Robert Skemer

Robert Skemer passed away at the age of 93 on Nov. 29, 2022, at Freedom Village in Coatesville.  He was the husband of the late Joanne Stern Skemer, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage.

Born in Yonkers, NY, he was the son of the late Harry Skemer and the late Sarah Rifkin Skemer.  He graduated from Pace College with a degree in accounting. He served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving state side.

He owned and operated Dale Home Furnishings in Bronx, NY for over 45 years.

He is survived by two daughters, Lisa Baldwin of Coatesville and Linda Schneider and her husband, Barry, of  Allentown, Pa.; grandchildren, Ross Terker (Amanda), Andrew Terker (Samantha), Jacqueline Vincent (Danny), Amy Adelson (Reed), JJ Geewax (Ka-el), Allison Geewax (Henry Emslie), Stephanie Geewax (Duncan Shallcross), Catherine Geewax (Ari Ross), Peter Schneider (Leslie); great-grandchildren, Brody Terker, Owen Clay Vincent, Judah Terker, James Julius Robert Emslie, Ari Terker, Ellis Adelson, Luca Geewax, Sadie Adelson, Jonah Schneider, Cameron Schneider and James Schneider.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  An avid skier since the 1960s, he had numerous hobbies: he collected fine french wines, and also taught himself stained glass cutting and designing in the 1970s, creating many lampshades, wall hangings, and other items in his home workshop.  He lovingly gave many of these items to family and friends.

After retiring, he became a Big Brother, which gave him a new opportunity to share his kindness and generosity.

He was beloved.

Services and interment will be held privately.  Contributions in his memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity https://www.habitat.org/donate/.

Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.  

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

Edward J. Fahey

Edward J. Fahey, a resident of Jenner’s Pond Community in West Grove, passed away at Christiana Hospital in Del. on Dec. 3. He was 94.

He was the husband of Susan M. Brewster Fahey and the late Elizabeth Mullen Fahey, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. and Kathryn Keating Fahey, and a sister, Josephine Fahey.  

He is survived by four children, Susan Calio (Jay), Patricia Donmoyer (Larry), Robert Fahey (Carolyn Wilhelm), and Jane Orner (John); 10 grandchildren, Michael Calio (Lindsay), Mark Calio, Brian Calio (Julia), Sean Donmoyer (Kait), Nathan Donmoyer (Ami), Erin Danley (Sheldon), Lauren Barolin (Austin), Matthew Fahey, Andrew Orner, and Brendan Orner (Natalie), as well as 11 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by Susan’s four children and seven granddaughters, all of whom loved him dearly.

Ed was raised on his family's farm in Kennett Township and attended St. Patrick Elementary School and Kennett High School, followed by the University of Delaware where he earned a degree in engineering and later an MBA. He served as an Army artillery officer and then had a 40-year career with All American Engineering Company in Delaware, where he rose to president in 1971 and was also responsible for subsidiaries in Ireland and England. Ed was proud of the company's roles in America's military and space programs and in exporting flight safety equipment to 35 foreign countries.

Ed was a member of St. Patrick parish and the Kennett Coffee Klatch, and a former member of the Kennett Country Club where he and Betty enjoyed playing tennis. He served on zoning, school, symphony, United Way, and library boards, plus a term as Mayor of Kennett Square Borough. He enjoyed travel, water coloring, singing, sudoku, and delivering programs at Jenner’s Pond, and he was a faithful fan of the Phillies, Eagles, and Penn State football. 

He was an enthusiastic supporter of all the sports, endeavors, and activities of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he was delighted to get to know Susan’s extended family.

His life experiences provided Ed with many stories that he recounted with great detail and humor.  He relished each relationship he developed whether it was from college, work, Kennett Square, Jenner's Pond, or his extensive family and their friends—all of them grew to love Dad /Ed /Big Ed /Edward/ Pop for the caring and truly decent man he was. A special highlight for the Fahey clan was the beach week he provided each year, where most recently 39 family members gathered to laugh and love. 

Ed’s memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square.

Interment will be held privately.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Ed’s memory to Community Volunteers in Medicine (https://www.cvim.org/), the American Cancer Society (https://donate3.cancer.org), or the Arthritis Foundation (https://www.arthritis.org/).

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.  To view Ed’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

John T. O’Connell

John Thomas “Jack” O'Connell, of Harbeson, Del., passed away peacefully on Dec. 6 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 84.

Born in Pottsville, Pa., he was the son of the late John O'Connell and the late Gertrude (McLaughlin) O'Connell. He was the husband of the late Julia Theresa O'Connell, who died in 2017, and with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. 

Jack graduated from West Catholic High School in 1958 and earned his associates degree in accounting from Goldey-Beacom College.  

The family raised their four children in Unionville. Jack retired in 2006 after 30 years at Amtrak. Jack and Julie retired to Harbeson, Del. where they enjoyed many years. Jack came to be known as the “grill master” at all neighborhood parties, he was the go-to guy when needing something fixed, and was a great friend to many.

Jack was an avid Nascar, Phillies, Flyers, and Eagles fan.  He never missed a race or a game.  He enjoyed making “bets” with his son, John every Sunday, and going to the Dover races with his brother, Jimmy twice a year along with many other events.  He loved his family more than anything and it showed in all he did.

He is survived by two daughters, Terry O'Connell of Felton, Del. and Julie Anne Wentzel (John) of Oxford; two sons, Paul O'Connell (Tracy) of  Springfield, Pa., and John O'Connell of Pottstown, Pa.; five grandchildren, Brennan, Jack, Justin, Julia, and PJ; one great-grandson, Jace; and one great-grandson on the way, Bodie; his brother, James (Patty) and sister, Anne.  He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.  He is predeceased by his sister, Maryellen Morrissey, along with his parents, John and Gertrude O’Connell, and his nephew, Tommy Morrissey.

A mass of Christian burial was held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square.  Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery.  

Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org/donate.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

M. Ruth Kilby

M. Ruth Kilby, of Nottingham, passed away at the Maple Farms Nursing Facility while surrounded by her children on Dec. 13, 2022. She was 85.

Born in Oxford on July 29, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Charles Browning and Mabel Cregger Browning Keys.

Ruth was a dedicated mother, first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them, especially during family and holiday celebrations. She enjoyed reading, had a deep love for dogs, loved watching Hallmark movies and enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports and school activities. She led a faith-filled life and was dedicated to her church. Ruth retired from Ware Presbyterian Village in 1999 after 23 years of service as a physical therapy aide. 

She is survived by her three sons, David Kilby (Donna), Daniel Kilby (Kathy) and Charles Kilby and her two daughters, Kimberly Kilby McCardell (Randy) and Beth Kilby Dolinger.

She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren, Derek Kilby, Laura Cheek, Hannah Linde, Daniel J. Kilby, Randi Warren, Noah McCardell, Kirstan Dolinger, Meredith Hostetter, Daniel Dolinger II, Camryn Kilby, Colin Kilby, Connor Kilby, Carson Coale, her 16 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews she loved dearly. She is also survived by her brother, Charles Browning, Jr. (Bobbie). 

She was preceded in death by her husband Wiley Kilby, Jr., her son, John Russell Kilby and her grandson, Jason D. Kilby.  She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Edith Griest and Charlotte McCardell, and a brother, James Browning.

A celebration of life service was held on Dec. 16 at Wesley Church in Quarryville. Burial will be a private gathering for immediate family.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lancaster General Hospital with a special thank you to the staff at Maple Farm Nursing Center for their attentive care. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice and Community Care 685 Good Dr, Lancaster PA 17601.

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

DOMENICA M. MASCIANTONIO 

Domenica M. Maciantonio, of Kennett Square, passed away on Dec. 14, 2022 at the Chester County Hospital. She was 87.

She was the wife of Angelo Masciantonio, who passed away in 2016, and with whom she shared 59  years of marriage.

Born in Civitella Messer Raimondo, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Antonio Di Medio and the late Rosa Mastrippolito. She came to the United States in 1966 with her husband and children. She worked for 20 years at Chester Tricot Textile Mill in Kennett Square.

She was a member of St. Patrick Church in Kennett Square. She enjoyed baking, cooking, crocheting, knitting, gardening  and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

Mrs. Masciantonio  is survived by one son, Mario A. Masciantonio and his wife Ann of Avondale; one daughter, Filomena Elliott and her late husband John of Avondale, and three grandchildren, Laura Elliott, Angela Masciantonio and David Masciantonio.

You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at the Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 West State Street, Kennett Square. Her funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82, Kennett Square.

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

Larry P. Kramer

Larry P. Kramer, 88, of Oxford, passed peacefully on Dec. 11, 2022, at his home in Ware Presbyterian Village.

He was born on April 16, 1934, in Butler, Pa., to Sylvis R. and Lucille Kramer.

After graduating high school in Philadelphia, Larry entered the Air Force and served during the Korean conflict. After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, he worked for RCA and Scott Paper until retirement. After retirement, he and his wife Sara Jane Kramer (nee McKeehen) enjoyed many years living near Bethany Beach, Del.  

He was a dedicated husband of 65 years and father to three sons. He enjoyed sports, especially the Pittsburgh Pirates, fishing, family gatherings, and vacations. He encouraged honesty, integrity, education, self-reliance, family, and participation in team sports. He passed on the lifelong skills of self-sufficiency to his sons. Larry and Sara Jane supported their sons’ sport activities by volunteering to cut athletic fields and help with team fundraisers. He and Sara Jane often sacrificed so that their sons would have a better start to life. David, Alan, and Mark acknowledge and honor the sacrifices their father and mother made. 

He is survived by his wife, Sara Jane, of Oxford; his sons, David and his wife Mimi of Landrum, SC; Alan of Coatesville, Pa.; Mark and his wife Amy of Landenberg; and his sister, Nancy, of Cheshire, CT. He is also survived by five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Sylvis R. and Lucille Kramer, and his siblings Robert Kramer and Sue Hill.

Funeral services will be held 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 23 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment with full military honors will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Del. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association: https:// www.alz.org.

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

Horace W. Steffy, Jr.

Horace W. Steffy, Jr., 75, of Lincoln University, Pa., passed away on Dec. 14, 2022.

He was the husband of Dian Kilby Steffy, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage.

Born in Coatesville, Pa., he was the son of the late Horace W., Sr. and Harriet Messler Steffy.

He graduated from Oxford Area High School, class of 1964.

Horace was employed as a heavy equipment operator for PennDOT and retired in 2007 after 20 years of service and was also employed as a deputy game protector for Pennsylvania Game Commission for 17 years.

He is survived by his wife and six children, William Darrell Steffy (Joan) of Oxford, Mark Edward Steffy (Lisa) of Dushore, Tricia Ann Heath (Jason) of Oxford, Mandi Renee Thompson (Howard) of Nottingham, John A. Schaible (Nellie) of Oxford and Kevin M. Schaible (Christy) of Oxford. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two sisters, Jennie Johnston of Ephrata and Patricia Arrowood of Ark.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Walter Eugene “Rick” Steffy and sister, Kathi Moore.

Funeral services were held on Dec. 20 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be in Homeville Cemetery in Cochranville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Gettysburg, www.gettysburgfoundation.or or Southern Chester County EMS, www.medic94.org.

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

Mario “Doc” P. Malchione

Mario “Doc” P. Malchione, age 98, of Avondale, passed away on Dec. 17, 2022. 

He was the beloved husband of the late Thelma Aquilanti Malchione. They shared 63 years of marriage.

Born in Kennett Square in 1924, he was the son of Peter and Rose Mascaro Malchione. He grew up working with his three brothers on their family’s mushroom farm. He graduated from Kennett High School in 1942. 

Doc proudly served his country in the U.S. Army between 1943 and 1945 and received five campaign ribbons during his tour overseas.

After his service, Doc became a mushroom grower and the co-owner of MJR Mushrooms in Toughkenamon. He loved talking about the industry and its continued development, and even corresponded with representatives from Penn State’s mushroom growing center.

However, nothing brought him more joy than spending time with family and friends. He was happiest in the kitchen, whether it be sitting around the table having a spirited conversation about the Eagles or Phillies, playing a card game with his grandchildren or preparing a meal to be shared with family. He believed Super Glue could fix any broken object and loved repairing toys for his great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter, Joan Malchione of Avondale; his son and his wife, Robert Malchione and Kathleen Duey of La Cañada Flintridge, Calif; his brother and his wife, John and Helen Malchione of Avondale; daughter-in-law, Marcia Wilkins of Kennett Square; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Doc was predeceased by his son, Richard Malchione, and two brothers, Anthony Malchione and Rocco Malchione.

You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday evening, Dec. 21 at the Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 West State Street in Kennett Square and again from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday morning, Dec. 22 at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, 8910 Gap Newport Pike (Route 41) in Avondale. His funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82,  in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to SEMPER FI & AMERICA’S FUND, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057.

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

Franklin D. Gibson

Franklin D. Gibson, of Port Deposit, Md., went to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 17, 2022. He was 88.

Franklin passed away at home while in hospice care. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 4, 1934 in Webster Springs, West Virginia, he was the son of the late William and Maude Huffman Gibson.

Franklin was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He was very active in his church and was previously employed by the General Motors Corporation of Wilmington, Del.

Franklin is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Barbara Gibson; children, Francine Kiser, William Gibson, Shonia LeGates, Patty Gotschall, and Joey Pennington; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Franklin was preceded in death by his first wife of 18 years, Annie Gibson.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 at the New Life Faith Center Church of Port Deposit, Md. Visitation for family and friends will be held that day from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Pastor Larry Johnson of the New Life Faith Center Church will officiate. 

Interment will be in Longwood Cemetery in Kennett Square.

Arrangements are being handled by Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., in Perryville, Md. (www.pattersonfuneralhomemd.com).

Harry L. “Hank” Melrath

Harry L. “Hank” Melrath, a resident of Oxford, passed away peacefully on Dec. 15, 2022 while at home. He was 96.

He was the husband of the late Melba W. Waddell Melrath, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage.

Born in Oxford, he was the son of the late Herbert M. and Mary Jamison Melrath.

Harry was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army where he served in World War II with the 82nd Airborne Division. He made 13 jumps from an air craft during his time in the service.

He was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2666, Oxford and American Legion Mason Dixon Post #194, Rising Sun, Md.

Harry was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He worked hard his whole life always providing for his family. For 35 years, he was self-employed as a mushroom grower and was a jack of all trades.

He enjoyed listening to country music, crabbing, watching the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles and having fun with his family. He especially loved spending time with his great-grandchildren, Jack and Josie.

To cherish his memory Hank leaves his two daughters, Dawn M. Zunino (Joe) and Dena E. Bedolla (Robbie); two daughters-in-law, Dana Melrath and Bernie Melrath; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Janet Abrams and Ella Fulton; and three sisters-in-law, Faye Jamison, Virginia Melrath and Trixie Waddell.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Daniel Melrath and Dennis Melrath; one baby granddaughter, Kathy Gehron; two sisters, Vivian (Sis) Taylor and Eva McNeill; and six brothers, Jacob Melrath, Ross Melrath, George Melrath, Robert (Bob) Melrath, Clarence (Midge) Melrath and Larry Melrath.

Funeral services will be held on 11 a.m. on  Wednesday, Dec. 21 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford, where friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m.

Interment with full military honors will be in Oxford Cemetery.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Union Fire Co., No. 1, 315 Market St., Oxford, PA 19363.

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