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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of July 18

07/18/2022 01:40PM ● By Steven Hoffman

Paul J. Roberts

 Paul J. Roberts age 69, of Rising Sun MD passed away on July 3, 2022. He was born on November 9, 1952 in Avondale, PA to the late Jonathan Roberts, and the late Jean Roberts (McMillan). Paul is survived by his wife of 36 years, Pamela J. Stegall. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 12:00 noon on Sunday July 24, 2022 at Nonantum Farm 47 Good Hope Rd. Landenberg, Pa 19350 A luncheon will be held following the services.  To send online condolences please visit, www. rtfoard.com. 

Paul is also survived by brothers Kenneth Roberts of Landenberg, Pa. and Brian Roberts ( Barbara) of Avondale, Pa. Nephews Kenneth P Roberts ( Cindy) of Landenberg, Pa., Ben Roberts ( Andrea) of Landenberg, Pa., Jake Roberts of Newark, De. , Paul grew up in Avondale, Pa. After attending Milwaukee School of Engineering ,he worked with his father in the family business J.J. Roberts HVAC and Steam Boilers. Paul had quite a reputation as a master mechanic and was often referred to as the Boiler Doctor, working in the commercial mushroom industry in Chester County . Upon retirement Paul devoted his time to the operation of his farm with his wife Pam at Calvert Farm in Rising Sun, MD . Paul was loved by many. He was a kind and gentle man. In lieu of flowers, a donation is suggested to the https://veterinarycarefoundation.org/  for the Nonantum Vet Clinic as a memorial for Paul J Roberts .


William Eric Dickinson Sr.

William Eric Dickinson Sr. was born on March 8, 1946 to the late Harold and Margaret Dickinson, in West Grove. He was the eldest of four children. William departed this life at his home in Hockessin, Del. on June 24, 2022 with his family by his side.

William graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1964. While in school, William was an exceptional student and an outstanding athlete, especially in track & field events. After graduation William enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1964 serving for four years. While serving his country, William was deployed to Germany and was a radio repair specialist. He was honorably discharged in 1968.

William met Flossie, the love of his life, in the summer of 1964 while at the Oxford Carnival. She left him speechless for the first and only time in his life, and they would later wed on January 27, 1968. They celebrated 54 years of undying love in January of 2022. From their union, they have two amazing children, Renee Trenace, and William Eric Jr.

William was employed at DuPont Chemical Company for 25 years as managing sales director, before retiring in 1993. Upon his retirement from DuPont, William worked for Delaware Blueprint before eventually acquiring the business and becoming the sole operating owner. Most recently, William worked part-time at Nichols & Associates, CPA in Wilmington, Del.

William began his spiritual journey at Christ Temple Church in Kennett Square. He was baptized in Jesus’ name and received the Holy Ghost. He became an ordained deacon under the mentorship of Deacon Everett Butcher and became a beloved young adult Sunday School teacher. Being obedient to the voice of the Lord, William founded the Fellowship Hope Church of Middletown, Del. in 2002.

In October of 1972, William became a member of the prestigious DuPont Country Club of Wilmington, Del. Here, he learned golf was not a game of being perfect but only a game that could only be played but never won. His persistence to be better and love for the game made him a fierce competitor and worthy opponent to all his peers.  

William, also known to some as Bill, Uncle Bill, or a hero, was a gift to the world and will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him. His infectious smile and inviting personality brought warmth and joy to all he encountered. William was a self-driven, motivated man that worked hard to achieve any goal he set. He was meticulous and his attention to detail was thorough for every project.  He had an amazing ability to brighten your day with a compliment or share his wisdom with anyone who needed advice. He was very well respected and was influential throughout his circles of family and friends. William showed great appreciation for life and all it had to offer. The legacy that he leaves encompasses Galatians 5:22-23 - “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” William enjoyed spending time with his family and spreading love through the Word of God.

He was predeceased by his parents, Harold Oscar and Margaret M. Dickinson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 54 years, Florence L. Dickinson; his daughter, Renee T. Dickinson Mamouzette (Woody) of Livingston, NJ; his son William E. Dickinson, Jr. (Jennifer) of Lancaster, SC; his grandchildren, Jordan Mamouzette, Sean Mamouzette, Mya Mamouzette of Livingston, NJ; his sisters, Ida Reeves of West Grove, Shirley Alston of Exton and brother, Harold Dickinson Jr. (Betty) of Bear, Del.; his in-laws, Samuel L. Reeves (Helen) of Avondale, Elisie Reeves of Oxford, Richard H. Reeves of Rising Sun, Md., James R. Reeves (Donna) of Glen Mills, and Wanda Reeves of Wilmington, Del.

William was predeceased by Joseph Reeves, Paul Reeves, Guy Reeves and Robert Reeves and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square. Please visit Mr. Dickinson’s online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.


Esther Leeds Cooperman

Esther Leeds Cooperman, of Kennett Square, passed away on June 21 at Chester County Hospital. She was 95.

She was born in Philadelphia in 1927 to Hadassah Joanna (née Moore) and Morris E. Leeds. Esther grew up and lived most of her life in Philadelphia’s Northwest section. In 1957, she and Harris L. Cooperman married. In 1980 they moved first to Baltimore, and then to Easton, Md. She and Harris last resided at Kendal-Crosslands, a Quaker Lifecare community in Kennett Square. Harris passed away in 2016.

Esther Cooperman was a lifelong Quaker and member of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. She was a graduate of Germantown Friends School, Swarthmore College, and the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a master’s degree in political science. She began her career as a foreign student adviser for the University of Pennsylvania, and then became a director for junior high school and college programs for the World Affairs Council in Philadelphia. She later served as a personnel consultant for Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action for the Girard (now Mellon) Bank. In the final phase of her professional life, she worked as a placement and career counselor for the law schools of first the University of Pennsylvania and second the University of Maryland. A staunch believer in the importance of education, Esther served as a member of the School Committee of Germantown Friends School and on the Board of Managers of Swarthmore College. She was on the Board of International House of Philadelphia, and later the Boards of Sheppard Pratt Hospital and Health Care for the Homeless, both of Baltimore. She was President of the Board of the Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival and a volunteer at the ACLU of Maryland, Eastern Shore. 

Esther Cooperman is survived by her three children, Emily T. Cooperman (John Dixon Hunt) of Philadelphia, Morris Cooperman (Genny) of Haddon Township, New Jersey, and Hannah B. C. Bray (Thomas) of Parkville, Maryland; a granddaughter, Claire T. Bray; and five step-grandchildren, Katharine S. Thomas, and Elise, Michael, Bernadette, and Becky Trendler.

A memorial service will be held at Crosslands in the fall. Donations in Esther Cooperman’s memory may be made to the American Friends Service Committee, the Friends Committee on National Legislation, and the ACLU. Arrangements by the Kuzo Funeral Home, Kennett Square. Please visit her online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.


Marilyn M. Crossan

Marilyn M. (Smith) Crossan, a resident of Landenberg, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2022 while surrounded by her loving family. She was 84.

Marilyn was the wife of the late Charles J. Crossan, Sr., with whom she shared almost 63 years of marriage.

She was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., the daughter of the late Stanley Smith and Martha Zementauski (Smith). At the age of five, Marilyn and her family moved to Wilmington, Del.

Marilyn was a graduate of Wilmington High, class of 1955. She worked at Rollin Motors Auto Dealership,, which is where she met the love of her life. She was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Hockessin, Del. She was also involved with the United Methodist Church in Landenberg.

Marilyn especially enjoyed cooking, spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to run the roads, trips to Shady Maple, Delaware Park, dining out and went to the Acme in Hockessin, Del. just about every other day. She was a big collector of bells and dolls. Marilyn wore a purple tint in her hair and she loved those compliments.

Marilyn is survived by three sons, Charles J. Crossan and his wife, Jennifer, of New Castle, Del., David Crossan of Landenberg and Jimmy Crossan, also of Landenberg; her two daughters, Janet Gift and her husband, John, of Landenberg, and Martina Caroselli and her husband, Michael, of Wilmington, Del.; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. 

She was predeceased by two brothers, Sonny and Andrew Smith and three grandchildren, Shaina, Adin and James Crossan.

A funeral mass was held on July 18 at Landenberg United Methodist Church and interment then followed at All Saint’s Cemetery in Wilmington, Del.

In lieu of flowers, Marilyn’s family kindly requests donations be made to Landenberg United Methodist Church, 205 Penn Green Rd, Landenberg, PA 19350 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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


Robert Wayne Pierson

Robert W. Pierson, 89, of Oxford, passed away on July 1, 2022 in Lititz, Pa. with family by his side. He had been battling large granular lymphocytic leukemia.

He was born on April 2, 1933 in Lewisville in Elk Township to the late Walter A. Pierson and Alice E. Hammond Pierson.

Bob was a graduate of Oxford Area High School class of 1951, and earned his associate’s degree at Goldey-Beacom College.

He served in the U.S. Army from Oct. 1956 to Oct. 1958 and witnessed atomic bombs testing of “Smokey.” 

He was employed at Chrysler Corp.  Newark Assembly Plant in the personnel department for 34 years, retiring in 1992. Bob was then employed with Caldor and Tastykake part-time.

Bob was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church in Lewisville, where he served as a choir member and as a trustee on many committees.

He was a member of Ocklokonee Tribe #212 Improved Order of Red Men, Oxford, and served as the "Wampum Keeper" (treasurer) for 34 years.

He enjoyed his family, flowers, playing cards with friends, riddles and “Seinfield.”

He is survived by his three children, Kathy S. Pierson of Lancaster, Pa., Kenneth R. Pierson (Jodi) of Oxford; and Kristine A. Riley of Nottingham; five grandchildren, Megan, Justine and Payne Riley, Gregory and Clayton Pierson; and one great-granddaughter, Daisy Phipps.

He is also survived by one brother, W. Dean Pierson (Jacklyn) of Oxford and one sister, Mary Anne Reisler (Wayne) of Mansfield, Pa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Howard T. and Joseph H. Pierson; and infant siblings, George C. and Joyce I. Pierson.

Funeral services were held on July 7 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

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

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


Kara McCarthy

Kara Gwen Prewitt McCarthy, of Oxford, passed away on July 7, 2022. She was 39.

She was born on October 1, 1982 in Lancaster, Pa. to Larry and Denise Prewitt. She was a loving mother to her daughters, Brooke and Lexi. 

Kara was a graduate of Oxford Area High School, class of 2001. Upon graduation, she went on to to receive her cosmetology license from Empire Beauty School in West Chester in 2002 and became a hair stylist. In 2012, after the birth of her daughter Brooke, she became a professional mom. She always put her girls and family first. The girls were her world and she excelled at the mom-life. After Lexi was enrolled in school full time, Kara went on to serve as the lunch lady at Penn’s Grove Middle School, before transitioning over to a paraprofessional at Hopewell Elementary.  

Kara had a passion for life. She loved spending time with Brooke and Lexi, and included her sister Candace and parents along for all of their adventures. She always looked forward to the annual beach trip in Cape May with her mom, dad, kids, sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins and her little sidekick Charlotte.  Kara was the first to volunteer for all of her Uncle Scott’s businesses, and she loved to spend time with her family and friends, especially Kristin, Donnice and Allie and she was known as Aunt Kara to many friends’ children. She also enjoyed being with the “cousin crew” enjoying concerts, trips to Penn State and all our family get-togethers. Kara also loved her boyfriend Travis and she took on the responsibility of helping raise Briar, Brynna and Ayla. Kara was always down for a good time, especially since she was the one that brought the good time.

Kara was known for her love for life, wit, infectious smile and laughter, kindness, and compassion. 

Kara was preceded in death by her grandfathers Kyle William Barker and William Grant Prewitt.  

She is survived by her two daughters, Brooke and Lexi, her sister Candace, her parents Larry and Denise, her grandmothers Doris Barker and Alice Parsons, four of her aunts, Cindy Moore (Mark), Brenda Walker (Rick), Lisa Moran (Scott) and Dawn Prewitt Orr (Jeff) and several of her cousins. 

A celebration of life was held on July 14 at the Christian Life Center.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the GoFundMe for Kara’s girls https://gofund.me/59e6b389.

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


James Taylor Pierson

James Taylor Pierson, 30, of Cochranville, passed away on July 12, 2022.

 Born in West Chester, he was the son of James P. Taylor, Jr. and  Charlotte Ann Dowell.

Pierson was a heavy equipment operator for Laurel Valley Soils in Landenberg.

He was a hard worker, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his Harley and being with his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Matthew Taylor of Denver, Pa. and Ryan Taylor of Concordville, Pa. and one sister, Christine Taylor of Lancaster County, Pa.

He was also survived by a paternal grandfather, James P. Taylor, Sr. of Landenberg, his aunt Lisa Taylor of Avondale and his cousin Elisabeth Taylor of Avondale.

He was predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Vera Taylor and his maternal grandmother, Patricia Aument.

Services were held on July 19 at Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square. 

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Pierson’s memory may be made to  the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation, P.O. Box 33, Oxford, PA 19363  (online at www.braveeli.com).


Ralph Odone Rosazza

Ralph Odone Rosazza passed away on July 13, 2022. He was 90.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Myers Rosazza, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. Born on April 18, 1932 in Avondale, he was the son of Fay Sluder and Clarence Rosazza. 

Ralph lived in Avondale all his life. He worked as a flower grower in the family business, Rosazza Greenhouses. 

Ralph graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1951 as president of his class. He lettered in soccer, basketball, baseball and track. After high school, he played on a traveling legion baseball team. He was a member of the Kennett Old Timers Baseball Hall of Fame. 

From 1955 to 1964, he served as a SPC Specialist in the U.S. Army. 

Ralph was active in the boy scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 3. He was pack master of Pack 191 for several years before returning to Troop 3 as a Troop Committeeman. 

Ralph was elected to the Avondale Borough Council and served for 16 years, and was council president for 12 years. He also was a member of the Avondale Sewer Authority, later becoming the Avondale Republican Committeeman. 

While his sons played Little League baseball, he was treasurer and equipment manager, helping with the Little League carnivals. 

In addition to his wife, Ralph is survived by his children, Ronald O. Rosazza (Mary Lou) of Avondale, Joan Rosazza Brackin (David) of Oxford and Daniel E. Rosazza (Cordelia) of Avondale, three grandchildren, Rebecca, Sara and Carolyn Rosazza, a brother, Richard P. Rosazza of Avondale and sister Shirley Raimato. 


Ralph was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Rosazza. 

Services were held on July 18 at the Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove. Interment will be private at Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. 

Contributions may be made in Ralph’s name to Hometown Heroes Wall Fund, 3 Miller Drive Avondale, PA 19311. 

Arrangements are being handled by the Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove. Please visit Ralph’s online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.


G. Mildred Summers

G. Mildred Summers, a resident of Wilmington, Del. and formerly a resident of Oxford, passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 while at home. She was 95.

Born in Coatesville, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Carl and Florence Hannum Pearl.

Mildred retired from Longwood Gardens as a bookkeeper.

She is survived by four children, John Summers, Jr., Ronald Summers, Connie Barber and Bonnie Cain, and eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 16 at Beulah Baptist Church, 3815 Newark Road in Oxford.

Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to County Corrections Gospel Mission, PO Box 1136, Coatesville, PA 19320.

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

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


Paula Elaine Hanby

Paula Elaine Hanby, of Nottingham, passed away on July 10 at Reading Hospital. She was 58.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.  

Paula was born on March 8, 1964 in Nottingham and graduated from Oxford Area High School in 1982.  

She worked in information technology at Jennersville Hospital (formerly Southern Chester County Medical Center) for 17 years. This is where she met the love of her life, Anthony Hanby and they married in 1994. Paula then worked for Deloitte Consulting for 17 years as a systems analyst.  She facilitated teams around the globe to support Deloitte’s virtual education platform.  Her co-workers considered her to be a memorable woman who made work fun.

As a lifelong resident of Nottingham, Paula enjoyed boating on the Susquehanna, hiking, four-wheeling, and rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles.  Her many Labrador puppies were her pride and joy.  Paula hosted countless wedding and baby showers, made the best potato salad, and generously sent gifts as a way to cheer up her friends and family.  She was kind to all, whether they were two-legged or four-legged.  She had a wicked sense of humor, but most of all, a friendly and giving spirit that will be missed by all.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Caroline Brown and her sister, Donna Lynn Webb.

Paula is survived by her husband, Tony; her sons, Clifford (Bridgette) Zell and Steven Zell; her sister, Wanda Brown Nitsch (Chuck); her brothers-in-law Jason and Clayton; a granddaughter, Madalyn; two grandsons, Dylan and Chase; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Even though Paula left to put on her angel wings, she lived a special life surrounded by people who admired and loved her. 

A celebration of her life took place on July 15 at Edward L. Collins Funeral Home in Oxford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20825, or the Brandywine Valley SPCA at https://bvspca.org/donate/.

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


Eugene E. Daunno

Eugene “Gene” E. Daunno, 74, of Kennett Square, passed away on July 13, 2022 while at his home surrounded by his family after a five-year battle with cancer.  

He was the husband of Marie Pratt Daunno, with whom he shared 23 years of marriage.

Born in Orange, NJ he was a son of the late Herman Daunno and the late Theresa Tolve Daunno. Gene graduated from King’s College with a degree in marketing. His career included entrepreneurial endeavors and he found his passion in sales management and training. 

Gene was a longtime member of Willowdale Chapel.  He enjoyed serving on the tech team for Willowdale’s services as well as the tech team for the Celebrate Recovery ministry.  Gene also previously served as Willowdale’s liaison for Family Promise, coordinating logistics for families who needed a safe place to stay while experiencing homelessness. He was also actively involved for several years in the stage crew for the Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society (KATS).

He enjoyed camping with his wife and family, fishing, being on the water, music, playing card games, and joking around.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his dry wit. Gene was an avid supporter of his family and an adamant fan of his children’s and grandchildren’s sports and other activities.

In addition to his wife Marie, he is survived by his son, Christian Daunno (and his wife Carla) of Wilmington, Del.; his daughter, Chantel Brown (and her husband Scott and their children, Cameron and Payton) of West Grove; his daughter, Heather Cotignola-Pickens (and her husband John-Michael) of Harrisburg, Pa.; and his son Christopher Cotignola (and his wife Paige) of Omaha, NE. Additionally, he is survived by his sister Patricia Terantino (and her husband Albert) of Flanders, NJ; and his brother, Paul Daunno of Jefferson, GA, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

Services were held at the Willowdale Chapel in Kennett Square on July 19. Interment will be in New Garden Friends Cemetery.  

Contributions in his memory may be made to Family Promise online at https://www.familypromisescc.org/donate. Please mention the donation is in memory of Gene Daunno.  Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100). To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.