Fay A Kelly

Fay Alvord Kelly passed away at the Ware Presbyterian Health Center on July 9, 2023. She was 92.

She is survived by a brother, 5 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. 

Fay was an avid bicyclist, hiker and fox hunter. Along with her first husband William (Bill) A. Kelly, she volunteered in Delaware protecting shore birds, and at Killens Pond State Park. They received recognition from then Delaware Governor, Tom Carper, for their work restoring the park after a major ice storm. A

fter Bill died, Fay moved to Ware Presbyterian Village, where she met and married her second

husband, John C Merges.

Fay was an active community member at Ware, where she was known for her daily long walks with her two dogs. She always had a smile for her beloved caregivers at the Ware Health Center and Brandywine River Valley Hospice. 

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.  

James Patrick Wilkins, Jr.

James P. Wilkins, Jr., of Oxford, was sent home to heaven unexpectedly on July 11, 2023. He was 80.

James was born in Norfolk, VA. on Aug. 14, 1942. He was the son of the late James P. Wilkins, Sr. and Annie Bell Wilkins. He spent much of his youth in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and graduated from Conetoe High School in 1960. 

James was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1963 and became a part of the Advanced Infantry. In 1965 he served in the Vietnam War. His time in Vietnam was spent in combat. He was part of the 1st Infantry Division as a gunner on a helicopter. After returning from Vietnam, he spent two years in the Active Reserves and two more years in the Inactive Reserves, returning to civilian life in 1970.

James was employed by NVF Company in Kennett Square for almost 40 years before retiring in 2005.  James enjoyed playing competitive adult softball for his company team and other local leagues.  

James always made time to support his family. He could be found cheering on his boys at their sporting events, whether it be basketball, football, baseball, or tennis. He was an assistant coach for many years in baseball, coaching his sons in Oxford Little League. James loved sports, especially football. Those who know him well, know that he was devoted Dallas Cowboys fan.

James is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Rosetta (McKim) Wilkins; their three sons, Christopher Wilkins (Brittany) of Oxford, LaMar “Tippy” Wilkins (Jami) of Coatesville, and Michael Wilkins of El Paso, Tex.; his 12 grandchildren; and a host of sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. 

He was predeceased by his son, James P. Wilkins, III of Coatesville, two grandsons, Jonathan and Dominic Wilkins of Coatesville and his brother, Archie Wilkins of Norfolk, Virginia.

James will be remembered by all the love and good times he shared with his family and friends. There are no words that can express how much James will be missed.

A Celebration of Life Service was held on July 21 at Christ Community Fellowship in West Grove.

Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Kirkwood, Pa.

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

Janice I. Moulden

Janice Isabel Moulden, of Oxford, peacefully transitioned home with family by her side on July 19, 2023.  She was 86.

She was born in West Grove on Aug. 12, 1936 to parents Charles and Flossie Moulden. She was the youngest girl of eight children. After graduating from Avon Grove High School in 1953, she took several courses at Immaculata College in Malvern, Pa. 

Janice was the mother of four beautiful children. She worked at Hewlett Packard for many years before moving west to California in the late 1970s. Janice lived in Mountain View, Calif. for over 20 years before moving back home to the Oxford area. In 2002 Janice retired from Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health. Over the course of her life she always had a deep passion for drawing and arts and crafts. From building and painting pieces of art, to sketching, to sewing, to her most favorite, decorating her home. Above all, she loved visits and conversations with her beloved family and friends. 

Janice Isabel Moulden was predeceased by her parents, Charles Daniel Moulden and Flossie Moulden; and siblings, Walter Moulden, Donald Moulden, Jean Elizabeth Cubbage, Jackson Moulden, Rayford Moulden, Charles Moulden, and Michael Moulden. 

She is survived by her children, Robin Lynn Ford, Audrey Lea Harris, Adrianne Renee Kinsey, Jonathan Kelly Ford and daughter in-law Sandra Maria Ford.

Janice is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Tydie Watson, Kera Hales, Christian Harris, Dwayne Watson, Jermaine Harris, Alexis Hales, Jonathan Ford, Mylea Aiken, Halston Jackson, Spencer Ford, and Carla Sell, as well as 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Friends and family may visit from 5 to 6 p.m. on Monday, July 31 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., in Oxford.

Interment will be private.

The family is asking that, in lieu of flowers, you make a donation to a charity of your choice. 

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

Phillip H. Saienni

Phillip H. Saienni, 80, of Lady Lake Fla., and formerly of West Grove, has passed away.

He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, a cherished grandfather, and friend. He left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him. 

Phil passed away on July 1, 2023 at HCA Hospital in Ocala, Fla. after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl D. Saienni, Sr., mother, Genevieve (Frabriso) Saienni, his wife of 42 years, Jane E. (Leaf) Saienni, son-in-law, Anthony Caruso, Jr., and his sister-in-law, Nancy A. Leaf. 

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Saienni of Lady Lake, Fla.; a brother, Earl D. (Marie) Saienni Jr. of West Grove; a son, George (Margaret) Saienni of West Grove; two daughters, Mary (Daniel) Dodson of Elizabethtown, KY and Ann Caruso of West Grove.

He is also survived by four grandchildren, Ashley (Chad) Sims, Andrew (Lex) Saienni, Dominick Holcombe, and Abigail Caruso, a stepson, Scott (Cindi) Lamborn of West Grove and a stepdaughter, Patricia (Tim) Robinson, of West Grove. 

Phil was born in 1943 in Wilmington, Del. He was a 1961 graduate of Kennett High School. After graduation Phil worked at a local machine shop while continuing to work at Earl’s Sub Shop, the family business that was started by his parents. In the mid 1960s he enlisted in the Delaware Army National Guard, where he was a sergeant and earned the Colonel Duncan Award.  

Phil was a dedicated family man. He had a strong work ethic and sense of character, which he demonstrated by his actions and instilled in those whose lives he touched. Phil always stayed busy and worked for many different local businesses in his lifetime. This included the U.S. Postal Service, Hewlett Packard Company, Basilio Construction, F.P. Kavanaugh & Sons, and Pinno Pontiac-Buick. In the mid-1970s, he returned to the family business, Earl’s Sub Shop. For the next 20-plus years, running the family business enabled him to both provide for his family and to interact with and support the local community, including the Rotary Club, Scouts, Avon Grove Little League, soccer, and the West Grove and Avondale fire companies. With all his children through college and out on their own, the decision was made to retire from the family business in 1993. Soon after retiring from the sub shop, he went on to work for Ashley’s Snacks, Agilent Technologies, Boomers, London Grove Township, Frank’s Pork Products, Walmoore Farms, and Family Promise of Chester County.  

In 2017 Phil and his wife Barbara moved to Oak Wood Estates in Lady Lake, Fla. Phil enjoyed making new friends in the community, walking, and he was a great fan of Water Oak Senior Softball. He was recognized for his enthusiasm, dedication, and support with a plaque in 2019 and 2020. Phil eventually became part of the ground crew. He loved working on the ballfield at Oak Wood Estates and enjoyed everyone involved in the Association.  

A memorial service for Phil will be held on Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Christian Life Center, 125 Saginaw Road in Lincoln University. Visit with the family from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service beginning at 11 a.m.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Water Oak Softball Association, C/O George Saienni, 344 Chatham Rd.  West Grove, PA 19390.  

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

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

Philip James Geoghegan, Jr.

 

Philip James Geoghegan, Jr. passed away on July 5, 2023 at his home in Lincoln University, Pa. He was 80.

He was the beloved spouse of Patricia McAndrew Geoghegan, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. 

Born in Waterbury, CT, he was the son of the late Philip Geoghegan, Sr. and the late Frances Koskuba Geoghegan.

After completing his Ph.D in organic chemistry from Purdue University, Phil spent 33 years with DuPont where he led chemical research teams at multiple locations including groups charged with procurement of intellectual property from Europe and Asia. His colleagues remarked that he was an easygoing, friendly guy who took his work seriously. Creative, compassionate, and caring were the characteristics that followed him wherever he worked. Phil and Pat will always be grateful for their journey with DuPont from Waynesboro, VA to Lincoln University, Pa. and all the in-betweens around the U.S. and the world.

During his retirement, Phil was the Franklin Township Open Space Committee's key to securing over $9 million dollars in grant funding to preserve more than 400 acres. Through his commitment to open space, he helped to preserve many of Franklin’s farms with the purchase of Banffshire, Franklin, White Clay Crescent, Goodwin and Peacedale Preserves. He always had a focus on trails that the community could use to enjoy our open spaces. To honor his work and commitment, the two-mile trail on the Ford Farm in Kemblesville was dedicated to him.

Phil was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church in Avondale. He was a faithful church goer and had a great fondness for Our Lady and her Rosary.

In his spare time and retirement, Phil enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid reader and embraced a lifetime of education. From fishing to camping, gardening to lawn maintenance, and whenever possible, the suitcases were packed and the travels began. He and Pat didn’t hesitate to go on road trips, cruises, international tours, or spur of the moment getaways.

Phil will be remembered most for his loving and lasting marriage with Pat. They met during their first jobs at the A&P grocery store and they immediately became friends. Their friendship grew into a love that led to a 60-year marriage. They loved and supported each other while pursuing education and careers, raising children, pursuing hobbies, and everything in between. Some 64 years later and “Happy” is the way to describe them.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Michael (Robin) Geoghegan of Jupiter, Fla., Sean (Lis) Geoghegan of Bronx, NY, Kyle (Linda) Geoghegan of Manhattan Beach, Calif., Leanne Geoghegan of Newark, Del., and daughter-in-law Janet (Bill) Mangler of Newark, Del. 

He will also be missed by his seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and his sister Anne Geoghegan of Largo, Fla. In addition to his parents, Phil was predeceased by his son, P. James Geoghegan III.

The family is forever grateful to the Visiting Angels and the Brandywine River Valley Hospice for extending Phil peace and dignity. Thank you for making a difference.

You are invited to visit with Philip’s family and friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on July 28 at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church, 8910 Gap Newport Pike in Avondale. Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be held privately.

Contributions in Phil’s memory may be made to The Hospice Promise Foundation: https://lhcgroup.com/foundation.

To view Phil’s online obituary, visit www.griecofunerals.com.

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