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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of July 11

07/12/2016 09:31AM ● By J. Chambless

RUTH MAY HOLCOMB-BURGOS

Ruth May Holcomb-Burgos, 74, of Avondale passed away on July 3 at her home.

She was the wife of Jose Burgos, a member of the Avondale Fire Company for 30 years. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Henry J. and Grace Roberts Hess. Ruth enjoyed having cookouts, spending time with her family, playing bingo and cards, and enjoyed going to Delaware Park and flea markets. She loved listening to country music and loved all animals, especially her dogs.

She is survived by her husband; one daughter, Kimberly Holcomb of Avondale; two sons, Joe Burgos and his wife Shannon of Cochranville, and Jeff Holcomb and his wife Linda of Miami, Fla.; four grandchildren, Bryana Burgos, Chasity Burgos, Sierra Burgos, and Benjamin Holcomb; one great grandchild, Billy James Holman III; and a lifelong friend, Doris Saintsing. She was preceded in death by her two grandsons, Joshua Holcomb and Billy James Holman, Jr. (Big Bill); two brothers, Henry John Hess, Jr., and Calvin Hess; and one sister, Irene Leeman.

Funeral services were held July 9. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Chester County SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


MARY T. KUZO

Mary T. Kuzo, 97, of Kennett Square, died on July 2 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

She was the wife of the late Albert F. Kuzo, who died in 2002, and with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Born in William Penn, Pa., she was a daughter of the late Anthony J. and the late Anna (Melevage) Zubritsky. She was educated in the St. Clair Schools, and graduated in 1937. Mary was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and member of the Ladies of St. Patrick. She assisted her husband Albert for many years in the family business, Albert F. Kuzo Funeral Home.

Survivors include one son, David Kuzo of Kennett Square; one daughter, Mary Ann Emerson (Ray) of Kennett Square; two grandchildren, Kelly Vattilana (Matthew) of Kennett Square, and Matthew Emerson (Celeste) of Bear, Del.; and three great-grandchildren, Thaddeus Emerson, Emerson Grace Vattilana and Isabelle Emerson. Mary was predeceased by two brothers and two sisters.

Mary’s funeral mass was held July 6. Interment was in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 205 Lafayette St., Kennett Square, PA 19348.


STEVE WALTON

Steve Walton, 55, of Kennett Square, passed away on July 7 at Penn Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of Eddie and Jackie Warrick Walton. He was a superintendent at Norwood Industries in Malvern, retiring after over 25 years of service. Steve was a past president and coach at the Avon Grove Little League. He maintained the Little League Fields and also the Avon Grove Athletic Fields. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, spending time at his cabin in the mountains, sports (especially little league, youth and high school sports), but most of all, he enjoyed being with his family and friends.

In addition to his mother and father, he is survived by one son, Zach Walton of West Grove; two daughters, Tara Walton Homer and her husband Kevin of West Norriton, and Tracey Walton of West Grove; three sisters, Sherri Walton Foster and her husband Phil of Chadds Ford, Suzanne Walton Testa and her husband Robert of Toughkenamon, and Kathleen Walton Laviani of Honeoye Falls, N.Y.; five nephews, Garrett Ockum, Michael Testa, Matt Foster, Dominic Testa and Louis Laviani; three nieces, Bennett Ockum, Kristina Testa and MacKenzie Foster; and his dog, Jax.

A funeral was held July 12. Burial was in the London Grove Friends Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Avon Grove Area Little League, P.O. Box 70, West Grove, PA 19390 (In the memo line, put in memory of Steve Walton); or to the Walton family, made out to Tara Homer, 333 Wendover Drive, West Norriton, PA 19403 to help defray medical and funeral expenses. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


DOROTHY ELIZABETH WEEKS

Dorothy Elizabeth Weeks, 96, of West Grove, passed away on July 2 at her residence.

She was the wife of Alexander H. Weeks, Jr., who passed away in 1996, and with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Ola P. and Hanna Thackeray Benn. She was a cafeteria worker at the Avon Grove Elementary School for 20 years, retiring in 1982. She was an active member of the West Grove United Methodist Church, where she was also a member of the United Methodist Women’s Society and the Christian Friendship Class. She was a member of the Kennett and the Oxford Senior centers. She enjoyed crafts, sewing, bowling, playing bingo,going out to dinner, and going to the beach on vacation.

She is survived by one son, Alexander H. Weeks III of West Grove; three grandchildren, Barbara Ann Lindenlauf, Stacy Lynn Estle and Alexander H. Weeks IV; five great-grandchildren; and one great- great-grandson.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. July 29 at the West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove). Her memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the West Grove United Methodist Church, 300 N. Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA 19390. To leave an online condolence, visit www.griecocares.com.


ELIZABETH ANN DAY

Elizabeth Ann Day, 85, of Kennett Square, formerly of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where she lived for 18 years, passed away on July 10 at Cadia Silverside in Wilmington, Del.

She was the wife of Joseph H. Day, who passed away in 2004, and with whom she shared 40 years of marriage. She was a Registered Nurse, graduating from the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Wilmington, Del.

She is survived by one daughter, Heather Durgin and her husband Craig of Wilmington, Del.; one stepson, John Day of Florida; one stepdaughter, Elizabeth Hagstaad and her husband Don of Napa, Calif.; one sister, Sandra Hayward of Illinois; and her beloved grandson, Christopher Durgin.

Her service and burial will be private. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


FRANCES J. McCOURY

Frances J. McCoury, 89, of Nottingham, passed away on July 9 at her home.

She was the wife of the late Raphall M. McCoury, Jr. Born in Port Deposit, Md., she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Grace Campbell Elville. She was a member of Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church. Frances enjoyed watching wrestling, golf and baseball, and loved her cat, Smokey.

She is survived by one son, Ronald McCoury (Pat) of Lancaster; four daughters, Roxanna McCoury (James) of Millersville, Robin Powell of Hillsboro, N.J., Rowena Jeffrey (Zane) of Nottingham, and Rose Janney (Elmer) of Nottingham; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Harry, David, and John Elville.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. July 13 at Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church (303 West Christine Rd., Nottingham, PA 19362), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the church. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


DR. RICHARD E. OROSE

Dr. Richard E. Orose, 67, of Avondale, died on July 9, surrounded by his family at Christiana Hospital, Newark, Del.

He was a Villanova University and Hahnemann School of Medicine graduate. Rich served at St. Agnes Hospital in South Philadelphia as an attending physician, and later in private practice for 23 years. His personal interests included traveling, cooking, and caring for his family. Rich provided careful attention, a positive outlook, and healing capability to every patient, through hospital rounds, house calls, or middle-of-the-night calls. Rich also served as cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 500, scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 464, Havertown, and a medical officer and consultant for Resica Falls Boy Scout Reservation.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patricia (Prosperi); his sons and daughters-in-law Richard and Kelly, Chris and Mariah, Jonathan and Aneta, and Jamie and Rachael; grandchildren Richard, Ceallaigh, Jonathan, Kora, Jackson, and Juliette; great-grandchild Jakob; niece, Jenifer (Brian) Sullivan; and great-nephews Jacob and Jason. Also surviving is extended family in Hungary. He was preceded in death by his father, Imre; his mother, Elizabeth; in-laws David Jr. and Alma Prosperi; and brother-in-law, David Prosperi III.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 9 to 10:45 a.m. July 14 at the Assumption BVM Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). His funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to one of the following charities: Indiana University - South Bend, School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617; Villanova Singers, 800 E. Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA 19085; Covenant House - New York, 460 W. 41st St., New York, NY 10036; Covenant House – Philadelphia, 31 E. Armat St., Philadelphia, PA 19144. Online condolences may be may by visiting www.griecocares.com.


LOUISE WILLIS VANNOY

Louise Willis Vannoy of Kemblesville passed away on July 9 at 99, just a few months shy of her 100th birthday.

She was the daughter of Lillian Creswell Willis and Daniel J. Willis of Newark, Del. Louise was a graduate of Newark High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Delaware in 1939. She joined the New London Presbyterian Church in 1940 and served as both a deacon and trustee. She and R. Page Vannoy, her husband of 46 years, owned and operated the “Old Brick Barn” dairy farm at the crossroads on Appleton Road. She enjoyed the companionship of her dogs and cats and was an avid horsewoman. She especially liked trail riding with family and friends. She also enjoyed foxhunting, always pointing out to newcomers that “it’s really just a fox chase, we don’t ever catch the fox.” She was especially proud of her article, “Mom’s a Lady Foxhunter,” which was published in  Landenberg Today. She loved all things medical, and for 35 years she served as a Red Cross volunteer at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

She was predeceased by her husband, R. Page Vannoy; sons, Robert Page Vannoy, Jr. and Dan Page Vannoy, who was killed in Vietnam. Louise is survived by her daughter, Jeanne Vannoy Schramm of West Liberty, W.Va.; two grandchildren, Adriane Vannoy Schramm of Averill Park, N.Y., and Darian Vannoy Schramm of San Diego, Calif.; and one great-granddaughter, Love Psychedelic Schramm Nevai of Averill Park, N.Y.

In the final months of Louise’s life, she was blessed with the true friendship and excellent care of her three lovely home health aides, Sarah Goland, Trish Dunn McAlevey, and Terry Penny Dunn. The family would like to thank them for their loving aid to Louise.

A service will be held in Louise’s honor at 11 a.m. on July 16 at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home (122 W. Main St., Newark, DE 19711), where family and friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at New London Presbyterian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the Delaware SPCA and sent in care of the funeral home. To send condolences, visit www.rtfoard.com.


CHARLES P. PESCE, JR.

Charles "Chuck" P. Pesce, Jr., 69, of Jefferson Township, passed away on July 9.

Chuck was married to Susan G. (Davidheiser) Pesce. Born in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of the late Charles P. Pesce, Sr., and Marietta (McNemar) Pesce. He graduated in 1964 from Salesianum High School. He continued his education at the University of Delaware, where he obtained a degree in horticulture. For many years, he owned a mushroom growing business and a trucking business. Chuck was captain of the University of Delaware Baseball team, he played in Shenandoah Valley Baseball League, and his love of baseball continued as he played for the AAA Phillies Farm System Organization as a catcher. After pro ball, he played semi-pro baseball in Wilmington. Later, he played fast-pitch softball for the Reading Sunners. A few years back, he was inducted into the Kennett Old Timers Hall of Fame. Chuck was an active member of the Harvest Chapel Church, where he made lasting friendships. Last year, Chuck volunteered to go on a mission trip to Haiti. While in Haiti, he was a part of a team of men who built new benches for a church that had none. What he gained from the trip was a deeper understanding of God. Chuck's family and friends were everything to him. He had a huge heart, and a smile and a laugh that would light up any room.He will be missed, and he will always be loved. 

Additional survivors include his children, Maria Pesce of Womelsdorf, Whitney Chalcas and husband Johnny of North Carolina, Triscia Pesce and fiancé Stephen Kenny of North Carolina, and Hilary Sanchez and husband William of Lebanon. There are five grandchildren: De'Aundra and D'Andre Vazquez, Lilliana, Addison, and Landon Sanchez; his sisters, Betty Ann Pesce of Delaware, and Linda Rigler and husband Earl of North Carolina; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Interment will be private at at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hershey Lupus Foundation, 218 W. Governor Rd., 1st Floor, Hershey, PA 17033. Online condolences may be made at www.milkinsgilesfuneralhome.com.

 MILES I. CLARKE

Miles Ira Clarke, 20, of Cochranville, passed away July 12 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

Born in the same hospital, Miles was the son of Mervyn Clarke of Millersville, and Birgit Jochen Clarke of Cochranville. Miles was of German and Jamaican heritage. He was a part of the 2014 graduating class of Oxford Area High School, where he was an important member of the basketball team. He attended The Pennsylvania State University, Altoona Campus, and planned to transfer to Shippensburg University in the fall. Miles immensely enjoyed basketball, eating a home-cooked meal, listening to music, and playing video games. He loved being around his family, friends, and his dogs. Miles had a contagious laugh and personality that lit up the room and made people around him smile.

He is survived by his father and stepmother, Susan Clarke; mother and her companion, Carl Trice; brother, Mervyn Clarke, Jr., and his girlfriend, Casey Sinex; sister, Morgan Clarke and McKayla Clarke; stepbrother, Troy Boddy; stepsister, Latoya Boddy; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will begin with a viewing at 10 a.m. on July 18 at the Oxford Area High School Auditorium (705 Waterway Rd., Oxford). A service will begin at noon. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford, PA 19363, to offset the cost of the funeral. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.