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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of Oct. 23

10/23/2017 02:13PM ● By J. Chambless

WILLIAM J. MARSDEN, JR.

William J. Marsden, Jr., of Avondale, 62, passed away on Oct. 14 following unexpected cardiac arrest.

A Wilmington attorney, he is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ellen Jones Marsden; his children, Benjamin (Britta), Margaret and Emma; as well as his sisters, Jo Ann Andren and Gloria Stavropoulos (Pete); and a devoted circle of extended family, colleagues and friends.

William was born to William John and Muriel Smith Marsden in Tenafly, N.J. He graduated from Haverford College in 1978 and then worked as an intern for the Friends Committee on National Legislation in Washington, D.C., where he met Ellen. William graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1983 and began working with the firm of Potter, Anderson & Corroon focusing on intellectual property law.

In 1999, William opened Fish and Richardson’s Delaware office as its only attorney and one of three employees. In the 18 years that followed, William expanded the office to employ dozens of attorneys and staff. Integrity, judgment and good humor were his hallmarks. According to his colleagues, he was the personification of all that is best in an American lawyer.

William’s joy was landscaping his farm in New Garden Township. He was a devoted steward of the farm on which his children are the fifth generation. His volunteer responsibilities ranged from serving on Haverford College’s Board of Managers to chairing New Garden Township’s Zoning Hearing Board. Additionally, William enjoyed golf, was a curious and adventuresome traveler, and a lover of the arts, history and culture. His entire family depended on him, and his children and a host of nieces and nephews will lovingly remember him as the master of fun and games.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to London Grove Friends Kindergarten (London Grove Monthly Meeting, 500 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348). To view William’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


MARIANNE

THERESA POWELL

Marianne Theresa Powell, 84, of Oxford, passed away on Oct. 7 at home.

She was the wife of the late William J. Powell, Jr., with whom she shared 53 years of marriage. Born in River Rouge, Mich., she was the daughter of the late Edmund and Margaret Antaya Gratz. Marianne was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford. She enjoyed her grandchildren, knitting afghans and baking cookies.

She is survived by seven daughters, Margaret and Howard Jamison of Kennett Square, Lynn and Stephen Murphy of Oxford, Catherine and David Maule of Bel Air, Md., Teresa Sciglitano of Conowingo, Md, Cynthia Morotto of Douglassville, Patricia and Kurt Ekdahl of Lincoln University, and Christine and John Lucas of Elkton, Md.; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Colleen Anne Powell; and son-in-law, Chuck Morotto.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 20. Interment was in All Saints Cemetery in Wilmington, Del. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


WILLIAM C. RIALE

William “Bill” C. Riale, 71, of Cochranville, passed away on Oct. 13.

Born in West Chester, William was the son of the late Stuart Riale and the late Frances R. Couden Riale Ayres. He was the beloved stepson of the late James C. Ayers and beloved brother to the late Doris R. Riale Hipp. William, or “Bill,” as he was affectionately known, worked in manufacturing and loved making American-made products. He was also a Sergeant of the U.S. Army and proudly served in the Vietnam War as a radio operator stationed in Germany.

William had a special affinity for anything auto – especially motorcycles. He reveled in taking motorcycle trips with his cousin. William was also a collector of baseball cards, coins, record albums and stamps. Bill enjoyed baseball, drag racing, NASCAR, movies, photography and playing video games. What Bill loved most of all was family life. Spending time with animals, nature and his loved ones was what made him the happiest. In his later years, William found peace and friendship within the local chapter of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

William is survived by his sister, Mary E. Moore and her husband John; his nephew, Jamie Blain; two nieces, Dawn Tribuno and her husband Albert, and Sherry Price and her husband Randolph; his aunt, Josephine Couden; his cousins, William, Roy, Patty and Becky Couden; several grand-nephews and nieces, along with great-grand-nephews and nieces.

A funeral service was held Oct. 20. In memory of William, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or 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.


EDWARD CIRESA

Edward Ciresa, 79, of Landenberg, passed away on Oct. 12.

Born in Union City, N.J., Edward was the son of the late Oscar Ciresa and the late Mary Smith Ciresa. He worked in sales for many years and eventually retired as the president of leather goods for Bond Street Limited. Edward also proudly served in the United States Army National Guard as an anti-aircraft artillery gun crewman. One of Edward’s biggest passions in life were his racehorses. He was the owner of an accomplished thoroughbred, Presidentialaffair – a horse that was trained by Edward’s son, Martin. Another of Edward’s greatest joys throughout his lifetime was his wife, Claire Schwerzler Ciresa, with whom he shared nearly 60 years of marriage before Claire’s passing in April of 2017.

Edward is survived by two sons, Matthew and Martin Ciresa; one daughter, Pamela Lee Weber; four siblings; and six grandchildren.

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


WILLIAM E. HOPKINS, JR.

William E. Hopkins, Jr., 89, of Avondale, departed this life at Twin Pines Health Care Center in Chatham on Oct. 19, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the husband of Frances (Babe) Ruello Hopkins, with whom he would have shared 60 years of marriage on the date of his death. Born at Chester County Hospital, he was the second son of the late William E. Hopkins, Sr., and Ruth Hughes Hopkins. A graduate of Kennett High School, class of 1946, he was a lifelong resident of Chester County. He was a heavy equipment operator for L.H. Taylor until becoming roadmaster of London Grove Township, retiring in 1999. He was not only very family oriented, but also very civic minded. He served as president of the Avondale Fire Company from 1993 through 1997, and was “Santa” for many years for various organizations and private parties. He also volunteered at Chatham Acres Nursing Home, now Twin Pines Health Care Center. One year he had a birthday party for the residents, and for several years took the residents to the Avon Grove Lions and Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast. He was Past Grand Knight of The Knights of Columbus, Council 3858, and president of the Avon Grove Optimist Club, 1964 and 1965. In 1992 he was honored as Man of the Year by the Avon Grove Lions Club. And in 1994 he was honored by the Chester County Commissioners and received their Community Service Award.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Lisa Pratt and her husband Kenneth of Avondale; and a son, William E. Hopkins III (Skip) and his wife Wendy Kimmel of Wynnewood. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Tyler K. and Conner W. Pratt, and Morgan L. and William E. Hopkins IV (Liam). He is also survived by his brother, Robert J. Hopkins of Oxford. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his younger brother, Kenneth J. Hopkins.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 25 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Men of Malvern, 315 South Warren Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


MARGARET T.

EHLICH RADAY

Margaret T. Ehlich Raday, 98, of Kennett Square, died on Oct. 19 at Brandywine Senior Living At Longwood in Kennett Square.

She was the wife of the late Charles L. Raday, who died in 2011, and with whom she shared 69 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Albert and the late Mary (Bacher) Ehlich. Margaret was proud to be a bookkeeper in several industries throughout her life, working for the Arthritis Foundation in the 1960s, then Ross Inventories in New Jersey and finally H&R Block. Margaret and her husband, Charles, also dedicated many years of service to the American Legion, Eden-Stanley Post 294, and were recognized with honors for their contributions. Most important in Margaret’s life was her family.

She is survived by her daughter Carol A. Haaf and her husband William of Kennett Square; three grandchildren, Deborah H. Tandarich, William C. Haaf (wife Deborah) and Joel D. Haaf (wife Ya Yung Cheng); and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one brother and two sisters.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A ceremony celebrating her life will follow at 7 p.m. Interment will be in Washington Crossing National Cemetery at 11 a.m. Nov. 3 in Newtown, Pa. Contributions in her memory may be made to the United Way of Southern Chester County, 106 W. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


CHASE J. RYAN

Chase John Ryan, 18, of West Grove, died on Oct. 20 at the Jennersville Regional Hospital.

Born in Newark, Del., he was a son of Dennis Ryan of Kemblesville, and Laura Schreier Ryan of West Grove. Chase was a 2017 graduate of Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School. He enjoyed working at Klondike Kate's Restaurant on Main Street in Newark. It was truly one of his favorite places. He fulfilled his lifelong dream of serving his country and spent his last day enlisting in the U.S. Army. Chase was an avid reader with a particular interest in war history and loved to share his knowledge with anyone who would listen. He loved his family, watching “The Office” and traveling, especially to Cape Cod. He was loyal, smart, unconventional and thoughtful.

In addition to his parents, Chase is survived by his paternal grandmother, Mary Ryan of Hockessin, Del.; one brother, Cole Ryan and his wife Sam of Wilmington, Del.; one sister, Paige Richardson and her husband Joey of Wilmington, Del.; his nephew Landon; and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins and his cat, Big Stinky.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Christian Life Center (125 Saginaw Rd., Lincoln University). A service celebrating his life will follow at 2:30 p.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


SILOHE BERNAL TAPIA

Silohe Bernal Tapia, 21, of Toughkenamon, passed away at his residence on Oct. 22.

Born in Almoloya De Alquisiras, Mexico, he was the son of Heliodoro Bernal Castaneda and Amalia Tapia Castaneda of Toughkenamon. Silohe was a painter, employed by various companies. He enjoyed having fun, being friendly with everyone, and being with his family and friends. He was a member of St. Rocco Catholic Church.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by four brothers, Ismael Bernal Tapia and Fernando Bernal Tapia, both of Toughkenamon, and Mauro Bernal Tapia and Rene Bernal Tapia, both in Mexico; and two sisters, Aide Bernal Tapia and Maria de Jesus Bernal Tapia, both of Toughkenamon. He was predeceased by one sister, Liliana Bernal Tapia.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30 at St. Rocco Catholic Church (313 Sunny Dell Rd., Avondale). His funeral will follow at 7 p.m. Burial will be in Mexico. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


LOLA GRACE STANTON

Lola Grace Stanton, 74, of Newark, Del., passed away peacefully at her home on Oct. 19.

Born in 1943 in Blue Ball, Md., Lola was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Dixon) Jones. She loved to cook, whether it was for a family picnic, holiday or one of her famous cook-outs. She also enjoyed baking cakes, playing rummy and spending time at Delaware Park. In her younger years, she was a member of the Moose Lodge. Her most cherished time was spent with her loving family, wonderful friends and her beloved dogs.

Lola is survived by her children Alfred Stanton, Jr., and his companion, Cathy Stowe, Terry Acord and her husband Ricky, and Tina Jones and her companion Shawn Lum; sister Bobbie Miller; former husband and loving friend, Alfred Stanton, Sr.; five grandsons; and three great-grandsons. Including her parents, Lola was preceded in death by her two brothers, Orville and John Jones; daughter, Barbara Ann Pennington; and grandson, Matthew Halsey.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A. (259 E. Main St., Elkton, Md.), where family and friends may visit beginning at 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Gilpin Manor Memorial Park. To send online condolences, visit www.rtfoard.com.


GLORIA DEFAZIO CIUFFETELLI

Gloria DeFazio Ciuffetelli, 86, of Landenberg, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 21.

She was the wife of the late Louis “Chiffy” Ciuffetelli, who passed away in 1983, and with whom she shared 27 years of marriage. Born in Kennett Square, she was a daughter of the late Frank and the late Carolyn (Felicetti) DeFazio. Gloria, or “Glo” as she was affectionately known, worked in her early years as a secretary at Chrysler Plymouth Corporation in Newark, Del., and then later as a receptionist at Longwood Beauty Salon. She enjoyed reading, shopping, sweets of all kinds (especially chocolate), traveling, and spending time with her family and grandsons.

She is survived by her daughter Sherri Schaeffer and her husband Scott of Landenberg; two sisters, Florence “Flo” Graham and her husband Don of Wilmington, Del., and Rose Marie “Ro” Gallo of West Grove; three grandsons, Derek of Pittsburgh, Grant of Los Angeles, and Ethan of Landenberg; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 30 at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square). Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Glo’s memory to a charity of your choice. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.