JOSEPH P. VERSAGLI, SR.

Joseph P. Versagli, age 87, of Landenberg, passed away on Dec. 14 at the Jennersville Hospital. He was the husband of Lorena “Reni” Cocciolone Versagli, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.
Born in Landenberg, he was the son of the late Gusippe Versagli and the late Assunta Lattanzio Versagli.
Joe was a lifelong mushroom grower, and part-owner of G. Versagli and Sons in Landenberg. He retired in 1998.
He was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, the Italian American Club and past president of the American Mushroom Institute. He was active in a lot of local activities.
Joe enjoyed hunting, golfing, playing horseshoes, Bocci Ball and watching all sports. He especially enjoyed being with his family and friends.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Joseph P. Versagli, Jr. (and his wife Carol) of Landenberg and Robert J. Versagli (and his wife Marje of Coatesville); one daughter, Donna Hopkins (and her husband Michael) of West Grove; two sisters, Lena Cocciolone of West Palm Beach, FL and Emma Lattanzio of Landenberg; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The family’s hearts are hurting. “Pop Pop” was such a special man. He had a natural ability to make you feel like the most important person in a crowded room. He loved his family fiercely – all while making everyone outside his tight circle feel like his family, too. Undoubtedly, to have known Pop Pop is to have known unconditional love. The family will cherish the memories and will forever keep him in their hearts.

His services and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please help out a family who may be struggling during this time by making their holidays a little brighter.
To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Emedio D. Ianni

Emedio D. "Meets" Ianni passed away peacefully on Dec.19 with his loving wife Mary and oldest son Samuel by his side.  

He was the husband of Mary V. (Bagnato) Ianni, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Born in 1931, Meets resided his entire life on Penn Green Road in Landenberg. 

He was the son of the late Samuel and Eleanor (Sperlunto), Ianni.

A graduate of Kennett High School, Meets proudly served his country, which he greatly loved, in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.

Meets was the owner/proprietor of E&M Ianni Mushrooms in Landenberg and retired in 2016. In addition to being a skilled mushroom grower, Meets served his community for over 74 years as an active member of the Avondale Fire Company, which he loved. During that time, he served in various positions, including chief engineer, and holds the record for most tickets ever sold for the annual Fire Company Spaghetti Dinner and chicken barbecues. He rarely missed a call in his younger days, and was always happy to see his name at the top of the most-calls-made list each year. 

Meets also worked part-time for many years at New Garden Township and enjoyed keeping the roads tidy, especially during a snowstorm.

Meets was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan and was tickled when the Birds finally won the Super Bowl. Another of his passions included being an enthusiast of all things John Wayne and Clint Eastwood and was always up for a good western or war flick. While he enjoyed his daily visits to Dunkin’ Donuts to see his friends, and, in earlier days, Bunnys, Meets was most happy to spend time at his beach house in Lewes, Del. He worked hard for that house and enjoyed taking care of the yard, grilling large amounts of chicken and steak, and hosting his family and neighbors.

Always smiling and rarely complaining, Meets was a man of high integrity. If you asked him for help, he would help. If you needed to borrow something, it was yours. When a house was on fire or a hay pile burning, he left his work to try to save yours regardless of weather or conditions. That kind of commitment deserves gratitude. Anthony Bourdain said, "Skills can be taught. Character you either have or you don't have." Character is what exemplified Meets' life. 

Meets loved country music, especially Johnny Cash. If you can,  please say a prayer and play some Johnny to honor the life of Meets Ianni.

He is survived by two sons, Samuel (Karen) Ianni of Landenberg and Anthony (Janet) Ianni of Golden, CO, and a sister Grace (Ianni) Ciaffoni of West Chester. 

He was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Ianni of Landenberg. Meets was also very proud of his three grandsons, John, David (Caitlin), and Adam Ianni, and was thrilled to spend time with his great-granddaughter, Emma Grace.

Services and a funeral were held on Dec. 28. Burial was at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Avondale Fire Company, New Truck Fund, 23 Firehouse Way, Avondale, PA 19311, or to Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, P.O. Box 709, Avondale, PA 19311.

To view Meet’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

RAFAEL  MURILLO  RODRIGUEZ

Rafael  Murillo  Rodriguez, a resident of Wilmington, Del., passed away on Dec. 18 at the Christiana Hospital. He was 77.

He was the husband of Emilia Aguilar Herrera.

Born in Moroleon, GTO, Mexico, he was the son of the late Pedro Murillo and the late Isabel Rodriguez.

Rafael was a spinach packer at Avon Heights Mushrooms in Avondale until his retirement.

He was a member of St. Rocco Catholic Church in Avondale. He enjoyed listening to music and being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Eduardo Murillo Aguilar of Wilmington, Del. and Juan Pedro Murillo Aguilar and Rafael Murillo Aguilar,  both of Mexico.

He is also survived by Marible Murillo Aguilar of Wilmington, Del. and Rosa Alicia Murillo Aguilar of Cochranville; two sisters, Rosa Murillo Rodriguez and Evangelina Murillo Rodrigues both of Mexico; six brothers, Esequiel Murillo Rodriguez of Mexico,  Miguel Murillo Rodriguez of California; Jesus Murillo Rodriguez, Roberto Murillo Rodriguez, Leonel Murillo Rodriguez, Baltazar Murillo Rodriguez, all of Chicago, IL, and fourteen grandchildren.

Services and a funeral mass were held at St. Rocco Catholic Church on Dec. 29.

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

Florence Graham Brown

Florence Graham Brown, a resident of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 20. She was 95.

Florence was born on Jan. 11, 1925 in Charlestown, Md. to Albert F and Elizabeth Woelfel Graham. She was raised on a farm near Charlestown with her sister Marion Graham Rhodes and brother Albert F Graham, Jr. 

She married G Calvin Brown, Jr. on Aug.18, 1945 and resided in Oxford. They celebrated 50 years of marriage before Calvin’s death in 1995.

Florence is survived by her four children, Joel Brown (Celestine Marsha Brown), Gerald Brown, Linda Lutz (Wayne Lutz), and Carol Shirk (Glenn Shirk), three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She was a graduate of North East High School in Maryland. She attended Moore Institute of Art in Philadelphia for dress design.  She received her bachelor’s degree in teaching from Millersville University and went on to teach in public school in Maryland for 11 ½ years and 29 years as a teacher and director at Oxford Presbyterian Church Pre-School. 

Before marriage, she had her own dress shop.  She continued making clothes, dance costumes, slipcovers, and draperies for other people until she started teaching.

Florence had taught Sunday School at Oxford Church of Jesus Christ and sang in the choir at Oxford Presbyterian Church. She was a member of Shiloh Presbyterian Church and enjoyed going to the Edie Sumner Bible study group.

She was a 4-H member in her youth in Maryland and then joined the Maryland 4-H All Star group. She was a 4-H Leader for the Oxford Home Ec Club for 25 years, and served as a 4-H camp counselor.

Florence and Calvin spent 30 years visiting all 48 states in the continental U.S.  She liked spending time at the cottage built by Calvin and her brother-in-law, William Pugh, at Shady Beach, Md. 

Her hobbies were working with plants, playing the piano, crocheting, sewing, reading books, painting, going to music concerts, canoeing, and making a variety of crafts.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

Her family wishes to thanks Ware Presbyterian Village and Willow Tree Hospice for their loving care the last years of Florence’s life. 

In lieu of flowers, it is asked that donations be made in Florence’s name to Shiloh Presbyterian Church, 42 S Fifth St., Oxford, PA 19363.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

William John Stewart, III

William John Stewart, III, of Lincoln University, passed away on Dec. 10 at home. He was 62.

He was the husband of Faith Gallagher Stewart.

Born in Wynnewood, Pa., he was the son of the late William John, Jr. and Elizabeth Jean Beattie Stewart.

William served in the U.S. Navy.

William was a man of faith and had a deep strong love for his family and will be forever missed. 

He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Quinn Stewart; one son, Bryce Stewart; and two sisters, Susan Stewart and Roberta Lynne Franckowiak.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Frances Palamone.

Services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

William T. Fulton, Jr.

William T. Fulton, Jr., a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, went home to be with his Lord on Dec. 19 at Reading Hospital. He was 96.

He married Ella E. Melrath Fulton on June 18, 1947. They shared 73 years of marriage. 

Born in Colora, Md., he was the son of the late William T., Sr., and Helen McVey Fulton.

Bill graduated from Oxford High School, class of 1943, and he lived in Oxford at the time of his passing.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, William served in central Europe during World War II as a member of the 17th Airborne Division.

Bill was employed with NVF in Kennett Square for 42 years.  

In his younger days, Bill would rather play baseball than eat or sleep. His love for baseball and football continued all his life. 

He enjoyed following his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all of their sport endeavors. Listening to Blue Grass music and watching NASCAR were other enjoyments in his life. He loved working on the family farm.

Truly, he was a part of the Greatest Generation, passing on his work ethic and love for family to the entire family. He will be greatly missed and will always be in his family’s hearts.

Bill leaves his wife, four children, Joan Baker, Ronald Fulton (Tammy), Sandra Hall (David), and Bethany Freeman (John) to cherish his memory. He will be missed greatly by 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Ronald Baker.

Services and interment are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Union Fire Company No. 1, 315 Market St., Oxford, PA 19363.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Betty L. Evans

Betty L. Evans, 92, of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 20 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of the late J. Martin Evans, Jr.

Born in Alaska, WV she was the daughter of the late John F. and Charlotte Carder Siple.

Betty was a member of the Kemblesville United Methodist Church.

She was employed as a bookkeeper for Stengel Welding in Kennett Square.

Betty loved her family.

She is survived by one son, Joseph M. “Chuck” Evans, III and his wife, Karen V. Evans of Port Deposit, Md.; two grandchildren, Christopher Martin Evans and Matthew Van Lierop Evans; three great grandchildren; and three sisters, Aldeth Haas of Kemblesville, Goldie Brackin of West Grove and Kay Trader of Elkton, Md.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Douglas Brian Evans and Daniel Clay Evans and one grandson, Jared Paul Evans. 

A memorial service will be held in the spring at Kemblesville United Methodist Church.

Her family suggests a donation in lieu of flowers to the front- line health care workers via Ware Presbyterian Home Employee Appreciation Fund, 7 E. Locust St., Oxford, PA 19363. 

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Mary Urusky

Mary Urusky, a resident of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 17 at home. She was 92.

She was married to the late Walter Urusky. 

Born in Czechoslovakia, she was the daughter of the late Nick and Anna Basarabova Gic.

Mary was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford and the Gray-Nichols Post #1779 VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Oxford.

She is survived by three sons, Thomas Urusky, Will Rusk and Walter N. Michael Urusky; two grandchildren, Christopher Urusky (Debbie) and Miles Cochran; and two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Matthew Urusky.

Services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Sonia Ann Roumaniotis

Sonia Ann Roumaniotis, 60, of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 19 in Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, Pa.

She was the wife of Sotos Roumaniotis, with whom she shared 28 years of marriage.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada she was the daughter of the late Alvin and Myrtle Humen Sullivan.

Sonia resided in Oxford for the last 16 years. She formerly resided in various locations in both the U.S. and Canada. 

She was graduating in May of 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Lincoln University. 

Sonia was employed with Lincoln University as an administrative assistant for sixteen years.

She enjoyed her artwork and traveling.

She is survived by her husband; two sons, Alex and Nathan both of Oxford; one sister, Pam Luscombe of Cochran, Alberta, Canada; and two brothers, Chris Sullivan of Vancouver, Canada and Dave Sullivan of Edmonton, Canada.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Susan G. Komen, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

William R. Landmesser, Jr.

William (Bill) R. Landmesser, Jr. passed away on Dec. 16 at Wilmington Hospital while under the care of Season’s Hospice. He was 89.

He was the devoted husband for over 43 years of the late Virginia (Smith) Landmesser.  

He was born in East Orange, NJ on Oct. 10, 1931, the son of the late William R. Sr. and Louisa (Hochuli) Landmesser.

Bill graduated from Summit High School in Summit, NJ and continued his education at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.  

He graduated in 1953 with a degree in industrial and labor relations. Before entering the workforce, he served as first lieutenant in the Army infantry stationed at Fort Benning, GA.  While he was in the reserves, he began his career as an employee relations manager, first working for Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation in Pittsburgh and in Albany, NY.  He later worked for TIMET (Titanium Metal) in Ohio and ended his career with ICI Americas Inc. in Wilmington, Del., retiring in 1987.  

When he wasn’t working, Bill was active in the Kennett Square community.  He was a longtime active member of the Kennett Square Presbyterian Church and the Lions Club.  He served as a board member for the library, the Senior Center, and the Kennett Run Committee. He was a Kennett Elementary classroom mentor, a small business counselor with SCORE, and he volunteered time at the DuPont Children’s Hospital.  

In his free time, he continued to take classes at the University of Delaware’s lifelong learning academy. He enjoyed his summers in the Adirondack Mountains, and also liked visiting Longwood Gardens, reading, oil painting and spending time with his family. 

Bill is survived by his children, Timothy Landmesser (Margaret), Peter Landmesser (Patricia) and Susan Augustine (Stephen); his grandchildren, Beau, Scott, Travis, Calla, Kinsey, and Andrew, and 3 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister Barbara Bloomer, nephew David, and niece Lynda.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 16 at 11 a.m. at the Kennett Square Presbyterian Church, 211 S Broad St, Kennett Square, PA 19348.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those wishing to attend are asked to sign up by going to https://pcks.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/667370.

Services can also be viewed by going to the church’s YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/-U-m-1FK1NM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill’s honor to the Kennett Library, 216 E. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348.  

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.