham. Interment was in the adjoining cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, 401 N. Broadway, suite 1343, Baltimore, MD 21287. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


JEFFREY A. TAYLOR

Jeffrey A. Taylor, 52, of West Grove, passed away on Dec. 21 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

Born in Phoenixville, he was the son of Charles R. Taylor of West Chester and the late Katherine Hunt Taylor. He was a member of the New London Baptist Church and past member of Parkerford Baptist Church. He enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word puzzles, camping and watching the Philadelphia Flyers. Jeffrey had a kind and gentle spirit and was loved by all the staff and people he came in contact with.

He is survived by his father; one brother, Mark R. Taylor of West Grove; aunt Nancy Hunt and uncle Ed Hunt, Jr., of Hobgood, N.C.; and two cousins, Virginia Dare Morris and Ed Hunt IV. Services will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


ROBERT C. NINNI

Robert C. Ninni, 71, of Landenberg, passed away on Dec. 24.

Born in Drexel Hill, he was the son of the late George and Mary Pitetti Ninni. Bob taught business education courses at Avon Grove High School for 30 years. He coached tennis for numerous years and was a photographic advisor for the yearbook. He enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie of his colleagues which continued into retirement, and was fortunate to have good friends and neighbors.

A funeral was held Jan. 2. Interment was in Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Springfield. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


SHARON I. ROTH

Sharon I. Roth, 61, of Lincoln University, passed away on Dec. 10 at her residence.

Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of Irene C. Kort Roth of Topton, Pa., and the late William D. Roth. Sharon was a nuclear radiologist, and had worked for various employers.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by one sister, Sandra M. Hurst of Carolina Shores, N.C. Sharon’s service and burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Brandywine Conservancy, PO Box 141, Chadds Ford, PA 19317. To visit her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


BETTY LOU HANNUM SABBI

Berry Lou Hannum Sabbi, 75, of West Grove, passed away on Dec. 23 at Twin Pines Health Care Center.

Born in Coatesville, she was the daughter of the late Alfred Eshleman and the late Peggy C. Grab. She retired after 20 years of service as a machine operator at Pepperidge Farms in Downingtown. She was an outstanding wife and mother, as well as a friend and advocate to many.

She is survived by four sons, Whitney L. Hannum of Downingtown, Dennis Hannum (Tammy) of Downingtown, and Cheyenne Hannum (Carolyn) of East Fallowfield, and La Rae Hannum of Goose Creek, S.C.; three daughters, Shawnee L. Schreiber (Ric) of Parkesburg, Tuesday Palmer (John) of Denver, Pa., and September Malamon (Mike) of Reinholds, Pa.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald C. Hannum.

Her services and burial were private. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


DANIEL P. MADONNA III

Daniel P. Madonna III, 78, of Kennett Square, died on Dec. 29 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Born in West Chester, he was a son of the late Daniel P. Madonna II and the late Ella (Dwyer) Madonna; and husband to Janice (Hostetler) Madonna, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.

Danny was a lifelong resident of Kennett Square. He and Janice owned and operated his family’s business, Madonna Custom Cleaners, then Madonna Balloons and Cakes, before retiring in 1999.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Danny volunteered in the community through his work with the Southern Chester County Rescue Association (Rescue 71), where he proudly served in the offices of Secretary, President, and Chief. Rescue 71 later merged services with the Kennett Fire Co. No. 1 and Danny was granted the honor of Lifetime Member distinction. He and the late Tony Talamonti co-chaired the Independence Day Celebration Committee and were instrumental in establishing fireworks displays for Kennett Square and the surrounding communities.

After retirement, Danny was known around town as the “Barber Shop Man.” He was a fixture at Burton’s Barber Shop, where he helped with various tasks, distributed bubblegum to kids and contributed to lively discussions. Bob Burton and Danny met at the age of 4.

As many know, Danny was the proud recipient of a heart transplant 16 ½ years ago. Known as “The Legend” at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), he participated in a trial through which he became the first patient to receive infusion treatments at home while waiting for his transplant.

In addition to his wife Janice, he is survived by sons Daniel P. Madonna IV and his wife Audrey of Exton, Stephen Madonna and his wife Jana of Toughkenamon; three daughters, Tina Katella and her husband Dan of Kutztown, Kim Dunn and her husband Steve of West Grove, and Stacy Madonna of Kennett Square; 12 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one sister, Marlene McDonough of Kennett Square; one brother, Edward J. Madonna of Philadelphia; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Jan. 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., and Jan. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Jan. 5 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square), with interment immediately following at St. Patrick Cemetery.

Contributions in his memory may be made to The Clyde F. Barker Penn Transplant House, 3940 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Attention: Kirsten King. Please note Daniel P. Madonna, III in the memo area. To view Danny’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


JOHN W. BORK JR.

John. W. Bork Jr., 90, of West Grove, passed away on Dec. 29 at Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community in West Grove.

He was the husband of Nancy Burdett Bork, who passed away in 2009, and with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late John and Ida Wright-Bork. He was a veteran, a Mason and a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 19 for 41 years, retiring in 1990. He was a member of the Manor Presbyterian Church in Cochranville. He enjoyed traveling and being with his family and friends.

He is survived by two sons, Gary E. Bork of Harrisburg, and Eric P. Bork of New York, N.Y.; one daughter, Leslie A. Pellini and her husband Alan of Kennett Square. He as predeceased by one son, Gregory A Bork. He also had a sister, the late Helen Miller, of Morrisville, Pa.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Jan. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). His funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in Faggs Manor Cemetery in Cochranville. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecofuneralhomes.com.


MARY R. BASILIO

Mary R. “Muz” Basilio, 93, of Kennett Square, passed away on Dec. 30 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

She was the wife of Anthony N. Basilio, who passed away in 2013, and with whom she shared 67 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Giuseppe Mozzani and the late Philomena DiSanti Mozzani. She was the lunch room cashier at the Greenwood Elementary School in Kennett Square for over 25 years. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square.

She enjoyed gardening, taking bus trips, going to the casinos, cooking -- especially holiday meals -- arts and crafts, shopping with her sisters, and being with her family and friends.

Mrs. Basilio is survived by three sons, James A. Basilio and his wife Linda of Swarthmore, Anthony N. Basilio Jr. and his wife Ginny of Kennett Square, and Joseph E. Basilio and his wife Jeannie of Oxford; two daughters, Marie Phillips and her husband Roger of Alburtis, Pa., and Carol Basilio of Seville, Spain; one sister, Helen Mozzani of Downingtown; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one grandson, Evan; five sisters, Eleanor, Alerana, Eva, and Josephine; and one brother, Joseph.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 7, and again from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 8, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square). Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In memory of Mrs. Basilio, a contribution may be made to St. Patrick Church, 205 Lafayette Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348; or to Neighborhood Hospice, 400 East Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


LAWRENCE ERNEST KIRK

Lawrence Ernest Kirk, 92, of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 29 at the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

He was the husband of the late Anna Lloyd Kirk, to whom he was married for 63 years. Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late John and Mary Blackburn Kirk. Lawrence was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served in World War II. He was a member of the Roy W. Gibson Post No. 535 American Legion in Oxford. After the war, he worked at Cee Bee’s Cafe in Oxford. In May 1969, Lawrence purchased the cafe. He also owned and operated Frank’s Steakhouse in Oxford from May 1974 until January 1982. After he sold the steakhouse, he was employed by Chester County as a courthouse security officer until his retirement on Aug. 2, 2000. He enjoyed gardening, caring for his fish pond, crabbing, and hunting. His passions were baseball and football. His favorite times of the year were vacationing at the beach with his family and Christmas.

Lawrence is survived by one son, Larry Kirk of Nottingham; one daughter, Elizabeth Nichols and her husband Robert of Harrisburg; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Cecil Kirk and John Kirk; two sisters, Helen Joyce and Mary Fischel; and daughter-in-law, Hope Kirk.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 3 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where family and friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Vista Foundation, 24 Northeast Dr., Hershey, PA 17033. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


RICHARD E. KORENKIEWICZ

Richard E. Korenkiewicz, 76, of West Grove, died on Dec. 27 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

He was the husband of Lorraine M. Korenkiewicz, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Ridley Park, he was the son of the late Anthony and the late Rose (Dinski) Korenkiewicz. Je served our country in the Air Force. He worked most of his career at Scott Paper company in Chester as an adjuster. He was a diehard Notre Dame and Philadelphia Eagles fan. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Over the years, he enjoyed traveling with his wife to places near and far, including St. Martin, Las Vegas, and Myrtle Beach.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, three sons, David of West Grove, Don and his wife Julie of Landisville, and Tom of West Grove; one sister, Ramona Gobel and her husband Vincent of West Grove; and two grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 6 at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to Neighborhood Hospice, 795 E. Marshall St., Suite 204, West Chester PA 19380. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


HOWARD R. STANLEY

Howard R. Stanley, 83, of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 31 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

He was the husband of Betty R. Hartman Stanley, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. Born in Lansing, N.C., he was the son of the late David and Cynthia May Dennie Stanley. Howard was retired from bridge construction.

He is survived by his wife; one stepson, Paul Czerny of Bear, Del.; three stepdaughters, Gretchen D. Cortes and her husband Vicente Cortes of Oxford, Pam Dawson and her husband Benny Dawson of Nottingham, and Robin Czerny of Idaho; six step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 4 at the Apostolic Church of Oxford (641 Broad St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment is private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


RAYMOND E. KEGG

Raymond E. Kegg, 95, of Kennett Square, went home to be with his Lord on Dec. 9 at Neighborhood Hospice, surrounded by many of his family.

He was the beloved husband of Edith “Edie” W. Kegg, who predeceased him earlier this year on Jan. 2. In August 2016, they celebrated 70 years of loving marriage. Born and raised on the family farm outside of Bedford, Pa., “Ray” was the son of the late C. Franklin Kegg and Jennie Rawlings Kegg.

He graduated from Bedford High School in 1939 at the age of 16 and enrolled at Shippensburg State Teacher’s College, where he majored in mathematics and science. There he met his wife-to-be, Edie. Their first date was Dec. 6, 1941, the evening before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Ray served in the Army Signal Corps in World War II from Nov. 16, 1942, through Jan. 2, 1946, and graduated from Shippensburg in May 1946. On Aug. 17, 1946, he and Edie were married, and in September he started his lifelong career as a teacher, teaching math, science and shop at Chadds Ford Junior High School. In 1954, Ray was transferred to Unionville High School after the consolidation of the two districts. He retired from UHS in 1980 after 37 years of service and, with Edie, enjoyed spending winters in their motor home in Florida through the winter of 2007.

Ray and Edie were founding members of Willowdale Chapel, where he served in many capacities, such as Sunday school teacher and superintendent, and elder. Ray also was on the board of Southern Chester County Youth for Christ for many years, as well as being active in many other community activities.

Ray was first and foremost a faithful and devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and then a faithful, devoted and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He enjoyed camping, playing various sports, playing the trombone, singing, woodworking, playing games, spending time with family and friends and many other activities. He was a hard worker who also knew the value of having fun and enjoying life.

Ray is survived by one sister, Irene J. Growden, of Lavale, Md.; his children, Alan L. Kegg and wife Jean of Hatfield, Joyce E. Pinkham and husband John of Middletown, N.J., Larry R. Kegg and wife Carol of Chesapeake, Va., Linda K. Vavro and her husband Jeff of Strongsville, Ohio, and Karen A. Hess and husband Ray of Kennett Square; 15 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers C. Glenn Kegg, Chalmer C. Kegg, Ralph W. Kegg and Guy F. Kegg; and sisters Hazel H. Boettcher, Vesta V. Rosenzweig, Mabel A. Cornell and Helen M, Jones.

A life celebration service will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 6 at Willowdale Chapel (675 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square). A reception will follow at the church. Interment will be held privately. Memorial contributions may be made to PIONEERS, Attn: account 111300, 10123 William Carey Dr., Orlando, FL 32832. Please note Account #111300 on the memo line. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


EDITH FRAGALE 

Edith "Edie" Fragale, 82, of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her entire family, on Dec. 31 at Twin Pines Health Care. 

She was the wife of Frank J. Fragale, who passed away in 1977, and with whom she shared 21 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Wilmer Miller and the late Kathryn Aberts Miller. She was a 1953 Graduate of Kennett High School. Edie retired in 1997. She was a bookkeeper at Benge’s Service Center for 16 years, and prior to that, she worked at Mason Chevrolet for 21 years, both in Kennett Square. She was a member of St. Patrick Church in Kennett Square. Edie enjoyed going out to eat, movies, trips to Lancaster, and being with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by two sons, Michael A. Fragale and his wife Deana of Kennett Square, and Barry F. Fragale and his wife Monica of Kennett Square; one daughter, Kathy F. D’Amico and her husband Philip of Kennett Square; and eight grandchildren. She was predeceased by one sister, Marian Barber, who passed away on Dec. 31, 2010.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 5 at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church (8910 Gap Newport Pike, Route 41, Avondale). Her funeral nass will follow at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in Longwood Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.