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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of March 27

03/28/2017 08:49AM ● By J. Chambless

KIMBERLY ANN SEATS

Kimberly Ann Seats, 51, of Quarryville, passed away on March 19 at her home.

She was the wife of Archie D. Seats, Sr. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Jim and Elizabeth Pearl Smith Coram. Kimberly attended Beulah Baptist Church in Oxford. She was a loving mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her husband; one son, Archie D. Seats, Jr., of Quarryville; one daughter, Tina R. Seats of Quarryville; grandson, Nicholas Alexander Rodriquez; one brother, Keith Smith of Lancaster; and two sisters, Jennifer Smith of New Providence and Sharon Elville of Willow Street. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Julian Burke.

A funeral was held March 24. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. On-line condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


ETHEL RUTH WILDEY MAW

Ethel Ruth Wildey Maw, Ph.D., 98, died in hospice care with her family by her side on March 13.

She was the fifth of nine children born in Moscow, Ohio, to Tom and Texie Wildey. She received her degrees in education and philosophy from Wilmington College, the University of Cincinnati and the University of Pennsylvania; taught elementary education in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Fulbright Fellowship Delhi University in India, Fellow at Australian National University at Canberra, and served as Professor of Education and Child Development, Chairperson of the Department of Education at Bryn Mawr College until her retirement in 1983. Ethel served on the Board of Managers and was Chairperson for the Education Committee for Glen Mills Schools, as well as the Hadley Foundation and Lectures in Kennett Square.

She was the wife of the late Wallace Henry Maw, beloved sister of the late Thomas Wildey (the late Helen), Charles (the late Ruth), Howard (the late Mary Evelyn), Roy (the late Carol), Katheryn Wildey, Frances Wildey, Maryalice (Jack) Edgington, and Roberta (the late Ralph) Windle. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A service was held March 25. Interment was at at Mt. Zion Christian Church Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Roberta Wildey Windle Teachers Scholarship, New Richmond EVSD, Mike Mowery, Treasurer, 212 Market Street, 2nd Floor, New Richmond, OH 45157; or the Fox Chase Cancer Center Temple Health.


LEON S. MCCREARY, JR.

Leon Samuel McCreary, Jr., 60, of West Chester, passed away on March 18 at the Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, Md.

He was the husband of Terri Bottomley McCreary, with whom he shared 36 years of marriage. Born in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of the late Leon Samuel McCreary, Sr., and the late Catherine DiFilippo McCreary of Avondale. Leon was a 1974 graduate of Unionville High School. While there, he excelled in basketball, was one of the star players and was captain of the varsity team. Also an avid athlete at that school was his future wife, Terri. They attended the same school together since second grade and never really knew each other. It wasn't until after college that the two connected. Leon attended Mansfield College, where he earned a BA in regional planning. After college, he joined the Brandywine YMCA men's basketball league. He was a huge sports fan, but his favorite team was the Philadelphia Eagles. Leon was also his children's No. 1 sports fan; he traveled near and far to support them from the sidelines, and every teammate and coach of theirs knew who he was. He was a route salesman for Coin Caterers in Coatesville for 13 years. He also worked for Hostess, Herr's, AVM, and Lamont Companies. Most recently he was a shuttle driver for Krapf Bus Company. Leon was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in January 2016, and fought a long, hard battle.

In addition to his wife, Leon is survived by his children, Nathan McCreary (Tracy) of Fallston, Md., and Brandy McCreary of West Chester; two sisters, Marie Malchione (Pete), and Kathleen Bard (Tony); father-in-law Charles Bottomley; brother-in-law David Bottomley (Diane); three grandchildren, Maverick, Hartley and Walker McCreary; nieces Jennifer Bottomley, Kelly McNeil, Adrienne Malchione, Nicole Allen, Katherine Maxwell, and Cassandra Gray; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and many great friends.

A funeral was held March 24. Interment will be in Longwood Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Brigance Brigade Foundation, which aids individuals with ALS and their families as they navigate the most difficult journey of their lives. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


VANCE MILLER

Vance Miller, 84, of Oxford, passed away on March 19 at the Jennersville Regional Hospital.

He was the husband of Wave Miles Miller, who passed away in 2015, and with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Jefferson, N.C., he was the son of the late Lillard and Emiline Mahaffey Miller. Vance was a general laborer at the NVF Company in Kennett Square, retiring in 1994 after 43 years of service. He attended the Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being with his family and friends.

Vance is survived by three sons, Rodger D. Miller and his wife Terry of Oxford, Paul D. Miller and his wife Patsy of North East, Md., and Walter G. Miller of Oxford; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by five brothers and three sisters.

A funeral was held March 25. Burial was in the Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Women’s Missionary Union, c/o the Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church, 303 Christine Road, Nottingham, PA19364. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


FRANK BISCARDI

Frank Biscardi, 91, of Landenberg, passed away on March 21 at his residence.

He was the husband of Virginia “Ginny” Curry Biscardi, who passed away in 2008, and with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Frank and Mary Leti Biscardi. He was a dental technician and owner of Biscardi Dental Lab in Philadelphia, retiring in 1990 after 50 years in the business. Frank was a member of the Kennett Senior Center, and he enjoyed horse racing, the casinos, traveling, cruises to the Carribean, golfing, red wine, and being with his family and friends.

He is survived by one son, John Biscardi and his wife Robin of Harleysville; four daughters, Patricia Santilli and her husband John of Landenberg, Peggy Henderson and her husband Bill of Furlong, Pa., Gina Leva of Willow Grove, and Christine Beach and her husband Edwin of Washington state; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one son, Frank Biscardi; four sisters; and one brother.
A memorial service was held March 28. Burial was private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s name. can be made to Kennett Area Senior Center, 427 S. Walnut St., Kennett Square, PA 19348; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.grieocares.com.


ROBERT J. MAXFIELD

Robert James Maxfield, 67, of Oxford, son of Ralston and Hazel Maxfield, passed away on March 17 at Seasons Hospice in Newark, Del.

Robert, a Vietnam veteran, loved music, reading, the outdoors and watching westerns. He was always there to give a helping hand to friends, neighbors and family. A hardworking man with a simple values, Robert always had a smile on his face and a ready laugh. The world is much poorer for his loss.

He is survived by his daughter, Casee Maxfield; as well as by his sisters, Patricia Davis and Susan Maxfield; and brother, Henry Maxfield.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


DONALD S. PRATT

Donald S. Pratt, 94, of Avondale, died on March 22 at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was the husband of Bertha Cooper Pratt, who died in 2013, and with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. Born in Avondale, he was a son of the late Howard and Viola Spencer Pratt. He was a lifelong resident of New Garden Township, graduated from Kennett High School and earned an Associate’s degree from Penn State. He was a birthright member of New Garden Friends Meeting and was very active on multiple committees, including Clerk of Meeting, for several years. Donald owned and operated the family business, Pratts Greenhouses, on Hillendale Road. He was a member of numerous horticultural associations, including the Mid Atlantic Carnation Growers, a member of Kennett Rotary, and was on the board of Kennett Friends Boarding Home. His interests included RVing, sailing, playing games and spending time with his ever-growing family.

Survivors include one son, Richard C. Pratt (Nancy) of Kennett Square; two daughters, Patricia A. Bohnert (Joseph) of Landenberg, and Donna Marie Daunno (Gene) of Kennett Square; five grandchildren, Stacey (Jay), Ryan, Krista (Daniel), Heather (John-Michael) and Christopher (Paige); and one great-granddaughter, Austin. He was predeceased by his brother, Carroll.

A funeral was held March 25. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Kennett Friends Home, 147 W. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view his online tribute or to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


KENNETH CROSSAN

Kenneth “Doc” Crossan, 95, of Landenberg, passed away on March 22 at Twin Pines Health Care Center.

He was the husband of Marguerite Bailey Crossan, who passed away in 2011, and with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. Born in Landenberg, he was the son of the late Kennedy and Ethel Steele Crossan. Kenneth was a life member of the Landenberg United Methodist Church and helped rebuild the church after the fire of 1952. He was a founding member of the ABC Hunting Camp in Mifflin County. He was the oldest living member and past Master of New London Masonic Lodge No. 545.

He was an accomplished carpenter, and retired from E.T. Chambers, West Grove, in 1985. He spent the majority of his career operating the Crossan family sawmill in Landenberg.

He is survived by one son, Kenneth G. Crossan and his wife Patti of New London; two daughters, Linda Emerson Grugan and her husband Larry of Avondale, and Candace Crossan of Landenberg; one sister-in-law, Grace L. Crossan of Landenberg; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers, Raymond S. Crossan, Sr., and Kennedy Crossan.

A funeral was held March 28.Burial was in the New London Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


KATHLEEN B. MOORE

Kathleen B. Moore, a 15-year resident of Ware Presbyterian Village at Oxford, passed away peacefully on March 23 at Ware’s Health Care Center.

She had suffered a stroke on Feb. 18 and had been under the care of Ware’s staff, and of hospice, Willow Tree’s palliative care staff, for her final four days.

Kathleen Virginia Benson was born in Philadelphia in1927. Her parents were Francis (Frank) C. Benson, III, and Kathleen Laird Benson. She had one brother, Richard Laird Benson, who died in January 1996.

Kathy grew up in the western suburbs of Philadelphia in the Merwood and Haverford sections. She graduated from Haverford High School in 1946. She attended Houghton College in New York State for two years, and graduated from Eastern Baptist College in 1950. After an additional two years at Eastern Baptist Seminary, she attained her degree in religious education.

She met William T. Moore, Jr., a University of Pennsylvania graduate, in 1950. They fell in love, and were married in 1952 at Eastern Seminary’s Chapel. When, with Kathy’s great help, Bill graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1953, they served churches in Narberth, Germantown, and Broomall. Kathy taught, as a special education and nursery school teacher, for over 25 years, in Broomall and Newtown Square.

She is survived by sons Richard and Douglas; and by daughter Leslie. Her seven granddaughters, in order of their births, are Lauren, Heather, Christina, Kelley, Shannon, Jenna, and Emily. Her one grandson is Alex. Her two great-granddaughters are Cambria and Rowan.

A service celebrating Kathleen’s life will be held in the near future. To send a memorial gift, consider Ware Presbyterian Village’s “Compassionate Care Fund” at 3 Locust St., Oxford, PA 19363; or Willow Tree Hospice, 616 E. Cypress St., Kennett Square, PA 19348.


DORIS L. HEHER

Doris L. Heher, of Nottingham, passed away on March 22 at her residence.

She was the wife of John F. Heher, who passed away in 2010, and with whom she shared 51 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Robert Earl and Phyllis Reeves Hilaman. Doris was president and CEO of Brandywine Medical Management Services in West Grove for 30 years, retiring in 2014. She was a member of Assumption BVM Church in West Grove, many business organizations, and the Models Guild in Philadelphia for 20 years. She enjoyed antiquing, and being with her family and friends.

Doris is survived by one son, Brian E. Heher and his wife Sharon of Nottingham; one daughter, Colleen Dugger and her husband Frank of Tennessee; her twin brother, Donald Hilaman of Springfield, Pa.; five grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one son, Sean Heher.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. March 30 at Assumption BVM Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). Her funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be the Oxford Cemetery. In memory of Doris, a contribution may be made to Brandywine River Valley Hospice, 121 Bell Tower Lane, Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


ATTILIO CIORROCCO

Attilio “Pete” Ciorrocco, 90, of Toughkenamon, died on March 25 at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was the husband of Aleene Kugler Ciorrocco, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Born in Toughkenamon, he was a son of the late Attilio and the late Serafina (Cordivano) Ciorrocco. He served our country in the Army state side during the Korean War. He and his brother Dominic owned D&A Ciorrocco Mushrooms. He was a longtime member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church. He was a past committee chair of Boy Scout Troop 191 in Avondale, and served on the executive board of the Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America as the camping chairman for Camp Horseshoe Scout Reservation. He was a member of the Italian American Club and Sons of Italy in Kennett Square.

In addition to his wife, Pete is survived by two sons, Peter Ciorrocco and his wife Patricia of Downingtown, and Joseph Ciorrocco of West Chester; two daughters, Andrea Parrett and her husband Donald of West Grove, and Nancy Ciorrocco of Park City, Utah; one sister, Mary DiMarzio of Glenn Mills; three grandchildren, Matthew Werner, Michelle Bickings, and Joanna Parrett; and two great-grandchildren, David and Christopher. He was predeceased by three sisters, Helen Ciorrocco, Laura Pratola, and Ethel Pescatore; and two brothers, Dominic Ciorrocco and Daniel Ciorrocco.
The family would like to acknowledge Willowtree Hospice for their care and kindness during their time of need.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. March 30 at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church (8910 Gap Newport Pike, Avondale). His mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. Contributions in his memory may be made to either St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother, PO Box 709 Avondale, PA 19311; or to Willowtree Hospice, 616 East Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


MARGARET McLAUGHLIN IRWIN

Margaret “Mac” McLaughlin Irwin, 95, of Avondale, died on March 22 at Brandywine Assisted Living at Longwood in Kennett Square.

She was the wife of the late Jay V. Irwin, who died in 2014, and with whom she shared 68 years of marriage. Born in Newtown Square, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Francis and the late Edna (Dutton) McLaughlin. Margaret graduated from Chester County School of Nursing and served our country during World War II as a Navy Nurse at Camp Lejeune. It was there that she met her husband.

She was a proud member of the Needlework Guild for over 70 years and served as treasurer of the West Grove branch which later became Community New Garment Association. She was a member of West Grove Presbyterian Church for 68 years. Margaret loved time spent with family, and enjoyed music, travel, the beach, and chocolate. She never met a stranger, as all who encountered “Mac” became her friend.

Survivors include one son, Jay Richard Irwin (Leigh) of Garland, Texas; three daughters, Deborah L. Schleifer (Robert) of Rockwall, Texas, Diane Irwin Schmidt of Bear, Del., and Marcia L. Case (Jeffrey) of West Chester; nine grandchildren, Dawn, Kim, Todd, Nathan, Lori, “Ollie,” Tyler, Braden, and Logan; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers, Robert McLaughlin of State College, and Wilbur McLaughlin of Walnut Creek, Calif.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. April 10 at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). A memorial service celebrating her life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in her memory may be made to Community New Garment Association, c/o Kathryn Steele, President, 1 Sumner Lane, West Grove, PA 19390. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


LORETTA A. PORTER

Loretta A. Porter, 81, of Oxford, went home to be with her Lord on March 26 at her home.

She was the wife of Rev. Charles I. Porter, with whom she shared 45 years of marriage. Born in Eskdale, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Ray Carl and Catherine Marie Gayton Allen. Loretta was employed with the DuPont Company in Wilmington until she was married. She was active in the Church of Jesus Christ in Oxford, where her husband pastored since 1972. Loretta was compassionate, always willing to help others. She never wavered in her faith in Jesus dedicating her life the Lord.

She is survived by her husband; one son, Paul Joseph Porter and his wife, Lisa M. Porter of Lincoln University; one sister, Louise Burgess of North East, Md.; and two brothers, George R. Allen of Lebanon, Tenn., and Carmen J. Allen of Brenham, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. April 1 at the Church of Jesus Christ (105 Francis Ave., Oxford), where friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday and 6 to 8 p.m. March 31. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


SANDRA C . REYNOLDS

Sandra C. Reynolds, 63, of West Grove, passed away peacefully at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester on March 25.

She was the wife of Stephen C. Reynolds, Sr., with whom she shared 46 years of marriage. Born in Chester, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Mary Ward Chew. She was a social worker at Kendal-Crosslands in Kennett Square, and other private and non-profit organizations throughout the years. She also worked as the director of Kennett Area Community Services and United Cerebral Palsy for many years, where she met and worked with many wonderful people. Sandra was a member of Assumption BVM Church in West Grove, and the London Grove Grange. She enjoyed animals, going to the Poconos and Ocean City, Md., bead work, crocheting, needlepoint, and vacations with her grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Stephen C. Reynolds, Jr., and his wife Colleen of Cranberry Township, Pa., and Christopher Reynolds of West Grove; one daughter, Nicole Reynolds of Elkton, Md.; three brothers, A. Kendall Chew of Claymont, Del., Donald Chew of Pleasantville, N.J., and Edward Chew of Kennett Square; one sister, Mary Allison Dydo of Middletown Springs, Vt.; five grandchildren, Collin, Alexa, Noah, Claire and Drew; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one sister, Marilyn Visco.

A visitation will be held from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. April 3 at Assumption BVM Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). Her funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 100 West 10th Street, Suite 109, Wilmington, DE 19801; or to Assumption BVM Church, 300 State Road, West Grove, PA 19390.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


HARRY C. WITMER

Harry Clayton Witmer, 81, of Oxford, passed away on March 26 at his home.

Born in Warwick Township, Chester County, he was the son of the late Harry K. and Martha S. Bedi Witmer. He was the husband of Alice Kimble Witmer, with whom he shared 28 years of marriage. Harry retired from the Kennett Consolidated School District maintenance department. He was formerly employed as a welder and business owner in New Mexico. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Harry was a member and past Deacon of Nottingham Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed woodworking, duck carving, dancing, gardening, NASCAR, horses, trail riding, and especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Alice Kimble Witmer; four children, Patti Cushing (Joseph) of Phoenixville, Sean Witmer (Heidi) of Artemas, Lisa Ellis (Craig) of Oxford, and Kim Smith (Scott) of Nottingham; 12 grandchildren, Shanna Rambo, Jon Donaldson, Julia Starkey, Tara McAdams, Christopher Cushing, John Cushing, Chris Petrie, Cheri Petrie, Joseph England, Ross England, Emily Smith and Lola Ellis; nine great-grandchildren; and one brother, Jerry Witmer of Montana. He was preceded in death by his stepmother, Sara Witmer.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. March 31 at Nottingham Presbyterian Church (497 W. Christine Rd., Nottingham), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Nottingham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Nottingham Presbyterian Church or Brandywine River Valley Hospice, 121 Bell Tower Lane, Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.