RICHARD B. MCCUMMINGS

Richard B. McCummings, 65, of Rising Sun, Md., passed away peacefully on Nov. 2 at his home.

Born in 1953 in West Grove, Richard was the son of the late Joseph and Edith (Pyle) McCummings. He was an avid sports enthusiast. He was known for staying up to date with all sports standings, including the local high school and college sports teams. Some of his favorite teams were the Ravens, Orioles, Blue Rocks and the Iron Birds. He especially enjoyed following his daughter’s sporting events. He was her biggest fan and most enthusiastic supporter. Richard was an active member of the Sons of the American Legion, Post 194. He was a social man who loved to mingle with his friends and family, making sure everyone was having a good time. No matter where Richard went on his travels he always crossed paths with someone he knew. He enjoyed being outdoors, gardening and working in his yard, ensuring that his lawn was in pristine order. His greatest joy was his time spent with his daughter, Autumn.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Autumn J. McCummings of Elkton, Md.; two brothers: Joseph L. McCummings of Groveland, Fla., and Barry D. McCummings and his wife Janice of Dallas, N.C.; two sisters, Margaret Slota and her husband Ray of Forked River, N.J., and Joyce Zachry and her husband Paul of Zion, Md.; and his former spouse, Jane A. McCummings of Elkton, Md.

A funeral was held Nov. 11. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the “Multiple Sclerosis Foundation” and sent in care of R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.O. Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911. To send online condolences, visit www.rtfoard.com.

CHARLES C. NELSON

Charles C. Nelson, 86, a lifetime resident of Oxford, passed away on Nov. 2 at home.

He was the husband of Anna Mae Schofield Nelson, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late Lewis and Mary Carroll Nelson. Charles graduated from Oxford Area High School, Class of 1948, and from Stevens Trade School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army 3rd Calvary 7th Armored Division in the Korean War from 1954-1955, achieving the rank of Corporal. He was employed as an auto and diesel mechanic.

Charles was active in his community, belonging to numerous organizations. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, honorary active member of Union Fire Company No. 1 for 68 years, serving as Lieutenant and Chief Engineer for numerous years, a lifetime member of Westwood Fire Company in Coatesville, a lifetime member of Ocklokonee Tribe No. 212 Improved Order of Redmen, and an honorary life member of Parkesburg Fire Company Number 1. He also served as Scoutmaster for Troop 13 and Packmaster for Cub Scout Troop 213, both of Oxford. Charles enjoyed camping, the outdoors, serving his community, and especially enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

He is survived by three sons, Jerry Nelson (Bonnie), Michael Nelson (Laurie) and David Nelson (Barbara), all of Oxford; five grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one sister, Margaret Rice of Philadelphia; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jason Nelson; and sister, Elizabeth Wallace.

A service was held Nov. 10. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the Union Fire Company No. 1, 315 Market St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

PASKEL ELLER

Paskel “Pat” Eller, 77, of Toughkenamon, passed away on Nov. 5 at his residence.

He was the husband of Fay Roberts Eller, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Ashe County, N.C., he was the son of the late Paul Eller and the late Hester Osborne Eller. Pat was a supervisor at Agilent Technologies (Hewlett-Packard), retiring in 2003 after 40 years of service. He was a member of the Newark Baptist Church and the New London Masonic Lodge. Pat enjoyed camping, traveling, cookouts, his home at Buttonwood Beach, and being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, James Brian Eller and his wife Lisa of New Castle, Del.; one daughter, Kathleen VanNostrand of Toughkenamon; one sister, Wanza McMillan and her husband Swanson of Gainesville, Ga.; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one nephew, Alan McMillan and his wife Kelli; and one niece, Karen Hall and her husband Greg.

A funeral was held Nov. 13. Burial was in the Longwood Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Hydrocephalus Association, Development Office, 4340 East West Highway #905, Bethesda, MD 20814-4447. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ELVIRA LUCE LANGILLE

Elvira (Vera) Luce Langille, 86, of West Grove, passed away on Oct. 27 in Fayetteville, N.C.

She was born in the Bronx, N.Y., to Marco Luce and Agnes Scafati Luce of Abruzzi, Italy. She worked for Scott Paper Company in the early 1950s. In the 1960s, she worked at Brandywine Racetrack in Wilmington, several years at Liberty Bell Park in Philadelphia, and a few years at Hialeah Track in Miami, Fla.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Maria Dominica Tiburzi of Buffalo, N.Y.; two brothers, Gennaro of Sant'Anatolia, Italy, and Gerald (Gennaro) of Glen Mills; her son, Michael J. Gartside of Monroe County, Pa.; and her husband, L. Herbert Langille, of Chester County. She is survived by Teresa Gartside Griego (James), David Gartside (Connie), and Diane Gartside Kuhn (Charles, deceased ); eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; and her sister, Annunziata Nancy Manko.

She will be dearly missed by her family. She was a bright light in her children's lives. She loved camping with her family. She loved to watch “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy,” and loved to reminisce with her sister, Nancy.
A memorial will be held on a later date.

DOROTHY F. PHILIPS

Dorothy Funkhouser Philips, 94, passed away on Nov. 8 at Preston Residence in Jenners Pond Retirement Community, West Grove.

She was the wife of the late Paul L. Philips. They met when they were both students at Penn State University and celebrated 50 years of marriage. Born in Keene, N.H., she was the twin daughter of the late Leon and Belle Ailman Funkhouser. Dotty was a member of Oxford Presbyterian Church. She was a Deacon, Sunday school teacher and a member of various women’s groups. She owned and operated, with her family, Philips Florist in Oxford before retiring to Jenners Pond. She enjoyed traveling, camping, bridge, gardening, and in recent years her friends at Jenners Pond, playing pool, Wii and puzzles with her friend Helen. She also enjoyed keeping travel diaries and writing letters and notes to friends and family.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Hill (Steve) of Drumore; one son, Robert Philips (Robin) of Browns Summit, N.C.; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Lois Borland (Jim) of Fort Collins, Colo.; and friend, Patty Philips. She has nieces and nephews in Lancaster, Strasburg, Pittsburg, Colorado, Switzerland and Florida. She is predeceased by her twin sister, Betty Schmid.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 24 at the Oxford Presbyterian Church (6 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the Oxford Presbyterian Church or another charity. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

SANDRA SUMNER FISHER

Sandra Sumner Fisher, 68, of Oxford, died tragically in a house fire at her home on Oct. 15.

She was the widow of Howard C. Fisher, who passed away in 2012, and with whom she shared 39 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of Corinne Finger Rhodes and the late Hubert L. Sumner. She was also the stepdaughter of the late Donald M. Rhodes.

Sandy was employed with Lyons Chvala Nephrology Associates of West Chester. She previously operated a boarding and grooming kennel at her residence. She was a graduate of Oxford Area High School, Class of 1968. She was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW.

She is survived by her mother; a sister, Deborah Haney Cozzone of Oxford; brother-in-law Michael Urusky; nephews Robert, Jeffrey and Timothy Haney, Steven Cochran, Randy Fisher, Joe, Billy, Steve and Charlie England; nieces Janice MacNeal Price and Vicki Fisher Sherman; great-nieces and great-nephews; cherished friends and extended family. She was predeceased by her sister, Linda Urusky.

Sandy's passion was in the dog world. In addition to her own dogs, she relentlessly rescued and found loving homes for a multitude of dogs over the years. There is no doubt she was overwhelmed by the welcome she received upon arrival on the other side of the rainbow bridge. She was an active member of the Irish Setter Club of America, and the secretary of the Lower Susquehanna Irish Setter Club.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 17 at the Oxford Church of the Nazarene (Penn Avenue and Locust Street, Oxford). The service will follow at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Irish Setter Club of America Rescue Fund, Jay Zirkle, treasurer, 34553 Deerwood Drive, Eugene OR 97405 (www.ISCAfoundation.org, donate in memory of Sandy Fisher); or the Union Fire Company No. 1, 315 Market St., Oxford, PA 19363.

BRENDA LEA MARTIN

Brenda Lea Martin, 73, of West Grove, formerly of Oxford, passed away on Nov. 12 at Jennersville Hospital Tower Health in West Grove.

Born in Pocahontas, Va., she was the daughter of the late Walter and Margaret Cartwright Martin. Brenda retired from Calvert Manor Healthcare Center in Rising Sun, Md., as a certified nursing assistant.

She is survived by two sons, Richard Moran of New Holland and Gregory Bonifacino of Toughkenamon; one daughter, Malissa M. Nicotera of Cochranville; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Bonifacino, Jr.

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

GREGORY HECK

Gregory Heck, a longtime resident of Kennett Square, passed away on Nov. 10 at the age of 69.

He was the beloved husband of Barbara Heck, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage and three wonderful children, Matthew Heck (Sarah), Kathryn Miller (Kirby), and Jillian Mattioni (Michael); as well as five grandchildren. He is also survived by his five siblings, Dennis Heck (Maureen), Mark Heck, Lizabeth Coffey (Justin), Christopher Heck (Patricia), and Margaret Dowling (Kevin).

Born in 1949 in Flushing, N.Y., Greg was the son of the late Frederick Heck and the late Anne Heck. He was a graduate of Saint Bonaventure University, Class of 1971. He worked for JP Morgan and Fiserv Securities. He especially enjoyed fishing, the Pine Barrens, and spending time with his grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Nov. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Kuzo & Greico Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His funeral will be at noon on Nov. 17 at Saint Patrick’s Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Operation Smile or your favorite charity. Visit www.griecocares.com.