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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of April 1

04/02/2019 12:20PM ● By J. Chambless

WALTER J. FORSYTH

Walter J. Forsyth, 74, of Avondale, passed away on March 26 at Sunrise of Westtown. 

He was the husband of Regina “Jean” Marie Neely Forsyth, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Nancy Hafstad and her husband Glenn of Reston, Va., and Maureen Buckley and her husband Joseph of Ardmore; and two grandchildren.

A funeral was held March 30. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to https://glioblastomafoundation-get-creative.everydayhero.com/us/in-loving-memory-of-walter-j-fosyth. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

 

JUDY ANN CHAMBERLAIN

Judy Ann Chamberlain, 64, of Oxford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family and loved ones, on March 26.

She was the loving wife of Joseph P. Chamberlain, with who she shared 33 years of marriage. She was born in West Grove, and was the daughter of the late James and Virginia Heath.

Judy had a strong faith in the Lord, shared that with others and always knew where she was going. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, nanny, sister, and aunt. She enjoyed reading, fishing, and planting flowers, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and being a nanny to all her grandchildren that she loved and cherished so much.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph P. Chamberlain; two sons, James Garland Mahaffey (Kim) of West Grove, and David Michael DiPaola (Allison) of Trevose; two daughters, Sherri Lynn Compton (Steve) of Rising Sun, and Christine Lee Joe (Tony) of Wakefield, Va.; two stepsons, Joseph G. Chamberlain of Philadelphia and Paul Thomas Chamberlain (Alana) of Greenville S.C.; one stepdaughter, Michele Lee Chamberlain of Kirkwood; 19 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two brothers, James Richard Heath (Sue), and Timmy Allen Heath (Michele) of Quarryville; four sisters, Georgia Jones of Oxford, Darlene Webster (Butch) of Oxford, Patty Day (Mike) of Colora, Md., and Barb Heath of Kennett Square. Judy will also be remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Lee Heath.

Friends and family are invited to join a celebration of life service on April 14 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Penn Township Municipal Building (260 Lewis Rd., West Grove). In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in her name to the American Diabetes Association. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com

MATHEW G. DAVIS

Mathew G. Davis, 54, of Oxford and Clarks Summit, Pa., passed away on March 26 at Jennersville Hospital-Tower Health, West Grove.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Emerson and Marianne Kinderman Davis. Mathew graduated from Abington Heights High School class of 1982, and received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Millersville University in 1986. He was employed with Five Star International, LLC of Mt. Joy as a regional sales manager. He enjoyed boating on the Chesapeake, golf, his two dogs, Riley and Jake, and spending time with his sons.

He is survived by two sons, Joshua Davis of Lancaster and Zachary Davis of Oxford; and two brothers, Craig Davis of Pittston, Pa., and Mark Davis of Rose Hill, Kan. He was preceded in death by a sister, Gail Davis.

The family would like to thank friends and neighbors who aided and helped Mathew. A funeral was held March 30. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Pennsylvania SPCA, 350 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134 (www.pspca.org/donate), and please indicate donations be forwarded to the Lancaster SPCA. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

 

GEORGE H. HAVELOW II

George H. Havelow II, 79, of Oxford, passed away March 18 at the Coatesville Veterans Administration Hospice.

Born in Oxford, he was the son of the late George H., Sr., and Edith Nixon Havelow. George was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War in the 101st Airborne Division. He retired from Lukens Steel after 27 years of service as an electrician.

He is survived by five sons, Jeff Havelow of New York, Kevin Havelow of New Castle, Del., Matthew Havelow of Philadelphia, George H. Havelow III of Newark, and Gregory Havelow of New Castle, Del.; four sisters, Edith Gray of Oxford, Natalie Steward of Coatesville, Brenda Rietmeyer of Elverson, Patricia Patterson of Oxford; a host of grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; great-nieces, great-nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jacqueline Henderson; and grandson, Darius Knight.

A service was held April 2. Interment with full military honors was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


ROBERT C. GOCHNAUER, SR.

Robert Clyde “RC” Gochnauer, Sr.,  87, of Summerville, S.C., husband of Elaine “Penny” Pennington Gochnauer,entered into eternal rest on March 28.

Robert was born in 1931 in Kennett Square, son of the late Clyde Simon Gochnauer and Catherine Mitten Gochnauer.  He was a retired U.S. Navy veteran, proudly serving for 20 years.   His Navy career sent him all over the world.  Retiring at the age of 38 opened new adventures and a new career.  Drawing on a lifetime love of cars, he opened his auto repair shop and sold, repaired and restored automobiles, specializing in imported and sports cars. His passion for cars led him to join the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) in 1963.  He was sought out for his expertise on building racing car engines and many young men and women were mentored by him.  His need for speed, and loving consent from his wife, Penny, he started driving the race cars he built.  He raced both sedans and open wheel cars all over the Southeast, earning a National License.  When he had to give up driving, he volunteered and became an event official, serving at every level including Chief Steward.  He will always be remembered for his level-headed decisions, smiles, and those hats! RC was a lifetime member of the Sports Car Club of America and the Fleet Reserve Association.  He was a former member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Charleston, and a current member of St. Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church, Summerville S.C.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elaine Gochnauer “Penny” of Summerville, S.C.; daughter, Patricia G. Huffman of Summerville, S.C.; two sons, Robert C. Gochnauer, Jr. of Wilmington, N.C., and Larry F. Gochnauer (Janet M.) of Lawrenceville, Ga.; two sisters, M. Catherine Eick of Kennett Square, and Mary Anne Fazio (Lorenzo B.) of Oxford; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Mark Allen "Rusty" Gochnauer.

 A gathering with family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. to noon April 8 at the Kuzo Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A graveside service  will follow at 12:30 at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Care of SC, 9225 University Blvd., Ste. E2A, North Charleston, SC  29406. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

 

JOSEPH J. ROARK  

Joseph John Roark, 91, of Kennett Square, passed away on April 1 at his residence, surrounded by his loving wife and family. 

He was the husband of Caroldean Eller Roark, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. Born in Creston, N.C., he was the son of the late John Roark and the late Melvina Lewis Roark. Joe retired from General Motors in Wilmington, Del., in 1981, after 31 years of service. He was a member of the Hamorton United Methodist Church in Hamorton,  the VFW Post No. 5467, American Legion Post No. 491, and  Lodge No. 475 F.& A.M. Joe enjoyed watching the local sports teams on TV and being with his family and friends. He enjoyed nothing more than being outdoors and caring for his five-acre property. Gardening, landscaping, and cutting his own wood for the fireplace was his passion will into his 80’s. Joe was known by his nieces and nephews as “Superman." He could and would do anything for anyone. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one sister, Georgia Perry of West Jefferson, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three  sisters, Geneva Roark, Virginia Watson, and  Mary Elizabeth Price; and three brothers, Ralph Roark,  Kyle Roark and Bruce B. Roark.

 A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon April 5 at the Hamorton United Methodist Church (1052B Baltimore Pike, Route 1, Kennett Square). His funeral service will follow at noon. Burial will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Hamorton United Methodist Church; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 5467; Parkinson’s Research; or a charity of your choice. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.