William Henry Harpe, Sr.

William “Bill” Henry Harpe, Sr., born in Toughkenamon on April 6, 1937, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024 at Pocopson Home. A devoted husband to Annie Laura Harpe, they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage filled with love and companionship.

William was a skilled welder in the mushroom industry, known for his hard work and dedication. He had a deep passion for country music, often finding joy in the melodies and lyrics that spoke to his heart. An avid sports fan, he cherished moments spent cheering on his favorite team, the Philadelphia Phillies and following NASCAR races. He enjoyed sharing his love for his favorite sports with family and friends. 

William was predeceased by his beloved sons, William “Bill” H. Harpe, Jr. and Michael “Mike” A. Harpe, Sr. He is survived by his son, Daniel “Danny” D. Harpe, and nine cherished grandchildren who will carry on his legacy. 

William will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

No services will be held, as that was his request.

To view Bill’s online tribute please visit http://www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

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

Maria D. Hamilton

Maria D. Hamilton, 64, a cherished member of the Kennett Square community, passed away at the Chester County Hospital on December 8, 2024.

She was the wife of Warner Hamilton, Jr., who passed away in 2021, and with whom she shared 36 years of marriage.

Born on September 24, 1960, Maria was the beloved daughter of the late Louise Irace DiBartolomeo and the late Louis DiBartolomeo, Sr.

Maria's educational journey began at St. Patrick's School, followed by her graduation from Bishop Shanahan School. She pursued further studies in cosmetology, reflecting her passion for beauty and creativity. Her professional life was dedicated to nurturing young minds as a teacher's assistant at the Chester County Intermediate Unit in Downingtown, where she made a lasting impact on many students' lives.

Maria's life was filled with love and joy, especially when surrounded by family and friends. She cherished vacations in Ocean City, Maryland, and treasured moments spent poolside with her family. Her grand-dogs held a special place in her heart, and she found great joy in their company. Sunday dinners at her parents' house were a beloved tradition, where laughter and love were always abundant.

Maria's warmth, kindness, and dedication to her family and community will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire those who knew her. She will be remembered fondly by all whose lives she touched.

Maria was predeceased by four sisters and one brother.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Jacalyn Hamilton, and Jacalyn's boyfriend, Michael Hearty, Jr. Maria also leaves behind one sister and numerous nieces and nephews who adored her

You are invited to visit with Maria’s family and friends form 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, and again from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, Dec. 21 at the Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 West State Street, Kennett Square.

Her funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning, Dec. 21 at St. Patrick Catholic 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.

Kay Yates

Ethel Kay (Thompson) Yates, of Lincoln University, Pa., passed away in Newark, Del. on December 4, 2024. She was 87.

She was the beloved wife of the late Walter Larry Yates, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Upland, Pa., she was the daughter of the late John Thompson and the late Elizabeth (Ingram) Thompson. 

Kay treasured her family and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her most prized possession was a canvas photograph which captured all her children and grandchildren. 

She met Larry during high school on a bus trip to a basketball game. They became fast friends and were married a couple years after she graduated. They raised their family in rural Chester County, referred to as “The Sticks” by their family and friends. 

Kay, along with her husband, Larry, was a member of West Grove United Methodist Church for over 60 years. She enjoyed volunteering for church events and had many treasured friends there. She worked at her children’s elementary school while they attended there and later as a banker at Commonwealth Federal Savings in Oxford. 

Kay took joy in attending family gatherings. She never missed a holiday or birthday celebration. She was the glue that bound the family together. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing clothes for her children, wedding parties, and baby quilts for her grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking and passed down many cherished recipes to her family. She made a great pot of meatballs and sauce and loved sharing cheesecake and pretzel salad at gatherings. 

She shared lifelong friendships and enjoyed going antique hunting. She also liked to go to yard sales and craft fairs. She loved playing cards, participating in her church’s sewing circle, and shopping with the family. 

Following Larry’s death, her dog, Hope, was a great companion. She kept Kay active with her daily walks and fostered great fellowship with the other dog owners in the neighborhood. 

Kay is survived by her family, whom she adored, including one son, Dale Yates (Nancy) of New London, Pa.; two daughters, Nancy Yates Narvell (Todd) of Hockessin, Del. and Shelly Ciafre (Rodney) of West Grove; ten grandchildren, Matthew, Megan, Kristine, Ashley, Amanda, Steven, Eric, Eleazar, Ezekiel and Lydia; and twelve great-grandchildren, Hailey, Matthew, Jaime, Jack, John, Christopher, Sloane, Nancy Ann, Makenzie, Travis, Eric James, and Benjamin; and one little dog Hope. 

In addition to her parents and husband, Kay was predeceased by her brother, John Thompson and granddaughter-in-law, Samantha Luff. 

Memorial services were held on December 12 at West Grove United Methodist Church in West Grove.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to West Grove United Methodist Church, 300 North Guernsey Road, West Grove. 

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Kay’s online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

Yonsheng Cho

Yonsheng Steven Cho, of Cochranville, passed away at home on December 9, 2024. He was 60.

Born in Taiwan, China, he was the eldest son of the late Chen-De Cho and Su-mei Ko Cho.

Yonsheng came with his parents to the U.S. at age 12, and graduated as valedictorian in 1983 from Avon Grove High School in West Grove.  He then attended Tai-Da University Medical School, in Taiwan, China.

Yonsheng was an active member of the Oxford Rotary Club and was also an officer of the Rotary Club.

He is survived by his brother, Michael M. Cho, M.D., his sisters Su-Shien Cho, MFA, Jennifer J. Cho, MSW, and Elizabeth Cho, Esq.  

Yonsheng is noted for his lively imaginations and curiosities. He loved spending time with his family, especially his nephews and nieces.

Funeral services were held on December 14 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment was in Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, VA on December 15.

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

Kevin J. Gault, Jr.

Kevin J. Gault, 69, of Landenberg, passed away peacefully and entered into the arms of his loving Savior on December 11, 2024.

Born in Darby, Pa., he was the son of the late John and Helen (nee Kitzinger) Gault.

Kevin was the beloved husband of Judith (nee Walters), a father to son Colin Gault, and a brother to John Gault (Debra) and Kathleen Dolphin (Tom). 

He was the dear uncle of Ryan Gault, Katie Dolphin, Mark Dolphin (Emily), and Jennifer Dolphin. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Barbara Walters and Betty Salik (Tim), a great-nephew, many cousins and friends.

A graduate of Monsignor Bonner, Ursinus College, and University of Pennsylvania, Kevin was a freelance writer for corporations. He wrote business and communication pieces. 

His proudest professional accomplishment was fulfilling his dream of being a published book writer, and he worked ghostwriting for executives and creating memoirs.

What Kevin was most proud of was his family. He loved his wife and was the most patient and caring father to his son on the autism spectrum. 

He was a man of God. He loved reading and studying his Bible and enjoyed sharing in his Bible study group at Willowdale Chapel in Kennett Square. He believed salvation was through faith alone and enjoyed a personal relationship with his Savior that now continues face-to-face in Heaven. 

He would tell you food does not motivate him but he’d never pass up Irish breakfast tea, blueberry pancakes, pizzelles or Ritz crackers.

He was a gifted athlete and an extraordinary golfer. Kevin also enjoyed grabbing his skates, stick, and puck and heading to the rink. He was a devoted Philadelphia sports fan.

Kevin relaxed by watching documentaries, independent films, and animated features. He enjoyed collecting typewriters and it was not uncommon to hear the tapping and clicking of keys coming from his home office.

When Kevin wasn’t working or relaxing at home, he was hatching new ways to have fun and create memories. The family will never forget the ride to Ocean City on National Donut Day when he pulled into every Dunkin’ Donut location on the two-hour drive to get free donuts and coffee.

He will be missed and celebrated by his family, relatives, friends, and his church family.

A private celebration of life service will be held at a future date. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kevin’s memory would be appreciated and can be made to DEVEREUX CARES PTO, ℅ Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health - CARES School, 600 Boot Road, Downingtown, PA 19335.

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

Raymond S. Twaddell

Raymond S. Twaddell, of Oxford, passed away on December 11, 2024 at the Christiana Hospital. He was 97.

He was the husband of Mary Leonard Twaddell, who passed away in 2016, and with whom he shared 37 years of marriage. His first wife Frances Poore Twaddell, with whom he shared 29 years of marriage, passed away in 1976.

Born in Twin Oaks, Pa., he was the son of the late John Twaddell and the late Alice Guild Twaddell.

Raymond was a press operator and worked for NVF Co. in Yorklyn, Del. He retired in 1987 after 25 years of service.

He enjoyed, going to the casinos, watching horse racing and baseball, and being with his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling to Florida and Niagara Falls. 

He is survived by two sons, Raymond S. Twaddell, Jr. and his wife of Ruth of Newark, Del. and Jerry E. Twaddell and his wife Mary of Newark, Del., one daughter, Sharon L. Walraven and her husband Harry of Kirkwood, Pa., four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His service will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Ware Presbyterian Living Resident Enrichment Program, One Trinity Drive E., Suite 201, Dillsburg, PA 17019.

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 of West Grove.