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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of March 5

03/05/2018 11:34AM ● By J. Chambless

CAROLYN TRIMBLE

Carolyn Trimble died in Chester County Hospital on Feb. 20 due to surgical complications. She was 58.

Carolyn was born in 1959 in Wilmington, Del., to her parents, Jess and Evelyn Bewley. She graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1977. She married Timothy Trimble in 1985 in West Grove. The Trimbles moved into their first home in Landenberg in 1986. Carolyn started working at Hewlett-Packard when she was 16 and she later continued her career at Agilent Technologies, where she would work for 40 years, impacting the lives of many through her sincere relationships. Early on, Carolyn enjoyed playing tennis, riding her bike, and taking care of her 1971 Mustang. Later, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and traveling to the beach every summer with her family. She had an infectious laugh and smile that would brighten every room she entered.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her husband, Timothy; her sons, Jonathan and Andrew; her daughter, Christina; her brothers, Jay, Tom, and John; her sisters, Susan, Margaret, Elizabeth, and Jeanette; lastly, her wonderful mother, Evelyn. She was predeceased by her father, Jess.

A service was held March 1. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Carolyn’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


ADAM M. DILLEY

Adam Matthew Dilley, 33 of Denver, Colo., formerly of Kennett Square, died suddenly on Feb. 18 in Denver, Colo.

Born in Lima, Pa., he was the son of Joseph and Concetta (Connie) Tavoni Dilley of Kennett Square.

Matt, as he was known by friends and loved ones, worked in various customer service industries, as he enjoyed working with people. He had a charisma that was infectious. Matt was a creative soul and a talented artist. He was passionate about skateboarding and had the opportunity to skate around the country and the world. His love of the outdoors brought him to Colorado, where he had been living for the last four years. There, he enjoyed hiking in the mountains, camping and biking.

Survivors include, in addition to his parents, his maternal grandfather Dominic Tavoni of Kennett Square; his brother Joseph Dilley, Jr., of Bristol, R.I.; his sister Allison Tuscano (Steven) of West Chester; and his beloved cousins, Alexandria and Samantha Tavoni. He was preceded in death by his sister, Adrianne Dilley.

A service was held Feb. 28. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the Anson B. Nixon Park. Checks can be made payable to Kennett Area Park Authority, P.O. Box 1121, Kennett Square, PA, 19348. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.greicocares.com.


BRAD W. GIFFIN

Brad William Giffin, 26, of Chadds Ford, passed away at his home on Feb. 20.

He was born in 1991 at Riddle Memorial Hospital in Media, the son of Robert William Giffin and the late Linda Louise (Buck) Giffin. He attended Kennett High School and graduated in 2010. Following high school, he studied at Kutztown University. Brad was an avid fan of all things sports. He was always prepared to discuss his favorite teams and had all of his favorite players stats ready to fire. He enjoyed playing video games, outdoor activities, spending time with his friends, traveling, and his beloved pets growing up. He played on several sports teams, beginning with Little League baseball, basketball and football. His friends, family, and those closest to him will remember his infectious smile and laugh, as well as his caring and gentle demeanor. He deeply loved and cared for his girlfriend, Kristy McLaughlin, whom he always spoke of in the highest regard.

Brad is survived by his father, Robert William Giffin of Kennett Square; mother, Michele

Crowley Giffin of Kennett Square; brother, David Justin Giffin of Baltimore, Md.;

grandmother, Dorothy Jean Grande of Kennett Square; aunt, Donna Jean Giffin of Brookhaven; half-sister Victoria Brandenstein of California; half-brother John Arnold of Florida; stepsister Nicole Barakat of South Carolina; stepbrother Michael Barakat of Washington; and stepbrother David Barakat (Linda) of Maryland. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Kristy McLaughlin of Landenberg; in addition to many cousins, close friends and family members. The family would also like to acknowledge Brad’s “second family” Joanne, Keith, Brad and Jamie Smith. Brad was predeceased by his mother, Linda Louise (Buck) Giffin; and his uncle, Steven Giffin.

A service was held March 2. Contributions in his memory may be made to KAU Little League, 873 East Baltimore Pike, PMB 472, Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


ARTHUR G. BASMAJIAN

Arthur G. Basmajian, 87, of Kennett Square, formerly of Havertown, died on Feb. 23 at Seasons Hospice at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

He was the husband of Bernice A. Tichian Basmajan, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Artin and the late Beatrice (Misirian) Basmajian. Art served our country during peacetime in the Army. He was an engineer for the DuPont Company for many years, retiring in 1993. He also worked for All State Engineering Company, BE&K Engineering company, Miller Brewing, and did not truly retire until the age of 78. During his career, he was fortunate to travel near and far to such places as Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, and Germany. He loved all types of music, gardening, fixing cars, antique car shows, Formula 1 racing, fine china birds, bargaining, and was known as a snappy dresser.

Art was a longtime member of Grace Chapel in Havertown, where he served as a trustee, fourth grade Sunday school teacher, chapel choir member and usher. He was also a founding board member of the Ranch Youth ministry, where he served for many years. His true passion in life was giving to missions.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife Bernice, two daughters, Caryl Atmajian and her husband Donald of West Chester, and Vera Cobourn and her husband Charles of Kennett Square; one son, Arthur Basmajian, Jr., of Pittsburgh; two sisters, Vera Panosian and her husband Howard of Bel Air, Calif., and Lillian Jamgochian of Fort Myers, Fla.; and three grandchildren.

A service was held March 3. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace Chapel Missions and mailed to the same address as the church. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


LINDA M. SPOHN

Linda M. Spohn, 68, of Lincoln University, passed away on Feb. 23 at her residence.

She was the wife of Thomas J. Spohn, with whom she shared 47 years of marriage. Born in Easton, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Emidio and Virginia Kirkwood Urbani. Linda was an elementary school teacher, last teaching at the Avon Grove Charter School in West Grove, retiring in 2011. She was a member of the Assumption BVM Church in West Grove. Linda enjoyed gardening and watching her grandchildren. Her family was her life.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Kristie Dougherty and her husband Erin of Ft. Myers, Fla.; four sons, Kyle Spohn and his wife Jamie of Owings, Md., Keith Spohn and his wife Krystal of West Chester, Kirk Spohn and his wife Jessica of Elkton, Md., and Kory Spohn of Lincoln University; one brother, George Urbani and his wife Jan of Georgetown, Del.; and eight grandchildren.

A funeral was held March 3. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Compassus Hospice, 2 Campus Blvd., Suite 200, Newtown Square, PA 19073. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


ANNA S. RUBINCAN

Anna S. Rubincan, 87, of West Grove, passed away on Feb. 23 at her home.

She was the wife of the late Benjamin L. Rubincan, Sr. She was the daughter of the late John David and Alice R. Arrants Moulton. Anna retired from the Fred S. Engle Middle School Food Service Department. She lived in the West Grove area most of her life. She enjoyed bowling, dancing, eating out, and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by one son, Benjamin L Rubincan, Jr. (Susan) of West Grove; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Diana Green; brother, Everett Moulton; and sister, Esther Wiseman.

A funeral was held Feb. 27. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Neighborhood Hospice, 400 E. Marshall St., West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


JASON F. BOWERS

Jason Ferguson Bowers, 39, of West Chester, passed away suddenly on Jan. 16.

Jason was born in Danville, Pa., son of Joseph and Charmaine Poplaski Bowers, in 1978. He attended St. Maddine's School in Ridley Park, as well as Interboro School in Prospect Park. Jason attended Henderson High School in West Chester. He was a carpenter by trade. He enjoyed soccer, rugby, baseball, and played for the Prospect Park Termites. Jason loved concerts, fishing, and all outdoor activities. Above all, Jason was dedicated for the care of his brothers, even though young himself.

Jason is survived by his father, Joseph Bowers of Coal Township; stepfather John Ferguson of Portugal; brothers Jared and Cody; niece Sophia; nephew Oscar; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Charmaine Ferguson; brother, Jackie Ferguson; and grandparents John and Catherine Stank, John and Rita Poplaski, and John and Patricia Ferguson.

A memorial service was held March 2. Memorial donations may be made to Edward L. Collins Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine Street Oxford, PA 19363.

J. SCOTT GREENLEAF

J. Scott Greenleaf, 77, of Kirkwood, passed away on Feb. 25.

He was the loving husband of Kathryn Ann Dawson Greenleaf. They were married for 54 years. He was the son of the late C. Martin Greenleaf, Sr., and Sadie Stoner Herr Greenleaf of Kirkwood. Scott graduated from Solanco High School in Quarryville in 1959. He enjoyed hunting, and working on trucks and cars. A lifelong resident of Lancaster County, Scott was the owner/operator of Greenleaf Mushrooms and Compost in Kirkwood. He was a member of Union Presbyterian Church, where he was a caretaker of the Union Cemetery and served on the Union Cemetery Commission.

Surviving, in addition to his wife Kitty, are son Benjamin Wayne Dawson, husband of Pamela Czerny Dawson of Nottingham; daughter Debra Greenleaf of Nottingham; and daughter Donna Greenleaf Heisler, wife of Dennis Heisler, also of Nottingham. Scott is also survived by six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; a sister, Anna Greenleaf Skiles; and a brother, C. Martin Greenleaf, Jr.; as well as his beloved Australian Shepherd, Misty. Scott was preceded in death by a brother, Edgar Greenleaf

A service was held March 3. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Autism Speaks, (autismspeaks.org), or Tommy Foundation (tommyland.org). Visit www.reynoldsfuneralhome.net.


JEAN H. BOTTS

Jean H. Botts, 82, of Middletown, Del., passed away on Feb. 26 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

She was the wife of the late Ernest Lane Botts, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Born in Clayton, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Cloyd and Alice Downs Henderson. She was a member of the West Nottingham Presbyterian Church in Colora, Md. Jean was employed with DuPont in Glasgow, Del., retiring in 1993. She enjoyed golf, skiing, bowling and reading.

She is survived by two daughters, Susan Jean Botts of Earlville, Md., and Sharon Joy Botts DiMucci (Anthony) of Newark, Del.; one granddaughter, Taylor DiMucci; and one brother, John Ralph Henderson of Rising Sun, Md. She was preceded in death by a son, Richard L. Botts; and brother, Cloyd Thomas Henderson.

A funeral was held March 2. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. The family would like to thank the Cardiac ICU Staff at Christiana Hospital for the exceptional care and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Seasons Hospice, 4755 Ogletown Stanton Rd., Newark DE 19708. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


MARILYN BIRD PRANGE

Marilyn Bird Prange, 81, surrounded by her family, left her mortal body into the loving arms of her savior after a lengthy illness on Feb. 25.

Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Melvin and Mildred (Pinkerton) Bird. She was a member of the Crossroads Bible Church in Elkton, Md. She enjoyed flower gardening and traveling. Ultimately, Marilyn’s family was her greatest joy.

She is survived by three daughters, Jean Johnson and her husband Robert of West Grove, Barbara Prange of West Grove, and Linda Bonsall and her husband Gary of Creston, N.C.; her beloved grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her brother, David Bird of West Grove.

The family wishes to extend their special thanks to Jessica Brantner, RN, for all her much needed assistance and guidance.

A funeral was held March 5. Interment was in the Faggs Manor Cemetery in Cochranville. Contributions in her memory may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


BRENDA S. BURGOS

Brenda S. Burgos, 65, of Nottingham, passed away on Feb. 27 at Twin Pines Nursing Home in West Grove.
She was the wife of Edwin Burgos, with whom she shared 32 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Homer J. and Florence Ward Icenhour.

She is survived by her husband; three sons, Lewis Lee Icenhour, Erik Edwin Burgos and Jason Alexander Burgos, all of Nottingham; and one sister, Bessie Lue Clark of Mt. City, Tenn. She was preceded in death by a two brothers, James Icenhour and Robert Icenhour; and one sister, Carol Marlow.
A funeral was held March 5.
Interment was in Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

HAZEL MARIE TROILO

Hazel Marie Troilo, 91, of West Chester, entered into her Lord’s presence on Feb. 27.

Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Margaret Watson Dubbs and the late Richard Weller. Hazel was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and was deeply adored by her family. Her smile permeated hearts and she basked in her love of the shore. Hazel held both her God and country in high regard and spoke with conviction regarding each. She was a prayer warrior and ministered to those in need. Hazel was a member of the Proclamation Presbyterian Church of Bryn Mawr.

In addition to Frank, her loving husband of 71 years, she is survived by two daughters, Barbara Proto (Tony) of West Chester, and Linda Gerig (Rod) of Morganton, N.C.; daughter-in-law Barbara Lesky of Malvern; nine grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Hazel was predeceased by a son, Stephen Troilo; grandsons Matthew Proto and James Troilo; and great-grandson James Munz;as well as siblings Richard Weller, Esther Leasure, Charles H. Weller and Margaret Lloyd.

A service was held March 5. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to Glad Tidings India (gladtidingsindia.org), 53 Harristown Road, Paradise, PA 17562. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


JOHN A. HUFFORD, JR.

John A Hufford Jr., 74, of West Grove, passed away on Feb. 26 at his home, after a long fight with cancer.

He was the son of the late Helen Virginia Hufford and the late John A. Hufford. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Myrlean Miller Hufford; three sons, John A Hufford III, James D Willis, Jr., and Eric Allen Willis; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. John was predeceased by a brother, Robert Gene Hufford.

John graduated from Unionville Chadds Ford High School (1961) and from Pennsylvania State University (1965), with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the 1049th Transportation Company of the Delaware National Guard, serving eight years. At the same time, John began a long, 39-plus year career at the General Motors plant at Prices Corner, Del. He first worked in the financial department and later transitioned to what was then the data processing department. He held positions from operator to manager, finally retiring in 2005. John especially enjoyed the outdoors, participating in sports such as hunting and fishing, also golf and softball in his earlier years. He also enjoyed days spent at a summer home in Ocean View, Del.

A visitation will be held March 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Unionville Cemetery. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


JOSEPH M. DICKENS, JR.

Joseph M. Dickens, Jr., 46, of West Grove, passed away on March 2 at the Christiana Hospital.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of Joseph M. Dickens, Sr., and Ruth Seese Dickens of West Grove. Joe was a general contractor who worked with his dad for 30 years, and last worked at New Bolton Center in Kennett Square. He was a member of New London Baptist Church. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his daughters. Joe had a gift for helping others and sharing God's word. He enjoyed coaching Avon Grove Girls Softball, golfing, music, cars and frequent visits to Avondale Wawa. He enjoyed listening to Rev. Adrian Rogers and Mike Rowe.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two daughters, Kylie Laine Dickens and Abigale Mackenzie Dickens, both of West Grove; his lifetime companion, Tabitha McKinney of West Grove; two sisters, Deedree Erlichman and her husband Paul of Cochranville, and Dana Duncan and her husband Perry of Oxford; and two nieces, Haleigh Duncan and Heidi Duncan.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. March 9, and again on March 10 from 10 to 11 a.m., at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the New London Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made in his memory to the Kylie & Abigale Dickens Fund. Details to follow on www.griecocares.com. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


RONALD E. POST

Ronald Ellsworth Post, 81, of Landenberg, died on March 2 at Heartland Hospice House in Wilmington, Del.

He was the husband of Marjorie Drake Post, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage. Born in North East, Pa., he was the son of the late Fred Ray and the late Mildred (Smith) Post. Ronald earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master'sdegree in social studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1965. He was facilities manager for Children, Youth and Family Services of Delaware, retiring in 2001. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed woodworking and gardening, loved traveling to points near and far, and was a collector of all types of knives.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, one son, David R. Christifer of Cumberland Md.; one daughter, Bonnie Keating of Newark, Del.; two sisters, Luanna Harris of Ocala, Fla., and Cathy McCorkle of New Milport, Pal; and three grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. March 9 at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home, Inc. (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). His funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103; or the Delaware Humane Association, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. To view Ronald’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

BARRY G. SIPES

Barry Gene Sipes, 80, died in Paoli Hospital on March 2.

Barry is survived by his three sons, Paul Sipes (Simsbury, Conn.), Tim Sipes (Downingtown), and Brad Sipes (Stockholm, Sweden) and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Ann Sipes (Kennett Square).

Barry was born in 1937 in Altoona, Pa., to Eugene and Mary Sipes. He graduated from Richland High School in Johnstown, P., and then Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., where he met his wife. Within a few years, Barry and Sue relocated to Chester County, and Barry spent the next several decades working in the local public school systems as an administrator and guidance counselor. He retired from the Downingtown High School guidance counseling department in 1998. Barry was an avid sports fan and a proud supporter of his boys’ and grandchildren’s many interests and activities. He will always be remembered for his passion for local high school and college sports, his love for Syracuse, Temple, the NY Yankees, and the Washington Redskins. He was often seen jogging through all parts of Chester County. Upon his retirement, Barry enjoyed reading, and his worldwide travels with Sue and friends.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. March 10 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. Burial will be private. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.