GARY FALLON

Gary Fallon, 79, of Wilmington, Del., succumbed to Alzheimer's disease, with his wife and two daughters by his side, on March 14 at Arden Courts, where he had resided for 15 months.

In the final days of the disease, Gary's true self remained – he was polite and kind to the end. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan (Thomas); daughters, Elizabeth Fallon (Kevin Ross) and Jennifer Anderson (Ross Anderson); two granddaughters; his sisters Linda Williams and Diane Burchell (Robert); his sister-in-law, Claudia Clayton (Jay); and nieces and nephews.

Born in South Gibson, Pa., Gary served in the U.S. Navy from 1956-59 and the Naval Reserves for another three years. He earned a bachelor's degree from Bloomsburg State College and a master's degree from Temple University. He began working as a speech therapist in Chester County and spent 35 years with the Christiana Care Health System, retiring as the Director of the Speech and Hearing Center. Always an athlete, Gary played baseball and basketball in high school. As an adult, he played club volleyball, bowled competitively, and took up running in his forties. He often could be found in the fitness center at the Western YMCA. After retiring from Christiana Care, Gary became an avid golfer and was a member of the Newark Senior Center Golf League. Gary was a quiet, reserved and private man whose greatest commitment was to his family. He never missed a swim meet, school play or concert. He adored his granddaughters. This is how he will be remembered.

The family thanks the caregivers and staff at Arden Courts for their skill, kindness, compassion and laughter. Memorial contributions may be made to The Swank Memory Care Center, Christiana Care, Office of Development, 13 Reads Way, Suite 301, New Castle, DE 19720 (https://christianacare.org/donors). To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

FLAVIO CHIARADONNA

Flavio Chiaradonna, 78, of Coatesville, died on March 17 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

He was the husband of Giuseppina Bruno Chiaradonna, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Born in Montella, Italy, he was the son of the late Nicola and the late Genoeffa (Carfagno) Chiaradonna. He served our country in the Navy. He enjoyed a long career as a Merchant Marine, retiring as Second Mate in 1984. Most of his career was working for Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO). He was a member of the Italian Sailors Club. He loved animals and reading, and was a history buff. Most of all, he cherished family time, especially with his grandkids.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, one son, Ettore Chiaradonna of Coatesville; one daughter, Patrizia Chiaradonna of Chester Springs; three sisters, Anita Knoblauch and her husband Hans of Costa Mesa, Calif., Aurora Vitale and her husband Anthony of Philadelphia, and Maria Erskine of Guadalajara, Mexico; and four grandchildren.

A funeral was held March 22. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JUNE KATHLEEN SHEPHERD

June Kathleen Shepherd (Kitty June), 90, of Oxford, passed immediately into the arms of her Savior on March 19 at Jenners Pond in West Grove, surrounded by family and friends in the loving arms of her husband.

She was the wife of William W. Shepherd, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Norristown, she was the daughter of the late James E. and Mary Hallowell Stoops. June was a physical education teacher from 1950 to 1958 at Oxford Area High School. She was a beloved field hockey coach and girls basketball coach. She was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Oxford, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, served on the Fellowship Committee and was the chair of the Flower Committee. June was also a member of the Oxford Research Club, where she managed the Second Season Shop. June enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, traveling, camping, reading, flower gardening, knitting and music.

She is survived by her husband; two daughters, Kathleen S. Book (Bruce) of Quarryville, and Suzanne S. Hamlin (James) of Oxford; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Alice Harvey of Sellersville, Pa. She was predeceased by her son, Robert S. Shepherd; and sister, Jacqueline Heimer.

A funeral was held March 24. 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.

JESSIE DIBENEDETTO

Jessie DiBenedetto, 97, of Toughkenamon, passed away on March 18 at Twin Pines Health Care Center.

She was the wife of Salvatore DiBenedetto, who passed away in 2015, and with whom she shared 70 years of marriage. Born in Summit Hill, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Pietro Delaurentis and the late Nicoletta Del Pedio Delaurentis. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, and being with her family and friends. Jessie was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Avondale.

She is survived by one son, Vincent DiBenedetto and his wife Nancy of Toughkenamon; two daughters, Donna Ferroni and her husband Jim of Avondale, and Sandra Bock and her husband Charles of Toughkenamon; six grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers and two sisters.

Her funeral and burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, P.O. Box 709, Avondale, PA 19311. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

CHARLES W. OAS, SR.

Charles W. Oas, Sr., 84, of Kennett Square, died on March 19 at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester.

He was the husband of Ann L. Morgan Oas, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Chadds Ford, he was a son of the late Gustav and the late Marguerite (Tyson) Oas. Charles worked in the farming industry all his life in Chester County. He was also a well-known horse trainer. He loved horse races and fox hunting. In general, if he was hunting anything it was a good day for Charles. In recent years, he enjoyed golfing with the “Mountain Men” and would golf anywhere his friends would take him. When it came to family gatherings, a game of horseshoes was a special pastime.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, two sons, Charles W. Oas, Jr. (Karen) of Newtown Square, and Stephen F. Oas (Wendy) of Coatesville; two brothers, Frank Oas of West Chester, and John Oas of Florida; three sisters, Rebecca Quinn of Phoenixville, Jane Teter of Parkesburg, and Dorothy Banner of Maryland; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one son, Bruce; three brothers, Carl, Walter and Alfred; and four sisters, Jessie, Betty, Eleanor and Sara.

A funeral was held March 24. Interment was in Longwood Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to Thorncroft Equestrian Center, 190 Line Road, Malvern, PA 19355. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

THOMAS PAGE

Thomas Page, 81, of Antioch, Tenn., passed away on March 20.

A native of Oxford, Pa., he was also a longtime resident of Chattanooga, Tenn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine and Howard Sturgill; brothers, Bobby Hanf, Stephen Page, Everett Page; and sisters, Blanche Doiron and Peggy DiGeronimo. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane Kirk Page; daughter, Denise Page; grandchild, Amanda Smith; sisters, Emma Gardner, Pauline Roussey and her husband Paul, and Maybelle Page; brother, Frank Page and his wife Regina; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was a member of LaVergne First United Methodist Church. He served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years. He was a retired aircraft mechanic and had worked with Capitol Airways for many years, along with Signal Aviation. He loved bowling and was an avid fan of Penn State. He was known for his sense of humor.

Memorial contributions may be made to LaVergne First United Methodist Church. An online guestbook is available at www.woodfinchapel.com.

KATHRYN DEFAZIO MASTRIPPOLITO

Kathryn DeFazio Mastrippolito, 96, passed peacefully on March 21 at Pocopson Home in West Chester, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's.

She was the wife of Nick Mastrippolito, Sr., with whom she shared 76 years of marriage. Born in Carbondale, Pa., in 1922, she was the daughter of the late Ralph DeFazio and Theresa Sirrianni DeFazio. Kathryn was a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church of Kennett Square. She attended Benjamin Franklin High School in Carbondale, where she was known to “pound out the notes.” She played the piano until recently and loved to sing, especially old show tunes. Kathryn worked in the family mushroom growing and canning business until retirement.

The family would like to thank all the family and friends who helped us during this long transition until her passing.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Nick Mastrippolito, Jr. (Joanne), Robert Mastrippolito, Sr. (Ernesztina Molnar), and Kathryn Kealy (Thomas); nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many niece and nephews. She was predeceased by one brother, Anthony DeFazio; and two sisters, Angela DeFazio and Maria Barrese.

A funeral was held March 27. Burial was in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

GREGORY S. DOSS

Gregory S. Doss, 37, of West Grove, died on March 19.

Born in West Chester, he was a son of Stanley A. and Donna (Swayne) Doss of West Grove. Greg was a 1999 graduate of Avon Grove High School and The Chester County Area Vocational Technical School. He was a mechanic for many years. Not only was it his career, it was his passion. Greg loved spending time with his sons, Austin and Mason, doing anything outdoors, especially when it involved dirt. He loved riding his ATV, the mountains, the beach and fishing.

Survivors include, in addition to his parents, two sons, Austin Doss and Mason Doss, both of West Grove; one brother, Daniel A. Doss and his wife Alicia of Peach Bottom, Pa.; one sister, Hollie M. Doss of Honey Brook; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. March 30 at Christ Church at the Grove (1986 Newark Rd., Lincoln University). A memorial service celebrating his life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be held privately. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

MARGARET N. KENNEDY

Margaret “Peg” N. Kennedy, 82, of Clifton Forge, Va., passed away on March 23 at her son’s residence.

She was the wife of Benjamin F. Kennedy, who passed away in 2000, and with whom she shared 45 years of marriage. Born in West Jefferson, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Roy V. Nance and the late Jennie Newsome Nance. Peg was an accountant at Hewlett-Packard, retiring in 1996, with over 30 years of service. She enjoyed watching TV, doing puzzles, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by one son, Jeffery A. Kennedy and his wife Patricia of Landenberg; two sisters, Dorothy Jacobs and Vivian Horner, both of Florida; one grandson; and two great-grandchildren. Peg was predeceased by one son, Michael F. Kennedy; and two infant brothers.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. March 29 at the Kemblesville United Methodist Church (1772 New London Road, Kemblesville). Her funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

KATHLEEN MARIE CORBY

Kathleen Marie Corby, 64, of Kennett Square, passed away on March 22 at Chester County Hospital following a year-long battle with cancer.

Born in 1953 in West Chester, she was the daughter of Michael J. and Grace Neidlein DiFilippo. She was the loving wife of Nicholas D. Corby, Jr., with whom she shared 36 years of marriage. She is survived by a son, Nicholas D. Corby III and his wife Patricia Corby (nee Furlong); two grandchildren; a brother, Albert M. DiFilippo and his wife Ruth of Rehoboth, Del.; sisters Michele DiFilippo of Kennett Square, and JoAnne Tighe of Avondale. She was predeceased by her brother, Thomas DiFilippo. She was a loving aunt to Stephanie Murray, Kristen DiFilippo, Matthew DiFilippo, Jamie Allen, Jessica DiFilippo, Ashley Sweeney, Joseph Tighe, David Frampton, Elizabeth Ann “Nan” Frampton, Joyce Walters, Christopher Frampton, Ginger Madonna, Daniel Frampton, Justin Corby, Bennett Corby and Mary Catherine Corby. She was also the great-aunt to eight.

Kathy called Kennett Square home for her entire life. She graduated from Kennett High School in 1973 and went on to work at several local businesses. She was a personal care assistant at Friends Home in Kennett Square for the past 10 years. Her main joy in life was spending time with and taking care of her family, and her residents at Friends Home. She also enjoyed rides in the country with her husband, fashion, shopping for stylish clothes, shoes and bags, and her vacations to Ocean City, Md., with special friends.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. March 28 at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Kathy’s memory to Friends Home, 147 W. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ANGELO J. PERRONE

Angelo J. Perrone, 56, of Newark, Del., passed away on March 23, doing what he loved to do, playing Frisbee golf.

Born in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of the late Albert Perrone, Sr., and the late May Lou Regener Perrone. Angelo worked for the U.S. Postal Service in New Castle, Del., for over 30 years. He enjoyed being with his family and friends, Frisbee golf, motorcycles, a variety of sports, and playing his guitar.

He was a member of the Four Seasons Motorcycle Club.

Angelo is survived by his siblings, Albert Perrone, Jr., of Newark, Del., and his children Lauren and Jeffrey, Anthony Perrone and his wife Margie of Waterford, Conn., and their children Richard, Mindy and Anthony, Jr., Mary Jean Callahan and her husband Brian of Warwick, Md., and their children Felicia, Brian Jr. and Olivia, Arthur Perrone and his wife Cheryl of Avondale, Pa., and their children Arthur Jr., Alexis and Andrew; his girlfriend, Donna Painter of New Castle, Del., and her two children Ashley and Brian; and four grandchildren. He is also survived by eight great nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, Andrew Perrone.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. March 30, and again from 10 to 11 a.m. March 31, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square. His funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

MELVILLE WELLS

Melville “Jay” Wells, 72, of Landenberg, died on March 16.

A Delaware native raised in Wilmington, Jay resided the past 11 years in Landenberg, and previously resided in Newark. A retired electrician, Jay was a member of The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 313. He was an avid train enthusiast and active member of the Tri-State Hi-Railers Model Railroad Club. His train layouts have been featured in train enthusiast publications and he could often be found at the York Train Collectors Association (TCA) train events. Jay also enjoyed the challenges of skeet and trap shooting, and was a member of the Southern Chester County Sportsman’s & Farmer’s Association and Atglen Sportsmen’s Club, Inc. He will be remembered for his kind acts of service, which included being a Christiana Care volunteer and supporting children at Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. Jay was loved throughout the community by his many circles of close friends and he will be deeply missed.

Jay was preceded in death by first wife, Cynthia (Melvin) Wells, who died in 1998; second wife, Gabriele (Eckler) Wells, who died in 2014; brother William Wells and sister Joanne (Wells) Wendler. He is survived by stepson Kenneth Eckler and stepdaughter Christy Eckler Black and husband Andrew; six grandchildren; nephews Albert Jr., Donald, Kenneth and Christopher Wendler; and a host of longtime friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. April 14 at Willowdale Chapel–Kennett Campus (675 Unionville Road, Kennett Square). Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 92 Read’s Way, Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720; or Faithful Friends Animal Society, 12 Germay Drive, Wilmington, DE 19804. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JUANITA BARE LAM

Juanita Bare Lam, 96, of Chatham, passed away on March 25 at Lancaster General Hospital.

She was the wife of the late Lee Willard Lam, who passed away in 2001. Born in West Jefferson, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Cardie Darnell Bare. Juanita enjoyed knitting, cooking, canning and yard sales.

She was preceded in death by a son, David Lee Lam; one daughter, Lennett Madonna; and 13 brothers and sisters, Inez, Anes, Gentry, Frances, Lloyd, Cecil, Delbert, Sanford, Betty, Irene, Algean, Josephine and Pauline. She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Miriam Lam of Quarryville; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. March 30 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 private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

FRANCES CLOUD TAYLOR
Frances Cloud Taylor, 96, of Kennett Square, died on March 23 at Crosslands retirement community.

Born in 1921 in Wilmington, Del., she was the daughter of Willard and Mabel Keenan Cloud and grew up on her parents’ dairy farm, Sunstone Farm, in Kennett Township. She graduated from Westtown School in 1941 and Beacom Business College. In 1942 she worked in Washington, D.C., for the National Service Board for Religious Objectors. While there, she started corresponding with a young Quaker man serving distantly as a Conscientious Objector, who later became her husband.  When her father became ill, she moved home and helped her mother run the farm after he died in 1944. In 1945 she married Thomas B. Taylor, and they shared almost 63 years of marriage until he died in 2008. Frances was a resident of Kennett Township during most of her life, settling on her parents’ farm across the road from where she grew up after she was married.  She was a legal secretary in Kennett for 20 years. A birthright Quaker, Frances was an active member of Kennett Friends Meeting during most of her adulthood. She played the piano most of her life and especially loved to play by ear and compose.  Her greatest passion was researching local history of the Underground Railroad and was probably the first local resident to recognize the importance that Kennett Square played.  For 35 years, she and her husband spoke and showed slides to many groups of children and adults about local Underground Railroad stations and their “conductors”, often leading trips to the sites.  She wrote two books on her findings: "The Trackless Trail" and "The Trackless Trail Leads On," both illustrated by her husband.

She is survived by her son, Willard Taylor (Nancy) of East Fallowfield; daughter, Katharine Taylor (Paul Gamble) of West Chester; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Her memorial service will be at 2 p.m. April 15 in the William Penn Room  at Crosslands (1660 E. Street Rd., Kennett Square). Interment will be private. Contributions may be made to Kennett Friends Meeting, P.O. Box 122, Kennett Square, PA  19348; or to Kennett Underground Railroad Center, P.O. Box 202, Kennett Square, PA  19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.