Obituaries for the week of June 5th
Robert Daniel Wagner, III
Robert Daniel Wagner, III, 70, of Cochranville, passed away on May 20, 2024 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.
He was the husband of Patricia A. Peterson Wagner.
Born in Lebanon, Pa., he was the son of Betty J. Donmoyer Cimellaro and the late Robert D. Wagner, II.
Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War.
He was employed with Manfredi Mushroom as a truck driver for over 40 years and transported horses for Ralph G. Smith.
Robert was a devoted husband, father and friend to many. He would give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need.
Robert was very well known for his passion for baking, especially cheesecakes. His in-home business was Ellie’s Cheesecake Delightful Baked Goods.
He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, shooting pool and he was a devoted true Marine “Semper Fi.”
He was a member of Lighthouse Freewill Gospel Baptist Church in Nottingham.
He was also a member of the Mason Dixon VFW Post # 7234 Ocean View, Delaware, the American Legion Mason Dixon Post #194, Rising Sun, Md., and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2666, Oxford.
In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his stepfather, Tony Cimellaro of Parkesburg, one daughter, Danielle L. Boxleitner (Dave) of New Providence, one son, Michael Peterson (Cindy Lashley) of Oxford, and five grandchildren, Tiffany Hernandez (Nick), Michael Peterson, Jr., Brandon Fisher, Chris Fisher (Karina) and Ellie Zook. He is also survived by one great-grandson, Bryson Mahoney and three sisters, Donna Wagner, Cheryl Conner and Lisa Wagner, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fraternal Order of Eagles #2666,410 South St, Oxford, PA 19363 or Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, https://giving.jefferson.edu/giving-guide.html.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.
Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
Margaret H. Merryman
Margaret “Peg” (Smith) Merryman, of Kennett Square and York, passed away on May 19, 2024 while at her home in Avondale. She was 78.
She was the spouse of C. Richard “Dick” Merryman, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage.
Born in Carlisle, Pa., she was the daughter of the late H. Elwood Smith and the late Elizabeth McKnight Smith.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Mark Merryman (Tami, spouse), her daughter, Gail Merryman (Shannon Baird, partner), her grandchildren, Noah Merryman and Maya Merryman.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved brother, H.E “Woody” Smith.
After graduating from Dallastown High School, Peg went on to study at Shippensburg and Penn State University, earning both a BS and MS in elementary education. Peg first taught at Mt. Holly Springs near Carlisle then went on to serve for over 30 years in the classroom at Avon Grove Elementary and later Penn London Elementary.
She was a woman of strong faith and was a member of the Hockessin United Methodist Church in Hockessin, Del.
Peg was a devoted mother and a born teacher. She taught her children, grandchildren, and students many things about nature, from birds to fish, insects to reptiles, flowers to trees, and everything in between.
An avid book reader and card player, Peg loved playing games of all sorts with her friends and family. She always had a sense of adventure and traveled the world with her husband on many different trips and cruises. As a “snowbird,” Peg enjoyed spending the winter months in Naples, Fla., where she was active in her continuing love for outdoor education as a volunteer, giving tours and helping in several conservation groups. A true social butterfly, she never tired of chatting and spending time with friends and family.
Peg had a true zest for life and even through many difficult days with her health, her perpetual positive attitude was awe-inspiring.
Her funeral service was held at the Hockessin United Methodist Church in Hockessin, Del. Interment will be held privately.
Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square.
To view Peg's online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
Claudia L. Silvia
Claudia Lewis Silvia passed away at Crosslands in Kennett Square on May 19, 2024. She was 80.
She was the spouse of Peter Silvia, with whom she shared almost nine years of marriage. Born in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Louise (Stahl) Chapman and the sister of the late David Chapman.
Claudia graduated from the University of Maryland College Park and earned her degree in biology. She went on to earn two master's degrees in education and cytogenetics. She taught at UMBC for a few years in the early 1970s and Carroll County schools for a total of 42 years, sharing her love of science and the environment. Upon retirement from the Carroll County school system, she created and taught an environmental science class for several years at McDaniel College.
She will be most remembered for being the "mom" to a lot of students. She even performed marriage ceremonies for her grandson and several of her students. She made it her mission to encourage all to reach their highest potential no matter what their desires were and found a way to reach them on their own terms. Past students stayed connected with her, and she was equally proud of the musicians, the artisans, the teachers, and the medical professionals and anyone not named in these groups. Many of them credit her high school teaching with igniting their love of science and their choices in life.
Beyond teaching, Claudia was a staunch environmentalist supporting many groups from cleaning up our streams to wildlife preservation. She was also an avid supporter of women's rights, joining marches as she could. Music was one of her true loves. She met Pete at Common Ground on the Hill, an annual folk life event. Claudia and Pete had many adventures together traveling all over the world.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Tina, her sons, Ian, and Gaelan, her grandchildren, Patrick, Corry, and Kahlan; her great-grandchildren, Jamicen, Isla, and Bert; and her siblings, Robin, and Marianne, her daughters-in-law, Melissa and Rebecca, as well as loved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband, Charles Wilbert Lewis.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Claudia and Charles Lewis STEM scholarship at carrollcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate.
Claudia and Will's vision for this scholarship is that it encourages students to major and/or explore STEM opportunities to help build a better future for our world. Please consider a donation to this scholarship instead of flowers.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on June 9 at the Carroll County Arts Council, 91 West Main Street in Westminster, Md.
Claudia requested that you bring your instruments for an impromptu jam session as one of her final wishes.
Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Claudia's online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.