Skip to main content

Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of Oct. 28

10/28/2019 03:20PM ● By J. Chambless

ANTHONY P. DiMUCCI

Anthony Paul DiMucci, 62, of Newark, Del., passed away on Oct. 21 at home.

He was the husband of Sharon Botts DiMucci, with whom he shared 28 years of marriage. Born in Elmer, N.J., he was the son of the late Henry and Clara Morroni DiMucci. Anthony was employed with General Motors Boxwood Plant, Wilmington, Del. He retired in 2008. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Local 435, Wilmington, Del. Anthony enjoyed golf, traveling to Italy, skiing, and was an avid reader.

He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Taylor M. DiMucci of Newark, Del.; and one brother, Michael DiMucci of Bridgeton, N.J.

A memorial service was held Oct. 29. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery on Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his 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.

KENNETH T. O’NEIL

Kenneth Thomas O’Neil, 67, of Nottingham, passed away on Oct. 23 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia.

He was the husband of Jane Louise Stiefel O’Neil, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage. Born in Patterson, N.J., he was the son of Thomas Edward and Joyce Sibilio O’Neil of Myrtle Beach, S.C. Ken graduated from Temple University School of Pharmacy in Philadelphia in 1978. He was employed as a pharmacist with Rite Aid for 41 years, most recently in Oxford. He enjoyed fishing and woodworking, and was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan.

He is survived by his wife; parents; two daughters, Jessica Fisher of Utah and Megan O’Neil Galbreath and her husband Jared of Peach Bottom; four grandchildren; three brothers, Wayne O’Neil of Arizona, Scott O’Neil of Virginia and Craig O’Neil of Lampeter; and two sisters, Sulyn Kuykendall of Colorado and Holly O’Neil of Philadelphia.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 1 to 2 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

PATRICIA S. ALLEN

Patricia S. “Pat” Allen, 84, formerly of Mt. Gretna, Oxford, and Halifax, Pa., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Oct. 22.

Pat was a 1953 graduate of the Cornwall High School. She received her BS in home economics from the University of Delaware and her MS in education from Christopher Newport College. As an Army officer’s wife, Pat lived in many locations, including Rhode Island; Germany; Taiwan; El Paso, Pittsburgh, and Newport News. She taught Sunday school with her husband, Jim, at Sun Valley Baptist Temple in El Paso, Texas. Later, Pat served as administrative assistant for her husband’s insurance company, James R. Allen Agency, in Russellville, Pa. After retirement, Pat lived in Halifax, Pa. She enjoyed visits from family and friends, road trips, church services, television shows, good meals, and her internet radio. Most of all, Pat enjoyed telling others about her Lord Jesus.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Katherine Sweigart; and her husband, Lt. Col. James R. Allen, who passed away on their 44th wedding anniversary. She is survived by her three sons, Michael S. and his wife Karen of Mt. Gretna; David W. and his wife Mary-Ann of Richardson, Texas; J. Stephen and his wife Holly of Halifax; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A private burial will be held. Pat will be laid to rest with her husband in Oxford Cemetery. The family would like to express gratitude for the kindness and care given by Kindred Hospice and Healthcare, and to the many friends and loved ones who helped care for Pat in her final years.

PATRICIA AUGUSTINE

Patricia Augustine (nee Kirlin), 82, of Kennett Square, passed away on Oct. 22 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.

She is survived by her adoring husband, Andrew J. Augustine III, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage. Born in 1937 in Philadelphia, Patricia was the daughter of the late John Kirlin and the late Clementine Ferretti Kirlin. She graduated in 1954 from West Catholic Girls High School. She went on to work for the Kennett Consolidated School District, where she was a Teacher’s Aide at Kennett Middle School.

For service information and the full-length obituary, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

MICHAEL W. OKONSKI

Michael William Okonski, 87, of Aston, passed away on Oct. 25 at his daughter’s home in Oxford.

He was the husband of Janet Ann Allen Okonski, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Chester, he was the son of the late Michael and Catherine Kish Okonski. He graduated from Chester High School Class of 1950. He was a veteran and engineer of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. Michael was employed as a boilermaker with Sun Oil Company, retiring in 1995. He was a member of the Sapphire Club of the Sun Oil Company. He was an avid fisherman and made his own fishing lures. He enjoyed fly fishing, woodworking and the outdoors. He enjoyed watching baseball and football, and was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan.

He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Michele Fleming (Rick) of Oxford; one granddaughter, Juliette Fleming; one sister, Anne Steciw of Chester; and a special nephew, Robert Allen and family of Aston.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Oct. 30 at Sacred Heart Church (203 Church Rd., Oxford), where family and friends may visit from 10 to 10:45 a.m.  Interment will be in Lawn Croft Cemetery in Linwood, Pa. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693; or the American Lung Association National Direct Response Headquarters 1200 Hosford Street, Suite 101 Hudson, WI 54016-9316. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

 JEAN LOUISE FERRONI

Jean Louise Ferroni, of Chatham, passed away on Oct. 25 at her home. She was 94 years old.

Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of Horace Melvin Frank and Stella Graham Frank. She was the beloved mother of Faye L. Ferroni, John A. Ferroni and James Ferroni; grandmother of three; and sister of Sonny Frank. She is also survived by many great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be from 10 to 11 a.m. with a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Nov. 2 at Chatham United Methodist Church, 3215 Gap Newport Pike, Chatham. Burial will follow the funeral service in Unionville Cemetery. A luncheon will be at the church hall following the cemetery service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Chatham United Methodist Church, or to Unionville Cemetery, P.O. Box 394, Unionville, PA  19375. Visit www.longwoodfuneralhome.com.

RICHARD E. RIBLETT

Richard Edward Riblett of Wilmington, Del., and Kennett Square, passed away peacefully on Oct. 23 at Penn Medicine Hospice in West Chester, PA. He was 76.

Richard was a fun-loving and doting father and grandfather. He is survived by his daughter, Ellie (Scott) and his three granddaughters. He is also survived by his beloved fiancé, Pam Jordan and her children Kathy (Scott), David (Susan), Scott (Teresa), Michael (Betsy), and her nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his older sister, Frannie.

Richard was born in Beaver Falls, Pa., to Harry Calvin Riblett, Sr., and Anna Allen Riblett in 1943. In 1946, the family moved to Delaware and settled on Riblett Lane. Richard found his love of flying as the son of the owner of Superior Airways Flight School. After beginning his flying career as a helicopter pilot in the National Guard, Richard enjoyed his profession in international corporate aviation. An avid collector of all things automotive, Richard possessed an unwavering interest in mechanical objects, antique tools and restoration projects. He had a fondness for watercraft, stemming from youthful summers spent sailing and waterskiing with his older brothers, sister and their adventuresome friends at their cottage on the Chesapeake Bay. He loved to nourish his loved ones with delicious meals peppered with life lessons about the importance of honesty, unpretentiousness and integrity.

A visitation with the family will be held at 2 p.m., with a memorial service at 3 p.m., on Nov. 2 at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church (500 McKennans Church Rd., Wilmington, Del.). There will be a reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Penn Medicine Hospice at Chester County, 400 East Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19382; or The Kennett Food Cupboard, 136 W. Cedar Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Visit www.longwoodfuneralhome.com.

MARY CAROLINE REED HOPKINS

Mary Caroline Reed Hopkins was born on April 20, 1928 in Boston, Mass., to Virginia Rodman Reed and Frances (Bus) Cables Reed. She passed away on Oct. 18.

She is survived by her children, Randolph Byrd Hopkins of Little Rock Ark., Virginia Laurel Hopkins of Kennett Square, Elizabeth Bond Hopkins Renaghan of North Falmouth, Mass., and Naples, Fla.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her younger sister, Elizabeth Anne (Betsy) Wilson. She was predeceased by her son, William Reed Hopkins.

Mary attended the Shipley School for Girls in Bryn Mawr, Finch Junior College in Manhattan, and graduated from Smith College in 1951. She married Byrd Hopkins in 1951 while she was in college and he was in the Navy. In Hampden, Mass., Mary was active in the school PTAs and town hall meetings.  In the late 1960s, she took a job with the Northern Educational Service (NES) in Springfield, Mass., where she was a counseling coordinator between the public schools and disadvantaged students. A few years later, she was an active protester against the Vietnam War.

Beginning in the early 1960s, Mary regularly attended the Friends' Conference on Religion and Psychology and studied Jungian psychology. She also became a Quaker, joining the Mount Toby Monthly Meeting. From 1977 to 1981, she worked as a medical social worker for Sacred Heart Hospital in Chester, and in private practice.  After leaving the social work profession, she developed a series of slide lectures on female symbols and the lack of a female iconography created by women; she presented these talks in many forums, including Quaker, feminist, and Jungian groups. An active Friend as well as a feminist, Mary was involved in groups which were trying to develop a more woman-centered meeting. Mary’s papers and writings are in the Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore Library. A Celebration of Life for Mary under the Care of Kendal Monthly Meeting will be held on Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. in the Kendal Auditorium. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Kendal Reserve Fund. Visit www.longwoodfuneralhome.com.

PATRICIA L. FISHER

Patricia L. Fisher, 72, of Chiefland, Fla., formerly of Elkton, Md., passed away on Oct. 25 at home.

She was the wife of the late Edwin Wayne Fisher, with whom she shared 37 years of marriage. Born in Chester, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Sara Fulmer McElwain. Patricia retired from DuPont Company in Wilmington as a service engineer. She enjoyed nature and traveling.

She is survived by her two stepdaughters, Kimberly Kramer (James) of Lancaster, and Rebecca Fisher of Dallastown; stepdaughter-in-law, Heather Fisher of Delta; seven step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Robin McElwain. She was preceded in death by a stepson, Edwin Wayne Fisher, Jr.; a step-grandson, Jacob Mathew Fisher; and brother, Raymond T. McElwain.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 4 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

RUSSELL WEAVER

Russell Weaver, 94, of Rising Sun, Md., passed away peacefully on Oct. 22, with family by his side.

He was born in Sturgills, N.C., in 1925 to the late Martin Luther and Ollie Lavina Kilby Weaver. Russ was one of nine children.

He was preceded in death by Norma, his beloved wife of 67 years; brothers Worth Weaver, Thornton Weaver, Harmon Weaver and Kyle Weaver; sisters Carrie Weaver Beck and Mary Weaver Jackson; and son-in-law James W. Rierson, Jr. Surviving to cherish the memories and share his stories are sons David Weaver and wife Carol, Terry Weaver and wife Clara, Michael Weaver and wife Sue; daughter Patricia Rierson and partner Eric Roach; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Russ was a friend to many and a true family man with a strong work ethic. A carpenter by trade, his work was always in demand and admired. He enjoyed several hobbies, but hunting and fishing were at the top. A World War II veteran, he will be interred with military honors in Delaware Veterans Memorial Park on Nov. 1 at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow at Cherry Hill United Methodist Church in Elkton, Md. In lieu of flowers, consider plants or items for a memorial garden planned to honor Russ and Norma. To leave condolences, visit www.crouchfuneralhome.com.

MICHAEL W. OKONSKI

Michael William Okonski, 87, of Aston, passed away on Oct. 25 at his daughter’s home in Oxford.

He was the husband of Janet Ann Allen Okonski, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Chester, he was the son of the late Michael and Catherine Kish Okonski. Michael graduated from Chester High School Class of 1950. He was a veteran and engineer of the U.S. Army, and served in the Korean War. He was employed as a boilermaker with Sun Oil Company, retiring in 1995. He was a member of the Sapphire Club of the Sun Oil Company. He was an avid fisherman and made his own fishing lures. He enjoyed fly fishing, woodworking and the outdoors. He enjoyed watching baseball and football, and was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan.

He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Michele Fleming (Rick) of Oxford; one granddaughter; one sister, Anne Steciw of Chester; a special nephew, Robert Allen and family of Aston.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Oct. 30 at Sacred Heart Church (203 Church Rd., Oxford), where family and friends may visit from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in Lawn Croft Cemetery in Linwood, Pa. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693; or the American Lung Association National Direct Response Headquarters, 1200 Hosford Street, Suite 101, Hudson, WI 54016-9316. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.