Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Dorothy "Dot" Beatty
Dorothy “Dot” Beaty, wife of the late Dave Beaty, passed away on March 29, 2014.
SURVIVORS: Dort was survived by her brothers, Charlie and Eddie Orr.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Friends and family are invited to her Funeral Service on Monday, April 7 th, at 11 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, PA 19074.
VISITATION: Will take place on Monday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home.
BURIAL: Will follow at Valley Forge Memorial Gardens in King of Prussia.
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions made in Dot’s memory to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1500 Glen Avenue, Folcroft, Pa. 19032 would be appreciated.
Joseph R. Matteo, III
Joseph R. Matteo, III (Ozer), 29, was called to heaven on March 29, 2014. He grew up in Norwood and graduated from Interboro High School in 2002. His impeccable work ethic in the construction field was admired by all. He was a loving father, son, brother, and friend. He was a talented writer and poet. One of the greatest joys of his life was fishing with his dad, brother, and son.
He was the grandson of the late Charlotte Matteo (Omi).
Joey was survived by his son, Joseph R. Matteo, IV; his parents, Joseph and Shawn Matteo; sister, Rachel Matteo; little brother, Jonathan Matteo; grandmother, Carol Zwiebel (Gam); grandparents; aunts, uncles, cousins who were much like siblings, David Kern, Brittany, Tim, Celia, and Gianna Rossillo; and friends.
Visitation will be on Saturday, April 5th, 2014 from 8 A.M. to 10 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, Pa. 19074.
Funeral Service will be at 10 A.M. Saturday at the funeral home immediately following the visitation period.
Burial will be in Edgewood Memorial Park 325 Baltimore Pike, in Glen Mills following the service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Caron Treatment Center for Relapse Scholarship Fund in memory of Joseph R. Matteo, III, P.O. Box 150, Wernersville, Pa. 19565.
Carrell E. Atkinson
Carrell E. Atkinson, aged 91, of Norwood, died Friday, March 28, 2014 at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.
The son of the late Ida Krewson Atkinson and Abram Atkinson, Mr. Atkinson was born in Horsham, Montgomery County and graduated from Upper Moreland High School in 1940. He attended Pierce Business School and was employed by the Reading Railroad before joining the United States Army. He was trained as a combat medic but soon upon arrival in England was given an administrative job. He also served in France and Germany as part of the occupational forces.
On a snowy Groundhog’s Day in 1946, he married “the most beautiful woman he had ever seen”, Katharine Riddell, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Norwood. They celebrated 65 years of marriage before her passing in 2011.
After retiring from the Army with 20 years of service, he became the Food Service Director at Albert Einstein Medical Center, Daroff Division, in Philadelphia. He attended Rutgers University and Cornell University. After 7 years he left that position and was co-owner of K & C Ceramics until retirement in 1985.
Mr. Atkinson was a member of Christ Church Ridley Park since 1969. Prior to that he was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Norwood where he served as Treasurer. He was active in Cub Pack 250 and Boy Scout Troop 250, both in Norwood. He was a life member of the Citizens’ Fourth of July Association in Norwood. He also served on the Interboro School Board and the Norwood Borough Council. He also worked with COSA for a number of years after his retirement. In addition to his civic activities, he was an avid gardener, having a beautiful yard as well as a very productive vegetable garden. He also loved to read, do jig saw puzzles, and Word Find puzzles.
His wife, Katharine, predeceased him in 2011.
He is survived by his daughter Virginia (Ginger) Cain and his son John (Nancy Overbeck); his 3 grandchildren, Andrew Ladley (Debra Ruddy), Megan Atkinson and Aimee Atkinson and 5 great-grandchildren, Caitlin, Haylea, Cameron, Hunter, and Chase Ladley. He is survived by his faithful companion KC Cat.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at 11 A.M. at Christ Church, Sellers Avenue and Nevin Street, in Ridley Park. Interment in the Memorial Garden at the church will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, Mr. Atkinson requested that donations be made to the National Association for Uniformed Services, (NAUS), 5535 Hempstead Way, Springfield, VA 22151 or Christ Church Ridley Park, 104 Nevin Street, Ridley Park, Pa. 19078
Florence Elizabeth "Betty" Diamond
Florence Elizabeth “Betty” Diamond, formerly of Ridley Park, Pa., passed away on March 26, 2014, at age 86.
She was born to Clifford and Ida Miller and attended Prospect Park High School, where she played field hockey and was a member of the cheerleading squad.
She was a devoted wife and long-time caregiver to the late George W. Diamond.
A former Automotive Research Supervisor for Chilton Publishing Company of Radnor, Pa., she also loved spending summers with her family in Avalon and Sea Isle City, N.J. After moving to Maris Grove, Betty and her best friend, miniature Daschund “Heidi”, brought smiles to friends at Rose Court through its pet therapy program.
SURVIVORS: She was a loving mother to Karen and Donald French of Wayne, Pa., Kathleen and Richard Piasecki of Tuckerton, N.J; and John and Linda Diamond of Spring Grove, Pa. She is also survived by her brothers Donald Miller of Wethersfield, CT and Fred Miller of Honey Brook, Pa.; and she was a kind and sweet grandmother to Robyn, Whitney, Kevin, David, Jaclyn, and Donnie; and she lived to know her six great-grandchildren.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Will be held on Saturday, April 26 th, at 11 A.M. at Maris Grove Chapel in Glen Mills, Pa.
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Maris Grove Residence Care Fund, 200 Maris Grove Way, Glen Mills, Pa. 19342.
Judy M. Fretz
Judy M. Fretz, a longtime resident of Elwyn, went to be with the Lord on March 21, 2014 at Taylor Hospice Residence in Ridley Park, Pa.
Judy was born and raised in Prospect Park, Pa. to the late John M. and Edith M. Fretz (Pearsall).
Survivors: Her loving sister, Vickie Wood of Essington, Pa. (Frank), her nephew, Francis Wood (Jackie) of Collingdale, her niece, Sherry Fernandez (Frank) of Chesapeake, VA. And her 8 grand-nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service: Will be held on Thursday, March 27th, at 11 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, Pa.
Visitation: Will be on Thursday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home.
Burial: Will be private
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions made in Judy’s memory to Taylor Hospice Residence, P.O. Box 147, Ridley Park, Pa. 19078
Allen W. Magnin, Sr.
Allen W. Magnin, Sr., 77 years, of Norwood, passed peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at the Crozer-Keystone Hospice at Taylor Hospital.
Born in Philadelphia, Pa., he was the son of the late Mildred and the late Scotty Thompson and predeceased by grandson, Michael Videtto, Jr. “Big Al” as he was known, was a mixologist at the Overbrook Country Club for many years. During the Korean War, he proudly served his country in the Army.
Big Al was known for his love of family and being one of the biggest “Phillies Phan” ever. As a die-hard fan and season ticket holder, he would never give up on the team. Christmas time and BBQ’s were important to him as family would gather and have hours of fun. He was a member of Darby Fire Company #2 fire police and a member of the American Legion Post # 763 Mottola-Crowe in Southwest Philadelphia. His smile and humorous sarcasm will always be remembered.
SURVIVORS: His devoted wife of 50 years, Kathleen Magnin; his nine children, Kathleen Gailey (James), Pauline Videtto (Michael), Betty McKay, Madeline Day (Ed), Mildred O’Leary (Patrick), Carolyn Racek (John), Allen Magnin, Jr., Walter Magnin (Amy), and Claudia Magnin; his 16 grandchildren; and his 3 great-grandchildren.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Will be held on Saturday, March 15th, at 10 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, Norwood, Pa.
VISITATION: Will be on Saturday from 8:30 A.M. to 10 A.M. at the funeral home.
INTERMENT: Will follow at Glenwood Memorial Gardens in Broomall with military honors.
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions made in Big Al’s memory to Crozer-Keystone Hospice, 5030 State Road, Suite 3001, Drexel Hill, Pa. 19026 would be appreciated.
Richard L. Shaffer
Devoted Husband, Loving Father, and Beloved Pappy
Richard “Two Bears” Shaffer was called home to Heaven on March 6th at the age of 61. Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Rich spent his first few years in Bolivar before moving to Delaware County where he spent most of his life. A graduate of Ridley High, Rich worked for Ridley Township for 7 years before beginning his 34 year career with what is now Nestle Waters of North America. Rich spent his final 2 ˝ years working full time as an ambassador of Jesus Christ. Rich embodied Christ’s command “love thy neighbor” and everyone was a neighbor to Rich. Rich found great joy in serving his local church. He loved his Karate classes where he was both a student and an assistant instructor. He was a valued volunteer at “Loaves and Fishes” in Prospect Park. Rich will be sorely missed by his family and the countless others whose lives he touched.
Rich is survived by his wife Cindylou, his sons Joshua and Jeremiah, his daughters-in-law Holly and Bridgid, his father-in-law Rev. David Edwards, his mother-in-law Nancy Edwards, and his grandchildren Lily, Evangeline, and Baby Shaffer.
His Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 13th, at 10:30 A.M. at Advent Lutheran Church, 1601 Green Lane, in West Chester, Pa. 19382 preceded by a visitation time from 10 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. A luncheon will follow at Regal Banquet Hall, 822 Lincoln Avenue in Prospect Park, Pa. 19076.
His viewing will be held on Wednesday evening, March 12th, from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, Pa. 19074.
His burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rich Shaffer Memorial Fund at Hope Community Church. Checks can be made payable to Hope Community Church with “Rich” in the memo line, P.O. Box 31, Norwood, Pa.19074
Margaret Sceon
Margaret Sceon, 85, of Elizabethtown, Pa. died on February 28, 2014 at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, Pa.
Born in Prospect Park, Pa. to the late Thomas R. and Margaret E. Shields.
Mrs. Sceon was a registered nurse at the Franciscan Health Care in Wilmington, De.
She was pre-deceased by her husband Joseph H. Sceon and her sister Frances Shields.
Survivors: Her sister, Elaine Hileman and her husband William of Elizabethtown, Pa. Also her nieces.
Viewing: will be held on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 10 A.M. the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, Norwood, Pa.
Funeral Service: will follow at 11 A.M. at the funeral home
Burial: Will be at Arlington Cemetery, in Drexel Hill, Pa.
Contributions: in Margaret’s memory may be made to the Masonic Village, Attn: Gift Giving, One Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, Pa. 17022 would be appreciated.
Dorothy L. Sawyer
Dorothy L. “Dot” Sawyer, 82, a longtime resident of Prospect Park, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2014 at Taylor Hospital’s Hospice Unit in Ridley Park.
Dot was an active member of Prospect Park Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary as well as the Delaware County Ladies Auxiliary. She was a retired member of Prospect Park’s Fourth of July Association. She leaves behind her Firehouse Family, 2 sisters, 3 children, 4 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, countless nieces and nephews and joins her sister, Marie Trowbridge (Cassidy) and parents John and Florence Cassidy (Anderson).
SURVIVORS: Her sisters, Joan Mendez de Acereto (James), Florence Allen (nee Cassidy); Her three children, Gail Husbands (Jim) of Bradenton, Florida, Dawn Livingston (Reds) and William Sawyer (Meredith); Her 4 grandchildren Casey McGlade (Michael), Jessica Boyer (Jonathan), Abigail Sawyer and Emma Sawyer; and her soon to be 6 great grandchildren Erica DiEmedio, Rachel McGlade, Briana Boyer, Lauren McGlade and coming soon “Peanut” and “Jelly” Boyer.
SERVICE: The service will be held on Friday, February 28 th at 7:30p.m. at Griffith’s Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, Norwood, PA.
VISITATION: Will be held Friday, February 28 th from 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. at the funeral home.
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dorothy’s memory may be made to Prospect Park Fire Company 1001 Lincoln Ave, Prospect Park, PA 19076
George S. "Granddad" Rickards, Sr.
Loving Family Man and Hard Worker
George S. “Granddad” Rickards, Sr., age 88, a long time resident of Milmont Park, passed away surrounded by loved ones on February 21, 2014.
George was born and raised in Essington, Pennsylvania to the late Thomas P. Rickards and Sara Rickards (Fullerton). In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his grandson, Joey T. Rickards.
George took pride in being a hard working man. He served our country in the Army during World War II. He was a fireman at Milmont Fire Company in the 1960’s. He retired from Westinghouse after being employed for 41 years as a machinist to work with his sons and grandsons in the excavating business.
Above all, George enjoyed spending time with the four generations of his family. His primary hobby was wood working as he enjoyed making items from scratch with his hands for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
SURVIVORS: His loving wife of 67 years, Helen Rickards (Breitenbach); his sons, Thomas Rickards III, George Rickards Jr., and Jeffrey Rickards (Anne); his daughters, Denise Cooney (Robert) and Frances McAvoy (Jack); his 11 grandchildren; and his 12 great-grandchildren.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Will be held on Thursday, February 27th, at 5 P.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, Pa.
VISITATION: Will be on Thursday from 4 P.M. to 5 P.M. at the funeral home.
BURIAL: Will be private.
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions made in George’s memory to Taylor Hospice, P.O. Box 147, Ridley Park, Pa. 19078 –www.taylorhospice.org would be appreciated.
