BENJAMIN M. CLOUD

Benjamin Michael “Crumb” Cloud, 23, of Ridley Park, formerly of Oxford, passed away on Aug. 10.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of Marvin G. Griffith, Jr., and Nancy Gayle (Estell) Cloud. A graduate of Oxford High School and Culinary School, he was a chef. Ben enjoyed fishing, driving, video games and making people smile.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by one daughter, Zoey Dems; two brothers, Chris Cloud of Oxford and Jaime Cloud of Lancaster; one sister, Ericha Cloud of Wilmington, Del.; paternal grandparents, Marvin G. and Linda Griffith of West Grove; maternal grandfather, Norman Reed; and fiancée Kelsey Zimmerman of Ridley Park. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Emeline Reed.

Services and interment will be private. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JOSEPH M. TALAMONTI

Joseph “Joe Joe” M. Talamonti, 70, of Kennett Square, died on Aug. 8 at Pocopson Home in West Chester.

Born in Wilmington, Del., he was a son of the late Giuseppe and the late Frances (DiTomasso) Talamonti. He was an Inspector in the aviation industry for many years. He thoroughly enjoyed playing golf with his family and friends, especially getting great pleasure from his trips to Myrtle Beach every year with his buddies. He played on several softball leagues in the Downingtown and Kennett Square areas, and became a regular at the wine cellar for a taste or two, joining in the camaraderie with old and dear friends. In his spare time, Joe was also a bartender in the Downingtown area and at the Red Clay Room in Kennett Square. Joe loved music, which was apparent from his extensive record collection and his knowledge of the title, artist and year the record was introduced. Joe-Joe’s sense of humor and library of “one liners” will be missed. He was a member of the Kennett Square Fire Company and the Italian American Club.

Survivors include one daughter, Frances Funderburg and her husband John of Essington, Pa.; one brother, Tony Talamonti of Kennett Square; one sister, Donna Miller and her husband Dan of Kennett Square; one granddaughter, Shelby; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Luigi.

A funeral was held Aug. 18. Interment was in St. Patrick Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018; or to St. Patrick Church, 205 Lafayette Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

CHARLES D. MATTSON

Charles “Dipper” Daniel Mattson, 61, of Wilmington, Del., and formerly of Landenberg, passed away on Aug. 13 at Cadia Rehabilitation Pike Creek, in Wilmington, Del.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Walter J. Mattson and the late Rhoda Gift Mattson.

He was a truck driver, last working at Technivate. Dan was a  member of the Landenberg United Methodist Church and many motorcycle organizations. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing, camping, driving trucks, teaching his nieces and nephews no-no’s, and being with his family and friends.

Dan is survived by one sister, Susan Mattson James and her husband William of Bear, Del.; one brother, William James Mattson and his wife Stephanie of Newark, Del.; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, Walter George Mattson.

A funeral was held Aug. 21. Burial was in Kemblesville United Methodist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

WILLIAM D. KEETH, JR.

On Aug 12, William D. Keeth, Jr., of Oxford, died suddenly in a motorcycle accident at the age of 44.

Billy lived life to fullest, enjoying every moment possible. He loved to travel when given the opportunity, having been able to live and work around the world, making many friends along the way. Also, as an avid outdoorsman, he loved to fish, hike, climb, camp, hunt, kayak, ride, canoe – enjoying these things with his closest friends. Bill also looked forward to meeting with a special group of friends for their Tuesday night dinners. He always looked forward to spending time with his son, Brody. Billy was always there to take care of his mother and sister without hesitation.

He is survived by his son, Brody Orion Keeth 17, of Downingtown; mother, Margaret E. Keeth of Oxford; sisters, Sheri Keeth [Chris Natalini] of Essington, Sandie Keeth of Oxford and Carol Keeth Williams [Chip Williams] of Rotonda West, Fla.; and loving aunts, uncles, cousins,
Godchildren and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, William D. Keeth, Sr., of Oxford.

A funeral was held Aug. 20. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

CATHERINE G. EDWARDS

Catherine “Pat” G. Edwards, 86, of West Grove, passed away peacefully on Aug. 4 at Jenner’s Pond.

She was the devoted wife of Samuel T. L. Edwards, who predeceased her in 2016. They shared 66 years of loving marriage. Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Richard and the late Ethel McCormick Gilbert. Pat began her long life in Drexel Hill, where she honed her skills and passions as a cook, gardener and athlete. These and her love of family defined who she was to all who knew her throughout her life. Pat worked at a YMCA camp in Medford Lakes, where she met and married Sam. She attended the University of Delaware, where she excelled in field hockey and synchronized swimming. She continued to play field hockey on the Pre-Olympic USA team as well as club teams. She turned her hockey stick in for a referee whistle and was the head referee for many high school games.

Pat and Sam moved to the family farm in Concordville, where they built the biggest sheep farm east of the Mississippi River. Love of family continued to drive much of what she did. She worked tirelessly for her church and organized many church dinners. She loved antiques and crafting, and wove those activities into her life as often as possible.

Pat and Sam moved to West Grove, where she continued to serve as a role model for all who knew her. The love for gardening, cooking, and crafting were passed on to children and grandchildren. Pat and Sam attended the sports activities for children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to spend time with family.

Pat is survived by her three children, Catherine A. Bailey (Ken) of Lincoln University, Samuel B. Edwards (Leslie) of Landenberg, and Richard W. Edwards (Debra) of Chadds Ford; her sister, Margaret Chadwick of Drexel Hill; her seven grandchildren; and her 13 great-grandchildren. Along with her husband, Catherine was predeceased by her brother, Richard Gilbert; and her sisters, Jeanne Conover and Elizabeth A. Ackerman.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sept. 15 at Christ Church at the Grove (1986 New London Rd., Lincoln University). A memorial service to celebrate Pat’s life will follow at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions in Pat’s name may be made to Willow Tree’s Legacy Hospice Foundation, 616 East Cypress Street, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348; or the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011. To view her online tribute and share condolences with the family, visit www.griecocares.com.

EDWARD M. JORDAN, SR.

Edward M. Jordan, Sr., 90, of Coatesville, passed away on Aug. 14 at his residence.

Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late Howard Jordan and the late Sarah Harry Jordan. Edward was a machine oiler at Lukens Steel Company, retiring after 45 years of service. He was a member of the Swayne, Campbell, Testa VFW Post No. 5467 in Kennett Square. He enjoyed traveling, planting his flowers, trains, planes, antique cars, doing crossword puzzles, and being with his family and friends.

He is survived by one son, Edward M. Jordan, Jr., of Coatesville; three daughters, Barbara J. Myers of Coatesville, Carol C. Tucker of Avondale, and Eleanor M. McMillan and her husband Kevin of Lewes Beach, Del.; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one son, Jonathan “Josh” Jordan; one daughter, Monica Geraldine Jordan; two sisters, Virginia Pitch and Dorothy Landis; and one brother, Don Jordan.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Aug. 26 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the American Heart Association, 1617 JFK Boulevard, Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19103; or to Neighborhood Hospice, 795 E. Marshall Street, Suite 204, West Chester, PA 19380. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ANTHONY L. RUGGIERO

Anthony L. Ruggiero, 77, of Kennett Square, died on Aug. 17.

He was the husband of Hannah Young Ruggiero, with whom he shared 37 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Michael Ruggiero and the late Flora Mossa. Anthony worked at the Franklin Mint for 30 years and was director of worldwide postal and distribution services. After his retirement, he started Anvil Associates a consulting company specializing in mail and parcel processing and distribution. He also worked for Jet Sort, later named Ancora, selling mail presort services and then as president of TRA Consulting. He also served as director and president of the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union from 1977-1979 as well as chairman of the board.

Anthony was an avid golfer and enjoyed his weekly games with his friends of many years. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events both in high school and college, where he became known as a vocal supporter of their teams. Every morning he would take his beloved dog, Lucky, to the dog park. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Chris A. Ruggiero and his wife Donna of Wilmington, Del.; two daughters, Kristina Gensler and her husband Scott of Limerick, Pa., and Jennette (Ruggiero) Rowe of Drexel Hill, Pa.; one sister, Josephine Luongo of Mount Holly, N.J.; his grandchildren, Masynn, Kira, Carter, Cory, Nicholas, Peyton and Natalie; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one sister, Mary Fedele.

A visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 23 and 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 24 at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday. Interment will be in Bradford Cemetery in Marshallton, Pa. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ROBERT T. STREHLAU

Robert Thomas Strehlau, 72, of West Grove, died surrounded by his loving family on Aug. 21 at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester.

He was the husband of Kathleen Holland Strehlau, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Edward and the late Frances (Deyarmin) Strehlau. He was a machinist for The Boeing Company, retiring in 1999. He was a member of the Freemasons and the UAW. He loved fishing, hunting, and sports -- especially softball and Philadelphia pro and college sports teams -- and he was a Eucharistic minister.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, four sons: Edward J. and his wife Lisa, Robert C. and his wife Jacqueline, Michael E. and his wife Lindsey, and Matthew R. and his wife Michele; one daughter, Bonnie M. Goodwin and her husband John; and 16 grandchildren. Robert was predeceased by his beloved sister, Dorothy A. Shepherd.

A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 26 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church (116 Lancaster Pike, Oxford). A memorial service celebrating his life will follow at 1 p.m. Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Association of Cancer Research. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JAY AMBROSE

Jay Ambrose, 66, of Wilmington, Del., passed away peacefully on Aug. 19, surrounded by family.

He was the husband of Paula Dorn Ambrose, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage. Born in Dover, Del., he was a son of the late Paul E. and the late Frances (Gannon) Ambrose. Jay was vice president and senior wealth advisor at Morgan Stanley in Philadelphia before retiring in 2006. He was also a member of Wilmington West Rotary Club, where he served as Seargant of Arms. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing basketball, and relaxing on the beach in Sea Isle City.

In addition to his wife, Jay is survived by his son, Gregory Ambrose of Bel Air, Md.; daughter Lindsay Curtin and her husband Tom of Valhalla, N.Y.; his brother Tom Ambrose and his wife Sandy of Landenberg; his sisters Diane Rhine and her husband Paul of Tom’s River, N.J., and Karen Russel of Salisbury Md.; his grandson Hudson Curtin; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 23 at the Mendenhall Inn (323 Kennett Pike, Mendenhall). For GPS directions, try Chadds Ford PA 19317. A memorial service celebrating Jay’s life will follow at noon. Interment will be held privately.

Jay’s son-in-law, Tom Curtin, will be running in the NYC Marathon on Nov. 5 to benefit the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Therefore, donations in Jay’s memory may be made at www.tinyurl.com/TeamBigJay, or payable to the MMRF and sent to Lindsay Curtin, 193 Prospect Ave., Valhalla, NY 10595. To view Jay’s online tribute and to share condolences with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.