EMILY MOTE DISTEFANO

Emily Mote DiStefano, 88, of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully on Sept. 18.

Emily was the beloved wife of the late Joseph A. DiStefano, Jr., with whom she shared 66 years of marriage. She was a graduate of Avon Grove High School and Goldey-Beacom College of Wilmington, Del. Born in West Grove in 1930, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Gladys Roney Mote of Holly Heights in Chatham. After graduation from Goldey-Beacom College, she joined the E.I. DuPont De Nemours Company as an executive secretary. After retiring from DuPont, she worked with Rhodia, Inc., of West Chester, a subsidiary of the French firm, Rhone Poulenc. She then joined Paul Barr & Company of Kennett Square as an administrative assistant, where she remained for many years.

Emily, with her husband Joe, enjoyed traveling both domestically and internationally. They especially enjoyed their annual trip to Hilton Head, S.C., with friends from around the Northeast. When not traveling, she supported the community as a volunteer. As a member of the Kennett Auxiliary to Southern Chester County Medical Center, in 1987, she received the Volunteer-of-the-Year Award in recognition of her efforts.

Emily is survived by her sister, Margaret Hood; nieces Debbie Hood, Beverly Cloud, Helen Markland, Toni Marie, Nancy and Kathie DiStefano; and nephews Abner Cloud, Mike and Bill Singleton and their families. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Betty Cloud; and brother, James Mote; and a sister-in-law, Alma L. DiStefano.

A funeral was held Sept. 24. Interment was in St Patrick’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations 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.

JOHN O. HAGY, JR.

John O. Hagy, Jr. (Ollie), 85, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 18 at home.

He was the husband of Hazel McCoury Hagy, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late John O. Hagy, Sr., and Margaret Fitzgerald Hagy. A lifelong resident of Oxford, he graduated from Oxford High School in 1951. He retired in 1988 from Lyons & Hohl in East Earl, Pa., where he was a site foreman. After full retirement, he worked for Nottingham Park and the Oxford Borough. He loved his family and his furry friend, Maxie. He was quick witted with an impeccable memory. Family and friends enjoyed all the many stories he shared with them.

He is survived by his wife; two sons, Michael P. Hagy (Carrie) and Gary M. Hagy (Brenda), both of Oxford; two grandsons; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Carol McGrath of Atglen. He was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Conner Michael Russell Hagy; and a sister, Cindy Baker of Charleston, S.C.

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

MICHAEL J. SABOCSIK III

Just prior to midnight on the day of his 77th birthday, Michael J. Sabocsik III died peacefully at Brandywine hospital.

Michael was born in Coatesville to the late Michael and Mary (Cisarik) Sabocsik. He was a machinist at the DuPont Company, Chestnut Run site, and retired after more than 25 years of service. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, photography, gardening, and sharing his produce with family and friends. One of Mike’s most recent hobbies was making laynards, keychains and bracelets for the staff at Jenner's Pond. He made over 100 green and white bracelets to celebrate the Eagles Superbowl win.

He belonged to Camp Klondike and Lancaster Hunting Camps. Mike was a member of St. Gabriel's Church and was active in various committies. He loved the Phillies and Pittsburgh Steelers. But most importantly, Mike loved and adored his family, especially his wife of 54 years, Pat (Verrico); his daughters Michelle Murphy and her husband Ashley, and Melissa Maule and her husband Frank. Mike had two grandsons he was very proud of. He recently became a great-grandfather. Mike is also survived by a brother, Andrew. He wanted to thank his friend Bill. Mike was an organ donor and will assist the lives of others through his donation.

A funeral was held Sept. 25. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be sent to the American Heart Association, 1617 JFK Boulevard, Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19103; or the charity of your choice. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

SHANNON RENEE BROWN

Shannon Renee Brown, 37, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 21.

Shannon was a carpenter, loved to fish and hunt, and was always there to help others.

Shannon is survived by her mother, Laura Smith Johnson, and stepfather Alvin Johnson of Oxford; sister, Jackie Brown of Oxford; brothers, Jason Maietta of Kennett Square and Ron Montgomery of Bloomington, Ill.; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by her father, Billy Jack Brown.

A funeral will be held Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. Family and friends may call from noon to 1 p.m. at Ruffenbach Family Funeral Home (224 Penn Ave., Oxford). Online condolences may be offered at www.ruffenachfuneralhome.com.