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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of March 7

03/08/2016 12:25PM ● By J. Chambless

ALAN J. THOMPSON

Alan J. "Bill" Thompson, 76, of West Grove, died on Feb. 28 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Born in 1940 in Chester County, he was employed by Chester Tricot Mills of Kennett Square, The Servomation Company of Downingtown, and the Hewlett-Packard Company of Avondale.

Alan was the husband of Nancy Ann Price Thompson for 40 years. He was the son of the late Walter A. Thompson and Annie Anderson Thompson Brooks. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Albert and Betty Thompson; sister and brother-in-law, Alma and Kenneth Levenite; and sister Alta F. Caudell. He also was preceded in death by two nephews, Timothy W. and Steven W. Mains. He is survived by one sister, Alice Lewis and husband Steve of Cochranville; and five nieces and nephews.

Services were private. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com.

JEREMIAH M. MCCARTHY

Jeremiah “Jere” Matthew McCarthy died suddenly and tragically on Feb. 28, the day after his 34th birthday, after being struck by a car while walking home.

Jere was born in Stamford, Conn., lived much of his life in Kennett Square, and more recently in Hockessin, Del., with Angel King, the love of his life, and their two beautiful children, Madison Joan (8) and Joshua Matthew (5). He was the loving son of Jeremiah M. McCarthy of Philadelphia, and Rosemary A. McGovern of Hockessin, Del.; brother of Dr. Katie McCarthy of Gladwyne, and Frederick McCarthy of Avondale.

Jere was a 2000 graduate of Salesianum School and a 2014 graduate of Wesley College, where he earned a BS in business. He was a real estate agent for Beiler Campbell Realtors, but was best known for being a “jack of all trades.” His most cherished role, however, was being a dad, and he was proud to stay home to care for Madison and Josh from the time they were born. He loved his beagle, Girlie, and spending time with his large, close-knit extended family. He was a man of few words with a huge heart and a quiet smile. His life was rich with love. He will be deeply missed.

In addition to his parents, Angel, son and daughter, he is survived by his maternal grandmother, Helen A. McGovern; brother Fred (fiancee Jaclynn Hopkins); sister Katie; and three nieces, Ella, C.C., and Annie; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, Jeremiah Martin.

A funeral was held March 5. Burial was in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. In memory of Jere, a contribution may be made to The Joshua and Madison McCarthy Education Fund at any PNC Bank Branch, or to the bank mailing address at P.O. Box 357, Hockessin, DE 19707. Condolences can be offered by visiting www.griecocares.com.

WILLIAM E. SKINNER, JR.

William E. Skinner, Jr., 89, of Oxford, formerly of Newark, Del., passed away March 2 at his home.

He was the husband of Janet Kay Biddle Skinner, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late William Sr., and Emma Laub Skinner. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in World War II. He was employed with Chrysler Corporation as an electrician for 37 years in Newark, Del.

He is survived by his wife; two children, Paula Skinner and Raymond Skinner; two stepchildren, John Martin and Judy Duncan; five step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Pearl Burns.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. March 23 at the Oxford Presbyterian Church, where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Oxford Presbyterian Church, 6 Pine St., Oxford, PA 19363; or Ware Presbyterian Village, Benevolent Care Fund, 7 E. Locust St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

PHYLLIS A. BLOOM ENSBRENNER ROGERS PASTORIUS

Phyllis A. Bloom Ensbrenner Rogers Pastorius, 88, of West Grove, died on Jan. 27 at her home.

She was the wife of the late Donald D. Pastorius, who died in 1992, and with whom she shared 42 years of marriage. Born in Canton, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Elmer J. and the late Margaret G. (Ensbrenner) Bloom. She was a retired bookkeeper, and had been employed by William H. Jester, Deb-Mark Mushrooms, Inc., Roy T. Weston, Inc., Speare Brothers and Grieco-Miller Printing Company of Chester. She kept the books on a volunteer basis for the Assumption BVM Church and school in West Grove. She was a 1945 graduate of the Chester High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She was a founding board member of the Alcoholism Recovery Center. She served two terms as secretary and did volunteer work for A.R.C. before it became affiliated with the Southern Chester County Medical Center. She also volunteered for Bowling Green Inn. Phyllis was a lifelong Roman Catholic and was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in West Grove, where she served two terms as a Parish Council member and was a member of the “People of Joy” Charismatic Prayer Group. She enjoyed being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, flower gardening, quilting, traveling, and reading.

Phyllis is survived by four sons, Dondial J. Pastorius of Claymont, Del., Robert Pastorius (Linda) of West Grove, Paul Pastorius of West Grove, and Dan Pastorius (Debbie) of Mesa, Ariz.; three daughters, Candance L. Johnson of Aston, Mary A. Bush (John) of West Grove, and Paula Lownes of West Grove; 21 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two sons, Arthur Pastorius and Mark Pastorius (Pat). Services were held Feb. 1 in West Grove. Visit www.griecocares.com.

JEAN MARIE EVANS

Jean Marie Evans, 84, of Landenberg, passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on March 5.

She was the wife of Robert H. Evans, to whom she was wed for nearly 65 years. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Raised in Claymont, Del., she was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Miriam Stuart Smith. Jean was a graduate of Claymont High School Class of ’49 and was active in the alumni association. She worked for the Avon Grove High School for 12 years as a cafeteria monitor.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by five children, Robert H. Evans, Jr. and his wife Becky of Newark, Del.; Thomas Evans and his wife Nancy of Bear, Del.; Kathleen Evans of West Grove; Beth Anne Evans of West Grove; Lawrence Evans and his wife Beth of Lewisville, Pa.; and her sister, Rosemary Smith and her husband Thomas of Newark, Del. Jean is also survived by eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brothers, Wilfred Smith, Jr., and James Smith; granddaughter, Elizabeth Evans; and great-grandson, Anthony Evans.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. March 11 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her memorial service will follow immediately. Burial will be private. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

RICHARD BONIFACINO

Richard “Rick” Bonifacino, 57, of Kennett Square, died on March 6 at his home.

Born in West Chester, he was a son of the late Frederick and the late Marie (Odorisio) Bonifacino. Rick was a jack of all trades, lending a hand and the shirt off his back to friends and family whenever they needed him. For many years, he worked in the family mushroom business, and in recent years for Produce Partners in Toughkenamon. He loved animals and was a Philadelphia sports fan.

Survivors include one brother, Steven F. Bonifacino and his wife Cindy of Kennett Square; his sister-in-law Cheryl of Harrisburg; and seven nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Henry M. Bonifacino, who passed away in 1997.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. March 11, and 10 to 11 a.m. March 12, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A funeral celebrating his life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to Kennett Area Community Service or KACS, PO Box 1025, Kennett Square PA 19348. To share memories with Rick’s family, visit www.griecocares.com.

MARY ELLEN CHANDLER CLEMENS

Mary Ellen Chandler Clemens, 91, of Kennett Square, found peace on March 5.

She was predeceased by her husband, H. Donald Clemens, Jr., with whom she shared 51 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was a daughter of the late George D. Chandler, Sr., and the late Alta (Hagerty) Chandler. She graduated from Drexel University in 1941, and was employed as a secretary until her post-World War II marriage to Don Clemens. She helped Don in all his business endeavors, all while raising five children and maintaining an active volunteer schedule.
Mary was a longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Advent, where she served on many committees, including Altar Guild. She enjoyed gardening, bird-watching, sewing, knitting, golf and watching all sports, including her beloved Philadelphia Phillies take the 2008 World Series Pennant. Mary also enjoyed bridge, and loved to attend monthly lunches with her “West Chester Gang.” Prior to her illness, she was an employee of A Garden of Yarn in Old Ridge Village Shopping Center in Chadds Ford. Many knitters sought her out for her expertise and knowledge, and were charmed by her smile and patience. Mary was passionate about helping those less fortunate, and was a tireless volunteer for various organizations. These included volunteering with Tick Tock Early Learning Center, as well as serving on their board, and Kennett Middle School’s “After the Bell” program. Mary was a breast cancer survivor since 2001.
Survivors include two daughters, Shelley Clemens (Mark Chadwick) of Oreland, Pa., and Lyle Boyle (Thomas) of Manasquan, N.J.; three sons, Edward C. Clemens (Diane) of Kennett Square, Henry D. Clemens III of Kennett Square, and Robert C. Clemens of Kennett Square; one sister, Leah Chandler Yocum of Honey Brook; her sister-in-law, Betty Chandler of West Grove; eight grandchildren, Daniel and Casey Boyle, Alexander Chadwick, and Conry, Lara, Lisle, Aubrey and Chandler Clemens.
The Clemens family would like to sincerely thank the entire staff at the Neighborhood Health Hospice of West Chester for their wonderful, loving treatment of Mary.
A memorial celebration of Mary’s life will be held Saturday, May 7, at the home she shared with her son, Ed, and his family in Kennett Township among her beloved flower gardens. Details to follow. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Memorial Garden of Episcopal Church of the Advent, 201 Crestline Drive, Kennett Square, PA 19348; Tick Tock Early Learning Center, 1694 Baltimore Pike, Avondale, PA 19311; or Kennett After-School Association, After-The-Bell, P. O. Box 1068,
Kennett Square, PA, 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ALBERT E. FRANK III 

Albert E. Frank III, 48, of Cochranville, passed away on March 6 in the Temple University Hospital.

He was the son of Albert E. Frank, Jr., and Elizabeth “Jane” Miller Frank of Cochranville. He was a tow truck driver and mechanic for Triangle Towing in Lester, Pa., for 17 years, leaving due to health reasons. After that, he was driving for the Amish community, which he really enjoyed. He loved the outdoors, working on cars and driving the Amish.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Debora J. Young and her husband Steve of London Grove, and Linda Frank-Funk and her husband Rick of Valley Lee, Md.; one niece, Samantha Wood and her husband Chris; and three nephews, Daniel Hilferty, John T. Hilferty and Steven Miller.

A visitation with friends and family will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. March 12 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His funeral service will follow at 4:30 p.m. Burial will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made in his memory  to: Chester County Intermediate Unit, c/o Technical College High School, Pennock’s Bridge Campus, 280 Pennock’s Bridge Road, West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.