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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of February 21st

James Edward Akehurst, Jr.
James Edward Akehurst, Jr., age 66, passed away on Feb. 7, 2024 while at home in Newark, Del.

Born on Dec. 19, 1957 in West Chester, he was the son of the late James E. Akehurst, Sr. and Esther M. Akehurst (nee Neide).  

James was intelligent, generous, kind, and funny.  His warm personality and shining sense of humor always made others feel welcome.  James was an avid lover and collector of vintage treasures and antiques—a profession he enjoyed sharing with others in his community.  

In his free time, he loved playing and listening to music, exploring his love of history, taking his motorcycle out for a ride, and spending time laughing with his family and friends.

James is survived by loving wife, Angela R. Knight, daughter, Amanda R. Akehurst, sisters, Linda L. Riley and Della M. Akehurst; and a brother, John P. Akehurst.

Services were held on Feb. 18 at Schoenberg Memorial Chapel, 519 Philadelphia Pike, in Wilmington, Del.  

The family suggests contributions in James' memory to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org)

Charles Henderson
Charles Henderson, a resident of Oxford, passed away at home on Feb. 8, 2024. He was 76.

He was the son of the late Everitt and Elizabeth Spahn Henderson.

Charles was employed as an editor for the Chester County Press and was previously employed with Acme markets in Pike Creek, Del. as a baker.

He is survived by his nephew, John Sagers (Lisa) of Quarryville.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 86 Pine St. in Oxford.

Interment will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.  

 

Robert J. Hallman
Robert “Bob” Hallman passed away peacefully on Feb. 1, 2024 with his family by his side.

Bob was born on June 2, 1949 in Ridley Park, Pa.

Bob is survived by Jane, his wife of 54 years, three children, 7 grandchildren and two great grandsons.

Services were held on Feb. 9 at the Sacred Heart Church in Oxford.

Interment was in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.  

Steven W. Dalessio
Steven W. Dalessio, formerly of Weymouth, MA, joined his wife in heaven on Feb. 8, 2024. Born in Quincy, MA, he was the son of the late Elio and Stella Dalessio. 

He was the husband of the late Sandra (McGuire) Dalessio, with whom he shared over 30 years of marriage. He is survived by his two daughters, Nichole Cardarople and Danielle Dalessio, his sister, Suzanne Velis, his grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Steve was employed at the Brockton Post Office for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and his beloved dogs, Dutchess and Snowball. He had a lifelong passion for the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots and the Rolling Stones. He enjoyed the beach and watching westerns on television. In his earlier years, he enjoyed playing trumpet and guitar and performing with his band, “The Rebel Kind.”

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford and Willow Tree Hospice for their outstanding care and support.

A gathering to celebrate Steve’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to LaMancha Animal Rescue, PO Box 656, Unionville, PA  19375.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences can be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Nancy Jean Caudell
Nancy Jean Caudell, 85, of New Albany, Pa., went home to her Lord on Feb. 16, 2024.  

Her husband, Hobert Caudell, to whom she was lovingly devoted, passed away on March 14, 1990.

Born on May 7, 1938 in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Philena Moore.  

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Tamara Caudell of New Albany, Pa. and a son, Michael (Deborah) Caudell of Mehoopany, Pa. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Casey Davis, Ryan Davis, Kyle Caudell, and Rachel Caudell and her brother, Sam Moore (Beverly) of Bridgewater, VA.  She was predeceased by her brother Lawrence Moore who passed away June 26, 2018.

Nancy was a devoted child of God who had a great love for her church, Evergreen Christian Church in New Albany. She was church treasurer, a member of the Ladies Missionary Circle, a Sunday School teacher and she helped with the children’s Awana Program.  Previously, she was a member of the Willowdale Chapel in Kennett Square and attended the London Grove Friends Meeting House in her youth. Nancy loved her family immensely and would do anything for them.  Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She loved the outdoors and working in her garden.  She had a green thumb and was always giving family and friends cuttings off her plants to grow in their own homes.  She was a tremendous cook and baker, and you never walked away hungry when you were seated at her table. Nancy was an incredible seamstress. She made her own clothes, curtains and drapes among other things. She took pride in being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Upon graduation from high school, Nancy worked part-time as a waitress while she attended Goldey-Beacom College. It was there that she met Hobert Caudell, the love of her life.  She worked as an accounts payable clerk at NVF in Hockessin, Del. Later, after the family moved to New Albany, she was employed as a secretary at Millard’s Real Estate Agency.  Also, she was a Judge of Elections for Albany Township for many years.

You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday morning, Feb. 24 at the  Foulk Funeral Home at 200 Rose Hill Road in West Grove. Her funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Faggs Manor Cemetery, Route 926, Cochranville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org).

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Paul J. Myers Jr.
Paul (Moon) J. Myers Jr., 87, of Bradenton, Fla. and formerly of Kennett Square, passed away after a short illness on Nov. 15, 2023. He was predeceased by his loving wife Edith, with whom  he shared 53 years. of marriage.

Paul is survived by two daughters, Vicki Winward of Polk City, Fla. and Jennifer Osborne (wife of Daniel Osborne) of Kirkwood, Pa.; two grandchildren, Dan Adamson of Polk City, Fla. and Mike Thurmond (husband of Faith) of McKeesport, Pa.; and two nephews, Robert and David

McComsey of Pennsylvania. 

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Paul J. Myers Sr. and Mary Gambon Myers Leonard and two sisters, Margaret “Maggie” (wife of Joseph Whiteside) and Mary McComsey (wife of Robert McComsey). 

The family requests everyone that knew him to say a prayer to him in heaven and to know that he has joined Edie for their next adventure. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved him. 

Arrangements are being handled by the Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society of Bradenton, Fla.(baldwincremation.com).

Thaddeus James Atkin, Jr.
Thaddeus James Atkin, Jr., 85, passed away at his home in Kirkwood, Pa. on Feb. 17, 2024.

Thad was born Feb. 24, 1938. He graduated from Parkesburg High School before proudly enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. He believed in the adage “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” After his discharge from the Marines, Thad was employed by Acme market for several years during which time he went to cosmetology and business school. He and the love of his life, Joan, opened and operated a successful full-service styling salon from 1968 to 2008, while building a loving family.

Thad very much enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, whether it was cruising overseas or traveling in an RV across the United States. Thad’s favorite time of year was October, when he would rent a condo in Myrtle Beach for his immediate and extended family to spend time together. Family was always the most important thing to him. 

Through the years Thad enjoyed playing trumpet, his bowling league, golfing, and watching the Philadelphia Eagles play. He loved cars and owned a number of what would be considered classics.

Thaddeus’ parents, Thaddeus Atkin, Sr. and Cecelia Atkin preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Joan H. Atkin. He is also survived by his children, Thaddeus Atkin, III (TJ) and Audra Coble (Chris); his grandchildren, Eric Atkin (Melody), Lorren Bennett (Joseph), Alexandra Coble, Samantha Coble and Ryan Coble; two great-grandchildren, Julian and Jordan Atkin; sisters, Marjorie Battle (Charles) and Barbara Dougherty (Charles); and many caring and adoring nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. at 86 Pine St. in Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m.

Interment with full military honors will be at the London Grove Friends Cemetery in Kennett Square. 

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.