Darren Lane Van Sant

Darren Lane Van Sant, of West Grove, passed away on Dec. 11 at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia. He was 61.

He was the husband of Kimberly Johnson Van Sant, with whom he shared 37 years of marriage.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of Shirley Porter Van Sant of Palmyra and the late Richard Van Sant.

Darren was a longtime resident of West Grove. He graduated from Avon Grove High School Class of 1979.

He was employed with the County of Chester Facilities Department, in the Government Services Building in West Chester, for 34 years.

Darren enjoyed softball, golfing, fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles and had a love for classic cars and the beach. He especially loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife and mother, Darren is survived by his three daughters, Kara Phipps (Jason) of Quarryville, Laura Van Sant (Robert Galloway) of Cochranville and Alyssa Kilby (Jason) of Nottingham; five grandchildren, Julia, Derek and Natalie Phipps and Brielle and Camryn Kilby; and one sister, Denise Talley (Tom) of Palmyra.

Services were held on Dec. 16 at Manor Presbyterian Church in Cochranville. 

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (http://giftfunds.stjude.org/DarrenVanSant)

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

Robert “Brett” Casey

Robert “Brett” Casey passed away on Dec. 13 after he bravely navigated the long, ever-changing challenges of Parkinson’s Disease. He was a 72-year-old resident of Kennett Square.

He was the husband of Mary Jo Casey, with whom he shared 24 years of marriage.

Born in Waltham, Mass., he was a son of the late George Casey and the late Wilhelmina Jackson Spohn.

Brett earned his bachelor of science degree in chemistry from the University of Delaware and his MBA from Wilmington University.  He had a long career in pharmaceutical chemistry, including positions with Warner Lambert, Pfizer, Roche, Genentech and other laboratories.

Brett loved music and was a skilled vocalist, pianist, and guitarist. He was a central player in many bands for over forty years and enjoyed the camaraderie of harmonies and instrumentation, from small bar rooms to festivals of over 40,000 fans. Beyond musical pursuits, he had a love for the quiet world of plants and gardening, creating gorgeous landscapes wherever he lived. He inherited a passion for hiking from his father, and he proudly walked alongside his dad to complete the last 140 miles of the Camino de Santiago in Spain.    

In addition to his wife Mary Jo Casey, he is survived by a sister, Mary Cloud Casey.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Colby Lance Casey. 

He has four sons, David C. Casey, Christopher A. Cotter, Brian S. Cotter and J. Adam Cotter and two granddaughters, Sheyael Cotter and Sydney Cotter. 

Services were held on Dec. 18 at Kennett Square Golf & Country Club.

Interment will be held privately.  

Contributions in his memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation online at https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate.

Arrangements are by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc (484-734-8100). 

Condolences can be made at www.griecofunerals.com.

EMILY DAVIA DEPIPPO

Emily (Millie) DePippo passed away unexpectedly at Maris Grove Retirement Community on Dec. 19. She was 92.

Emily is survived by a son, Joe, and his wife, Nancy, who reside in Brevard, North Carolina, and a son, Richard, and his husband Doug, who reside in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  

She is preceded in death by her husband, Augie, her brother, Angelo Davia, and sisters, Valentina Caputo and Agnes Davia, and her parents, Eusebius and Emilia Davia.  

Millie was born and grew up in Clifton Mills, Pa. and graduated from Kennett High School in 1946. She then attended and graduated from Goldey Beacom College. She worked for the General Electric Company until she married Augie. Millie was proud of her work for the General Electric Company and enjoyed her time there.

In 1953, Millie married Augie DePippo.  Millie and Augie were partners with brother and sister-in-law Bob and Peggy DePippo in the Brown Derby Restaurant, which was first opened by Augie’s parents in 1934.  They worked together for 40 years and made the Brown Derby a popular local restaurant.  The Brown Derby was owned and operated by the DePippo family for 60 years.  Millie worked hard in partnership with her husband Augie at the restaurant and was always there to support her sons, Joe and Rich as they grew up through their college years. 

Millie was a loving wife, mother, aunt, great aunt and friend. Millie loved everyone and she had a positive attitude about life. She was an avid animal lover her entire life. She enjoyed her time with her sons, their spouses and her extended family who all visited her frequently at Maris Grove. 

After selling the Brown Derby in 1994, Millie and Augie retired.  In 2000 they moved to the Spruce Creek Community in Summerfield, Florida.  During her retirement she was a volunteer at the soup kitchen operated by St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Belleview, FL.  Millie was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with Augie and friends over many years. She was proud of her hole-in-one at the Kennett Square Golf and Country Club. She enjoyed traveling with Augie and together they took many trips around the U.S. and internationally. In October 2013, they moved back to Pennsylvania and into the Maris Grove Retirement Community in Glen Mills, Pa. Millie and Augie were married for 62 years at the time of Augie’s passing in 2016. Millie enjoyed her time with the many friends she made over the years at the Maris Grove. She became an avid Rummikub player and enjoyed playing each night after dinner with her friends right up until her passing. She was an active member of the Maris Grove Italian American Club and always enjoyed the many shows and activities at Maris Grove.

Services were held on Dec. 27 at the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square and a funeral mass followed at St. Patrick Church. 

Burial was at the Saint Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square.

Millie loved animals so in lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue (bwar.org) or Espanola Valley Humane Society (espanolahumane.org). 

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

Albert "Chubby" Ciarrocchi

Albert "Chubby" Ciarrocchi, a resident of West Grove, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Dec. 15. He was 87.

He was the husband of Evelyn Ciarrocchi, with whom he shared more than 50 years of marriage until her passing in 2011.

He was a prominent mushroom grower for 60 years in Avondale.

He enjoyed his children, work, hundred dollar bills, and four letter words, but had a special passion for auto racing. His support for local racing touched too many to mention. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

He was the father of four children, Barry Ciarrocchi (and his wife Sandy) of Landenberg, Daniel Ciarrocchi (and his wife Dawn) of Toughkenamon, Donna Kirby of Landenberg, and Anne Marie Lange of West Grove. 

Chubby is survived by his sister Mary DiSerafino of Aston, Pa., and eight grandchildren.

You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022 at St. Gabriel of the Sorrow Mother Church, 8910 Gap Newport Pike (Route 41), Avondale. 

His service and burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1818 Market Street, Suite 2820, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

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

Helen C. Holcombe

Helen C. Holcombe of Oxford died at Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community on Dec. 17 at the age of 95.
Born on May 30, 1926 in Oxford, she was the daughter of the late Theodore Cochran and Essie Cochran. She was the wife of the late Dr. Guy T. Holcombe, Jr. of Oxford.
She is survived by one son, Guy “Tip” Holcombe (Vicki) of North East; one daughter, Lynn Johnston (Dave) of Elkton; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by two sons, Curtis Holcombe (Lee) of Rising Sun, and Chester Earhart (Ruth) of Quarryville; one grandson, Joshua Holcombe (Katie) of Rising Sun; and one great-grandson, Mason Holcombe of Rising Sun.
Funeral services will be private. Interment will be in the Oxford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Willow Tree Hospice. Please make checks payable to Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., in Oxford (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com).

Eleanor Rose McMullen

Eleanor Rose McMullen, 86, of Lancaster and formerly of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 7 at Lancaster General Hospital. She was 86.

She was the wife of Charles Robert McMullen, whom she married on August 20, 1955. They shared 66 years of marriage. 

Born in Washington, D.C. she was the daughter of the late John R. and Minnie Powell Walsh.

Eleanor was a member of the First Baptist Church in Oxford. She was also a founding member of Oxford Home and School Association and a girl scout troop leader.

She is survived by her husband; three children, Lori Jayne McMullen of Russellville, Lt. Col. Michael Sean McMullen of Alexandria, VA and Timothy Brian McMullen of Lancaster; seven grandchildren, Matthew Ryan McMullen, Cody Brian McMullen, Ashley Nicole Russell, Dean Robert McMullen, Abigail Angelicque McMullen, Johanna Rose McMullen and Michaela Elsa McMullen; and great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 at the First Baptist Church,  552 Market St. Oxford, PA 19363, where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m.

Interment will be in private. 

In lieu of flowers, Eleanor has requested a random act of kindness for someone.

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

Charles Robert McMullen

Charles Robert McMullen, 92, of Lancaster and formerly of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 19 at Lancaster General Hospital.

He was the husband of the late Eleanor Rose Walsh McMullen, whom he married on August 20, 1955. They shared 66 years of marriage. 

Born in Oxford, he was the son of the late Harry James and Nora Mae Keith McMullen.

Charles was a member of the First Baptist Church in Oxford and the Oxford Athletic Association. 

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War.

He was employed with the U.S. Postal Service.

Charles was a boy scout troop leader with Troop 44 and received the Silver Beaver Award.

He is survived by three children, Lori McMullen of Russellville, LTCR. Col. Michael McMullen (Denise) of Alexandria, VA and Timothy McMullen (Teresa) of Lancaster; seven grandchildren, Matthew McMullen, Cody McMullen (Amanda), Ashley Russell (Zach), Dean McMullen, Abigail McMullen, Johanna McMullen, and Michaela McMullen; five great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Harry James McMullen of Rehoboth Beach, DE and Joseph Barry McMullen of Quarryville.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the First Baptist Church,  552 Market St. Oxford, PA 19363, where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m.

Interment with full military honors will be in Oxford Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, Charles has requested to do a good deed. 

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 Bailey

Elizabeth (Betty) Marcella Bailey of Glen Mills, Pa., peacefully passed away on Dec. 19 while holding the hand of her husband of 70 years.

Betty was born on July 13, 1930, to the late William and Margaret Flanagan. 

After graduating from Elkton High School in Elkton, Md., Betty worked as an administrative assistant for the Chrysler Corporation in Newark, Del. 

She married Rodger F. Bailey, with whom she shared 70 years of devoted life and love.

Betty shared her gifts of service, love, and hospitality with friends, neighbors, and family. Anyone who entered Betty’s circle was embraced and cared for. Betty cherished her card-playing friends and neighbors. She enjoyed cooking and sharing meals, flower arranging, listening well to friends and family, and supporting her grandchildren in their artistic, athletic, and musical endeavors.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Margaret Schnatz, Alice Aurig, Sandra Longenecker; her brother, William Flanagan; and her daughter, Lucinda Bailey. She is survived by her beloved husband, Rodger; her children, Gwen DiMarco (John), Franki Burch (Chuck), Faith Dupuis (Vic), and Rodger B. Bailey (Becky); as well as her sisters Clara Lear and Mary DiVirgilio. Her legacy is beautifully reflected in the lives of her 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews. God’s gracious love has been shared through Betty’s life of service – “Aunt Betty,” and “Mom,”  and “Nan.”

The entire family is deeply grateful for the extraordinary care and service of each and

every caregiver who poured love into Betty and Rodger’s lives.

There will be a memorial service planned at a later time.  In lieu of flowers, a donation in Betty’s honor can be made to Meals on Wheels of Chester County, 404 Willow Brook Lane, West Chester, PA 19382.  Please designate the Kennett Square branch. Rodger and Betty have truly appreciated their faithful service.  

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

Please visit the online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Geraldine Mary Taylor

Geraldine Mary Taylor, 76, of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 9. She was born on Aug. 15, 1945 in Liverpool, UK to the late Frank Ellis and Agnes (Smith) Ellis.

Geraldine came to the U.S. when she was 19 years old. Soon after her arrival, she met her beloved husband, Joseph Taylor, on a blind date. Geraldine and her husband lived on their family’s mushroom farm where she worked and raised their children. She had many dogs and cats and loved them all dearly. Geraldine loved to go antiquing for colonial style furniture and took great pride in decorating her home. She named her home, “The Journey’s End,” which was published in “Living with Country” and “The Magic of Christmas” by Judy Condon.

Geraldine is survived by her husband, Joseph Taylor; a son, Joshua Taylor; and her siblings, Ronne O’Brien, Ilene Fisher, Trixie Waddell, Marie Morry, Joan Rumf, and Tess Bridges.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Joseph Taylor, II.

A celebration of Geraldine’s life will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022 at 11 a.m. at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 111 South Queen Street, Rising Sun, MD 21911. 

Family and friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Oxford Cemetery. Flowers would be appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made payable to “Brandywine Valley SPCA” and sent in care of the funeral home at P.O. Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911. 

To send online condolences, please visit, www.rtfoard.com.