Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Margaret "Peg" Parcell Gilligan
Margaret “Peg” Parcell Gilligan, 81, a fifty-five year resident of Prospect Park passed away into eternal life on August 3rd at Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, Pa.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Mrs. Gilligan resided with her son and his family the past ten months and with a family friend, Ellen Hews, for the nine months prior where she enjoyed a wonderfully happy time.
Peg worked for many years as a nurse’s aide passionately caring for the residents of Ross Manor Nursing Home in Ridley Park before her retirement twenty years ago.
She was a member of the Norwood’s American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the VFW Post 7213 Ladies Auxiliary in Norwood, Pa.
Peg was a huge Phillies fan and also enjoyed hearing of the sports accomplishments of the grandchildren. She loved being with and around her family and recently attended weddings of four of her grandchildren.
Mrs. Gilligan was the widow of Thomas Gilligan who preceded her in death in 1984 and the widow of James Parcell who preceded her in death in 1963. She was also the sister of the late Lila, Joseph and Philip Farrell and friend of the late Betty Gibson.
She is survived by her daughter, Ellen Meyer and her husband Paul, of McVeytown, Pa; her son, Joseph Parcell and his wife Joyce of Prospect Park, Pa; her grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Theresa, Andrew, Michelle, Holly, Adam, Stephany and Monica; and her Great-Grandchildren, Kaela and Emily.
Her funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, at Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, Norwood, Pa. Her visitation will be from 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. on Friday and after 9:00 A.M. on Saturday at The Griffith Funeral Chapel in Norwood, Pa. Her burial will be in Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, Pa.
Contributions: Norwood United Methodist Church, Memorial Fund-Children’s Worship, 315 Chester Pike, Norwood, Pa. 19074
Alpha Bruhn
Alpha Bruhn, age 56, of Holmes, Pa., died on on July 28, 2008.
She is survived by her sister, Peggy Wagner of Lester and her brother, Rich Bruhn of Sharon Hill. She is also survived by her nieces, Kristin and Marlena; her nephews Brian and Jay; her grandniece Kaylee; and grandnephew Richie.
Relatives and friends are invited to her Memorial Service on Friday, August 1st, at 11 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike in Norwood; where friends may call after 10 A.M. Her interment will be private.
Elizabeth F. Fuhs
Elizabeth (Betty) F. Fuhs, 97, died on July 25, 2008 at Pocopson Home in West Chester, Pa. Born in Camden, N.J. she was raised in Essington, Pa. She resided in Philadelphia for over 20 years before moving to Lancaster, Pa. having lived there for 14 yrs.
She worked for the American Tobacco Co. in Philadelphia working as a cigar maker and was the chief shop steward before retiring.
Mrs. Fuhs loved to crochet for her family and friends and was always willing to make anything for anyone. She also liked to go to her summer home in Wildwood, N.J..She enjoyed having her family and friends visit her there. She was always willing to help her family and friends with anything anyone needed. She was a loving and devoted mother, grand-mother and great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.
She was the daughter of the Late Fred and Ethel Bothner. And the widow of Joseph Fuhs to whom she was married to for over 60 years before his death in 1990. She was the mother of the Late Mildred Graham who died in 1996.
She is survived by her son, Joseph F. Fuhs of Downingtown, Pa., her daughters, Elizabeth Della Polla of Morton, Pa., and Gara Jones of Milmont Park, her sister, Ethel Richardson of Essington, Pa., her 17 Grandchildren, her 27 Great-Grandchildren and Several Great-Great-Grandchildren.
Her funeral service will be on Tuesday at 11 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, Norwood, Pa. Her visitation will be on Tuesday, after 10 A.M. at the funeral home. Her burial will be at the Valley Forge Memorial Gardens in King of Prussia, Pa.
Josephine Morris
Josephine Morris, 94, a resident of Folsom, Ridley Township, and former longtime resident of Southwest Philadelphia, died on July 20th at the Taylor Hospice Residence in Ridley Park.
Born in Mt. Carmel, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Albert and Michelina Pospiech. Mrs. Morris resided with her daughter in the Folsom section of Ridley Township for the last eleven years, having lived in Southwest Philadelphia for over 60 years prior to that.
Mrs. Morris was employed as a machinist at the Wilkening Manufacturing Co. in Philadelphia for many years until her retirement.
She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Ridley Park. Most of all, Mrs. Morris enjoyed spending time and traveling with her family.
She was the wife of the late John H. “Bud” Morris, who died in 1997. She was also predeceased by her step-daughters, Nina Cutler and Judy Huff.
She is survived by her daughter, Gerri Kalodner of Folsom, Ridley Township; her eleven grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 1:30 P.M. at Christ Episcopal Church, on Sellers Avenue and Nevin Street, in Ridley Park. Her visitation will be on Tuesday evening from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood. Her burial will be in Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery in Marple Township.
Contributions: To the Memorial Fund of Christ Church, 104 Nevin St., Ridley Park, Pa. 19078 or to Taylor Hospice, P.O. Box 147, Ridley Park, Pa. 19078.
Marie R. Benzing Farley
Marie R. Benzing Farley, 81, a longtime resident of Prospect Park, died on July 17th at the Wallingford Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Nether Providence Township.
Born in Philadelphia, she was a graduate of John Bartrum High School. Mrs. Farley worked at the Philadelphia Naval Yard in the 1940’s to the 1950’s. She was a homemaker and secretary at the Princeton Presbyterian Church in Springfield in the 1980’s and 1990’s until her retirement.
She enjoyed playing the piano, sewing, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Mrs. Farley was a member of St. Madeline’s Catholic Church in Ridley Park.
She was the widow of the late John P. Farley, who died in 1992. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Catherine Benzing and was the sister of the late Charles Benzing, Jr.
She is survived by her daughters, Kathleen Urban of Ridley Township and Patricia Autenreith of Ridley Park and her five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10 A.M. at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church, on Gov. Printz Blvd. and Wanamaker Ave., in Essington. Her visitation will be on Monday from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M. at the church. Her burial will be in Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery in Marple Township.
Contributions: To the American Heart Association, 625 W. Ridge Pike, Bldg. A-100, Conshohocken, Pa. 19428
Arthur G. Ward
Arthur G. Ward, 89, a resident of the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, Pa. and a former longtime resident of Ridley Park, died on July 16th at the Masonic Village.
Born in Bethlehem, Pa., he was the son of the late Archie and Elizabeth Ward.
Mr. Ward was a resident of the Masonic Village for the last ten years, having been a resident of Ridley Park for many years before moving to the Masonic Village.
He was employed as an equipment engineer for 40 years at Westinghouse Electric in Lester until his retirement.
Mr. Ward was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Army.
He is the husband of the late Rosemary H. Ward, who died in 2004.
He is survived by his son, David Ward; his daughters, Patricia Heil and Nancy Aiello; his brother, Robert Ward; his six grandchildren, Christopher Ward, Melissa Mewborn, Adam Heil, Brian Heil, Michael Aiello and Matthew Aiello; and his two great-grandsons.
His funeral service will be private. His burial will be private at Lawn Croft Cemetery in Lower Chichester.
Contributions: To the Shriners’ Hospital for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1460.
Fred F. Keesler
Fred F. Keesler, 86, retired owner and operator of C.C. & F.F. Keesler, Inc, a crane and trailer sales company located in Prospect Park for many years, died on July 15th at the Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia.
Mr. Keesler was born in Canastota, N.Y., and was the son of the late Clyde and Norma Keesler. He was a resident of Philadelphia for the last five years, but was a resident of Prospect Park from 1926 to 1964 before moving to Wallingford, Nether Providence Township, where he lived before moving to Philadelphia.
Mr. Keesler loved the Jersey Shore, and maintained a home in Ocean City, N.J.
He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army.
Mr. Keesler was the owner and operator of C.C. & F.F. Keesler, Inc., a crane and trailer sales company located in Prospect Park, Pa., for many years until his retirement. The company was founded by his father, Clyde C. Keesler, in 1926.
Mr. Keesler was an active volunteer and coach with the Prospect Park Termites Football program for over 20 years. Mr. Keesler was a longtime member of St. James Episcopal Church in Prospect Park, where his father had established a scholarship fund many years ago.
Mr. Keesler will be remembered as a man who was dedicated to his community and to his family.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Keesler; his sons, Rick Keesler and Steve Keesler; his daughter, Patti Keesler; his step-sons, Brian Leimseider and Mark Leimseider; his step-daughter, Janet Mullin; his sister, Frances Graham; his ten grandchildren and his nine great-grandchildren.
His funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, Pa. His visitation will be on Friday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home. His burial will be in Valley Forge Memorial Gardens in King of Prussia.
Contributions: To Prospect Park Termites Football, 637 14th Avenue, Prospect Park, Pa. 19076 or to the Keesler Scholarship Fund at St. James Episcopal Church, 11th & Lincoln Avenues, Prospect Park, Pa. 19076
Anna May Pierce
Anna May Pierce, 101, a resident of the Fair Acres Geriatric Center in Middletown and a former resident of West Chester, Holmes, and Prospect Park, died on July 12th at Riddle Memorial Hospital in Middletown.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Anna Rash. Mrs. Pierce was a resident of the Fair Acres Geriatric Center for the last three years, having lived in West Chester for 20 years before that, and was a resident of Holmes and Prospect Park for many years before moving to West Chester.
Mrs. Pierce was a longtime dedicated member of the Holmes Presbyterian Church in Holmes, where she and her late husband were active with many groups at the church. Her late husband served as the sexton of the church for many years.
Mrs. Pierce enjoyed knitting and liked to crochet in her spare time. Most of all, she will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.
She is the wife of the Theodore Pierce, who died in 1979. Mrs. Pierce was also predeceased by her daughter, Anna May Depew.
She is survived by her daughters, June Buck of West Chester and Diane Frattini of Springfield; her nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Her memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 20th, at 6 P.M. at The Holmes Presbyterian Church, on Holmes Road and Academy Avenue, in Holmes. Her visitation will be on Sunday from 5:30 P.M. to 6 P.M. at the church. Her burial will be private.
Contributions: To The Friends of Fair Acres, P.O. Box 496, Lima, Pa. 19037
William Rutledge
William Rutledge, age 87, of Upland, PA, died on July 12, 2008.
He was the beloved husband of Marge Billingsley and loving father of William Rutledge, John Rutledge, and Donna Billingsley and her husband, Steven Weems. He was also survived by his two grandchildren, Thomas and Patrick.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Service on Thursday at 11 A.M. at The Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood; where friends May call after 10 A.M. His interment is private.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions made in his memory to the Delaware County S.P.C.A., 555 Sandy Bank Rd., Media, Pa. 19063 would be appreciated.
Elaine G. Graham
Elaine G. Graham, 78, a resident of Rose Tree Place in Media and former resident of Glenolden and Prospect Park, died on July 11th at Fair Acres Geriatric Center in Middletown.
Born in Ridley Park, Mrs. Graham was the daughter of the late Francis and Gertrude Kahlert. She was a resident of Rose Tree Place in Media for the last four years, having lived in Glenolden and Prospect Park for many years before that.
Mrs. Graham worked at the Strawbridge & Clothier store in Springfield for many years before her retirement. She worked in sales at Electrolux for 14 years before her employment with Strawbridge & Clothier.
She enjoyed knitting in her spare time. Most of all, she will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She was predeceased by her first husband, William Davis.
She is survived by her husband, William J. Graham, Jr.; her daughters, Denise Zambrano of Quito, Ecuador and Edna Mae Hokanson of Selden, N.Y.; her sons, William N. Davis of Essex, Maryland, Robert S. Davis of Hernando, Florida, William J. Graham, III of Swellville, Georgia, and David H. Graham of Downingtown, Pa.; her sister, Joyce Gilbert of Prospect Park; her fourteen grandchildren; and her five great-grandchildren.
Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 19th, at 10 A.M. at The Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood. Her visitation will be on Saturday from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M. at the funeral home. Her burial will be in Valley Forge Memorial Gardens in King of Prussia.
Contributions: To the Folcroft Union Church, Primos & Virginia Ave's., Folcroft, Pa. 19032 or to the Alzheimers Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106.
Donald R. Fulkersin
Donald R. Fulkersin, 66, a longtime resident of Ridley Park and a retired bricklayer, died on July 5, 2008 at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland.
Born in Wilkes Barre, Pa., he was the son of the late Abram and Margaret Fulkersin. Mr. Fulkersin was a resident of Ridley Park for the last 45 years. He was employed as a Union bricklayer, Local #1, for 40 years until his retirement.
After his retirement, Mr. Fulkersin bought and sold antique furniture in his spare time.He enjoyed hunting and when he was younger, he also enjoyed trapping as well.He will be remembered as a hard working family man.
Mr. Fulkersin was predeceased by his son, Ronald Fulkersin, and was also predeceased by his brother Robert Fulkersin, and his sister, Arlene Samsel.
He is survived by his wife, Florence “Floss” Fulkersin; his daughters, Jacqueline Alberts of Essington, Donna Fulkersin of Glenolden, Ruth Conlin and her husband James of Glen Mills, and Dawn Stevenson and her husband Sam of Eddystone; his sons, Donald Fulkersin, Jr. and his wife, Theresa of Swarthmore, and Edwin Chapin and his wife, Susan, of Landenberg, Chester County; his sister, Carol DeShullo of Millsboro, Delaware; his former wife, Ruth Cannon Fulkersin of Prospect Park; his sixteen grandchildren, and his two great-grandchildren, and his several nieces and nephews.
His funeral service will be held on Thursday at 6 P.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood. His visitation will be on Thursday from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. at the funeral home. His burial will be private.
Contributions: To the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.
James Bondarchuk
James Bondarchuk, 88, a longtime resident of the Essington section of Tinicum Township, died on July 5th at his residence.
Born in Chester, he was the son of the late John and Jenny Bondarchuk. He was raised in Greenport, Long Island in New York and was a resident of the Essington section of Tinicum Township for many years.
Mr. Bondarchuk was employed as a machinist at Westinghouse Electric for over 40 years until his retirement.
He loved the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting and fishing and was known as the “bee man”, as he was a beekeeper in his spare time and would drop off honey for his family and friends. He was active at one time with the Boy Scouts of America, and served as a District Commissioner for many years. He was a member of the Polish American Club in Clifton Heights, and he and his wife enjoyed dancing with their “Polka Friends”.
Mr. Bondarchuk will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
He is predeceased by his two sons, James and Kenneth Bondarchuk.
He is also predeceased by his brothers, Walter, Peter, Frank, and Dimitri Bondarchuk, and his sister, Anne Klotz.
He is survived by his wife, Nettie Bondarchuk; his daughters, Christine Novelli of King of Prussia and Kathleen DiDomenico of West Chester; his sister, Helen Keller of Springfield; his brothers, John and Constantine Bondarchuk both of Orient, N.Y., Harry Bondarchuk of Greenport, N.Y., Alex Bondarchuk of Southold, N.Y.; and his grandchildren, Lauren Novelli, and Michael and Nicholas DiDomenico.
His funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10 A.M. at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church, on Wanamaker Ave. & Gov. Printz Blvd., in Essington. His visitation will be on Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood. His burial will be in Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery in Marple Township.
Contributions: To the Tinicum Township Fire Company, 99 Wanamaker Ave., Essington, Pa. 19029 or to The Alzheimers Association, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106.
Ruth V. Hollenbeck
Ruth V. Hollenbeck, 79, a retired school teacher from the Chester-Upland School District died on June 24, 2008 at her late residence in Holmes (Ridley Twp), Pa.
Born in Ridley Park, Pa. she was the daughter of the late Gardner and Victorine Smith.
She was a resident of Norwood since 1949 until she moved to Holmes two years ago.
Mrs. Hollenbeck was a teacher at the Chester-Upland School District having taught 1st Grade for 30 years retiring in 1991. Mrs. Hollenbeck was a graduate of the Prospect Park High School Class of 1946 and Temple University in Philadelphia. She was a member of the Grand Square (Square Dance Club) in Drexel Hill, Pa. and also a member of the Circle Four in Delaware. Mrs. Hollenbeck also was a member of the American Legion Post 507 in Norwood in the Ladies Auxiliary and a Lifelong member of the Norwood United Methodist Church in Norwood, Pa.
Wife of the late Louis F. Hollenbeck who died in 1993, before his death she and her husband enjoyed extensive traveling on adventure trips around the country. She also enjoyed extensive traveling with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Hollenbeck had a vibrant personality and she enjoyed belonging to many Senior Citizens groups in the Delaware County area and she really enjoyed meeting and talking to her many friends at the Senior Citizens groups.
Mrs. Hollenbeck was also predeceased by her brother Tom Smith.
Most importantly, she will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She is survived by her daughters, Linda Barnhart of Holmes (Ridley Twp.) Pa., Gail Hollenbeck of Glenolden, Pa. and her son, Gary Hollenbeck of Norwood, Pa.; her nine grandchildren and her eight great-grandchildren.
Her memorial service will be held on Monday, June 30th at 11 A.M. at the Norwood United Methodist Church, 315 Chester Pike, Norwood, PA 19074. Her burial is private.
Contributions: To the above named church or to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Phila., Pa. 19106.
