Laura Neola Riale

Laura Neola Riale was born June 16, 1944 in Sparta, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Jackson Reeves and the late Blanche McMillan Reeves.

She and her family relocated to Kennett Square around 1954. She graduated from Kennett High School in 1962, and married her best friend and soulmate, Kenneth Riale, May 5, 1964.

She worked at Hercules Industries in Delaware for nine years. She worked for State Farm Insurance for 19 years, and for Kennett small businesses for six years.

She loved tennis, and played for most of her life. She was a loving mother and grandmother, a devoted wife to her beloved Kenny, and a dear friend to her daughter-in-law. She lived life joyously, and loved and was loved by all who knew her.

She is survived by husband Kenneth Riale of Kennett Square; sons, Stephen Riale and his wife Cynthia of Lakewood, Colo., and Christopher Riale, of Longmont Colo.; her sisters, Jacqueline Beam of Cochranville, and Peggy Shively of Williamsport, Pa.; grandchildren, Sierra, Riale, Christopher Riale Jr., Morgan Riale, and Caius Riale. She will be dearly missed.

She was predeceased by one sister, Janice Baccino, and two brothers, Kermit Reeves and Roger Reeves.

Her graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at the Union Hill Cemetery, 424  North Union Street, Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made  to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.

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

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

Ronald Harry Beans, Sr.

Ronald H. Beans, Sr., 79, of Oxford and formerly of Morgantown Pa., passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024 after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Woodbury, NJ on January 8, 1945, he was the son of the late John A. Sr. and Sarah Irons Beans. He graduated from Gloucester High School.

Ron was the husband of Jean Maass Beans of Oxford, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served as a member of the 82nd Airborne during the Vietnam War. He received an honorable discharge in August of 1971.

Ron leaves behind many dear friends from PECO where he worked for over 30 years as a lineman, from Middletown, Del. Township, where he worked for 10 years, and most recently from Eshelman Transportation of Morgantown, Pa.    

Ron touched so many with his warm heart, welcoming smile, and contagious laughter.

Ron is survived by his wife; one brother, John A. Beans, Jr, of Fort Myers, Fla.; four children,  Christine Taylor (Michael) of Oxford, Ronald Beans Jr (Nicole) of Oxford, Michael Beans of Wilmington and Lisa Moser (Keith) of Allentown; nine “Beanie Babies,” Adam Beans, Sarah DeHaven, Alexandra Bennett, Carson Beans, Emma Moser, Addison Moser, MacKenzie Taylor, Kyle Moser, Michael Beans Jr.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. on January 24, 2025 at Ware Presbyterian Village, Vista Ridge Auditorium, 1162 Kensington Lane, Oxford. There will be a family viewing from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friends are welcomed to visit between 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s memory to Ware Presbyterian Village in loving memory of Ronald Beans Sr.,  7 E. Locust Street, Oxford, PA. 19363.

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

Jonas Garrison Cochran

Jonas Garrison Cochran, a resident of Chesapeake City, Md., passed away while at home on December 27, 2024. He was 52.

He was born in Wilmington, Del. Jonas was the son of Gary E. Cochran of Chesapeake City, Md. and Sandra Lee Duvall of North East, Md.

Jonas grew up in Oxford and graduated from Oxford Area High School in 1991.

Jonas was an avid fan of The Pittsburgh Steelers football team. He also enjoyed collecting baseball cards. 

Jonas is survived by his father and stepmother Laura Cochran; his mother; his two daughters, Cerina Cochran and Jordana Cochran; a step-son, Seth Nunn; two brothers, Eric Cochran of Woodbury, NJ and Matt Holton of North East, Md.; two step-sisters, Caraline Hickman of Washington, D.C. and Meg Reid of Hartford, Conn.

Services were held at Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford on  January 3.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association, 

P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA  22116-7023. 

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

Robert Joseph Burns

Robert Joseph Burns, of West Grove, was tragically killed on December 27, 2024. He was 88.

Born in Philadelphia on July 29, 1936, Robert lived a life like no other. A man of faith, he lived with passion for his family, friends, music, and Christmas. His love and never-ending support to those blessed to be in his life is the greatest gift he has left this world. His legacy is marked by kindness, dedication, and unwavering love for his family and community.

A proud salesman, Robert spent over 20 years working with John Thomas, Inc., where he was known for his tenacity. Beyond his professional life, he enjoyed cooking, planting, and entertaining, and he found immense joy in music and Fox News.

To all who knew him, Robert was a man of great integrity and warmth. His sense of humor, mixed with sarcasm, left an indelible mark on those around him. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his legacy of love and compassion will endure in the hearts of his family and friends. 

Robert is survived by Elizabeth, his wife of 64 years and his children, Elisabeth Stylski (Thomas Stylski), Robert Burns (Christina Burns), Megan Burns, Maureen Helms, and Alison Guzzio. He is also survived by grandchildren, Byron Prohovich, Brendan Burns, Seannon Burns, Regan Burns, Francine Stylski, Nolan Stylski, Patrick Stylski, Nathaniel Helms, Faith Helms, Robert Guzzio, Charles Guzzio and Evelyn Guzzio, and great grandchildren Mikael Burns, Olivia Prohovich, Hazel Prohovich, Rhett Prohovich and Joseph Burns. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Margaret Burns, and sisters, Peggy Collins and Elaine Kelly.

His memorial mass was held on January 4, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the State Police, EMTs, caregivers, and friends for their support and compassion during this time.

Robert will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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

Anne Davis Cannon

Anne (Thompson) Davis Cannon, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her cherished home with loved ones at her side on Dec. 20, 2024.

She was predeceased by her mother, Anne Lyons Thompson Davis and her father, Isaac Percival Davis (BSChE, University of Pennsylvania).

Anne was born in Chester Pa. on Oct. 6, 1934. In 1946, following her recovery from polio, Anne's family moved from Swarthmore to Kennett. She graduated from Kennett High School in 1953 and continued her education at the University of Delaware, where she was one of only two women to earn a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering in 1957. During her time at UD, she worked at the Sunoco Laboratory in Marcus Hook and was a member of Tau Beta Pi, a prestigious engineering honor society.

It was at the University of Delaware that Anne met and eventually married her lifelong partner, Ed. Their son, Gary, was born in 1957 at the Aberdeen, Md. Army base, where Ed was stationed. Sally followed in 1958, and the family later moved to Levittown, NJ, now Willingboro, where Anne gave birth to Anne in 1960, Beth in 1965, and Nora in 1968.

Anne was an active member of her community, participating in the AAUW and PTA, and she also taught math at Burlington High School. Throughout these years, family weekends were spent visiting Ed’s parents in Milford and Anne’s parents in Kennett. Eventually, Anne and Ed made the decision to move in with Anne’s parents. This allowed their love for horses and animals to flourish, with Windtryst Farm Warmbloods becoming a beloved part of their lives. The family also became deeply involved in the local 4-H club, and summer weekends were filled with horse shows.

In 1984, Ed founded an Engineering and Construction Supervision Company, where Anne served as owner and administrator. The company managed the design and construction of the Rohm and Haas water treatment facility, as well as numerous process improvements at the Bristol and Croyden sites. 

Anne was a devoted member of Concord Liberty Presbyterian Church where she served as both an elder and deacon. Anne served on the township planning commission for several years. Anne also volunteered with Encore and Chester County Hospital, and she raised dachshunds, spreading love and joy to many. A lover of the outdoors, Anne ensured that the 30-acre property she and Ed cherished would remain preserved for future generations by placing it in conservation with the Brandywine Conservancy.

The family home—affectionately known as “the farm”—was open to all, and the family fondly remembers many holidays hosted by Anne. There were numerous family members and friends welcomed to stay over the years. This past summer marked 78 years of living on Windtryst farm. 

Anne is survived by Ed, her husband of 68 years; her son, Gary (and his wife, Laurie) and their children, Kristin (Steve) Michalski, Courtney Cannon, Meghan (Justin) Lamborn, and Molly (Matt) McGraw; her daughter, Sally (and her husband, Fran McGraw) and their children, Scott (Lori) McGraw, Sean (Kim) McGraw, Megan (Dave) Donegan, Ryan (Amanda) McGraw, Mikaela McGraw; her daughter, Beth; her daughter and caregiver, Anne Cannon and Anne's daughter, Kerri Cannon; and her daughter, Nora Cannon (and her partner, Larry Rubin) along with their daughter, Julia. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Brandywine Conservancy, 1 Hoffman's Mill Road, PO Box 141, Chadds Ford, PA 19317.

A memorial service was held on Jan. 4, 2025 at Concord Liberty Presbyterian Church in Glen Mills, Pa.

John H. Armstrong, Jr.

John H. Armstrong, Jr., of Coatesville, passed away on December 30, 2024. He was 68.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late John Armstrong and the late Mary (Horty) Armstrong. 

John had a hard time communicating but was known to be pleasant and sweet. He loved to watch parades, and the fire trucks were his favorite. He enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles. John worked for many, many years at Handi-Crafters in Thorndale, Pa., and it was a place to which he was always happy to go. 

John was close with the staff and other residents at the group home where he lived in Coatesville. According to those who knew him well, he often put his hands together like he was praying and pointed up to heaven. He loved angels and often got books out of the library about them. 

John is survived by his sister, Mary Catherine “Cathy” Armstrong. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth A. Armstrong. 

You are invited to visit with John’s family and friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Kennett Square, 415 West State Street, Kennett Square, on Thursday, January 9, 2025. A short funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. 

Interment will be held at Union Hill Cemetery, 424 North Union Street, Kennett Square, immediately after the service. 

 In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Keystone Human Services at https://www.khs.org/get-involved/donate/. Checks can be mailed to Keystone Human Services, Attn: Kris Weaver, 4391 Sturbridge Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110. 

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view John’s tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.