Upper Darby Obituaries

Upper Darby Funeral Home: A Legacy of Compassionate Care

The Upper Darby Funeral Home, located at 8425 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA, 19082, has been a beacon of hope and comfort for families in the community for generations. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, this esteemed funeral home has earned a reputation for providing compassionate care and personalized service to those who have lost a loved one.

A History of Service and Dedication

The Upper Darby Funeral Home has a long and storied history in the community, with roots dating back to the early 20th century. Founded by a family of dedicated funeral professionals, the home has remained committed to its core values of compassion, integrity, and excellence. Over the years, the funeral home has undergone renovations and expansions to meet the evolving needs of the community, but its core mission has remained unchanged: to provide exceptional care and support to families in their time of need.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Lynn C. Rinkus - November 22, 1945 - January 10, 2024

Departed: 01/10/2024 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Lynn Clark Rinkus, 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on January 10, 2024 after a brief illness.

She was born in Franklin, PA on November 22, 1945 - Thanksgiving Day.

Lynn grew up in Franklin, PA and attended the University of Pittsburgh, receiving a degree in elementary education. Following graduation, Lynn and her new husband, Jan, moved to Pirmasens, Germany, stationed on a U.S. Army base, where she taught school. Upon returning to the United States in 1971, they settled in Indiana, PA, where they raised their family. After the passing of her first husband, Lynn married Richard Rinkus. Together, they lived in Indiana for 24 years.

Lynn was an elementary school teacher in both the Blairsville and Indiana school districts and was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church. Over 52 years as an Indiana resident, Lynn formed incredibly long-lasting and loving friendships with so many dear people. Lynn loved to travel, especially to see the wonders of nature - Antarctica, Alaska, Australia, and her all-time favorite, the Galapagos Islands. Above all else, her most cherished trips were the annual family vacations to Boothbay Harbor, ME, spending time with her 9 grandchildren. She lived an incredible life and impacted so many lives with her abundance of kindness, warmth and love.

She is survived by her children, Laurie Frumiento (Carmine) of Auburn, Maine and Jeffrey Clark (Jamie) of Downingtown, Pennsylvania; her siblings, James Woolf of Chambersburg, PA, and Ann Macko of Hopkinton, MA; nine grandchildren, Iain, Ellena, Ethan, Isabella, Anna, Ryland, Emma, Jackson and Amelia; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jan, in 1994; her daughter, Suzanne, in 2003; and her second husband, Richard, in 2023.

A memorial service at Christ Episcopal Church and a celebration of life for Lynn Clark Rinkus will be held in early spring in Indiana.

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Roxie Darlene Bussert - August 13, 1942 - October 08, 2023

Departed: 10/08/2023 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Roxie Darlene Bussert, age 81, of Downingtown, PA, passed away on October 8, 2023. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Born in 1942, she was the daughter of the late Vernine and Vera (Conliff) Bussert. Roxie was the youngest of 5 children who grew up in Gas City, Indiana - all who are now deceased. She moved to Rhode Island after high school in the early 1960s, and eventually to Pennsylvania where she remained for over 30 years. Roxie enjoyed cooking, going to concerts, boating, and babysitting; and she loved cats. She also loved watching the Philadelphia Phillies. Roxie was the most kind-hearted and sweetest woman - and would help anyone. Most of her life was dedicated to helping others by housekeeping and baby/child sitting. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Services will be held at the chapel at St Martha’s Manor Nursing Home in Downingtown, PA.

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Jonathan W. Paul - May 03, 1959 - September 19, 2023

Departed: 09/19/2023 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Jonathan Wortley Paul, (J.P.) of Exton, Pennsylvania passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in West Chester, PA at the age of 64.

Born in Philadelphia, PA on May 3, 1959, he was the beloved son of the late Dorothy Jane Landergrin Paul and the late Wortley Browning Paul.

J.P. was raised in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, the youngest of three brothers. A 1977 graduate of Conestoga High School, J.P. was a star pitcher on his varsity baseball team. His focus on the mound and sharp arm won him a full baseball scholarship at Pace University in West Chester County, New York. He pitched for Pace all four years and graduated in 1981 with a degree in Business.

Not long after college, he landed his first job at Pennzoil in Sales. He started his career as a route delivery driver delivering motor oil to gas stations. His personable nature and wonderful sense of humor helped him quickly climb the ladder and become a top regional sales rep for the company. J.P. loved being selected to work the Pennzoil tent at NASCAR races where he made an impression on anyone who met him.

After relocating for Pennzoil to Houston in 1995, he later transferred to a subsidiary, Calumet Specialty Products Lubricants of Indianapolis, to return to the East Coast and work territory sales selling base oils, waxes, and solvents. He would often introduce himself as a “lubrication salesman” which always caused a chuckle. His genuine relationships with his customers, distributors and Calumet colleagues are what made him so successful in his career. He planned to retire in 2024 after twenty-six years with the company.

Many summers were spent in Dewey Beach, Delaware, which was without a doubt J.P.’s happy place surrounding himself with some of his closest friends in beach house rentals. It was there that he met Stacey Swarm whom he married in 1997. His fondest memories of Dewey took place at The Starboard where he enjoyed dancing to his favorite 80’s music. J.P.’s proudest and most defining moment of his life was the 2004 birth of his son, Nathan Miles Paul. Nathan grew to love baseball just like his dad, and he too was a pitcher playing for local league teams and school. For ten years J.P. never missed a chance to watch his son play baseball, and he was typically seen pacing behind the batter’s box, talking with the parents, or most famously for retrieving every foul ball no matter which team hit it. His love for the game and the social life he gained from Nathan’s sports were the highlights of his life. In addition, JP was passionate about Philadelphia Sports and a loyal WIP listener. His love of Philly sports began as a young boy leading into a man who naturally absorbed the details of playing the game and the players/coaches who played it. We will miss all of JP’s sights of the PSU Nittany Lions while Nathan enjoys going to games as a student!

Another highlight was meeting Pamela Sampson in 2013, his long-time partner. Pamela was instrumental in J.P.’s happiness and peace, and he often spoke of her kind and nurturing nature. Together they shared his love for the beach and his hobbies which included street biking across Chester County’s beautiful streets, power walking together and flying his drone. Nathan found it humorous how his dad would fly his drone around his neighborhood hovering close to buildings, or how without warning he would pull over on the side of the road and send it up. Seeing the scenery from above was something that fascinated J.P. and now he has the best view from Heaven.

J.P. always had a joke to share or a quick-witted comeback. His humor mixed with a pinch of sarcasm will be greatly missed.

In addition to his son, he is survived by his brother, Drew Von Bargen of New Jersey and he was also an uncle to three nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his oldest brother, Derrick Von Bargen and his stepmother, Eleanor Paul.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Lionville Youth Association, Boys Baseball, P.O. Box 475, Lionville, PA 19353.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life ceremony which will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, time to be determined at the Evian’s Community Clubhouse, Fairway Lane, Exton PA.

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John J. "Jack" Tierney Jr. - January 09, 1969 - June 03, 2023

Departed: 06/03/2023 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: John “Jack” Tierney Jr., age 54, passed away June 3, 2023. Beloved son of Joyce S. Cropper and the late John J. Tierney , Sr.

Jack is survived by his loving children John J. Tierney III and Justin C. Tierney and siblings Kimberly A. Kulesa and Sean Tierney. Jack will be deeply missed by his dear friends Cornelius Hill and Laz Corales, as well as, his beloved Step-Mother Gail Tierney, Aunts, Uncles, and many cousins.

While Jack has left us far too soon, he will always be remembered for his love of the simple things in life. His favorite hobbies included coin collecting, playing pool and spending time at the family cabin. Jack held many titles in his life, from son to brother, but his favorite role was being a father. He loved spending quality time with his son.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Jack's honor at a date to be announced. Close relatives and friends of Jack are invited to attend.

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Allan Papurt - December 22, 1955 - May 29, 2023

Departed: 05/29/2023 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Allan Papurt, 67, of Broomall PA, formerly of Overbrook Park.

Allan is the beloved husband of Linda and beloved father of Robert.

Allan died peacefully on May 29th, 2023 at home in the loving arms of his wife and son.

Allan was the beloved son of the late Abraham (Robert) and Lillian Papurt.

Allan was the beloved brother of the late Rochelle Papurt.

Allan is also survived by his brother and many nieces and nephews.

Burial arrangements are private.

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Joseph McDowell Theuer - June 10, 1979 - May 01, 2023

Departed: 05/01/2023 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Joseph McDowell Theuer, age 43, of Wilmington, DE, formerly of Essington, PA, passed away on May 1, 2023.

Born in Upper Darby, PA in 1979, he was the beloved son of Kathy (nee Horner) and Carl Theuer.

Joseph enjoyed his days traveling with the carnival. He loved to meet new people everywhere he went.

Joseph was the caring brother of Carl, Chrissy, Jackie, Scott, and Matthew, and the late Shawn.

Services and interment are private.

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Louis R. Vivaldi - April 06, 1931 - April 15, 2023

Departed: 04/15/2023 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Louis R. Vivaldi, age 92, of Morton, PA, passed away on April 15, 2023.

Born in Drexel Hill, PA in 1931, he was the son of the late Louis and Anna (nee Trettina) Vivaldi. Louis served honorably in the US Army. He worked as an Instrumentation Mechanic for Boeing. Louis had a great love of music and was a talented accordion player.

Louis was the beloved husband of the late Anna (nee Melko) Vivaldi; loving father of Donna M. Philips (John), Carol A. Slijepcevic (George), Linda V. Moore, and the late Maria E. Vivaldi; loving grandfather of John, Joseph, Aleece, Brandon, and James and great-grandfather of John and Alexis; dear brother of Marlene Vivaldi.

Services and interment are private by family.

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Patrick Burnham Tyrrell - September 20, 1969 - April 02, 2023

Departed: 04/02/2023 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Patrick Burnham Tyrrell, age 53, of Wayne, PA, passed away on April 2, 2023.

Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1969, he was the beloved son of Mary G. and the late Joseph Paul Tyrrell; loving brother of Joe Tyrrell; caring uncle of Amanda, Olivia, Willow, and Joe, III.

Patrick attended grade school in Ocean City, NJ and graduated from Chestnut Hill Academy, Philadelphia, PA and Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY. He was an avid sports fan. During high school, Patrick would spot for the Eagle’s games at Veterans Stadium. He was the quarterback for the 1987 IFL champs. Patrick enjoyed reading and loved having great conversations with his friends and family.

Services and interment are private.

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Constance L. "Connie" Mansolino - March 23, 1941 - February 27, 2023

Departed: 02/27/2023 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Constance L. “Connie” Mansolino (nee Luther), age 81, of Broomall, PA, passed away on February 27, 2023.

Born in Philadelphia to the late Daniel and Alda (nee Creely) McCorkle, Connie worked as a waitress and on the Cape May Ferry. Connie liked to have fun and enjoyed taking trips with friends.

Connie was predeceased by her beloved husband Bart Mansolino and her son Martin Campbell. She is survived by her loving children Denise McHugh, Michael Fusco, and Debbie Fusco, her siblings Daniel McCorkle, Michael McCorkle, Patricia McCorkle and David Rip McCorkle. She is also survived by her grandchildren Justin McHugh, Sara Davis, Joseph Gumola, Michael Fusco, Jr. and Candice Fusco.

Contributions in Connie’s memory to The American Cancer Society, 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 or 1-800-227-2345 would be appreciated.

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Margaret "Peggy" Rees Harris - November 23, 1936 - February 15, 2023

Departed: 02/15/2023 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Margaret “Peggy” R. Harris, 86, wife of A. Brooks Harris of Newtown Square, died on February 15, 2023 at the Dunwoody Village Care Center.

Peggy was an only child born on November 23nd, 1936, at Flowers-Fifth Avenue Hospital in New York City to the late Bertha and William Rees. While Peggy graduated from Radcliffe College in 1958 with a major in Geology, her true passion was art: she spent as much time taking art courses as possible. Her grades and advanced compositions were better than many Art majors. In her senior year, it was discovered that she needed another half year of science to graduate as a Geology major and as it happened only Physics 1 could be so split- so Physics it was. At Christmas break when her father was picking her up to take her home she was approached by her Physics “section man”, a young Harvard graduate student in Physics, who asked her for a date. As Peggy later tells it she looked in her Guide to Students and it didn’t address the issue of dating a section man. Nowadays the administration would cause problems for the section man, but in those bygone times, it worked out and they were married the summer after she graduated.

Although her love life was blissful, Peggy was unable to pursue an advanced degree in Geology due to the difficulties she faced in completing her field work prerequisite. It was hard for women to obtain field work opportunities in Geology back then due to the lack of separate locker/bathroom facilities.

While Peggy certainly loved painting, cooking, playing bridge, going to the Orchestra, tennis and book group, her greatest joy probably came from traveling the world and spending time with her family. She instilled a love of learning, a joyful curiosity, and a lust for travel in her three children, Kathy, W. Brooks, and Tom.

In addition to her husband of more than 60 years, A. Brooks Harris, Peggy is survived by her daughter Katherine Sturrock and her husband Charles of North Falmouth, MA, her son W. Brooks Harris and his wife Sandra of Greenwich, CT, her son Thomas Harris of Morton, PA, her granddaughter Allison Classen and her husband Benjamin of Exton, PA, her granddaughter Alexis Harris of New York, NY her granddaughter Elizabeth Harris of Philadelphia, PA, her granddaughter Aerin Harris of Greenwich, CT, her grandson C. Brooks Harris of Greenwich, CT, her granddaughter Millie Harris of Troy, New York, her grandson Andrew Harris of Barrington, RI, and by 2 great-grandsons, James Classen and Watson Classen, both of Exton, PA. Terrance, their beloved turtle of 40+ years, predeceased her.

A private memorial service will be held at Radnor Friends Meeting, where she was a long time, active “Friend”.

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Paul McCaffrey - April 30, 1952 - February 01, 2023

Departed: 02/01/2023 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Paul McCaffrey, 70, of Upper Darby, PA, passed away on February 1, 2023.

Born in Ballygawley, County Tyrone, Ireland in 1952, he was the son of the late Patrick and Kathleen (nee Noble) McCaffrey.

Paul was the loving brother of Helen, Don, Frank, Paddy, June, and Claire; predeceased by his siblings, Delia, Brendan, and Maureen; also survived by his nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 10:00-11:00 AM Monday, February 6, 2023 at St. Laurence Lower Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment private.

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Anthony "Tony" Ferraro - September 22, 1937 - January 24, 2023

Departed: 01/24/2023 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Anthony “Tony” Ferraro, 85, of West Chester, passed away peacefully at home with his family on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. He was the devoted husband of Sydney (nee McCloy) Ferraro. The couple shared over 62 years of marriage.

Born September 22nd, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Anthony Ferraro and Jane (nee Sonsini) Ferraro. Formerly of Broomall and Villanova, Pennsylvania. He attended Malvern Preparatory school and later went on to graduate from Villanova University with a degree in commerce and finance. He was proud to be a boy scout and was one badge away from achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. After school he went on to work with his father at Speck Cadillac and Oldsmobile where he learned the automobile business. In 1963, his father opened Ferraro Cadillac in Upper Darby, eventually moving to the “Golden Mile” in Springfield, PA, June of 1967. Anthony was the controller of the company until 1990, when he became the owner and President. Having been a successful business man for over 40 years, it was well deserved when he received an award for being one of the top 20 Cadillac dealers in the country.

As a young boy, he spent his summers vacationing in Ocean City, New Jersey at his family home. This is where he developed his true love of boating. Over his many years he had a variety of boats, most notable his Chris Craft, “Scram” and his last boat, “El Syd V”. He loved cruising up and down the Sassafras River and exploring the Chesapeake Bay. This passion brought him many lifelong friends and he, his wife and family some truly special memories.

He was a man of many hobbies who loved snowmobiling, skiing, water skiing, golfing, cooking and his Marklin trains. Taught by his own grandfather, he was also an extremely talented carpenter and craftsman. In his younger years, you could often find him out in his workshop. He had built two homes, a tennis court and multiple tree houses. He enjoyed building creations for family and friends, most notable being his wooden Christmas trees.

He served as the President of Concord Country Club for 8 years, as well as the on the board of Taylor Hospital.

Even with how busy his life was, family was always the most important to him. He made a special effort with his grandchildren, always being involved throughout their lives. He attended sports games, helped with homework and was always willing to lend a listening ear or cheer them up with a smart comment.

In addition to his wife, Sydney: Anthony is survived by his two sons, R. Brian Ferraro and his wife, Debra of West Chester and Anthony J. Ferraro and his significant other, Clare Love of West Palm Beach, FL. He had seven grandchildren, Samantha E. Ferraro, Richard B. Ferraro JR, Anthony J. Ferraro, Stefanie S. Ferraro Holloway (Tyler), Katherine Ferraro, Rachel S. Ferraro, and Nicholas J. Ferraro; one great grandchild, Mason Ferraro; sister Kathleen Kolb (David) and brother Patrick Ferraro. He was pre-deceased by his son, Terrance S. Ferraro; and his brother Richard A. Ferraro.

At this time, the family will not be holding a service. They ask that you think of Tony when you are out on the water, on the golf course or enjoying a vodka tonic.

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Dawn M. Finegan - May 21, 1976 - July 27, 2022

Departed: 07/27/2022 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Dawn M. Finegan, 46, of Essington, PA lost her almost 3-year battle with colorectal cancer after fighting with grace and courage on July 27, 2022, surrounded by family. Dawn was a source of strength to everyone around her. She was an amazing, fun-loving mom to James and Madison. Dawn had a strong faith and found support from her congregation in Ridley Park. She loved to listen to music, watch a good movie, and spend time with her family. Throughout her life, Dawn had a flair for fashion, and you would rarely see her without a color-coordinated outfit; her staple accessory was sunglasses to match. Dawn is survived by her mother, Nancy Fee, and stepfather, Gregory Fee, along with her Father, Edward C. Finegan, and stepmother, Meaghan Finegan; also survived by her children, James and Madison Curry; her siblings Deanine, Eddie, and Kevin, their spouses, her niece, Quinn and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins.A memorial service will take place at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 11:00 AM. To attend virtually, please refer to the Zoom information below. Join Zoom Meetinghttps://jworg.zoom.us/j/92559791169Meeting ID: 925 5979 1169Passcode: 371029Memorial Service:Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses202 W Chester PikeRidley Park, PA 19078

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Lawrence John Corr - November 19, 1942 - June 08, 2022

Departed: 06/08/2022 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Lawrence John Corr (Larry), 79, of West Chester, PA passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1942, Larry was the son of the late Lawrence J. and Catherine (née Hooven) Corr.He served honorably in the US Marine Corps. He earned his bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University and pursued his master’s degree at Temple University. He worked for more than 30 years in mergers and acquisitions, retiring as president of Moro Corporation in 2019.Larry’s pride and joy was his family. He was a frequent fan at his grandchildren’s activities and athletic events and loved attending sporting events with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed exercise, history, biographies and documentaries and was an avid reader. A long-time member of St. Francis in the Fields, Malvern, he enjoyed few things more than fellowship and gathering for meals with family and friends. Larry was the beloved husband of Joan (née Jaeger) Corr; loving father of Shelley Steel (Jeff), Diane Byrne, Susan Lenkaitis (Michael) and Larry John Corr (Kelly); stepfather of Linda Damm, Michael Damm (Marie) and Barbara Riggs (Rick); proud grandfather of Peter Byrne (Kate), Tyler Dougherty, Bryn Lenkaitis, Christopher Corr, Cade Lenkaitis, Drew Lenkaitis, Ryan Lenkaitis, Caitlin Corr and Emma Steel; and great-grandfather to Cash Corr; dear brother of Richard Corr and sister-in-law, Beverly Corr.Friends and relatives may attend a memorial service and interment on Sunday, June 19, at 1:00 pm at St. Francis in the Fields, Malvern - 689 Sugartown Road, Malvern, PA 19355. A late luncheon and celebration of Larry’s life will follow at 905 Robin Drive, West Chester, PA 19382.

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Joseph Dillon - November 22, 1955 - April 02, 2022

Departed: 04/02/2022 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Joseph Dillon, age, 66, of Upper Darby, PA, passed away on April 2, 2022. Born in Delaware County he was the son of the late M. Dillon and Ann Dillon (nee McKeown). Joseph was an avid reader, book collector, loved rock music and was a guitarist. He was a comic book and vintage toy enthusiast. He was a loving cat dad to 3 lovely ladies. In addition to his parents, Joseph was predeceased by his siblings Patrick, Jerry, Peggy and Maureen. He is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Dillon. Services and interment are private.

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Louis Joseph Orr, III - February 21, 1960 - January 25, 2022

Departed: 01/25/2022 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Louis Joseph Orr, III, of Wallingford, PA, passed away on January 25, 2022.Born in Darby, PA in 1960, Louis was the son of the late Louis and Margaret (nee Spillane) Orr. He was an avid sports fan of the Flyers, Wings, Eagles, and Phillies. Louis liked to talk politics with his nephews. He loved animals and enjoyed spending time at the Delaware Shore.Louis was the dear brother of Thomas Orr; caring uncle of Thomas Orr, Jr., Andrew Orr, and Christopher Orr; dear brother-in-law of Margaret Orr; loving partner of Karen Edge; lifelong friend of Henry Teti and Kevin Thomas. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Beth Orr.Services are private.

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Jean Claire Penniston - October 03, 1928 - November 06, 2021

Departed: 11/06/2021 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Jean Claire Penniston (nee Hage), 93, of Coatesville, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on November 6, 2021. Born in Hamilton Ohio, she was the eldest of the 5 children of Arthur and Marcella Hage. Her father worked in the family construction business and her mother was a school teacher before becoming a homemaker. They worshipped at Zion Lutheran Church.

Jean grew up in Hamilton and attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She was president of the Beta Delta chapter of the sorority Zeta Tau Alpha. She participated in the choral union, was on the advertising staff of the campus newspaper and was elected Junior Prom queen. During the summers she worked at Wilmurs Department Store in Hamilton and wrote a fashion column for the local newspaper called “Seen by Jean." After graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree she worked as fashion coordinator at Shillito’s Department store in downtown Cincinnati.

At college she went on a blind date and met her future husband Lou who was majoring in Architecture. After becoming engaged Jean called the pastor of her church and asked if he would marry her, to which he replied, “I am honored that you ask, but I am already married.” Upon marrying, Lou entered the USAF. During his 2 year enlistment they lived in Texas, Colorado and South Dakota, where their first son Scott was born. After the service Lou found work at a prominent architectural firm in Indianapolis, Indiana. They soon moved into a home that he designed and welcomed two more sons, David and Mark. Both Lou and Jean were active in numerous organizations such as the Jaycees and Jayncees, attended Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church and were members of the Country Club of Indianapolis.

Jean volunteered at Crossroads Rehabilitation Center for 5 years, was awarded the Roy E. Patton Award for outstanding volunteer and eventually became president of the Crossroads Volunteer Auxiliary. She was then asked to become Director of Volunteers and Recreation in which capacity she served for 17 years. Highlights were fundraising for Easter Seals and the Day Nursery Auxiliary, fundraising celebrity luncheons and fashion shows and the annual Easter egg hunt for handicapped children. The family outgrew their home and moved across town to a new one where Lou established an architectural practice in the home. There they joined Cross and Crown Lutheran Church.

After the boys grew up and left home Lou and Jean moved to Cape Coral, Florida in 1983. Lou did part-time work as a building construction inspector and Jean was employed as a temporary office worker for Kelly Services. Both of them were very active at Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral and volunteered at Cape Coral Hospital and Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Meyers. They purchased an RV and traveled extensively across the United States. They also went to Europe and the Middle East with their church group.

In 1999 they decided that a western adventure would be exciting and followed the lead of several friends and family and moved to Tucson, Arizona. Lou retired and they spent their days exploring the natural surroundings and volunteering at Northminster Presbyterian Church where Jean worked in the church office. They were also members of the Tucson Medical Center Auxiliary and worked at the surgery lobby and outpatient desks. Jean knitted many winter hats for the program “Caps for Kids” which were sent to needy children throughout the country.

After Lou passed away in 2004 Jean continued volunteering. She enjoyed attending Red Hatter outings, playing solitaire, watching “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” and having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of milk every day for lunch. She had a copy of a prayer taped to the inside of her bedroom closet door that read something like “Dear Lord, if I accomplish nothing else today, please help me to make a difference in the lives of others.” This summed up her attitude towards life in general.

In 2013 son David and his wife Becky welcomed Jean into their home in Coatesville, Pennsylvania where she loved to help out by washing dishes, ironing linens, folding towels among other things. She loved to play solitaire, work crosswords and do jigsaw puzzles. She participated in activities at Tel Hai Adult Day Services Center. She continued attending Northminster Church services through streaming on the TV.

After 5 ½ years her progressive dementia and physical decline made it necessary for her to move to Simpson Meadows Retirement Community in nearby Downingtown where she lived out the rest of her life attended by loving caregivers and Willow Tree Hospice.

Jean always met people with a smile and a laugh and it was not long before she would exhibit her gentle sense of humor. She loved being a positive influence in other people’s lives. She was very empathetic and would lend a kind ear to anyone. She was always content with where she was, what she was doing and never wanted for anything.

The people who made a difference in Jean’s life are so numerous that it is better to simply say “Thank you to all who lent a hand.” One person though who cannot go without being mentioned is daughter-in-law Becky who cared for Jean as if she were her own loving daughter.

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William "Bill" Thomas Rogers, Jr. - May 11, 1967 - October 07, 2021

Departed: 10/07/2021 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: William “Bill” Thomas Rogers, Jr., 54, of West Chester, PA, passed away October 7, 2021.

Born May 11, 1967 in Philadelphia, PA, he was a son of the late William T., Sr., and Agnes (nee McKlindon) Rogers.

William graduated from Bishop Shanahan High School in 1986 and attended Penn State University. He worked in the banking and finance industry often following the stock market.

Bill loved to read; his favorite author was Stephen King. He also enjoyed going out to concerts, listening to music, and dancing. His favorite hobby was the movies. He enjoyed everything from classic movies to Halloween thrillers. He was a huge Star Wars fan and loved The Terminator.

He is survived by his sister Cecelia Cary (Kevin); niece Courtney Cary, nephews Christopher, Connor, and Kevin Cary; and great-nephew Colby Cary.

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Bruce Tyler Ogg - November 16, 1954 - August 26, 2021

Departed: 08/26/2021 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Bruce Tyler Ogg of West Chester, PA passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021. He was 66 years young.

Bruce was born on November 16th, 1954 in Havertown, PA to the late Don and Betty Ogg. He is the devoted husband of Kathy Ogg (nee Roosa) for 30 years, loving father to Tyler (27) and Josh (23) and beloved brother of Dave and Steve and uncle to Melissa, Matt, and Becky.

Bruce was a proud graduate of Villanova University where he received his degree in Mathematics in 1976 and worked as an Actuary for 36 years. Bruce was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, and enjoyed hobbies including photography, jazz piano, movies, and was a passionate car enthusiast. Bruce engaged in many volunteer opportunities: he tutored grade school students in an after-school math program and lead the regional support group for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. He was active in the local church, Christ Community Church, where he served as an usher and participated in the refreshment ministry.

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Kenneth Weaver - December 12, 1947 - June 18, 2021

Departed: 06/18/2021 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Kenneth Weaver, age 73, of Bryn Mawr, PA, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2021. Born in Upper Darby, PA, on December 12, 1947 Kenneth was the son of the late Effie B. (nee Moore) and James A. Weaver.

Kenneth worked as a handyman in the landscaping business.

Kenneth is survived by his siblings Barbara Reaney, Faye Kyle, Eleanor Kinsoy, Virginia Tyrrell, Howard Weaver, John Weaver and Beverly Lansidol.

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Patricia "Tish" Marie Schott Murphy-House - September 21, 1948 - June 15, 2021

Departed: 06/15/2021 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Patricia Marie “Tish” Schott Murphy-House, age 72, of Upper Darby, PA, passed away on June 15, 2021.

Tish was a loving mother, Grandmother, daughter and sister. She was also known as Mama Tish to many others. Tish loved being around people, especially children. All children were called Turkey birds. Whether it was for a special occasion or just dinner, any reason for Tish to make her famous macaroni salad. Tish loved watching old Cowboy movies. NCIS, any of them, Blue Bloods, Hallmark’s channel and listening to all types of music. She loved dancing, even if it was just in the kitchen. She enjoyed playing cards (Gin), and loved bowling and going to play bingo.

Tish worked as a Legal Secretary for Borrebach and Tomlinson Law Firm until they closed, then worked for a few other law firms until her retirement in 2012.

Tish is survived by her three beloved children John Schott (Amy), Stacy Ratajski (Colby) and Tracy Chidester (Brandon) and her seven cherished grandchildren Donovan, Victoria and Connor Ratajski, Quintania and John Schott and Austin and Dylan Chidester, also survived by her brothers William Murphy, Joseph Murphy, and Francis House and sister Maryann House and many nieces and nephews along with great nieces and great nephews.

Tish was predeceased by her parents, Francis and Lorretta House (nee Loughran), brothers Michael Murphy and John Murphy and sisters Loretta Murphy and Catherine Fries.

Relatives and friends are invited to Tish’s Memorial Service on Sunday, June 20th from 12:00-4:00 PM at Bon Air Fire Hall, 541 Royal Avenue, Havertown, PA.

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Carolyn "Kit" Killian Staley - Unknown - June 01, 2021

Departed: 06/01/2021 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Carolyn “Kit” Killian Staley

Kit Staley passed away on June 1, 2021. She was 90 years old. Kit was born in 1931 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to James R. Killian Jr. and Elizabeth Parks Killian. Her father was President of M.I.T. and the first full-time science advisor to President Eisenhower.

Kit Staley graduated from Wellesley High School and went on to attend Mount Holyoke College, graduating in 1952 having majored in economics. In 1952 she was one of the earliest female employees for IBM, working as a systems service representative.

In 1953 she married Paul R. Staley, who went to Dartmouth College and then Harvard Law School, worked for Procter & Gamble, and eventually became CEO of the PQ Corporation in Philadelphia. Before moving to the Philadelphia area, they moved seven times all over the country. During that time, they had four children.

Kit was always engaged as a mother and volunteered at the League of Women Voters, helping the power of women contribute to our democracy. Kit taught math at both private (The Agnes Irwin School) and public high schools. She often attended her children’s activities in sports and music and regularly attended the Main Line Unitarian Church, where she was a long-time member. Kit’s 33-year marriage to Paul ended in divorce in 1986. In 2000, she asked Walt Morse if he would travel to South Africa with her. He accepted the invitation, and they became life partners and ended up traveling the world together. Walt passed away March 2, 2012. Kit spoke of Walt with such joy and felt blessed to have shared

numerous years together late in life. Kit’s greatest loves were her children and grandchildren, watching tennis (particularly Roger Federer), and the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Three Mile Island Camp on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. She read the New York Times every morning and loved recommending books to read and movies to see. Having grown up in the Great Depression, she rarely threw food away, so there were always surprises when opening the refrigerator door!

In recent years she often commented how happy she was living at Dunwoody Village, a retirement community in Newtown Square, Pa. She is survived by her four children—Chris (Kate), Jes (Deby), Peter, and Janet—and four granddaughters—Alexa, Sophia, Tori, and Rowan—plus her brother Rhyne M. Killian.

A memorial service and celebration of Kit’s life will be held at the Main Line Unitarian Church on Saturday, July 24, at 2:00 pm. All are welcome.

Donations in her memory may be given to WHYY, 150 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, or to a public television station of your choice.

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Elizabeth Anne "Betsy" Bradfield - November 16, 1963 - March 28, 2021

Departed: 03/28/2021 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Elizabeth (Betsy) Bradfield, 57, of Drexel Hill, PA, passed away peacefully at home on March 28, 2021. Betsy was a devoted mother to her daughter, Katie and a good friend to all. She was frequently praised by many for her creations in the kitchen. She enjoyed the recounting of stories at family gatherings and will be remembered best for her strength, humor, compassion, and selflessness. Betsy will be dearly missed by her family, along with the myriad of friends that she met throughout her journey of life.

Betsy was the daughter of the late Brian and Jeanne Marie (Kearney) Bradfield. She was predeceased by siblings Frank, Larry, Diane (Miller), John, and Anne. She is survived by her husband Paul Kintzell, daughter Kathleen (Katie) Kintzell, brothers Matt (Joanna), Lou, Paul (Cathy), sisters Christine Gubiczca (Patrick), and Patricia Luner (John), and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

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David F. "Dave" Hogan - August 26, 1934 - January 25, 2021

Departed: 01/25/2021 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: David F. “Dave” Hogan, Sr., 86, of Newtown Square, PA, passed away on January 25, 2021.

Born in Canonsburg, PA, he was the son of the late Charles M. and Mary Frances (nee Connors) Hogan. Dave was generous with his time and talent, he served on the St. Michael’s RC Church Council, Vienna, WV, and as a lector/commentator, cantor, Eucharistic Minister. He was PTA Vice-President and President of Greenmont Elementary School, Vienna, WV. He was a Supervisor and member of Board of Directors for the DeMuth Glass Employees Credit Union.

Dave worked for 35 years in the Sales and Marketing Divisions of various Laboratory, tubing, science products, and glass containers. His expertise afforded positions of responsibility, as Vice President Sales and Marketing, DeMuth Division, Vienna, WV, and District Sales Manager Warsaw, IN. 17 of his 35 years, Dave and his wife, Carole, worked as a team, and enjoyed their time together professionally as well as a couple.

Dave loved his family vacations in Ocean City, NJ, all things related to Pittsburgh Steelers, road trips through Mid-Ohio Valley, winning at cards, especially, Phase 10. Dave could often be seen supporting his daughters and grand-daughters tennis matches from grade school days through adulthood and they valued his coaching. He loved watching videos of his grandsons soccer and Little League games. He was so very proud of his children and his 5 grandchildren. They were always a source of joy. Dave loved to sing and his favorites were Amazing Grace and Let There Be Peace On Earth.

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Richard Thomas Schultz - November 12, 1952 - January 05, 2021

Departed: 01/05/2021 (Upper Darby)

Obituary Preview: Mr. Richard Thomas Schultz, age 68, of Aston, PA, passed away on January 5, 2021. Mr. Schultz was the son of the late Herbert and Dorothy Schultz (nee White). He had been employed as a Food Service Worker.

Richard is survived by his son, Jason Schultz, and his siblings Ronald Schultz, Robert Schultz, Russell Schultz and Susan Schultz.

Services and interment are private.

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A Team of Caring Professionals

The staff at Upper Darby Funeral Home is comprised of experienced and compassionate professionals who are dedicated to helping families navigate the complex and often overwhelming process of planning a funeral or memorial service. From funeral directors and embalmers to administrative staff and support personnel, every member of the team is committed to providing exceptional care and attention to detail. The funeral home's staff is trained to handle even the most unique and challenging situations with sensitivity and professionalism.

Personalized Funeral Services

At Upper Darby Funeral Home, every family is treated with dignity and respect. The funeral home offers a wide range of personalized funeral services designed to honor the life and legacy of a loved one. From traditional funerals and memorial services to cremations and celebrations of life, the staff works closely with families to create a meaningful and memorable tribute that reflects the personality, interests, and achievements of the deceased.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The Upper Darby Funeral Home is housed in a beautiful and historic building that has been meticulously maintained and updated to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for families. The funeral home's facilities include spacious visitation rooms, a chapel for services, and ample parking for guests. The home is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including audio-visual equipment and live streaming capabilities, to ensure that every service is conducted with dignity and precision.

Community Involvement

The Upper Darby Funeral Home is deeply committed to giving back to the community it serves. The funeral home participates in local charities and organizations, hosts community events, and provides educational resources and workshops on topics related to grief support, estate planning, and end-of-life care. By engaging with the community in meaningful ways, the funeral home demonstrates its commitment to serving families beyond the immediate needs of funeral planning.

Grief Support and Resources

Losing a loved one can be one of life's most difficult challenges. At Upper Darby Funeral Home, we understand that grief is a journey that requires patience, support, and guidance. That's why we offer a range of grief support resources, including counseling services, support groups, and online resources. Our staff is trained to provide emotional support and connect families with local resources that can help them navigate the grieving process.

Contacting Upper Darby Funeral Home

If you're facing the loss of a loved one or simply want to learn more about our services, we invite you to contact us at Upper Darby Funeral Home. Our staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions, provide guidance, or simply offer a listening ear. You can reach us by phone at [insert phone number], email at [insert email], or through our website at [insert website]. We look forward to serving you with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their family, accomplishments, and funeral or memorial services.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a lasting tribute to the deceased, preserving their memory and legacy for generations to come.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, the family of the deceased or a close friend writes the obituary. In some cases, a funeral home or crematorium may assist with writing the obituary or provide a template for the family to fill out.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service (if applicable), and surviving family members. It may also include hobbies, interests, achievements, and charitable organizations they supported.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or online platform. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from 100 to 500 words.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can help personalize the tribute and make it more meaningful for those who knew the deceased.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

Contact the newspaper or online platform directly to inquire about their submission process and any specific requirements they may have. Some may accept submissions online, while others may require email or phone submissions.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication or online platform. Some may charge by the word or line, while others may offer package deals or free listings.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, it is becoming increasingly common for people to write their own obituaries before they pass away. This can ensure that their life story is told in their own words and can be a therapeutic exercise for those facing a terminal illness.

What is a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, typically including only essential information such as their name, age, and date of death. It may not include biographical details or funeral information.

What is the difference between an obituary and a eulogy?

An obituary is a written notice announcing a person's death and providing biographical information. A eulogy is a speech or written tribute delivered at a funeral or memorial service to celebrate the person's life and legacy.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Yes, many people choose to include humorous anecdotes or quotes in an obituary to reflect the personality and spirit of the deceased. However, it's essential to consider the tone and audience when doing so.

How do I find old obituaries?

You can search online archives of newspapers or genealogy websites such as Ancestry.com or Newspapers.com. Local libraries or historical societies may also have archives of old newspapers or obituaries.

Can I republish an obituary online?

If you have permission from the original publisher or author, you can republish an obituary online. Be sure to credit the original source and respect any copyright laws.

What is an online obituary platform?

An online obituary platform is a website that allows users to create, publish, and share obituaries digitally. These platforms often offer features such as guest books, photo galleries, and donation links.

Are online obituaries permanent?

Most online obituary platforms guarantee that published obituaries will remain available permanently. However, it's essential to check with each platform for their specific policies regarding archiving and data storage.

Can I edit an already published obituary?

In most cases, yes. Contact the publication or online platform where the obituary was published to request changes or corrections. They may have specific procedures for making updates.

How do I notify social media platforms about someone's passing?

Most social media platforms have processes in place for reporting deceased users' accounts. You can usually find this information in their help sections or terms of service.

What is a living obituary?

A living obituary is a biographical sketch written about someone while they are still alive. It can be used as a way to celebrate their life achievements or as part of a milestone event such as a birthday or anniversary.

Can I use an obituary as inspiration for other types of writing?

Absolutely! Obituaries can serve as excellent examples of concise biographical writing. You can use them as inspiration for writing about your own life experiences or those of others.

Are there any specific guidelines for writing an obituary for someone who has died under unusual circumstances?

Yes. When writing an obituary for someone who has died under unusual circumstances (e.g., suicide, overdose), it's essential to approach the topic with sensitivity and compassion. Consider consulting with mental health professionals or experts in bereavement support for guidance.

How do I handle conflicting opinions within the family when writing an obituary?

In cases where family members have differing opinions on what should be included in an obituary, try to find common ground and focus on celebrating the person's life rather than dwelling on controversies.

Can I include charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary?

Yes! Many families choose to include information about charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary as a way to honor their loved one's memory and support a meaningful cause.

What if I need help writing an obituary due to emotional distress?

DON'T hesitate to ask for help! Reach out to friends, family members, or professional writers who can assist you in crafting a beautiful tribute to your loved one during this difficult time.