Obituaries for the week of Jan. 15
01/15/2018 02:27PM ● By J. ChamblessRICHARD
F. GENTILE
Richard Frank Gentile, 70, of Kennett Square, died on Jan. 11 at Neighborhood Hospice, surrounded by his family.
He was the husband of Sheila Connolly Gentile, who died very recently on Jan. 5, and with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was a son of the late Frank and the late Carmela Ann (Arecchi) Gentile. He served our country for 44 years, including service during the Vietnam War and in Haiti. He retired from the Army Reserve as a Command Sergeant Major in 2010. He was a graduate of Fordham University. Richard had a long career in sales and marketing, working with several companies, including DuPont in Wilmington, VWR in West Chester, and Thermo-Orion in Beverly, Mass. He enjoyed fishing and golfing, along with spending time with his military friends and his grandchildren. He was a big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Wawa coffee.
Survivors include two sons, Michael Gentile and his wife Susan of Oxford, and Brian Gentile and his wife Sue of Glenmore; one daughter, Ellen Riegel and her husband Mike of Claymont, Del.; two brothers, John Gentile and his wife Gail of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Robert Gentile and his wife Robin of Naples, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
A life celebration service for Richard and Sheila was held Jan. 16. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, 7 Mill Brook Rd Wilton, NH 03086. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.
SHEILA CONNELLY GENTILE
Sheila Connolly Gentile, 70, of Kennett Square, died on Jan. 5, surrounded by her family.
She was the wife of Richard F. Gentile, who recently died on Jan. 11, and with whom she shared 47 years of marriage. Born in Bennington, Vt., she was the daughter of the late John F. Connolly and the late Elizabeth McPherson Connolly. Sheila attended Mount Ida Junior College in Newton, Mass., where she graduated with an Associate Degree in fashion merchandising. She later went on to work as a bank teller in Kennett Square. Sheila was a well-liked and well-respected fixture of the community. Many a time, patrons of Sheila’s bank would comment that they continued to bank there because of her personality and welcoming spirit. She also had a creative side. In addition to enjoying crafts and ceramics, she loved to share her homemade chocolates, cakes and candies with her family. Perhaps most of all, Sheila adored her grandchildren and could never spoil them enough. Sheila’s feisty but incredibly loving spirit will truly be missed by all.
Sheila is survived by two sons, Michael Gentile and his wife Susan, and Brian Gentile and his wife Sue; a daughter, Ellen Riegel and her husband Mike; two brothers, John F. Connolly, Jr., and Peter Connolly; one sister, Margaret May; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
A funeral was held Jan. 16. Interment will be held at a later date in Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Historic Kennett Square, C/O Beautification Committee, 106 W. State St. Kennett Square, PA 19348. To visit Sheila’s online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.
ROSE MARIE MAGUIRE
Rose Marie Maguire, 75, of Avondale, passed away on Jan. 8 at Foulk Manor South in Wilmington, Del.
She was the wife of J. Patrick Maguire, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Emmett Sherry and the late Marie Ohara Sherry. Rose Marie was a homemaker, and she enjoyed gardening, social activities with her friends, traveling and being a mom. She was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrrowful Mother Church in Avondale.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, Shawn Maguire of Wilmington, Del.; one daughter, Kelly Maguire of Newark, Del.; two brothers, Pat Sherry of Ocean View, N.J., and Joe Sherry of Medford, N.J.; two sisters, Joan Hunt of Drexel Hill, and Mary Ann Snow of Havertown; and one granddaughter.
A funeral was held Jan. 15. Burial was in St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery in Wilmington. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.
BERNICE J. KENT
Bernice J. Kent, 82, of Nottingham, passed away on Jan. 8 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.
She was the wife of William B. Kent, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Hickory Hill, she was the daughter of the late William and Rebecca Queston Porter. She was a member of Nottingham Presbyterian Church. Bernice retired after 38 years of service with Aberdeen Proving Grounds. She was also employed with Herr Foods Inc., Nottingham, as a tour guide for 10 years.
She is survived by her husband; two daughters, Machele M. Dormer and her husband Don of London Grove, and Madonna L. Kent of Phoenix, Ariz.; one grandsond; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Audrey Stanley of Kirkwood.
A funeral was held Jan. 13. Interment was in Freemont Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2117. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
MATTHEW J. OSBORNE
Matthew James Osborne, 33, of Kennett Square, died on Jan. 7 at his home after a long illness.
Born in West Chester, he was the son of Ronald Moody and the late Kim Osborne. Matthew was a part of the 2003 graduating class at Kennett High School. He studied culinary arts and was a celebrated chef. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, displaying his culinary expertise, and the Eagles.
He was proceeded in death by his loving mother, Kim Osborne, who passed in March of 2017. Survivors include, in addition to his father, his stepmother Della Moody; one sister, Nicole LeMier of Hayleville, Ala.; his maternal grandparents, James and Ann Osborne of Cochranville; and four sons, Dominic, Dylan, Devin and Dawson Osborne of West Grove.
A memorial service was held Jan. 13. Interment was held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to https://team.kidney.org/campaign/MatthewOsborne. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.
JEAN RENARD DAVIS
Jean Renard Davis, 91, of West Grove, died on Jan. 9 after a brief illness.
She was the widow of the late Horace Ewing Davis, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage, and who died in 2009. Jean was the daughter of Gaston W. and Violett V. Renard, and sister to the late Evelyn R. Wyckoff and Margaret R. Eder. Her sister, Dorothy R. Harkins, survives her.
She attended Bucknell University and was a graduate of Beacom College. She was a skilled and respected administrative assistant to the succession of Directors of Research at Hercules, Inc., in Wilmington for more than 30 years, retiring in 1985. She and Horace spent most of their retirement years in Fenwick Island, Del., and Siesta Key, Fla., where they created many special friendships. In 2007, they moved to southern Chester County to be near their sons and their families. They continued to make many special friendships.
Jean is survived by her two sons, John S. and his wife Patricia of Landenberg, and Robert R. and his wife Mary of New Castle, Del.; four grandsons; and six six great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held in the spring when interment will be made in the Renard family compound in Unionville Cemetery. The family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff of Ruston Residence at Jenner’s Pond, as well as the caring staff of Willow Tree Hospice. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.
DORIS MAE BACHMAN
Doris Mae Bachman, 82, of Oxford, passed away on Jan. 10 at the Hospice Center in Mount Joy.
She was the wife of the late Harry L. Bachman, who passed away in 2010 after 54 years together. Born in 1935 in Oxford, she was the daughter of the late John Noah and Frances Elizabeth Whiteside Fetters.
Doris retired as a bookkeeper for Davis Fuel Company Inc., now Alger Oil Inc., in 1995 after 21 years with the company. Doris graduated from Oxford High School Class of 1953. She was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church of Oxford and member of Octorara Chapter No. 463 Order of Eastern Star, Oxford.
She is survived by two sons, Richard A. Bachman and wife Peggy of Oxford, and Robert D. Bachman and wife Debbie of Lock Haven; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Barbara Sammons of West Grove and Jane Roten of Oxford.
A funeral was held Jan. 15. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to First Baptist Church of Oxford, 552 Market St., Oxford, PA 19363; or Ware Presbyterian Village Auxiliary, 7 E. Locust St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
RUBY PAULINE TESTERMAN
Ruby Pauline Testerman, 81, of Avondale, passed away on Jan. 4 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester.
She was the companion of Jessie Roark for 40 years. Born in Mountain City, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Charles and Blanche Farthing Ward. Ruby enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her companion; three sons, James Testerman of Barrington, N.J., Bruce Testerman of Manchester, N.H., and Greg Testerman of Nottingham; two daughters, Pauline Testerman of Oxford and Carla Moxley of Sparta, N.C.; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl W. Testerman; and two sons, David Testerman and Danny Testerman.
A graveside service will be held at a later date in Homeville Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
ROBERT J. DEINISH
Robert (Bob) J. Deinish of Kennett Square, and formerly of Bozman and Ellicott City, Md., died peacefully on Jan. 11. He was 91 years old.
Bob was born in 1926 in New York City and was the son of the late Joseph L. Deinish and the late Katherine M. (Viebrock) Deinish. He served his country in World War II as a member of the 7th Infantry Division (Hourglass) in the Pacific Theater, where he took part in the Okinawa campaign. He received the Combat Infantry Badge and was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic actions. As a member of the Army Reserve, Bob was recalled during the Korean War and served as an instructor in the Armored School of Ft. Knox, Ky. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University, Bob spent his entire career working for Westinghouse Electric Corporation. He was a Master Freemason with Howard Lodge 101 and a Boumi Temple Shriner since 1955. In 1956, Bob married the late Dorothy Katherine Ross, to whom he was married until her passing in 1985. They lived in Ellicott City, Md., raising three sons. In 1988, Bob married the late Woody Shirley. They lived in both Bozman, Md., and Kennett Square until her passing in 2015.
Bob is survived by his sons Jim, Gary (Donna), and Bruce (Michele); his stepson Jim Shirley; stepdaughters Margaret Shirley Hein (Rick) and Nancy Shirley Imbalzano (John); and his nine grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy Given, and her husband John.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 17 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent (401 N. Union St., Kennett Square). A viewing will be at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial with United States Army honors will be private in Meadowridge Memorial Park in Elkridge, Md. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob's memory may be sent to: Zearfoss Fund, c/o Kendal-Crosslands Communities, P.O. Box 100, Kennett Square, PA 19348; Talbot Hospice, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601.
WINNIE ELDRETH
Winnie “Louise” Eldreth, 78, of Kennett Square, passed away on Jan. 11 at her residence.
She was the wife of James Roger Eldreth, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage. Born in Shouns, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late William F. Mains and the late Stella Wagner Mains. Louise was homemaker after retirement. Prior to that, she had worked many years at Leone Pizzini & Son and the Brown Derby Restaurant. She enjoyed embroidering, cooking, shopping, doing Word Search books, and being with her family and friends.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, James L. Eldreth and his wife Janice of Coatesville, Jerry L. Eldreth and his wife Wendy of Oxford, and Roger J. Eldreth of Kennett Square; two daughters, Alice L. Eldreth of Kennett Square, and Linda L. Woods and her husband Jerry of Nottingham; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one daughter, Janet S. Hudson; two sisters, Sue Wynn and Edna Davis; and six brothers, Ed Mains, Bill Mains, Jim Mains, Clayton Mains, Walter Mains and Ralph Mains.
To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.
RAYMOND P. PRICE
Raymond P. Price, 82, of West Grove, passed away on Jan. 12 at Seasons Hospice.
He was the husband of Velma Dean Price, who passed away in 2005, and with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. Born in Shouns, Tenn., he was the son of the late Filmore Price and the late Belle Johnson. He was a grower at South Mill Mushrooms in Kennett Square, retiring in 2017 after 32 years of service. He was a member of the Christian Life Center in New London. He served his country in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed gardening, watching nature shows on TV, country music, loved the outdoors, was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan, and enjoyed going to their games. He was a gentle soul and was totally devoted to his family.
He is survived by two sons, Chris Price and his wife Linda of Newark, Del., and Ray Price of West Chester; four daughters, Brenda Haley of Oxford, Nancy Walsh and her husband Thomas of Castle Rock, Colo., Penny D’Ottavio and her husband Anthony of Kennett Square, and Teresa Wilson and her husband Jerry of Lincoln University; one brother, David D. Hartsoe of Hickory, N.C.; one sister, Jennie Lawson of Mountain City, Tenn.; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one sister, Bettie Moose.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 18, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 19, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St. Kennett Square). His funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the New London Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In memory of Mr. Price, a memorial contribution may be made to Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, 4755 Ogletown Stanton Road, 6th Floor, Newark DE 19718. To view his online tribute or to share a memory with the family, visit www.griecocares.com.
JEFFREY W. BODDY
Jeffrey Wayne Boddy, 52, of Oxford, passed away on Jan. 12 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.
Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Virginia Stafford Boddy. Jeffrey was employed with Giant Food in West Grove, and formerly employed in his earlier years with the Nottingham Inn as a cook. He graduated from Oxford High School Class of 1983. He played for the Oxford High School varsity basketball and varsity baseball teams. He loved cooking, music, playing his guitar and gardening. He was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. To Penny’s children, he was known as Papa Jeff.
He is survived by his companion, Penny Minshall of Oxford; four children, Ashley Minshall and companion Jason of Oxford, Charlotte St. John and husband Travis of Landenberg, Trevor Minshall and Sarah Minshall, both of Peach Bottom; two grandchildren; one sister, Shirley Boddy of Newport News, Va.; two brothers, Allen Boddy of Bear, Del., and Kerry Boddy of West Grove; and close friends Gregg Robinson, Bayard Robinson, Christ Taylor and many others. He was preceded in death by one brother, Lawrence Boddy, Jr.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit on Jan. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., and Jan. 20 from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave., 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851; or to a foundation of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
ANNE BEATTY
Anne “Kathy” Beatty, 75, of Kennett Square, died on Jan. 12 at Penn Wissahickon Hospice in Philadelphia.
She was the wife of George D. Beatty, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Passaic, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Gregory Listner and Ann (Hasten) Listner, who lives in Monroe Township, N.J. Kathy was a college counseling administrator at Westtown School, where she was referred to as “Teacher Kathy” by the students for over 30 years before retiring in spring 2017. Her passion was working with students to help them achieve their goals. She was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square, where she attended regularly with her son, Gregory, during his school years. Kathy was all about her family. She was the epitome of a “Soccer Mom,” coaching her son Gregory’s SCCSA soccer team during his youth. She volunteered at almost all of Gregory’s activities, from high school band trips to New York, to his soccer matches and everything in between. Her commitment to Gregory continued into his college years at Bucknell University, where she never missed a soccer event. In recent years, Kathy loved being a grandmother and spending time with her granddaughters, who called her Mimi.
Survivors include, in addition to her mother and husband, one son, Gregory Beatty and his wife Alexis Ogdie-Beatty of Philadelphia; two granddaughters; and one brother, Greg Listner and his wife Gloria of Kendall Park, N.J.
A visitation will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 21 at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her life celebration and funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. Interment will be held privately at Holy Cross Cemetery in Jamesburg, N.J. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 205 Lafayette St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute, and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.
EDWIN E. CROCKETT
Edwin Earl Crockett, 82, of Elkton, Md., passed away on Jan. 13.
Born in Landenberg, he was the son of the late Norman A. and Anna Montgomery Crockett. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard. He retired from Chrysler Corporation in Newark, Del., as an inspector. He was a member of UAW Local No. 1183 in Newark, Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 851 in Elkton, and Fraternal Order of Eagles in Oxford. An avid horseman and cattleman, he loved maintaining his cattle ranch in Tennessee. A pilot, he enjoyed flying his plane, horseback riding, and boating. He was a real cowboy.
Survivors include his children, Stephen S. Crockett of Fayetteville, Tenn., Diane V. Berardi (Robert) of Denver, Pa., Joseph A. Crockett (Nicole), Ephrata, Dawn N. Coviello of Newark, Donna R. Brackin of Oxford, and Debbie S. Moran of Sarasota, Fla.; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sisters Florence Brown of Lewisville, Pa., and Ruth Fulton (James), West Grove. He is also survived by five beloved nephews and a niece. In addition to his parents, Mr. Crockett was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris Shuler Stout; second wife, Ruth Levering; and siblings, Norman Crockett, Jr., and Sarah “Sally” Main.
A funeral will be held at noon Jan. 19 at Hicks Home for Funerals (103 W. Stockton St., Elkton, Md.), where visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will be in New London Presbyterian Cemetery. Visit www.hickshomeforfunerals.com.
CONNOR M. KING
Connor M. King, 23, of Lincoln University, died on Jan. 14 at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.
Born in Burlington, Vt., he was the son of Kevin J. and Amy (Zyber) King. Connor was a 2012 graduate of Avon Grove High School. He loved the outdoors and spending time with his family. He was a gifted person who cherished thoughtful conversations, had natural talents in music and art, and when he put pen to paper, his stories came alive. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him and will not soon be forgotten.
Survivors include, in addition to his parents, his twin sisters Rachel Leigh King and Laura Ann King, both of Arizona; his maternal grandfather Kenneth Zyber of West Grove; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A visitation will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A service celebrating his life will follow at 4 p.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to White Clay Creek Preserve, 405 Sharpless Road Landenberg, PA 19350-0172. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.