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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of Aug. 16

08/18/2020 08:48AM ● By Steven Hoffman

C. Nelson Hall

C. Nelson Hall, of Oxford and formerly of Lincoln University, passed away on Aug. 10 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. He was 84.

He was the husband of Shirley A. Smith Hall, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.

Born in Lincoln University, he was the son of the late C. Fred and Pauline Gill Hall. 

He owned a farm in Lower Oxford Township and farmed for over 60 years. He retired in 2002.

Nelson was a former member of Eagles Aerie #2666, Oxford and Ocklokonee Tribe #212 Improved Order of Redmen.

He is survived by his wife; four sons, Charles Nelson Hall, Jr. (Tina) of Gap, Kenneth Edward Hall (Cindy) of Lincoln University, Russell Dale Hall (Lena) of Lincoln University, and Brian K. Hall (Gina) of North East, Md.; 7 grandsons; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was held on Aug. 13 at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery in Oxford.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania at specialolympicspa.org.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Jesse G. Roark

Jesse G. Roark passed away at his home in Avondale on Aug. 11.  He was 85.

He was the longtime companion to Ruby P. Testerman, who passed away in 2018.  He is also preceded in death by Ruth Roark, the mother of his children.

He was born on Feb. 27, 1935 in West Jefferson, NC  to the late William and Etta (Perry) Roark.

He was a career carpenter, working for Basciani Foods in Avondale and in retirement working for himself.  He made many clocks, cabinets, musical instruments and many other furniture items.  He also loved antique cars, guns and knives and spent much of his free time going to auctions.  Most of all, he loved his family and his dogs.

He is survived by his children, Janet Mosier (and husband Frank) of Landenberg, Jimmy Roark (and wife Wilma) of Avondale, Tim Roark (and wife Donna) of Avondale, and Jan Jennings of Avondale; his step-children, Jimmy, Bruce, Greg, Pauline, and Carla.  He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. 

Graveside services were held on Aug. 17 at the Homeville Cemetery in Cochranville.  Rev. Ken Hall officiated.  

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his name to The Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380.  Please visit the online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.


William W. Patrick

William W. (Pat) Patrick, a resident of Oxford, passed away on August 12. He was 91.

He was the husband of the late Jean A. Patrick, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.

William was born Feb. 20, 1929 in Portsmouth, VA. He was the son of the late Henry Thomas Patrick, ll and the late Mary Frances Peak.

He was raised on a dairy farm in Virginia. In 1948, he joined the Navy and was a corpsman with the U.S. Marines in Korea.  He was in the Inchon invasion and the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir in 1950, where it was 30 degrees below 0.  A book was written about it titled, "The Last Stand of Fox Company."

He met and married Jean in 1951.  Her father wanted her to wait until she turned 20 to get married, so they had their ceremony two days after her birthday. 

After four years in the Navy, he worked for the Post Office for 31 years and retired as supervisor of postal operations in 1985.  After retiring, he worked part-time at Collins Funeral Home for 10 years. After retiring from the second job, he and Jean enjoyed trips and took three cruises with The Pacesetters of the Peoples Bank.

He was a member of Oxford United Methodist Church and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1779 where he served as commander and quartermaster. He was also a member of Oxford Lodge #353 F.&A.M.  Pat enjoyed classic cars, junk yards and working in the garden and flower beds.

He is survived by a daughter, Joan Groseclose (and her husband Larry) of Oxford, one son Michael Patrick of Rising Sun, Md. and daughter-in-law Diane Patrick of Iowa.  He is also survived by three grandsons, Matthew Groseclose and Mark Groseclose, of Oxford, and Gregory Patrick of N. Charleston, S.C., two great-grandsons and two-great granddaughters, all of N. Charleston, S.C.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean A. Patrick, two sons, Steve R. Patrick and Glenn R. Patrick, and one brother, Henry T. Patrick, lll. 

Funeral services were held on Aug. 18 at the Oxford Church of the Nazarene.   

Interment was in the Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Oxford United Methodist Church, 18 Addison St. Oxford, Pa 19363. 

Arrangements are being handled by Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., in Oxford.

Online condolences can be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


Raymond Junior Greer

Raymond Junior Greer, 75, of Peach Bottom, Pa., passed away on Aug. 12 at Manor Care Health Service in Lancaster.

Born in Lancaster County, he was the son of the late Claude and Nancy Greer Osborne.

He graduated from S. Horace Scott Senior High School in Coatesville as part of the class of 1962. 

Raymond served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was stationed in Fort Knox, KY.

He was a member of the Eastern Lancaster County Rod and Gun Club, American Legions and Union County Sportsman Club in Millmont, Pa.

He enjoyed retirement and bird watching. He enjoyed cooking pigs with his brother, Herbert.  

He is survived by one son, Brian Greer; and one sister, Pearl Cochran.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Cordus (Corky) Osborne and Herbert C. Osborne.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. on  Wednesday, August 19 at the Oxford Cemetery, 220 N. Third St., Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


Nicholas G. Sullins

Nicholas G. Sullins, 23, of Nottingham, passed away on Aug. 14 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

He was the son of Shannon L. Baruka of Nottingham and Daniel L. Sullins of Landenberg.

Nicholas graduated from Oxford Area High School and Culinary Technical School Class of 2015 and received his associates degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Nicholas was employed as a chef with Corner Café in Jennersville.

Nicholas enjoyed music and had a lifelong passion for cooking.

He is survived by his parents; stepmother, Katie Sullins; four brothers, Chase Sullins, Dalton Sullins, Blake Sullins and Andrew Sullins; three sisters, Alyssa Sullins, Carlee Baruka and Chelsea Sullins; maternal grandparents, Paul and Judith Johnson of Oxford; and paternal grandmother, Betty Sullins of Reading.

He was preceded in death by his step-father, Adam Baruka and paternal grandfather, Daniel R. Sullins.

Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Castleman’s Disease Collaborative Network at cdcn.org.

Arrangements are being handled by Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


JAY P. STOUT

Jay P. Stout passed away on Aug. 1 at home. He was 69 years old. 

Jay was born to the late James and Hazel of Somerset, NJ. 

His beloved older brother James Stout, of NJ, survives him. His stepson Thomas (and his wife Lauren) of NJ also survive him. They said that he was a true dad to both of them and words cannot express their profound grief at his sudden loss. 

Jay graduated from Franklin High School and received his bachelor of arts degree in history from Trenton State College. Jay had a career in the metals industry that spanned over 40 years. He began at Eastern Stainless and then worked for Bethlehem Steel, Lukens and finally for ArcelorMittal. He retired from ArcelorMittal in 2017. He was an active member of the associate of women in the metal industries until his retirement. 

The friends whom Jay made during the course of his career will miss his light in their lives. Jay and his work family stayed in touch following his retirement and he loved them all very much. He cherished the time spent together with visits and lunches, and he kept all the cards that he received. 

Jay was originally from New Jersey and put down strong roots in Chester County when his career took him to Coatesville. He served on the Lower Oxford Township Board of Supervisors for many years prior to his retirement. Jay joined and was active at the Oxford Area Senior Center. He loved the hot lunches and a chance to connect with others in the community. Jay had an unshakable faith and was an active member of the Oxford United Methodist Church. He enjoyed Sunday service and connecting with his fellow members. 

His community of neighbors in Lincoln University were an extended family to Jay. The family is thankful for their care and concern for Jay, who often spoke of your kindness and the delicious meals. 

Jay was a lover of all animals. He loved everyone’s pets almost as much as his own. He joins his beloved dogs Willie and Noel and his spunky cat, Mr. Kitty over the Rainbow Bridge. 

Jay had a special and loving connection with all who knew him. He made his loved ones lives brighter and took joy in simple pleasures of life. We remember his love, kindness and generosity and try to take comfort in that he is now our guardian angel. 

The family will hold a Celebration of Life for this wonderful man on Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Oxford United Methodist Church and via Zoom. 

In memory of Jay, the family asks that you make a donation in his name to a local animal shelter, to his church Oxford United Methodist Church via Amazon Smile, or a local children’s charity.