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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of Oct. 2

10/02/2017 01:22PM ● By J. Chambless

MIGUEL GUTIERREZ BARAJAS

Miguel Gutierrez Barajas, 70, of Wilmington, Del., passed away on Sept. 23 at Seasons Hospice at Christiana Hospice, Newark, Del.

He was the husband of Isabel Pantoja De Gutierrez, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. Born in Yuriria, GTO, Mexico, he was the son of Margarita Barajas of Mexico and the late Jesus Gutierrez. Miguel was a laborer at Phillips Mushroom Company, retiring in 2015 after 15 years of service. He had a good sense of humor, always wore a sombrero, enjoyed watching old movies, scratch-off lottery tickets, rodeos and being with his family.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by one son, Daniel Gutierrez and his wife Mirella of Landenberg; one daughter, Carmen Gutierrez and her husband Juan of Wilmington, Del.; two brothers, Manuel Gutierrez Barajas and Trinidad Gutierrez Barajas, both of Mexico; four sisters, Guadalupe Gutierrez Barajas of Mexico, Rosa Gutierrez Barajas of Grand Rapids, Mich., Elena Gutierrez of Arvin, Calif., and Soledad Gutierrez Barajas of Mexico; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www,griecocares.com.


HERBERT A. ANDRESS

Herbert “Andy” Anthony Andress, 48, of West Chester, passed away on Sept. 21 at his residence.

Born in Twentynine Palms, Calif., he was the son of William H. Andress and Shirley Huff Andress of Pattison, Miss. Andy served his country honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, his cats and chickens, and being with his wife.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by one son, Michael Andress of Mississippi; and one brother, Timothy Andress of San Jose, Calif.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

His services were held privately. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


BILL J. OSBORNE

Bill J. Osborne, 77, of Kennett Square, passed away on Sept. 19 at Twin Pines Health Care Center.

He was the husband Selma Bernice Ham Osborne, who passed away in 2012, and with whom he shared 40 years of marriage. Born in Mountain City, Tenn., he was the son of the late Burl Osborne and the late Rebecca Church Osborne. Bill was a steel worker, retiring from Lukens Steel Company in Coatesville. He enjoyed yard work, gardening, and taking care of his family. He was a hard worker, and would help anyone, whether he knew them or not.

He is survived by one son, Thomas Osborne and his wife Angie of Nottingham; and a grandson, Austin Pierce of Kennett Square, who he helped raise; four daughters, Delores Garst and her husband Paul of West Grove, Victoria Harris of West Grove, Ronnice Osborne of Kennett Square, and Katrice Osborne of Kennett Square; several brothers and sisters; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by four sons, William Osborne Jr., Richard Osborne, John Osborne, and Tommy Briley; and his first wife, Brenda Daddazio Osborne.

A memorial service was held Sept. 26. Burial was at the Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view his online tribute and share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


ILSE NINA WATKINS

Ilse Nina Watkins, 99, of Nottingham, passed away on Sept. 19 at home.

She was the wife of the late Samuel G. Watkins. Born in Kaiserslautern, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Max and Martha Schmidt Waldner. Ilse was 6 years old when she moved to the United States from Germany. She was an exceptional artist, especially oil painting.

She is survived by three sons, Todd Watkins of Moore, S.C., Robert Watkins of Nottingham, and Scott Watkins of Nottingham; two grandchildren, Craig Watkins and Erin Lenone; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Martha Nickelson.

Services were private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.



JOSEPH W. BOHMIER

Joseph William “Bill” Bohmier, 92, of New London, passed on Sept. 22 at his home.

He was the husband of Valerie “Joyce” (Trelawny) Bohmier, who died in 2015, and with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. Born in 1925, he was a son of Antoine “Tony” and Mary “Mae” (Osterman) Bohmier.

Mr. Bohmier is survived by four of his six children, Michael Bohmier (Joy), Patti Crossan (Ken), Tom Bohmier (Robbie), and Polly Preston (Ed). He was predeceased by daughter Terry Bohmier, son Tim Bohmier and family (Sharon, Jessica, and Christina), and “adopted” son, Teddy Marshall. He has eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and six step-great-grandchildren.

Born and raised in Baraga, Mich., Bill developed business and outdoorsman skills early on while selling and guiding fishing excursions in the Great Lakes as a youth. Once Bill and Joyce settled in New London, he and his business partner, Al Sheves, created and operated the New London Airport. They also co-founded Chester County Aviation Corporation (the longtime operator of Chester County Airport). In addition to a long-lasting career in aviation, he owned and operated many business concerns – most notably Quality Pools (a distributorship of the Foxx Pool Corporation). Bill was an avid North American hunter and fisherman. As a way to share this passion, he established the Canadian Fishing Camp, which continues to be enjoyed by members today.

A funeral was held Sept. 29. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: “Future Aviators Summer Camp” (memo - Bill Bohmier), c/o New Garden Flying Field, 1235 Newark Road, Toughkenamon, PA 19374. Visit www.griecocares.com.



WALTER E. STEFFY, SR.

Walter “Rick” E. Steffy, Sr., 60, of Quarryville, formerly of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 24.

He was the husband of Karen Bennett Steffy, with whom he shared 37 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late Horace and Harriet Messler Steffy. Rick was employed with G. Guizzetti & Sons Mushroom Farm in Landenberg as a truck driver. He was a member of the American Motorcycle Association, and Southern Lancaster County Farmers Sportsman’s Association. Rick enjoyed flat-track motorcycle racing, and spending time with his family, and especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife; two sons, Walter E. Steffy II (Rebekah) of Oxford, and Nathan T. Steffy (Arianna) of Lancaster; three grandchildren, Adelynn, Caden and Emmersyn; one brother, Horace “Mickey” Steffy, Jr., of Lincoln University; and two sisters, Jennie Johnston of Ephrata, and Patti Arrowood of Clarkesville, Ark. He was preceded in death by a sister, Kathi Moore.

A memorial service was held Sept. 30. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Wesley Church. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


HARRY D. SKELTON, JR.

Harry D. Skelton, Jr., 76, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 20 at Churchman Village in Newark, Del.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Harry D., Sr., and Grace Ironside Skelton. Harry graduated from Unionville High School and West Chester University. He attended Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington. He was a veteran of the PA Air Force National Guard. Harry was retired from the DuPont Company in 2013, and was formerly employed with Hercules Corporation, both of Wilmington, Del. He attended Oxford Presbyterian Church. Harry was an avid follower of the University of Delaware baseball team.

He is survived by one son, Gregory D. Skelton and his wife, Shannon; and three grandchildren, Emily, Mackenzie and Hunter.

A memorial service was held Sept. 27. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


SUSAN BARLOW PEZZUTO

Susan Barlow Pezzuto, 67, of Kennett Square, formerly of Glenolden, passed away peacefully on Sept. 25 at Preston Residence at Jenner’s Pond, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Born in Glenolden, Pa., she was a daughter of the late Walter Barlow, Jr., and Ethel Sarah Barlow. She graduated from Glenolden High School in 1968 and West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 1982, as a returning single mother, and earned her BA in elementary education. After completing her education, she began teaching adults how to utilize business software applications for numerous software companies. She was a sales executive for several software companies. She retired from SAP Americas as a global partner manager in 2015. During her retirement, she returned to her love of theater by appearing in several Kennett Amateur Theatre Society (KATS) productions and started working part-time at Longwood Gardens -- a job she loved because she got to work with compassionate colleagues and spend time in the beautiful gardens.

Since moving to Kennett Square 20 years ago, she proudly served her college alumnae association, the Brandywine Community Chorus, and KATS. Susan had a lifelong love of animals (particularly of the feline variety), the arts, shopping for antiques or an outfit for an upcoming event, and fly fishing.

Susan is survived by her daughter, Kimberlie Flammini (Sabatino); her sisters, Elaine Barlow Shipman (David), and Aimee Barlow (Randy); and her brothers, Thomas Barlow (Clara) and Andrew Barlow; her aunt, Betty McCausland; her cousins, Jill and Lowman Halley and Lynn McCausland; many special nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews; and her beloved feline companion, Isabella “Tater” Cheyenne. She is also survived by her special friends Marti Millington, Linda Pyle, Donna Gregg, Linda Williams, Dixie Anderson, Regina Painter, Nancy Nowlan, Terrie Stickle, Eileen and Ed Murray, Janice Ask, and Rebecca Rodriguez; and her faithful neighbors, Joyce Ryan and Thomas Dame.

A funeral was held Sept. 29. Burial was in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Susan’s name may be made to Meals on Wheels of Chester County, Inc. (mowcc.org), 404 Willowbrook Lane, West Chester, PA 19382; or Castaway Cats (www.castawaycatsde.com), or by visiting the Pet Valu store in Kennett Square. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with the family, visit www.griecocares.com.


JEANNE M. ROHEL HARKINS

Jeanne M. Rohel Harkins, 89, of Kennett Square, died on Sept. 26 in her home at Crosslands Community.

She was the wife of Joseph C. Harkins, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. Born in Jersey City, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Robert Rohel and the late Matilda Tomanek Rohel. Jeanne was known for her kind and compassionate nature; she was incredibly caring, a fantastic listener and had a great sense of humor. She loved to read, cook and take walks through Longwood Gardens with her husband and daughters. There was nothing Jeanne loved more than being with her family.

She is survived by four daughters, Jeannie Astifan and her husband Bill of Chadds Ford, Judy Malkovsky and her husband Jeff of Pittsboro, N.C., Dr. Pat Harkins and her husband Jeff Stamets of San Antonio, Texas, and Kate Harkins of Flagstaff, Ariz.; and her grandchildren Christine, Elizabeth, John, Lauren, Terry, Brian, and Aaron. She was predeceased by her sister, Theresa Novotny.

A funeral was held Oct. 1. Interment was at St. Joseph of the Brandywine Cemetery in Greenville, Del. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Patrick Church (memo: renovation fund), 205 Lafayette St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


WILLIAM C. ANDERSON, JR.

William C. Anderson, Jr., 70, of Kennett Square, passed away on Sept. 22 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

He was the husband of Christina Sundro Anderson, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late William C, Sr., and Jane Fitzpatrick Anderson. William taught AP biology at Unionville High School. He was a member of Kennett Square Golf and Country Club. He volunteered at Stroud Water Research Center, Avondale. William enjoyed golf and traveling.

He is survived by his wife; one son, Andrew Taylor Anderson, at home; four brothers, Steve Anderson, Eric Anderson, Bruce Anderson and Glen Anderson; and two sisters, Carol Gomer and Lois Bellafiore.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The First Tee, 425 South Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32092. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


DR. DEBORAH KULP-HUGHES

Dr. Deborah Kulp-Hugues, 65, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 25 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.
She was the wife of William J. Hugues, with whom she shared 34 years of marriage. Born in Brookline, Mass., she was the daughter of John Kulp of Mesa, Ariz., and the late Joanne Strohm Kulp. Deborah was a nurse at Jefferson Hospital before she became a doctor. She was a graduate from Thomas Jefferson University. She practiced as a urologist at Jennersville Regional Hospital, Chester County Hospital, Coatesville VA Hospital, and at her private practice in Oxford.
She is survived by her husband; father; a brother, Alan Kulp of Tempe, Ariz.; and a sister, Patricia Palmiri of Rochester, N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews and friends.
A memorial service was held Sept. 30. Interment was private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Jefferson University, 125 S 9th St., suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Urology Dept. in memo line of check. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


JUSTIN LUKE BENNETT VANCLEAVE

Justin Luke Bennett VanCleave, 21, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 25 at Jennersville Regional Hospital.

Born in Elkton, Md., he was the son of Barry L. and Sheree L. Boyer VanCleave of Oxford. He attended The Davidson School at Elwyn, in Media. Justin loved dinosaurs, bright colors, and “Toy Story,” especially Woody and Bulls Eye.

He is survived by his parents; three brothers, Zachary VanCleave, Brenden VanCleave and Joshua VanCleave, all at home; maternal grandparents, Richard and Pat Boyer of Oxford; and paternal grandmother, Ruth VanCleave of Roanoke, Va.

Funeral services were held Sept. 30. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


WILLIAM P. HENDERSON, SR.

William P. Henderson, Sr., departed his journey on Sept. 26 at home, after a long illness.

He was the husband of Carol Williams Henderson, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. He was born in 1934 in Oxford to the late Helen J. Henderson Webster and Clinton L. Webster. He worked for James Julian Construction in New Castle, Del., and later NVF in Kennett Square, until he retired. He enjoyed sitting on the porch, spending time with his family, going to Wawa for his coffee and doughnuts, and observing the horse races at Delaware Park.

He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Rosalyn Henderson-Dixon (Matthew) of Wilmington, Del.; two sons, William P. Henderson, Jr., and Drew Henderson, both of Oxford; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Clarence Webster (Suzie) of Oxford; three sisters, Jean Webster of Oxford, Mary Webster of Oxford, and Patty Webster of Chichester; and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Jackie; one grandson, Darius; one sister, Helen Jane; and four brothers, Joseph, Robert, Samuel and Thomas.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 4 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., to help with the funeral expenses. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


CHERYL REAGAN LEEDS

Cheryl Reagan Leeds, 58, of Newark, Del., passed away suddenly on Sept. 28 at her residence.

She was the wife of Norman D. Leeds, Jr., with whom she shared 30 loving years of marriage. She will be greatly missed by her beloved children, Stephen Douglas Leeds of Wilmington, Del., and Alexandra Reagan Leeds of Newark, Del. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of Janet Walter Reagan of Hockessin, Del., and the late Charles B. Reagan, Jr. Cheryl was a Registered Nurse, working at Christiana Care Visiting Nurses Association, retiring in 2016 after 33 years of service. She took great pleasure in cooking gourmet meals and entertaining. It is hard to believe that her heart faltered, since her compassion, generosity and love for others was so strong.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas A. Reagan of Atlanta, Ga. In addition to her husband, children and mother, she is survived by one brother, Steven M. Reagan of Atlanta, Ga.; one sister, Linda C. Reagan of Hockessin, Del.; one uncle, Dennis W Reagan, Sr., of Bear, Del.; one aunt, Sandra R. Broadhead of Freemansburg, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square), and again from 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 6 at the Willowdale Chapel (675 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square). Her funeral service will follow at the church at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Longwood Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view her online tribute and to a share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


LARRY F. MAHAFFEY

Larry F. Mahaffey, 73, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 28 at home.

He was the husband of Inza Ann Latham Mahaffey, with whom he shared 31 years of marriage. Born in West Jefferson, N.C., he was the son of the late Coy Mahaffey and Lizzie Mae Stanley Hodgson. Larry owned a produce stand in Hickory Hill for many years. He enjoyed competing in field trials with beagles, hunting, fishing, going to produce auctions, listening to bluegrass music and woodcarving.

He is survived by his wife; three sons, Richard Mahaffey of Chatham, James (Kim) Eldreth, Jr. of Elk Mill, Md., and Danny Eldreth (Sandy) of Quarryville; two daughters, Linda Parks (Dave Johnson) of Oxford, and Emma Lee Eldreth of Oxford; four grandchildren, Jimmy Eldreth of Oxford, Rachel Cimino Of Newark, Del., Lacey Eldreth of Quarryville, and Daniel Eldreth of Quarryville; four great-granddaughters; four brothers, Estel Mahaffey of Parkesburg, Vester Mahaffey of West Jefferson, N.C., Ted Mahaffey of Port Deposit, Md., and Quentin Hodgson of Ephrata; and three sisters, Betty Blevins of West Grove, Volyree Smith of Oxford, and Shirley Durborow of Oxford. He was preceded in death by a son, Larry Fred Mahaffey, Jr.; two brothers, Edward Couram and Garland Mahaffey; and two sisters, Mabel Brooks and Blanche Atwood.

A funeral was held Oct. 3. Interment was in Kemblesville United Methodist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation Finance Dept., 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.