Obituaries for the week of March 6
03/05/2023 09:44PM ● By Steven Hoffman
Marjorie Erin Eby
On the evening of Feb. 16, 2023, Marjorie Erin Eby died peacefully at the age of 35.
Erin was born to Richard and Beth Eby in 1987. She finished high school at The Center for Arts and Technology where she studied landscaping and horticulture. While in high school, Erin won a blue ribbon from Longwood Gardens for her marigolds and she also won a speech contest. Erin worked for several years at Handicrafters sheltered workshop where she assembled boxes, filled shoe shine kit orders, cleaned jewelry boxes, and did hot gluing.
Erin loved attending the NeuroRestorative STEPS program where she made several lifelong friends and had great therapists. Her favorite field trips were to farms and the SPCA as she loved to be with animals.
Erin was best known for her welcoming smile and warm hugs. She loved her pets and watching TV with her family. Each morning she liked to sleep in so the family would hear her play her “Mamma Mia” disc to drown out the sounds of the day getting started. Erin also loved being an aunt to her niece and nephews. She was always happy to share her favorite books, movies, and toys with them. Erin knew all the words to most Disney movies by heart, had read all of the Harry Potter series. She also loved “Star Wars” and had a vivid imagination.
Erin is predeceased by her father, Rich.
She is survived by her mother, Beth, her sister Jenny (Ben) Cowan and their three children Abby, Josh, and Caleb, and her brother Michael Eby. Michael was also her best friend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Erin be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2132 S 12th St #101, Allentown, PA 18103.
To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
Margaret Mary Wiegner
Margaret “Marge” Mary Wiegner (nee McMaster), of West Grove, passed away on Feb. 25, 2023 after a short battle with cancer. She was 75.
Marge was born on Dec. 24, 1947 to Rita and James McMaster in Rockaway Beach Hospital, Rockaway, NY and she spent her early childhood in Ozone Park, NY. Before marriage, Margaret lived in various locations before settling in Upper Darby, Pa.
Marge met Harry in April of 1967 through their love of roller skating. Harry used to joke that they met for the first time, twice, since she didn’t remember meeting him the first time. They dated for several years before marrying in 1969 at St. Alice Church.
In life, Marge was a devoted Catholic, and spent many years in various choirs, praying the Novena and saying the rosary every day. It was said that she had power of the beads, and people would call her to pray for various friends, family, and positive outcomes. “Rub the beads” or “light a candle” were common requests. Marge worked as a nurse and retired from nursing after years of devoted service in geriatric care. In her free time, Marge enjoyed her various shows, the beach, and keeping up with her kids and grandkids and their many activities. She was an avid reader.
Marge is preceded in death by her loving husband, Henry Matthew Wiegner, Jr., her parents, Rita and James McMaster, her in-laws, Regina and Henry Wiegner, brother-in-law, Don Wiegner and sister-in-law, Judy Castiglione.
Marge is survived by her children, Harry (Carol), Ellen Allison (Rick), Arlene Zipp (Scott), and Shannon Johnston (Jason); her brothers, Thomas (Kerrie) and James (Anne) McMaster; a sister, Rita Gunn (Larry); sisters-in-law, Lois Powers (Rich), Arlene Rankin (Chalie), Patricia Loomis; a brother-in-law, Kenneth Wiegner (Lorraine); 13 grandchildren, Kathryn, John, Gavin, Rebecca, Ally, Shane, Matthew, Hailey, Samantha, Alexis, Keegan, Shae, and Henry; 23 nieces and nephews; countless grand nieces, nephews; and a great-granddaughter.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on March 2 at Sacred Heart Church in Oxford.
Interment will be in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Brandywine River Valley Hospice, 125 Bell Tower Lane, Suite 1B, 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.
Michael Ferrari
Michael Ferrari, of Kennett Square, passed away on Feb. 25, 2023 at Penn Presbyterian Hospital. He was 66.
Michael was the husband of Karen Wasik Ferrari, with whom he shared 21 years of marriage.
Born 1956 in Huntington, NY, he was the son of Victor Ferrari and Eileen Cassidy Ferrari.
Following high school, Michael attended Stony Brook University of New York where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He continued his higher learning at Rutgers University, earning first his master’s degree in psychology and subsequently his Ph.D. in psychology. Michael’s academic accomplishments led him to become a licensed neuropsychologist.
From 1979 through 1991, Michael completed multiple clinical and research fellowships but was especially proud of his work as Clinical Fellow at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science.
Michael began working at the University of Delaware in 1982 and was jointly appointed in two colleges. In 2007, Michael accepted the position of Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Throughout his academic and professional career, he was the recipient of numerous honors and awards including Professor of the Year (1985, College of Human Resources), Visiting Scientist in Psychiatry (1991-1993, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine), Faculty Appreciation Award (2022, Sigma Kappa Honor Society) and the Excellence in Teaching Award (2013, University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development).
In addition, Michael was a founder of First State School in the Wilmington Hospital, a school that provides children and adolescents who would otherwise be homebound with serious illnesses the chance to attend school with their peers while receiving the medical attention they need. He was a member of the Christiana Care Medical and Dental Staff and provided neuropsychological and rehabilitation services to inpatients and outpatients at several locations throughout the state. He was particularly proud of his work with the Delaware Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
In his free time, Michael enjoyed gardening. He had a green thumb and took pride in the sauces and soups he would create with his homegrown vegetables. He was also a massive football fan and never failed to cheer on his beloved New York Giants. Michael was empathetic, caring and kind. He was the type of person to root for the underdog and cared deeply about helping his fellow man. As a teacher, Michael was happy to share his knowledge with anyone willing to learn. Michael will be truly missed by his family, friends, students, colleagues and all who had the pleasure to know him.
Michael was an active member of Good News Church in Hockessin, Del.
In addition to his wife, Karen, he is survived by his children, Matthew Ferrari (Heather), Lauren Munyan (Christopher), Andrew Ferrari (Callie), Kendall Irving (Carl) and Christian Hoechst (Brianna); four brothers, James Ferrari (April), Victor Ferrari (Barbara), John Ferrari (Karla) and Thomas Ferrari (Theresa); eight grandchildren, Christopher, Lily, Elijah, Josephine, Jason, Jacob, Nikko and Margot; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held on March 4 at Good News Church in Hockessin, Del.
Interment will follow at Unionville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Michael’s family kindly requests donations be made to CARE, Gift Center, P.O. Box 1870, Merrifield VA 22116-8070 or to Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St., Suite 250, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square.
Virgil Vernon Blevins
Virgil Vernon Blevins, 97, of West Grove, passed away on Feb. 27, 2023, at his residence. He was the husband of Edna Shoemate Blevins, who passed away in 2009, and with whom he shared 33 years of marriage.
Born in Lansing, NC, he was the son of the late Mckinley Blevins and the late Lefie McNeill Blevins.
Virgil was a machinist 2nd class at NVF in Yorklyn, Del. and retired in 1983 after 32 years of service.
He serviced his country in the U.S Army during World War II.
Virgil enjoyed traveling with his wife and being with his family and friends.
He is survived by one son, Linvill Blevins and his wife Thelma of Jefferson, NC, and one grandson.
Virgil was predeceased by one daughter, Judy Blevins, two sisters, one half-sister, two brothers and one half-brother.
A graveside service was held on March 2 at the New London Presbyterian Church Cemetery in New London.
To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Foulk Funeral Home in West Grove.
Stephen Michael Lombardi, Jr.
Stephen Michael Lombardi Jr., a loving husband, son, and brother, passed suddenly on Feb. 23, 2023.
He was 33 years old and lived in Drexel Hill, Pa.
Stephen was born in Bryn Mawr, Pa. on March 30, 1989, to Stephen and Ruthie (Taggart) Lombardi.
He grew up in Oxford with his younger brother Nicholas and graduated from Oxford Area High School. Stephen married his wife Emily, who was his high school sweetheart and longtime partner of 19 years.
Stephen loved to play the guitar, travel, lift weights, ride motorcycles, and go to concerts. He was technically savvy with computer software of all kinds, one mainly being recording software. He produced and mixed all the music for his band, Half Past Seven, with his brother. The music was produced and aired on radio stations such as 93.7 WSTW, 93.3 WMMR, and was highly regarded by many fans. Stephen was a self-taught guitarist; his passion for music was inspired by his father, Stephen Sr., and several musical influencers like Eddie Van Halen, Mark Tremonti, Paul Gilbert, and John Petrucci.
Stephen’s love for music also led him to meet his wife, Emily. During a middle school talent show, Stephen and his brother performed with their band and Emily performed in a dance group. They met that day and were inseparable ever since. Stephen and Emily created a life together at their home in Drexel Hill with their dogs, Gunner, Ziggy, and Clementine. They traveled the world together, going to multiple destinations like Spain, Germany, Central America, Bahamas, Colorado, and Hawaii to name a few.
Survivors include his wife, Emily, his mother, Ruthie, his brother, Nicholas (Kelly), mother-in-law, Robyn, and sisters-in-law, Molly and Sophy.
He is preceded in death by his father, Stephen Michael Lombardi Sr.
Services were held at Edward L. Collins Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.
If you would like to donate to the family, please use the GoFundMe link below.
Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
Dr. William J. Hurley
Dr. William J. Hurley passed away on March 1, 2023 in West Chester, Pa. while surrounded by his family.
Bill was the son of Thomas P. and Louise C. (nee Culhane) Hurley, and was born in Philadelphia on July 26, 1940.
He was raised in Drexel Hill, Pa. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia L. Turner and his dearest wife of 47 years Rosemary A. Gorman.
Bill is survived by his brother, Thomas. P. (Lois) of Kinnelon, NJ, and beloved children Dr. William J. (Mary) of Needham, MA, Sharon A. Kirkby (Mark Evangelista) of West Chester, Pa., Sean T. (Colleen) of Romansville, Pa., and Megan M. Nadzam (Andrew) of Mentor, OH.
He is also survived by 12 talented and beautiful grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and his adoring and beloved partner, Barbara J. Zagnoni.
Bill graduated from Villanova University and then earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from Princeton University. He joined the DuPont Company in Wilmington, Del., relocating to several sites in the United States and Europe while advancing through management ranks. At DuPont, he was sometimes labeled a maverick because he would often find creative and unique ways to get things done. He retired early and formed Innovatech, LLC where he was CEO. Upon retirement, Bill joined the faculty of Villanova University as a business fellow where he taught MBA and senior students for 20 years.
Bill loved life with his family and enjoyed many activities including camping, skiing, boating, biking, hiking, and tennis. He was always active in the many communities where he lived. He loved to travel and visited many countries on six continents.
Visitation hours will be held at Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square on Monday March 13 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A Mass will be held 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, Kennett Square. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1818 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
Shirley Scudder
Shirley Scudder, a resident of Oxford who formerly lived in Aldan, Pa., passed away peacefully on Feb. 27, 2023 while at home and surrounded by family. She was 84.
Born in the District of Columbia, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Anna Lenora Travis Scudder.
Shirley was employed with Marsh McLennan in Philadelphia as a data entry clerk and retired after over 30 years of service.
She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Collingdale, Pa.
Shirley is survived by 20 nieces and nephews and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by seven siblings.
Services are private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brandywine River Valley Home Health & Hospice, 1285 Bell Tower Lane, Suite 1B, 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.
