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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of September 14

09/12/2021 10:13PM ● By Steven Hoffman

EMMA  T.  LATTANZIO

Emma  T.  Lattanzio, a resident of West Grove and formerly of Landenberg, passed away on Aug. 30 at her residence. She was 94.

She was the wife of Alfred R. Lattanzio, who passed away in 2009, and with whom she shared 61 years of marriage.

Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Guiseppe Versagli and the late Assunta Lattanzio Versagli.

Emma was a bookkeeper at Kaolin Mushroom Farms for many years, retiring at the age of 75.

She was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church. She was also a member and volunteer at the Kennett Area Senior Center, where she served people much younger than her, and a member of the Avondale Fire Company ladies auxiliary. She also served as a Republican committee woman.

She and her husband Al were very well known for the excellent dancing ability and style.

She did not have any children of her own but she loved all of her nieces and nephews.

Emma is survived by one sister, Lena Cocciolone of Wilmington, Del. and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph Versagli and Vincent “Jimmy” Versagli.

Her funeral services will be held privately.

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


Vincent William Plumpton, Jr.

Vincent William Plumpton, Jr., a resident of Oxford, and formerly of Glen Mills and Landenberg, passed away on Sept. 1 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. He was 90.

Born in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Vincent William, Sr., and Marjorie Elise Riggles Plumpton.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army 82 Engineering Unit and served honorably in the Korean War.

Vincent received his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).

From 1961 to 1982, Vincent was employed with the Federal Bureau of Investigations as a Special Agent. 

He lived a life of service. He did not want to get drafted into a war, but he went out of a sense of duty and he did his job. Although a private, quiet, and simple man, he was immensely proud to have been an FBI agent, and to make that his career. He had endless patience, and no trace of quit in him.

He could build or repair anything. He was fiercely loyal, independent, and self-sufficient, and had an absolutely unyielding need to leave things better than he found them.

He would give a stranger the shirt off his back. He wasn’t content until he knew everyone around him was taken care of.  He was never disagreeable with anyone.  And he really loved dogs.

He never stopped serving. Even late in life, he rarely concluded a phone call without asking if there was anything he could do. His need to help others never ended, and he was happiest if he was helping someone do a tough job.

He is survived by his four children, Susan P. Gery (David) of York Haven, William M. Plumpton (Debra) of Mechanicsburg, David L. Plumpton of Redding, CA and Linda A. Simasek (Stephen) of Landenberg; eight grandchildren, Brandon Gery (Dana), Jeffrey Gery (Jennifer), Meredith Sunbury (Derek), Hannah Plumpton, Kelsey Plumpton, Michael Simasek (Emily), James Simasek and Joseph Simasek; and five great-grandchildren, Jackson Gery, William (Liam) Gery, Logan Sunbury, Parker Gery and Max Gery.

Services are private.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


Dr. Robert E. Berry

Dr. Robert E. Berry, a resident of Roanoke, VA, passed away in the arms and hearts of his children on Aug. 20 at Brandywine Assisted Living in Kennett Square. He was 91.

He was the husband of the late Margaret Valentine Berry, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage. 

Born in Columbia, SC, he was son of the late Russell Harmon Berry and the late Miriam Wales Berry.

Dr. Berry, Bob to his friends, began his career as a dedicated clinician. A graduate of Dickinson College (1951) and Jefferson Medical College (1955), he completed a residency in General and Thoracic Surgery at Methodist Hospital in Philadelphia. He left his first practice after training to serve as a medical missionary and the only surgeon for the entire country of Nepal. Foreshadowing his impending academic career, he trained local physicians to be surgeons and performed the first open heart surgery in Nepal’s history. He also provided care to mountaineers Barry Bishop and Willi Unsoeld of the 1963 National Geographic Survey Expedition to Mount Everest. When they were helicoptered from base camp to Kathmandu with frostbite, he jerry-rigged whirlpools from halved kerosene barrels and pumps that were supplied by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In the latter part of his career, he was singularly proud of establishing the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory at Roanoke Memorial and serving as its first director.

Dr. Berry had an illustrious career as an academic general and thoracic surgeon. He spent the majority of his career in Roanoke, VA, where he served as Chief of Surgery, Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Director of Surgical Education at Roanoke Memorial Hospitals. After 36 years he retired as a Professor Emeritus of Surgery at the University of Virginia. His CV lists over 50 articles and abstracts, and in his retirement he published a book on the history of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery.

He was a member of over thirty professional organizations including serving in leadership positions in nine.  His career highlights included serving as Second Vice-President of the American College of Surgeons; President of the Virginia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons; President of the Association of the Program Directors in Surgery; President of the Virginia Surgical Society; and President of the Virginia Chapter of the American Cancer Society. In 2003 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Virginia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons.

Bob is survived by his children and their spouses; Jan Berry Schroeder (Mark) of Chadds Ford, Robert E. Berry, Jr. (Diane) of Walpole, MA, and Russell E. Berry (April) of New Oxford, Pa.; grandchildren Zachary (Kristina), Katherine (Michael), Rab (Al), Nicholas (Madalyne), Evan, Bonaire (Samuel), and Wren; and great-grandson, Miles Robert. 

Services will be held privately, with a planned memorial following the pandemic.

If you would like to make a contribution in his memory, you are invited to donate to the Carilion Clinic Foundation’s “Dr. Robert Berry Education Fund” which provides education opportunities for outstanding surgical residents. Go to http://carilionfoundation.org/giveand click on “Donate Now”, then under “Designation” click on “Dr. Robert Berry Education Fund”; or give to your local NPR station or WVTF, the NPR station for southwest and central Virginia which Bob and wife Margy fervently supported.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (1-800-FUNERAL). 

To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.


Clarence C Monger, Sr.

Clarence C. Monger Sr.,  who was born on Aug. 6, 1929, passed away peacefully in his home on Sept. 5 while surrounded by family and friends. He was 92. 

He was the husband of Margaret Todd Monger and was preceded in death by his first wife, Donnie Jean Hockedy Monger, with whom he shared more than 50 years of marriage.

Clarence had a long fulfilling life. He was known for his love of auctions and a common answer when you would call him and ask where he was would be “I'm at the sale.” Clarence was raised in Lincoln University on a farm, where his love for tractors and farm life grew. He lost his father at a young age which meant he had to use his mind from a young age to figure out how to make a dollar and quickly, which he became very skilled at and enjoyed it very much.

He was the previous owner of the Oxford Hotel, The Post House Restaurant, and several mushroom houses. 

He enjoyed spending time with his family, attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events, fishing, hunting and buying things to flip.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Margaret Monger, his children, Clarissa Sherrow (Larry), Bobbie Jean McFadden (Kenny) and Clarence "Skeeter" Monger Jr. (Sue), his grandchildren: Christopher Mitchem (Megan), Bridgette Zell (Cliff), Ashley Monger, Becky Murtha, Cortney Monger (Kenny), Lacey Swanson (Tyler), Jami Murtha, Travis Mahala and Paula Mahala and 16 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Sept. 14 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., in Oxford.

Interment will be private. 

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


Shirley A. Phipps

Shirley A. Phipps, 64, passed away on Sept. 6 while at home in Cochranville.

She was the wife of Gerald L. Phipps.

Born in W. Jefferson, NC, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Doris Emerson Blevins. 

Shirley was employed with DuVall Bus as a bus driver for the Avon Grove School District and was previously employed with 410 Shop, Avondale and Pyle Home & Supply, Avondale for 22 years.

She is survived by her husband; two sons, Tim Lewis (Shannon) and Kevin Phipps all of Quarryville; two grandchildren, Nolan Lewis and Darby Lewis; two brothers, Paul Blevins of NC and Charles Blevins of Cochranville; and one sister, Mary Meara of Quarryville.

Funeral Services were held on Sept. 13 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., in Oxford.

Interment will be in Upper Octoraro Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MS Society, www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/PAE/Donate.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


Charlotte Irene Bayliss

Charlotte Irene (Adelman) Baylis, of Ocean City, Md., peacefully passed away on Sept. 7 at Season’s Hospice in Newark, Del. She was 83.

Born in Baltimore, Md., she was the daughter of the late Charles E. and Theresa Bronzert Adelman. She grew up in Oxford, where she also raised her two children.

Charlotte was a bookkeeper/co-owner of Western Auto stores, where she and her two sisters continued the business that their father had started.

She was a remarkable mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When she was not with her family you could always find her with a book in her hand or walking by the shore. Charlotte loved being at the beach, where she spent the majority of her time in Ocean City, Md. She traveled the world and loved telling her grandchildren about her great adventures.

Her faith was strong and Charlotte was a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Ocean City, Md., where she volunteered any extra time, she had.

She is survived by one son, Ronald Baylis (Carol) of Middletown, Del.; daughter, Deborah Jennings (Jim) of Elkton, Md.; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Jennings (Trisha), Andrea Baron (John), Alexander Baylis (Eileen) and Alyson Jennings; six great-grandchildren, Madison Jennings, Kenzy Jennings, Christopher Pedersen, Felicity Baylis, Helen Baylis and Grace Baron; and one sister, Joan Featherman of Bear, Del.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Deborah McFadden.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 15 at Sacred Heart Church, 203 Church Rd., Oxford.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

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

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



Elizabeth J. “Betty” Summers

Elizabeth J. “Betty” Summers, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 3 at St. Mary Center in Lansdale, Pa.  She was 72.

Her funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 25 at the Bernard Suess Funeral Home, 606 Arch Street, Perkasie, Pa., where family and friends may call from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Interment will follow in Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Prospectville, Pa.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Educational Foundation, P. O. Box 142, Oxford, PA  19363 or at oxfordeducationalfoundation.org.


SAMUEL H. WICKERSHAM, JR.,

Samuel H. Wickersham, Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 102 at home on Sept. 5. Sam was the husband of the late Elizabeth (Bettie) Pennington Wickersham. 

Born in Unionville, he was the son of the late Samuel H. Wickersham, Sr. and the late Edith Thatcher Peirce Wickersham.

Samuel is survived by his son, William P. Wickersham, of Kennett Square; his daughter, Marcia Wickersham Malchione Wilkins and her husband, Eric, of Kennett Square; one sister, Mary Mitchell of West Chester; two grandchildren, Lori Malchione Gebert (John) of Downingtown and Mark R. Malchione (Kaitlyn) of Kennett Square; two step grandchildren, Matthew Wilkins (Katie) of Camp Hill, Pa. and Andrew Wilkins of Monroeville, Pa.; three great-grandchildren; as well as five step great-grandchildren. 

Samuel was predeceased by three brothers, George P. Wickersham, William T. Wickersham and N. Hayes Wickersham; one sister, Sarah Williams; and a son-in-law, Richard M. Malchione. 

Sam graduated from Unionville High School Class of 1938, attended West Chester State Teacher’s College and graduated from Technical Training Command School at Buick Motors Division specializing in aircraft engine overhaul. Sam also served in the 304th Bomber Squadron in the U.S. Army Air Force from Feb. 1942 to May 1943 until he was medically discharged. 

Samuel was a retired Kennett Square postal service clerk, having worked 30 years for the U.S. Postal Service. He was employed as a mail messenger for 10 years at Longwood Gardens and was a cashier at Brandywine Raceway for 18 years.

Sam was known for his wonderful sense of humor and general kindness to all who knew him. 

Services were held on Sept. 10 at Kuzo Funeral Home,

His family wishes to thank the services of Willow Tree Hospice for their exceptional care and concern for Sam and his family. 

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Good Neighbors Home Repair, 224 E. Street Road, Suite 2, Kennett Square, PA 19348 or Willow Tree Hospice, Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, ATTN.: Willow Tree Hospice of KSQ, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. 

To view Sam’s online tribute and share a message with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square.


Grace I. Moore

Grace I. Moore, a resident of Unionville, entered eternal rest on Sept. 3. She was 83.

She was the wife of Leo Conlon, who passed away in 2012. Her  first husband, Lemuel Moore, with whom she shared 33 years of marriage,  passed away in 1989.

Born in Swarthmore, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Sidney Smith and the late Gertrude Thomas Smith.

Grace raised, showed and judged Doberman Pinschers for over 62 years. She also loved to cook for her large family and had the green thumb with all that she planted. Her family and friends meant the world to her. She was strong in the face of heartbreak and obstacles, yet she always kept that child-like wonder. She wasn’t afraid to speak the truth.

She is survived by three sons, Lemuel Moore, III (and his wife Joanne) of Bechtelsvile, Pa., Lawrence E. Moore (and his wife of Debra) of Quarryville, Pa. and Wesley Moore (and his wife Martha) of Shunk, Pa.; one daughter, Tami Dilley (and her husband Cecil) of Kirkwood, Pa.;   two brothers, Sydney A. Smith of Jacksonville, FL and Robert Earl Smith of Valdosta, GA;  and five sisters, Mildred E. Chattin of Unionville, Renee Smith of GA, Patricia Cisowski of Quarryville, Melody Suchowicki of Havertown, Pa. and Faith Smay of Gallitzin, Pa.

She is also survived by 21 grandchildren,  22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

Grace was predeceased by one daughter, June Stewart and two sisters, Marie Cahille and Ellen Ray Moore.

Her Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 19 at the Italian American Club, 30 Ways Lane, Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Doberman Pinscher Rescue of PA, Treasurer, P.O. Box 1063, Oaks, PA 19456-1063.

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