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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of May 22

05/22/2017 02:06PM ● By J. Chambless

LEONARD J. MINNICK

Leonard J. Minnick, 86, of West Grove, passed away May 14 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

He was the husband of Suzanne G. Freeman Minnick, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Chester, Pa., he was the son of the late Daniel A. and Olive Heinauer Minnick. Leonard was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Chester Masonic Lodge No. 236 F. & A.M. and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 654, Boothwyn.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Susan (Paul) Surplus of Ridley Park and Patti (Gabriel) Vattilana of Cochranville; six grandchildren, Nicholas, (Rachael), Victoria, Ian, Tamara, Michael and Nicole; and three great-grandchildren, Noah, Marlo and Ezra. He was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel Minnick; and sister, Barbara Edwards.

A memorial service was held May 23. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


DAVID MAXWELL

David “Max” Maxwell, 56, of Avondale, peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on May 14.

David is survived by his fiancée, Laurie Blackburn, with whom he shared two loving years. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Donald C. and the late Mary Lois (Young) Maxwell. After receiving his education, David went on to have various jobs, including a stone mason, but was most known as being the manager at Phillips Mushroom Farms of Kelton. When David wasn’t working, he greatly enjoyed fishing and spending time at the beach, specifically Lewes, Del. Most of all, David enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Along with his fiancée, Laurie, David is survived by his daughters, Melissa Maxwell and Hannah Maxwell; his brothers, Donald C. Maxwell and Keith D. Maxwell and his wife; his sister, Andrea Maxwell Bonner and her husband; his grandchildren, Corey and Gabriel; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held May 20. Memorial contributions in David’s name may be made to the Colon Cancer Alliance (1025 Vermont Ave., NW - Suite 1066, Washington, DC 20005); or Forgotten Cats Inc. (4023 Kennett Pike, Suite 422, Greenville, DE 19807). Online condolences may be shared at www.griecocares.com.


DAVID A. SCOTT

David Alan Scott, 86, son of the late Albert T. Scott and late Isabel Russell Scott, passed away on May 14.

David was born in Holmes, Pa., where he continued to live throughout his formative years, attending and graduating from Ridley Township High School. After high school, he attended Penn State University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in horticulture in 1953. He was employed by Voster’s Nurseries and Greenhouses in Secane, Pa., where he remained for 29 years and retired as general manager. David lived in Chadds Ford until retiring to Lewes, Del., in 1991, and pursued his dream of crabbing and fishing.

David was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Scott. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Goodwin, who was the mother of his three children; and his second wife, Doris Dougherty. He is survived by his children, Stephen (wife Karen and son Kyle); William (wife Deborah and their children Sarah and Zachary); Elizabeth LaMantia (husband Vince and son Nicholas). He is also survived by his brother Donald and his wife Chris of Hilton Head, S.C.; and his friend and companion, Betty Ann Connor.

A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on June 3 at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A memorial service will follow at noon. Online condolences may be shared at www.griecocares.com.


VIRGINIA HUGHES FULTON

Virginia Hughes Fulton, of Oxford, died on May 15 at Jenner's Pond, 24 days before her 106th birthday.

Virginia will be remembered for her deep faith, caring ways, and a lifetime of helping and serving others.

Virginia and her twin brother Raleigh were born on June 8, 1911 in Coatesville. She was the daughter of the late Walter R. and Minnie Gray Hughes.

Surviving are daughters Susan (Joseph) Glass of Millersville, and Sandra Day of Oxford; her pride and joy grandson Michael Day; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by son-in-law, William Day; brothers Parke, Donald and Raleigh Hughes; and sisters Grace Harris, Esther Bonsall and Alice Webber.

Virginia graduated from Coatesville High School in 1929. After graduating from the Coatesville Hospital School of Nursing in 1933 as a Registered Nurse, she did private duty nursing until 1940, when she joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. She was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center until receiving orders to report to Tripler Army Medical Center at Fort Shafter, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, in 1941. Virginia arrived in Oahu via the USS Tasker H. Bliss on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1941. She cared for Pearl Harbor survivors and later, young polio victims at the Emergency Poliomyelitis Hospital. In 1945 Captain Hughes was assigned to Valley Forge General Hospital. While there she met her future husband (Waide G. Fulton). She was reassigned to Walter Reed in 1946 where she remained until her separation from service in 1947. Virginia continued in the Army Reserves until 1954.

Moving to Oxford in 1950, Virginia taught Red Cross courses in Home Nursing and Mother & Baby Care, assisted with blood drives, polio vaccine clinics and volunteered as a school crossing guard. Virginia was the Oxford Elementary School nurse from 1957 to 1976. She received her B.S. in public school nursing from West Chester State College in 1967. Retirement didn’t slow her down. Virginia was the first nurse to work at Ware Presbyterian Home. She played golf into her 90s and enjoyed traveling with her family, especially the trips to Hawaii when she was 92 and 100 years young.

Virginia never met a marshmallow Easter peep she didn’t like. Her secret to long life was "loving everyone" and eating lots of chocolate.

Virginia was a long time member (60-plus years) of the Oxford United Methodist Church. She was very active in the Winner's Class and the United Methodist Women; she was the chairperson for missions for many years and she was famous for organizing rummage sales held at the church. She was a member of the Octoraro Chapter No. 463 Order of the Eastern Star, XYZ, and the Oxford Area Senior Center. Virginia was named the Citizen of the Year in 2003 by the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce. She was a Life member of VFW Post 7294, Millersville, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Post 1779, Oxford.

Family and friends may call at the Oxford United Methodist Church (Market and Addison streets, Oxford) from 9:30 to 11 a.m. May 24. Services will be held at the church at 11 a.m. An Eastern Star service will be held Tuesday at 8 p.m. Burial will be in the Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Virginia’s name may be made to the Oxford United Methodist Church, 18 Addison St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences can be given at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


WENDY DIXON WICK

The world has lost a most giving and glorious soul. Dear daughter, mother, sister, and friend Wendy Dixon Wick went to her well-earned peace on May 13.

Wendy was born in 1963 in Tom’s River, N.J., to Patricia (Hoot) and David Kresge. No daughter ever loved her parents more. She was the baby sister to Pam and Val, who shared many silly and cherished childhood days in Stroudsburg, Pa., and Cape May, N.J. She was a member of the 1980 state championship field hockey team from Stroudsburg High School, and the same year was voted homecoming queen. Wendy graduated from Ursinus College and enjoyed a wide variety of jobs, all in the service of others.

Wendy is survived by her children, Skyler and Josh, and their father Jack; her proud parents; and her sisters, Valerie Kresge and Pam Misciangna and Pam’s husband Marty and sons Luke and David; as well as her loving extended family and her many devoted friends.

A visitation with family and friends will be held May 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church (101 Old Kennett Rd., Wilmington, Del.). Her funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to The Skyler and Joshua Wick Trust, at P.O. Box 944, Mendenhall, PA 19357. Donations can also be sent online to www.youcaring.com/skylerandjoshwick-823559. Funds from the trust will be used to meet Sky and Josh’s needs, as well as their education. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


CHARLES JOSEPH HUTH, JR.

Charles "CJ" Joseph Huth, Jr., 35, of West Grove, passed away on May 15 in New Cumberland, Pa.

Born in Chester, Pa., he was the son of Charles J. Huth, Sr, of Newark, Del., and Penny Hipple Huth of West Grove. CJ was a carpenter, working for Zvorsky Construction in New Cumberland. He was an avid fisherman, he enjoyed outdoor activities, four-wheeling, carpentry, bowling, music, playing the guitar, going to Phillies and Eagles games, and being with his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by one sister, Jackie Huth and her significant other, Matthew O’Brien of West Grove; his maternal grandfather, Joseph Rubino of Aston, Pa.; one niece, Aleaya Rivera; and one nephew, Leo Rivera.

A memorial service was held May 23. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in CJ’s memory may be made to the Daystar Center for Spiritual Recovery, 125 North 18th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


DOLORES M. BAXTER

Dolores M. Baxter, 85, of Kennett Square, passed away on May 15 at Crosslands Retirement Community.

She was the wife of Richard A. Baxter, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage. Born in Sunbury, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Roy and Irene Kerstetter Mull. She was a homemaker, potter and artist. She was a member of Al-Anon and was a volunteer at the Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research in Newark, Del. She enjoyed birding, nature itself, gardening, and being with her family and friends. She was a long time Phillies and Flyers season ticket holder.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, David A. Baxter of Newark, Del.,

and Scott A. Baxter of Columbus, Ohio; one brother, Dale Mull of Raleigh, N.C.; and one sister, Carol Long of Northumberland, Pa.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. June 3 at the Crosslands Auditorium (1660 W. Street Rd., Kennett Square). Burial will be private. In memory of Dolores, a contribution may be made to the Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, 170 Possum Hollow Road, Newark, DE 19711. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


ANNE SINSON WILLIAMS

Anne Sinson Williams, 57, of West Chester, died peacefully on her birthday on May 15 at the Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

Anne was born on May 15, 1960 in Philadelphia. She graduated from Millersville University with a degree in art education, where she met many lifelong friends. Anne was an artist at heart, a lifelong student, and a beloved teacher; expressing her love of art and people in continuing painting classes that she took as well as taught. Anne was the kindest, most thoughtful companion. She was always present for all of her friends and family, to comfort them in their times of need, and cherish cheerful moments. She loved children, dogs, reading, and traveling. Anne especially enjoyed going to the beach; sunning, relaxing and sharing time as a celebration.

She is survived by her parents, Johanna and Elwood Sinson of West Chester; her husband, Jeffery Williams of Pottstown; a maternal aunt, Sophia Novack; a sister, Nanette O’Donnell; and brothers Steven, David, Phillip and Timothy. Anne was loved by many nieces, a nephew, cousins, and close friends.

A funeral was held May 22. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


RALPH A. DUTTON

Ralph A. Dutton, 89, of Oxford, passed away on May 15 at home in Oxford.

He was the husband of the late Edith Delores Dutton, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. Born in Oxford, he was the son of the late Joshua Abram Dutton and Ella Barnes Dutton. Ralph was employed with Lukens Steel Company in Coatesville for 43 years, retiring in 1994. He was a member of the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Oxford. Ralph enjoyed helping others and spending time with his family.

He is survived by two sons, Ralph A. Dutton, Jr. of Carlton, Texas, and Paul Dutton of West Chester; one daughter, June Ellen Dutton of Oxford; three grandchildren, Linda Dutton of Oxford, Tara L. Easterling (Brian) of Paoli, and Zayne A. Dutton (Jasmine) of West Chester; six great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.

A service was held May 23. Interment was in the Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


ARLENE JOYCE SKELTON

Arlene Joyce Skelton, 75, of Kennett Square, passed away on May 19 at Jennersville Regional Hospital.

She was the wife of Herbert P. Skelton, who passed away in 1983. She was born in 1941 in Wilmington, Del., and attended Kennett High School. She was the daughter of the late Basil Ellsworth and Evelyn Mae Davis Taylor. She retired from the Chester County Hospital in 2005. Previously, she had worked Chester-Tricot Knitting Mills and at Hugo’s Inn. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved Elvis, her dog Dadie Mae, reading and NASCAR.

Arlene is survived by two sons, Johnny W. Tucker, Jr. and his wife Linda of New London, and William E. Tucker and his wife Jody of York; one daughter, Lisa Taylor and her husband Jeffrey of Landenberg; three brothers, Michael Ellsworth and his wife Carol of Menifee, Calif., Richard Taylor and his wife Okie of West Grove, and Barry Taylor and his wife Cynthia of Hickory, N.C.; two sisters, Linda Whisler of Avondale, and Gale Richardson and her husband Ray of Chandler, Ariz.; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. May 24 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Longwood Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the PA Wounded Warriors, Inc., 1117 Country Club Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.grieoccares.com.


ROBERT J. RHILE

Robert J. Rhile, 75, passed away on May 19 at the Jennersville Regional Hospital.

He was the husband of Sally Tracy Rhile. Born in Darby, Pa., he was the son of the late Howard and Julia Robinson Rhile. Bob worked in banking for more than 45 years. He held several positions at PSFS and retired in 2005 from his role as senior vice president at Citizens Bank. He enjoyed adventure, wine, race cars, and music. An avid worldwide traveler, he loved baseball, boating and spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Michael R. Rhile and his wife Susan of Glen Mills; five daughters, Maureen Bayliss and her husband Stephen of Royersford, Gretchen Harris and her husband Phillip of Lewisville, Ind., Julie Rhile and her husband Scott Sidlow of Parkside, Pa., Jill Seden and her husband Al of Holmdel, N.J., and Tracy DiNapoli and her husband Joseph of Oxford; one brother, Howard Rhile of Fairfax, Va.; one sister, Judy Tomarelli of Pottstown; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Bob was actively involved in volunteering and was past president of Habitat for Humanity in Wilmington, Del.

A celebration of his life will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. May 27 at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). His memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, 1920 Hutton Street, Wilmington, DE 19802. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


ZOFIA LICHOTA

Zofia Lichota, 102, of Oxford, formerly of Whiting, N.J., passed away on May 15 at home.

She was the wife of the late Edward Lichota. Zofia was born in Poland. She was a member and choir member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Whiting, N.J. Zofia enjoyed gardening and was an animal lover.

She is survived by a daughter, Barbara Lichota of Oxford. A graveside service was held May 22 at Our Lady of Czestochowa Cemetery in Doylestown. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


KENNETH A. HURLEY

Kenneth Alan Hurley passed away peacefully on May 12.

Born in 1960 in Wilmington, Del., Ken was the son of Kenneth Lee Hurley and the late Essie Hurley. He was preceded in death by Kenny Jr. (son) and Donna Waldrup (sister). Ken is survived by four loving children, Toni Cuffari, Lee Hurley, Kelly Hurley and Jessie Hurley; seven grandchildren; one sister, Yvette Gwinn; one brother, Kevin Hurley; and a niece who was more like a daughter, Nicole Hurley.

Ken loved life, he was an avid musician, a jack of all trades and loved spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his “kitchen table conversations,” words of wisdom and the many songs he loved to sing. Ken will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held June 4 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Union Fire Hall (315 Market St., Oxford), followed by a family-only lunch from noon to 2 p.m.


THOMAS H. BRATTAN, JR.

Thomas Hunt Brattan, Jr., of West Grove, passed away after a long period of declining health on May 18, a day after his 88th birthday.

Tom was the son of Eugenia Furlong Brattan and Thomas Hunt Brattan. He was the husband of Janet Marcelite McClure for 67 years, father of Thomas Hunt Brattan III, Brooke Frances DeSales Mann and Todd Rice William Brattan. He was predeceased in death by his parents and brother, Joseph Yancy (Pete) and sister, Elizabeth “Betsy” Brattan Hobbs.

He was born in Baltimore in 1929. He grew up in Baltimore, attended McDonough School, played lacrosse, football and graduated with honors. He then attended Johns Hopkins University, graduating magna cum laude. He received an MBA from the University of Delaware. He served in the National Guard during the involvement in Korea. His unit was based in Baltimore. He received an Honorable Discharge. He was a longtime employee of the DuPont Company. He worked in Wilmington, where he held various senior posts in their International Finance Department. As the director of finance for DuPont in Europe, he worked in Geneva, Switzerland, Dusseldorf, Germany and Holland. He retired in 1990 after 40 years of service.

Tom had many and varied interests. He was an avid reader, enjoying histories and biographies. He and his wife traveled extensively around the world. They were one of the first American tourists to visit Red China. He was an avid sports fan, following his eldest son’s football coaching career and his grandchildren’s sporting endeavors.

He is survived by his wife Janet Marcelite McClure (Brattan); his children, Thomas Hunt Brattan III, wife, Anne (Wisniewski) and their three children, Kristen Genevieve Brattan Bennie (Andrew), Kate Johanna Brattan Willis (Daniel), Megan Hunt Brattan Bliss (Jon) and great-granddaughter, Vivian Hunt Bliss, daughter, Brooke Frances DeSales Mann, son, Todd Rice William Brattan, wife, Carolyn (Dana) and their three children, Kyle Dana Brattan, Jacqueline Nicole Brattan and John Ryan Brattan.

His graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. May 26 at St. Mary Cemetery (233 Homeland Ave., Baltimore, Md.). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Johns Hopkins University, or the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Md. Online condolences may be made by visiting. www.griecocares.com.