Ira F. Bardman
Ira F. Bardman, husband of Betty M (Faut) Bardman, of Pottstown, died Feb. 19, 2009, at his home. He was 87.
Born in Green Lane, he was the son of the late Harry E. and Mary F. (Frederick) Bardman.
He was a World War II Army veteran, serving in the 8th Army Air Corps, where he was a radio operator on a B17. During a mission, he was shot down over the Bay of Biscayne in France, captured and became a POW for 21 months in the German Prison Camp Stalag 17. He also flew in the famous air raid of Regensburg in Germany.
He enjoyed bowling at Jay Lanes and collected model trains.
Mr. Bardman worked at the Super Fresh in both Pottstown and Phoenixville as a meat cutter until he retired in 1986. After retiring he took up house painting.
Surviving is a son, Dennis R. Bardman of Glen Bernie, Md.; daughter, JoAnn Bardman of Pottstown; brother, Carl Bardman of Green Lane; sisters, Miriam F. Kline of Telford, Grayce F. Sutton of Upper Providence and Erma F. Knisley of Milford Twp.; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Gladys, Henry, Ralph, Florence, James, Abner, Mary, Roger, Paul and Arnold.
A funeral service was held Feb. 23 at Grace Lutheran Church, Pottstown, with Pastor Paul J. Xander officiating. Interment followed in Highland Memorial Park.
Memorial donations may be made to Tri County Home Care Hospice, 1600 E. High St., Pottstown, PA 19464 or Grace Lutheran Church, 660 N. Charlotte St., Pottstown, PA 19464.
Arrangements are by the Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., Pottstown.
Glenna L. Bergeman
Glenna L. (Quay) Bergeman, of Glenolden, widow of Robert L. Bergeman, died Feb. 22, 2009, at the home of her niece in Crum Lynne. She was 59.
Born in Pottstown and raised in Cedarville, North Coventry, she was a daughter of the late Charles H. and Margaret A. (Ramsey) Quay.
Mrs. Bergeman was a graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School.
She was employed as a sales administrator with Certainteed Corporation for 35 years.
Surviving are one brother, H. Edward Quay of Bechtelsville; one sister, Sandra Schlipf of Pottstown; four nieces and three nephews; and several great-nieces and -nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 27 at the Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home & Crematory, 359 King St., Pottstown. Officiating will be the Rev. Barry Moyer. Interment will be in Limerick Garden of Memories, Limerick. There will be a viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 27 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, C/O Joan Gehris National Penn Bank, 1830 East High St., Pottstown, PA 19464.
Arrangements are by the Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home & Crematory, Pottstown.
Harriet Bowen
Harriet J. “Jewel” (MacNamara) Bowen, of Royersford, died Feb. 24, 2009, at Parkhouse at Providence Point in Royersford. She was 84.
She was the wife of the late Frederick H. Bowen. Born in Jamaica, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Robert J. and Harriet Mae (Parks) MacNamara.
She lived in Royersford of the last six months, formerly a longtime resident of Plymouth Valley. She was a member of Plymouth Valley Community Church of Plymouth Meeting.
She was a homemaker most of her life and worked from 1971-84 with Audubon Water Co. as a clerical worker. She volunteered at Lambs Nursery at Plymouth Valley Community Church, where she worked with children with special needs in the 1960s.
Mrs. Bowen was the former finance chairwoman with Plymouth Valley Women’s Club. She enjoyed bowling, reading and traveling.
She is survived by two daughters, Debora J. Zelle of Royersford, and Barbara E. Smith of Columbus, N.J.; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert J. MacNamara Jr.
A funeral service will be held Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. from the Plymouth Valley Community Church, 1090 Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, with the Rev. Robert Ingraham officiating. Friends may call Feb. 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the church. Interment will be Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. at Pomfret Manor Cemetery, Sunbury.
Memorial contributions may be made to Plymouth Valley Community Church, 1090 Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.
Arrangements by Moore & Snear Funeral Home of Conshohocken & East Norriton.
Larry DeFrangesco
Larry DeFrangesco, formerly of Trooper, died Feb. 20, 2009, at his home in Roslyn. He was 50.
He was under the care of Lynch Home Services, where he lived for 10 months. He was born in Norristown, the son of Louise DeFrangesco.
Mr. DeFrangesco grew up at the Walker Memorial Home in Philadelphia, later moved to Lansdale and then Norristown under the care of Access Services.
Mr. DeFrangesco formerly worked for the Blue Bell Deli and Grill in Blue Bell.
He was part of the Indian Creek Foundation’s Star Program (of Harleysville) which kept him active in dancing, bowling, vacations, camping and other activities.
He loved going fishing and loved the sport of wrestling.
Mr. DeFrangesco is survived by his mother, Louise DeFrangesco of Trooper/Collegeville; four brothers, Billy DeFrangesco of Oaks, Bobby DeFrangesco of Lansdale, Dennis DeFrangesco of Collegeville and Charles DeFrangesco of Collegeville; two sisters, Louella DeFrangesco of Dresher and Judy Calcagni of Linfield; nine nieces and nephews; and seven great-nieces and -nephews.
Graveside services were private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Access Services, 500 Office Center Dr., Suite 100, Ft. Washington, PA 19034.
Arrangements are by the Szpindor Funeral Home, Trooper.
LeRoy E. Edwards Jr.
LeRoy E. “Bud” Edwards Jr., formerly of Hatfield and Souderton, died Feb. 20, 2009, in Doylestown. He was the husband of 46 years to Donna M. (McCarty) Edwards. He was 78.
Born in Atlantic City, N.J., he was a son of the late LeRoy E. Sr. and Minnie (McIven) Edwards.
He attended Frankford High School and after serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, graduated with a B.A. from Temple University.
He had been a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Ambler.
He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the North Penn Marching Knights Music Aids and chorus.
Following retirement, he worked as an assistant to the Hatfield borough managers and organized Hatfield Nights Out Against Crime.
Mr. Edwards enjoyed cruises.
In addition to his widow, he is survived by four children: Lauren Andrejasik of Jamison, Paul Edwards of Trappe, Tracy Edwards of Telford, and Lisa McBriar of Clinton; six grandchildren; a brother, George Edwards of Allentown, and a sister, Beatrice Brown of Venice, Fla. He was preceded in death by a sister, Claire; and a brother, William.
Services will be held Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. in Trinity Episcopal Church, Ambler, with calling hours Feb. 26 between 7 and 9 p.m. in the Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 708 S. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler, PA 19002.
Dorothy E. Eschbach
Dorothy E. (Wasson) Eschbach, of Frederick Mennonite Home, widow of Wallace D. Eschbach, died Feb. 21, 2009, at Frederick Mennonite Home. She was 91.
Born in Altoona, she was a daughter of the late Clyde Wasson and the late Nevada (Frye) Wasson.
She was a 1939 graduate of Boyertown High School.
She worked for Osan’s in Boyertown as a sewing machine operator for many years.
She was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Boyertown. She was a member of New Berlinville Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary.
Surviving are four daughters, Mary E, Poper of Clayton, N.J., Barbara A. Moser of Barto, Patricia L. Kujat of Bechtelsville, and Diana Berry of Akron, Ohio; one sister, Alberta Garges of Frederick; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two grandchildren, three sisters and four brothers.
A funeral service was held Feb. 25 at Morrell Funeral Home, Boyertown. Interment was in Union Cemetery, Boyertown.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 45 North Reading Ave., Boyertown, PA 19512.
Arrangements are by the Morrell Funeral Home.
Nancy B. Gossger
Nancy B. (Ibach) Gossger of Parkerford died Feb. 17, 2009, at Phoenixville Hospital. She was 56.
She was born in Pottstown, the daughter of the late Charles and Marjorie (Peiffer) Ibach. She was the wife of Daniel W. Gossger.
She was a member of the Spring-Ford High School, Class of 1970.
She was employed as an office manager at Parkhouse Providence Pointe, Upper Providence, for more than 30 years until retiring last May.
She was a member of Royersford Church of the Nazarene and served for many years on its governing board. She also loved swimming and shopping.
In addition to her husband of 22 years, she is survived by her children, Lisa M. Duncan of Royersford, Eric R. Gossger of Parkerford, Jeffrey P. Gossger of Ambler, Ryan C. Gossger of Douglassville, and Grant D. Gossger of Norristown; two sisters, Susan C. Shope of Limerick and Judy L. Grabowski of North Carolina; a brother, Gary S. Ibach of Virginia; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Donald L. Ibach.
Her memorial service was held Feb. 21 at Royersford Church of the Nazarene, Royersford, with Pastor Larry D. Powell officiating. Interment followed in Limerick Garden of Memories.
Memorial contributions may be made to Royersford Church of the Nazarene (memo to Compassionate Ministries), 445 Washington Street, Royersford, PA 19468.
Arrangements are by Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Royersford.
Anna Greco
Anna (Korpa) Greco, of Parkhouse in Royersford, a homemaker, died Feb. 22, 2009. She was 87.
Born in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Maria (Balak) Korpa. She was the wife of the late Albert G. Greco for 38 years.
Mrs. Greco attended Roxborough High School.
She enjoyed reading.
She resided at Parkhouse for 15 years.
She is survived by two sisters, Mary Perri of Wildwood, N.J., and Betty Verano of Norristown. She was preceded in death by two sons, Albert and Anthony; and four brothers, Andrew, John, Michael and George Korpa.
Relatives and friends may pay respects Feb. 26 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the William A. Moore Funeral Home, 708 Fayette St., Conshohocken.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Ss. Cosmas & Damian RC Church, 5th Avenue and Maple Street, Conshohocken.
Interment will be in St. Matthew Cemetery in Conshohocken.
Peter P. Ganovsky
Peter P. Ganovsky, husband of Vera (Kazmirchuk) Ganovsky, of New Hanover, died Feb. 20, 2009, at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center. He was 92.
Born in Torrington, Conn., he was the son of the late John and Pauline (Burica) Ganovsky.
He worked at Dana Corp. in Pottstown for 43 years, before retiring in 1976.
He was a member of New Hanover Lutheran Church, Gilbertsville, where he served on the church Consistory.
He was past chairman of the New Hanover Township Board of Supervisors, served on the Boyertown Area School Board for 22 years, and was a member of Boyertown Masonic Lodge No. 741, and a 32nd degree member of Lodge Chapter Consistory, Scottish Rite, Valley of Reading.
He was a member of the NRA, and a 40-year charter member of the Boyertown Lions Club, life member of the New Hanover Fire Co., Gilbertsville Fire Co., and the Sassamansville Fire Co.
He was a member of the Lower Pottsgrove Sportsmans Association, where he served as the hunter safety instructor for 35 years, along with being a member of the Lower Merion Gun Club, Boyertown Rod & Gun Club, Douglass Rod & Gun Club, Great Swamp Fish Game & Forestry Association, past board member of the board of directors of the American Red Cross, Pottstown, and chairman of the Dana Corp. Retirees Pottstown.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Roberta M. Ganovsky of Gilbertsville; a son, Robert L. Ganovsky of Royersford; a brother, Daniel W. Ganovsky of Spring City; a grandson; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Esther Plotts and Anna Grady; and a brother, John Ganovsky.
Funeral services were held Feb. 24 in New Hanover Lutheran Church, Gilbertsville, with the Rev. Thomas Lang, and the Rev. Susan Lynch, officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Masonic services will be held just prior to the church service.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Hanover Lutheran Church, Memorial Fund, 2941 Lutheran Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525.
Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Gilbertsville is in charge of arrangements.
Robert L. Green
Robert L. Green, husband of the late Dorothy J. (Creegan) Green of East Coventry, formerly of Phoenix, Ariz., California and Connecticut, died Feb. 17, 2009, in his home. He was 74.
Born in Orange, Mass., he was the son of the late Oscar and Dorothy (Johnson) Green.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
Mr. Green was involved with Little League and Cub Scouts. Camping and traveling were his other pastimes, and he visited all 48 states of the continental United States. He was an avid Red Sox fan.
He worked as an architectural draftsman in Bloomfield and Hartford, Conn. areas. He relocated to Spring City in 1996 and worked at Betzwood Associates in Phoenixville and then at MacKissic Inc. in Parker Ford.
Surviving are two sons, Robert N. Green of Spring City; and Dr. Daniel H. Green of Phoenixville; three grandchildren; a sister, Shirley of Orange, Mass.; two nephews, and a niece. He was preceded in death by his brother, Norman.
Relatives and friends may call at the Devlin-Rosmos-Kepp Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Main Street and Fourth Avenue, Phoenixville, on Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Graveside services will be held in South Cemetery, Orange, Mass., on Feb. 28 at 11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chester County Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation, 601 Westtown Road, Suite 340, West Chester, PA 19380.
John Henesey
John W. “Jack” Henesey, died Feb. 21, 2009, at the Parkhouse in Royersford, where he resided for several years. He was 84.
He was born in Philadelphia to the late Daniel and Anna (Royer) Henesey.
Mr. Henesey was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran, having received a Purple Heart for wounds received in the Pacific Theater.
He worked in the fuel oil business for many years and was co-owner of Triad Heat & Fuel. Upon selling the business to Reit Fuel Oil, he became office manager, working there until his retirement.
Mr. Henesey was a member of St. Helena’s Church, Center Square, a life member of Lincoln Fire Co., Conshohocken, and was active in various veteran associations. He was a Civil War history buff and family historian.
He also enjoyed traveling and hunting.
Mr. Henesey is survived by three brothers, William, Robert and Richard Henesey; his daughter, Patricia Batchler; three grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by wives Eleanor (Rinker) Henesey, and Agnes (Cannon) Henesey; his brother, Daniel; a sister, Grace; and a daughter, Michele Malantonio.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Feb. 26 at 10 a.m. from St. Helena RC Church, 1489 DeKalb Pike and Yost Road, Blue Bell, with Father Joseph J. Nicolo officiating. Friends may call Feb. 26 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in George Washington Memorial Park, Plymouth Meeting.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106 or St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.
Arrangements are by Moore & Snear Funeral Home of Conshohocken and East Norriton.
Roy F. Kramer
Roy F. Kramer, a longtime resident of Harleysville, died Feb. 21, 2009, at Phoebe Richlandtown Health Center. He was the husband of Valeria (Koffel) Kramer for almost 58 years. He was 85.
Born in East Greenville, he was a son of the late Lawrence and Edith (Fox) Kramer.
Mr. Kramer was an auto mechanic, working for many years at Bergey’s in Franconia and later for Keller’s Creamery, Harleysville, and Lefever Automotive, Franconia.
Mr. Kramer was a longtime member of Indian Creek Church of the Brethren, where he formerly served as an usher.
He was a member of Keller’s Retiree Group.
He enjoyed working outside at his home, working on motors, and taking bus trips. He also enjoyed caring for birds at his home.
In addition to his widow, he is survived by three daughters: Cindy Ryder of Royersford; Vickie Moyer of Telford, and Jean Kramer of Harleysville; a sister, Kathryn Brand of Montgomeryville, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Kramer; and three infant siblings.
A memorial service was held Feb. 25 at Indian Creek Church of the Brethren, Harleysville. Graveside services in the church cemetery and viewing will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Indian Creek Church of the Brethren, 821 Main St., Harleysville, PA 19438.
Arrangements are by Williams-Bergey-Koffel Funeral Home Inc. of Franconia.
Eugene S. Kratz
Eugene S. Kratz, husband of Jacqueline G. (Barth) Kratz, of East Pikeland Township, died Feb. 23, 2009, at Sanatoga Center, Lower Pottsgrove. He was 74.
Born in Lansdale, he was a son of the late Samuel B. and Margaret (Shellenberger) Kratz.
Mr. Kratz was a 1952 graduate of Norristown High School.
He was a U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force veteran.
Mr. Kratz worked as a truck driver most of his life, for the George Kemner Trucking company in Collegeville, the Crouthamel Trucking Company in Oaks, the Interstate Trucking Company in Oaks, and the Ford Motor Company in Lansdale.
In addition to his wife of 35 years, Mr. Kratz is survived by five children, Mitchell, Stephanie, Douglas, Derek S. Kratz of Middletown, Del., Kevin G. Albiser of Douglassville; two sisters, Lois Rothenberger and Peggy Landis; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at 10 a.m. Feb. 28 at the Cedarville United Methodist Church, 1092 Laurelwood Road, Pottstown, PA 19465, with the Rev. Robert H. Hoffman officiating. Interment will be private in the Beulah Cemetery, New Britain. Friends will be received from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Feb. 28 at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the church at the above address or to the American Cancer Society, C/O Shelly Stockmal, 401 Creekside Drive, P.O. Box 14, Pottstown, PA 19464.
The Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home, 600 Washington Street, Royersford, is in charge of the arrangements.
John Lamborn
John Lamborn, of Royersford, formerly of Berwyn, died Feb. 20, 2009, at his residence. He was 63.
He was born in Norristown to the late Theodore C. and Mary Elizabeth (Stevenson) Lamborn Jr.
He was raised in Berwyn and resided for 33 years in Royersford.
He was a graduate of Conestoga High School, Class of 1963, and attended the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Mr. Lamborn was a private in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, serving as a medic. He was the recipient of National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device, Expert Badge with Rifle Bar.
He owned and operated Lamborn Typo, Strafford, for 33 years, until his retirement in 1994.
He was an active member of the Berwyn Veteran Association. He was also a member of the Buglers Across America and bugled for veterans’ funerals.
He enjoyed hiking and camping
He is survived by his daughter, Kimberley Wolfram of Royersford; two granddaughters; and a brother, Robert Lamborn of Kennett Square. He was preceded in death by a brother, Theodore C. Lamborn III.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Shalkop Grace & Strunk Funeral Home, Bridge and Church streets, Spring City.
An additional viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 27 at the Berwyn United Methodist Church, 140 Waterloo Ave., Berwyn, with the Pastor Rev. Philip I. Ponce officiating, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the Great Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 2025 Swedesford Road, Malvern, PA 19355.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Music Department at the Kimberton Waldorf School, Attn: Mary Hirsch, PO Box 350, Kimberton, PA 19442.
Walter D. Landis
Walter D. Landis, husband of Sandra L. (Curry) Landis of Bechtelsville, died Feb. 23, 2009, in St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Reading. He was 63.
Born in Pottstown, he was the son of the late Charles and Stella (Dotterer) Landis Sr.
He was a 1963 graduate of Boyertown High School.
He was a bartender for 30-plus years at the Keystone Fire Company, Boyertown, worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Pottstown, and most recently worked as a machine operator at SCI-Cast International, Boyertown.
He was a member of Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, Boyertown, life member at the Keystone Fire Co., Boyertown, and the Friendship Hook & Ladder Fire Co., Boyertown, a member of the Pikeville Sportsmen’s Association and the Boyertown Orioles. He was a NASCAR fan, raced at Grandview Speedway, and bowled for the Boyertown Orioles for 26 years.
Surviving, in addition to his wife Sandra, are two sons, Todd C. Landis and David A. Landis, both of Boyertown; a daughter, Jessica A.Landis of Oley; a stepson, Steven V. Stofflet of Naples, Maine; two stepdaughters, Cynthia R. Woodley and Susan D. Bertolette, both of Barto; six brothers, Kenneth Landis of Pottstown, Charles Landis of New Hanover, Richard Landis of Schwenksville, Robert Landis of Gilbertsville, William Landis of Upper Pottsgrove, and Russell Landis of Gilbertsville; two sisters, Betty Weinsteiger of Fegleysville, and Shirley Seafoss of Pottstown; and 17 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Thornton; a half-brother, Gerald Landis; and a half-sister, June Maunger.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 28 at Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, 35 W. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown, The Rev. Dennis Christie will officiate. A viewing will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 28 at the church. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park, Pottstown.
Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd United Church Of Christ, 35 West Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown, PA 19512 or to the PA Dialysis Clinic, 625 Spring Street, Reading, PA 19610.
Arrangements are by the Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home, Inc., Boyertown.
James LaSorda
James J. LaSorda, a resident of the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, Blair County, died Feb. 20, 2009. He was 87.
A Norristown native, he was the husband of the late Rose (Nemeth); son of Marion (Tinaglia) and Guiseppe LaSorda.
Mr. LaSorda was building inspector and zoning officer for the borough of Norristown for more than 20 years.
He served as councilman for 12 years and ran for mayor twice. He worked at the L & H Sporting Goods store; then opened LaSorda’s Sporting Goods in Norristown. In his later years, he worked part-time as a school crossing guard.
He was a longtime member and past president of the Greater Norristown AMBUCS.
Survivors include three sons: Dennis LaSorda of Lower Gwynedd, Terry LaSorda of Norristown, and Joseph LaSorda of Skippack; seven grandchildren; and a nephew. He was preceded in death by a son, Phillip; brothers Charles and Dominic LaSorda; and sister, Rose Tomaselli.
Visitation hours are Feb. 26 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Caramenico Funeral Home, Main and Walnut streets, Norristown. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Feb. 26 at St. Patrick’s Church, DeKalb and Chestnut streets, Norristown. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, East Norriton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, PO Box 319, Arnold Hall – Center 2, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.
Joseph T. Lesinski
Joseph T. Lesinski (originally Leszczynski), of Limerick Township, formerly a longtime resident of East Norriton, died Feb. 19, 2009, at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center. He was 74.
Born in Conshohocken, he was the son of the late Ted and Laura Lesinski and husband for 53 years of Rosalie (Bacchi).
Mr. Lesinski was a charter member and president of the “usher’s group” of St. Titus Parish.
Mr. Lesinski was a volunteer firefighter, actively serving since 1952. He was a life member of the Washington Fire Co. and joined the Norriton Fire Engine Co. in 1954, where he became a life member in 1975.
He served as training officer, assistant chief, and deputy or fire chief for 17 years, as well as a fire instructor with Montgomery Fire Training Academy since 1964. Mr. Lesinski was awarded the Chief’s Award twice, President’s Award, and a special Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. He also served as a state fire instructor, where he was awarded “Instructor of the Year” for the PA Keystone Instructor Association in 2003.
He retired in 2004 after a career in medical marketing.
He enjoyed Philadelphia sports.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons, Russell of Schwenksville and Joe of Upper Providence; daughters, Laura Zoccola of Limerick, Leah DeLucia of Collegeville and Maria Beehler of Limerick; a brother, Ted of Schwenksville; sister, Helen Altieri of Limerick; and 19 grandchildren.
Life celebration services were held Feb. 23 at the Boyd-Horrox Funeral Home, Norristown, and Feb. 24 at St. Eleanor’s Catholic Church, Collegeville. Mass followed on Feb. 24 with interment at Limerick Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Norriton Fire Engine Company, 2830 Swede Road, East Norriton, PA 19401, or to Mrs. Lesinski c/o Boyd Horrox for her continued care.
Helen W. Lord
Helen W. (Langham) Lord, of Parkhouse Providence Pointe, Royersford, formerly of Reading, widow of Albert R. Lord Sr., died Feb. 19, 2009, at Parkhouse Providence Point, Royersford. She was 93.
Born in Royersford, she was a daughter of the late Howard B. Langham and the late Bertha (Obenshine) Gift.
Mrs. Lord is survived by one daughter, Evelyn J. Davis of Boyertown; one son, Albert R. Lord Jr. of Reading; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Eugene Lord.
Funeral services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are by the Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home & Crematory, Pottstown.
Amanda Nudd
Amanda Nudd, died in her sleep Feb. 17, 2009, after a long illness. She was 22.
She was born in Bangor, Maine, but lived most of her life in the Oaks area.
She attended Spring-Ford schools
Miss Nudd loved to spend time on the phone and Internet with her friends. She loved to shop, and enjoyed church camp at Camp-Men-O-Lan.
She is survived by her stepparents, Matthew and Karen Rozinski of Spring City; her sister, Christine Rozinski; her brothers, Anthony and Dylan Rozinski, Brandon Adams of West Lawn, Justin and Joseph Rusk of Spring City; grandparents, Gene and Eleanore Rozinski of Oaks; and many uncles and cousins.
Funeral services were held Feb. 20 at Lower Skippack Mennonite Church, Skippack. Interment followed in the adjoining cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gift of Life, 401 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19123.
Arrangements are by the R L Williams, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. Skippack.
P. Florence Pickell
P. Florence (Nester) Pickell, of Boyertown, formerly of Norristown, died Feb. 18, 2009, at her residence. She was the wife of the late Walter C. Pickell Sr., who died in 1995. She was 86.
Born in Norristown, she was a daughter of the late Leon and Pearl (Lewis) Nester. She was a 1941 graduate of Norristown High School. Prior to retirement, she was employed with Merck, Sharp, and Dohme for 30 years.
Mrs. Pickell was a longtime member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Obelisk. She enjoyed making candy, traveling, crocheting, country line dancing, and led aerobics at Timberlake Apartments for many years.
Mrs. Pickell is survived by a son, Walter C. Pickell Jr. of Boyertown; siblings, Robert Nester of Hatfield, Edith Kilmartin and Elizabeth Cutillo of Schwenksville; six grandchildren; one step-granddaughter; 10 great-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy Guarnieri; two siblings, Leon Nester and Dorothy McGrory
A funeral service was held Feb. 23 at R.L. Williams, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., Skippack. Graveside services were held Feb. 26 at Riverside Cemetery, Norristown.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 700, Frederick, PA 19435.
Margaret R. Rhoads
Margaret R. Rhoads, of Sanatoga, died Feb. 18, 2009, in her residence. She was the wife of the late Henry W. Rhoads. She was 85.
Born in West Lawn, she was the daughter of the late Wayne E. Sell and Lizzietta (Aberts).
Mrs. Rhoads was a floor manager for Sunset Manufacturing, formerly of Pottstown, for 45 years. She enjoyed quilting, writing poetry and antiques.
She was a dealer in antiques, having a stand at the Power House Antique Mall in Collegeville for 20 years.
Surviving are two sons, Henry W. Rhoads Jr. and Donald A. Rhoads, both of Bechtelsville; and two daughters, Shirley Shearer of Linfield and Nyoka Carlisle of Douglassville; a brother, Harvey Sell of Royersford; a sister, Alice Strong of Douglassville; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
A viewing was held Feb. 23 at the Warker-Troutman Funeral Home, Pottstown. Services and interment will be private.
Mary E. Schott
Mary E. (Rumler) Schott, formerly of Worcester, died Feb. 22, 2009, at the Golden Living Center, Lansdale. She was 96.
She was the wife of the late Frederick Schott, who died in 1968.
Born in Linfield, she was one of four children of the late Frederick and Hattie (Evans) Rumler.
Mrs. Schott was a lifelong member of Wentz’s U.C.C. Church, Worcester.
She was self-employed as a housekeeper for many years.
She is survived by her children, Florence Kurz of LeRaysville and Thelma Demetrius of Telford; her brother, Howard Rumler of Pottstown; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Robert Schott; and brothers John and Frank Rumler.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service Feb. 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the R.L. Williams Jr. Funeral Home Inc., Skippack Pike at Cedars Road, Skippack, where friends may call for the viewing from 9:30 to10: 30 a.m. Interment will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Spring City.
Memorial contributions may be made to the North Penn Visiting Nurses Association, 51 Medical Campus Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446.
Rita Schreinert
Rita Marie Schreinert, of Norristown, died Feb. 18, 2009. She was 59.
Born in Reading, she was the daughter of John and the late Stella (Depersio) Lewandowski.
She was a graduate of Kutztown University and received her master’s degree in education from Penn State.
She was a first grade teacher in the Reading School District and later went on to teach nursery school at the First Baptist Church, West Norriton.
Mrs. Schreinert was part of the Association of University of Women. She lived in Puerto Rico for three years. She enjoyed vacations, especially cruising, mystery novels, and murder mystery shows.
She is survived by her husband, Richard Schreinert; daughters Charlene Schreinert of Royersford, and Justi Holowko of Reading; a stepson, Richard Schreinert of Reno, Nev.; six grandchildren; and a sister, Donna Bird.
A life celebration service was held Feb. 21 with Liturgy of the Word following at Boyd-Horrox of East Norriton. Interment was private.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Anita Marie Strohl
Anita Marie Strohl, companion of Paul Cunningham, of Norristown, died Feb. 17, 2009, in Montgomery Hospital. She was 47.
She was the daughter of Shirley (Prindle) Yanchek, wife of Edward, and Millard D. Strohl, husband of Barbara. She attended Spring-Ford High School.
She is survived by a daughter, Crystal Dascher; son, Alexis Day; three grandchildren; two brothers, Donald D. Donovan Jr. and Michael A. Strohl; and a sister, Lisa Heron.
Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are by the Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Royersford.
John Tirpak Sr.
John M. Tirpak Sr. died Feb. 20, 2009, at home.
Mr. Tirpak had retired from Mirabile Beverage of Norristown.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathryn (Davis) Tirpak; his children, Warren of Pittsburgh, Beth Pilcicki of Collegeville, John M. Tirpak Jr. of Whitehall, and Joseph Tirpak of Allentown; four grandchildren; a sister, Geraldine Way of Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Wayde; and a grandchild.
Services were held Feb. 24 at Valley Forge Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Norristown.
Richard L. Vargo
Richard L. Vargo, of Spring City, died Feb. 18, 2009, in the Parkhouse at Providence Pointe Nursing Home, Royersford. He was 68.
He was born and raised in Berwick, a son of the late George and the late Dorothy Viola (McHenry) Vargo.
He worked as a draftsman for many years until his retirement.
Mr. Vargo was a 1959 graduate of Berwick High School and a 1961 graduate of Williamsport Tech.
He was a member of the Spring City American Legion Thomas W. O’Connor Post 602, The Veteran of Foreign Wars of Berwick, NRA and the Northern Chester County Sportsman Club and the Eagle Hose No. 2 in Berwick.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was the recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He is survived by a companion, Frieda (Hall) Nettles of Spring City; a brother, Alvin Vargo of Berwick; four nephews; and several great-nieces and -nephews.
A funeral service was held Feb. 23 at the Heller Funeral Home, Nescopeck.
Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society 1615 West Chester Pike, West Chester PA 19382.
Arrangements are by the Shalkop Grace & Strunk Funeral Home, Spring City.
Nancy J. Williams
Nancy J. (Edwards) Williams, wife of the late Kenneth R. Williams Sr., died Feb. 22, 2009, at the home of her daughter in Warminster. She was 78.
Born in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late David and Laura (Roberts) Edwards, and lived in Spring City most of her life.
She attended Phoenixville High School.
Mrs. Williams retired from the Valley Forge Flag Company in the mid 1990s. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Spring City Legion.
Mrs. Williams is survived by six children, Diane Liebert of Warminster, Kathy Jeffers of Spring City, Ken Williams Jr. of Phoenixville, Jean Hartman of Pottstown, Cheryl Smith of Gilbertsville and Debbie Hunter of Spring City; 17 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one son, Robert Butler; two grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Nauss; and one brother, Robert Edwards.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 26 at the Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home, 600 Washington St., Royersford. Officiating will be the Rev. Shirley M. Goodman. Interment will be in the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Spring City. Friends will be received from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 26 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, C/O Shelly Stockmal, 401 Creekside Drive, P.O. Box 14, Pottstown, PA 19464.
Mary Witman
Mary W. Witman, of Collegeville, died Feb. 23, 2009, at her home. She was 93.
Mrs. Witman was born in Norristown, a daughter of the late Paul J. and Catherine M. (Grady) Alt.
She graduated from St. Patrick’s High School.
She was a homemaker, a member of the Women’s Guild at Visitation BVM parish for 25 years and later, of the Women’s Guild at St. Eleanor parish. She was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing.
She is survived by two sons, David of Skippack, and Christopher of Malvern; a daughter, Barbara A. Witman of Collegeville; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and 14 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, David F. Whitman; a daughter, Mary Witman; brothers John and Franklin Alt; and sisters Kathryn Friel and Nancy Crossley.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Mass Feb. 26 at 10 a.m. at St. Eleanor Catholic Church, 6th Avenue and Main Street, Collegeville. A viewing will be held at the church Feb. 26 from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Interment will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, East Norriton.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Eleanor’s Building Fund. Condolences may be expressed at www.ruggierofh.com.
Arrangements are by the Ruggiero Funeral Home, Trappe.
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