Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
McAllister, Barbara J. (Slowick),
McAllister, Barbara (Slowick) of Westmoreland Twp., formerly of Zieglersville, on July 25, 2006. Mrs. McCallister was born in Philadelphia on March 2, 1938, a daughter of the late Andrew and Sophie (Kozenski) Slowick. She was 68.
Mrs. McAllister graduated from Dobbins Technical School in Philadelphia and went to work for GE as a secretary. She stayed home to raise her children and returned to work at Philco-Ford in Lansdale and later, at Sun Information Systems in Wayne as an executive administrative assistant.
She and her late husband, James J. McAllister, retired to Fort Meyers, Florida in 1983 where she worked at the Lee County Chapter of the American Red Cross and at the Private Industry Council. After her husband’s death, she resided with her son, Andrew, and lived in Mississippi; Tennessee; Randolph, Vermont; McAllisterville, PA.; and, lastly, Westmoreland County. While in Mississippi, she was employed by the Business and Finance Department of the University of Mississippi.
Mrs. McAllister enjoyed cooking, sewing, doing crafts, and being with her grandchildren.
Mrs. McAllister is survived by 3 children; James McAllister of Mifflinburg, Judith Tierney of Mertztown, and Andrew McAllister of Greensburg; by her sister, Frances Stepanuk of Philadelphia, and by 3 grandchildren, Michael Edward, Meghan Colleen, and Matthew. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Edward Slowik and Richard Slowick.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass Saturday, July 29, 11 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 40 Spring Mount Rd., Schwenksville. Friends may call at the church after 10 AM Saturday. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Mrs. McAllister’s memory to the “Pink sisters”, Convent of Divine Love, 2212 Green St., Phila., PA.19130. Arrangements are by the Ruggiero Funeral Home, Trappe.
Yost, Charles F., Charles F.
Yost, of Stowe, died Thursday, August 24, 2006, in the VA Hospital in Coatesville. Born in Birdsboro on November 25, 1920, he was the son of the late Emily (Sweinhart) and Daniel Yost.
Mr. Yost worked as a tractor trailer driver for Schwab Oil Co in Pottstown for 38 years. He was a World War II veteran and an active member of the VFW in Pottstown.
Mr. Yost is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rosemarie (Lucas) Yost. Also surviving are his children, Charles J. Yost and Sandra Yost of Stowe; his brother, Clarence Yost and his wife, Freda (Bauer) of Linfield and his sister, Emily (Yost) and her husband, Michael Medvetz of Pennsburg.
Services will be private. Arrangements are by the Ruggiero Funeral Home, Trappe.
Murrin, Leslie J.,
Murrin, Leslie J., of Manatawny Manor, North Coventry, died Tuesday, July 17, 2007, at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center after an illness. Mr. Murrin was born in Hull, England, on December 29, 1926, a son of the late Joseph and Frances (Powell) Murrin. He was 80.
Mr. Murrin was an aerospace engineer, having worked for Gruman in Long Island, New York, and for GE in King of Prussia. He enjoyed sailing, tennis, shooting, and rugby and loved jazz.
Mr. Murrin is survived by his children, Roger Murrin and his wife, Marlene of Bernville, and Denise K. Plank of Royersford. Also surviving is his granddaughter, Lexi Murrin.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service, Monday, July 23, 2007, at 1 PM at the Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 W. Main St., Trappe. Interment will be private.
Dolan, James,
Dolan, James F., of Plymouth Meeting, died Sunday, July 15, 2007, at Suburban Woods Nursing Center in East Norriton. Mr. Woods was born in Milwaukee, WI, on August 28, 1961, a son of the late Phileip and Mary Ann (Othrow) Dolan. He was 45.
Mr. Wood was a civil engineer employed by Danella Line Services.
Services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Caufield, John J.,
Caufield, John J., of Collegeville, died Friday, July 13, 2007, at Phoenixville Hospital after an illness. Mr. Caufield was born in Girardville, Pennsylvania, on April 11, 1922, a son of the late Thomas B. and Margaret (Egan) Caufield. He was 85.
Mr. Caufield graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Girardville in 1940. He worked at Westinghouse in Lester, Pennsylvania, as a blade installer for 42 years. He was a member of the Young at Heart in Collegeville and of St. Eleanor Catholic Church in Collegeville where he served as an usher.
Mr. Caufield enjoyed traveling with his late wife and taking family vacations. He also liked gardening and puttering around the house fixing things.
Mr. Caufield was the widower of Margaret T. (Carr) Caufield. who died in 2001. He is survived by his 2 sons, John M. and his wife, Trish, of Pottstown, and Joseph T. and his wife, Kathleen, of Lionville. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers, James, Thomas, and Leonard; and by his sisters, Claire Heist, Madeline Caufield and Lorraine Caufield.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass, Wednesday, 11 AM, at St. Eleanor Catholic Church, 6th Ave. & Locust St., Collegeville. Friends may call at the church from 10 to 10:45 AM Wednesday. Interment will be private in St. Joseph’s cemetery, Fountain Springs, Pennsylvania.
Freese, Angela (Mirabile),
Freese, Angela (Mirabile) of Schwenksville, died Saturday, July 7, 2007, at Parkhouse Providence Pointe in Upper Providence. Mrs. Freese was born in Norristown on November 3, 1920, A daughter if the late Nicholas and Carmella (Bono) Mirabile. She was 86.
Mrs. Freese attended Norristown schools. She was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, gardening, and sewing. She liked to play the Daily Number, play bingo, and take bus trips to the casinos. Mrs. Freese loved to spend time with family and friends and was very fond of her dog, Rocky.
Mrs. Freese was the widow of Peter J. Freese. She is survived by 1 daughter, Mary Ann Santa Maria and her husband, Joseph of Schwenksville. Also surviving are 2 grandsons; Peter Santa Maria and his wife, Marina, of Philadelphia and Jason Santa Maria of New York. Her brother, Liberio Mirabile of Norristown died a few hours after Mrs. Freese. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers; Cosmo and Gaspar Mirabile; and by 4 sisters, Mary Trecroce, Catherine DeMino, Frances Mirabile, and Grace Migliarese.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass, Thursday, July 12, 2007, 10 AM, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 40 Spring Mount Road, Schwenksville. A viewing will be held at the Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 W. Main Street, Trappe, from 7 to 9 PM Wednesday. There will be no viewing Thursday. Interment will be in the Limerick Garden of Memories.
Contributions in Mrs. Freese’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church at the above address, or to Parkhouse Providence Pointe, Residents’ Fund, 1600 Black Rock Road, Royersford, PA 19468
Schreiner, Loretta S. (Carpenter),
Schreiner, Loretta S., of Schwenksville, died Friday, July 6, 2007, at her home. Mrs. Schreiner was born in Philadelphia on March 15, 1925, a daughter of the late Harry and Margaret (Kirlin) Carpenter. She was 82.
Mrs. Schreiner graduated from Hallahan High School in Philadelphia in 1943. She worked as a clerk/typist at Graterford Prison for many years. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Schwenksville, of LAOH (Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians), and the Women’s Club at St. Mary’s.
Mrs. Schreiner was the widow of Thomas A. Schreiner, Sr. to whom she was married for 29 years. She was the beloved mother of Thomas A. Schreiner, Jr. of Upper Darby; twin sons, Harry Schreiner, at home, and Arthur Schreiner of Bozeman, Montana; Br. Charles Schreiner of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Joseph Schreiner and Jack Schreiner, both of Bally; Margaret Dyer of Boyertown; Michael Schreiner of Lititz, Mariellen VanAnglen of Gilbertsville; Judy McAuliffe of Jeffersonville; and Loretta-Ann Bailey of N. Fort Myers, Florida. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, her dear friend, Albert Tolvasia of Philadelphia, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass, Tuesday, July 10, 2007, 11 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 40 Spring Mount Rd., Schwenksville where a viewing will be held from 10 - 10:45 AM. Friends may call at the Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 W. Main St., Trappe, from 7 to 9 PM Monday, July 9, 2007. Interment will be in Sts. Peter and Paul cemetery, Springfield.
Contributions in Mrs. Schreiner's memory may be made to the brothers of the Good Shepherd, PO Box 389, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103. Condolences may be expressed at www.ruggierofh.com.
Busch, Edward G.,
Busch, Edward G., of Royersford, died Saturday, June 30, 2007, at his home in Royersford. Mr. Busch was born in Philadelphia, a son of the late Edward A. and Leonora (Vear) Busch. He was 80.
Mr. Busch is survived by his wife, Joan (Haber) Busch.
Services and interment are private.
J. Leon Altemose,
1939-2008
Respected Contractor and Developer set landmark precedent in Labor Rights Law in stand against Union Violence
J. Leon Altemose died Friday night, April 11, 2008, surrounded by family at his longtime home in Malvern, Pa. Altemose lost a decades-long battle from complications with Multiple Sclerosis but he is best known for his victories in both physical and legal battles with the powerful local building trades in the1970s and 1980s.
Altemose graduated from Norristown High School in 1957 and attended Penn State University for Mechanical Engineering. With his wife Carol and cousin Roger Altemose he built Altemose Construction which flourished, creating landmark structures throughout Pennsylvania and the northeast including the Valley Forge Convention Center, Radisson Hotel Valley Forge, Valley Forge Towers Condominiums and Apartments and more than one hundred other churches, township buildings, homes, office buildings, hospitality centers and manufacturing sites. His decision to stand firm as a “right to work” shop put his life and construction sites in serious peril, and his unique struggle was chronicled in both local and national media including major magazines and a special feature on CBS’s “60 Minutes.” His determination and ultimate victory earned him an entire chapter in a 2005 book titled “Freedom in the Workplace” by Samuel Cook.
Altemose also became a driving force in hospitality management in the 1980s and ’90s, with many of his hotels and conference facilities winning both local and national recognition. He earned numerous construction and engineering awards, as well as recognition of his support and advancement of women in the workplace, and his many humanitarian contributions. Those awards included 1973 Engineering News Record Man of the Year (construction industry’s most prestigious award), the 1976 United States Citizens Congress Award, 1986 Montgomery County’s Humanitarian Award for Mentally Challenged Citizens, 1988 inducted into the Norristown Area High School Hall of Fame, 2000 Associated Builders and Contractors “Leader of the Century” Award.
He served his country in the United States Army Reserves.
He was a local racing stock car champion, as well as an avid car and antique collector. He enjoyed traveling, especially the trips with Young Presidents Organization.
Altemose was the beloved son of James and Evelyn, both deceased. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carol; his daughter, Lynn Altemose Jarrett and husband John; his son, Lance Leon Altemose and wife Holly, all from Malvern, Pa.; his sister, Myrna Dority of Sarasota, Fla.; his nephew, Evan Dority of Richmond, Va.; and his two grandchildren, Justin and Lilly Jarrett.
A memorial service will be celebrated at Cornerstone Church, officiated by Pastor William Fluck, at the corner of Highway 73 (Skippack Pike) and Stump Hall Road in Skippack, Pa., Saturday, April 19, at 11 a.m. Friends and family may call at 9 a.m. in the church that morning. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Leon Altemose Memorial Fund or Angel Flight East at 1501 Narcissa Rd. in Blue Bell, PA 19422.
Elmer L. Blank, 90
Elmer L. Blank, 90, husband of Frances C. (Whiteford) Blank, of New Holland, formerly of Kimberton died early Sunday morning, Dec. 9, 2007, in the Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center, Lititz. Born in Cambridge he was a son of the late William P. and Lena (Umble) Blank.
Mr. Blank was a graduate of Phoenixville Area High School. A veteran, he served with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He worked as a manager for over 42 years at the B.F. Goodrich Manufacturing Company in Oaks.
Mr. Blank was a member of the Thomson Lodge No. 340, Free and Accepted Masons, Malvern. He was a member for over 64 years. He was also a former member of the First Presbyterian Church in Phoenixville, more recently he was attending the New Holland United Methodist Church.
In addition to his wife of 61 years, Mr. Blank is survived by two daughters, Frances O. Blank, New Holland, and Linda S., wife of Robert Glaum Jr., of Chester Springs, PA; two grandchildren Matthew R.W. Glaum, Chester Springs and Sarah C. Glaum, New York, and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Blank was pre-deceased by two brothers, Earl Blank and Arthur Blank.
A Masonic funeral service will be conducted by Thomson Lodge #340 F. & A.M. on Thursday, December 13, at 11 a.m. at Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville, on Thursday, Dec. 13. A funeral service will follow with the Rev. S. Sturgis Poorman Jr. officiating. Visiting time is from 10:30 to 11 a.m. on Thursday Dec. 13. Burial will be in Green Tree cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Heartland Hospice, 320 Granite Run Drive, Suite 200, Lancaster, PA 17604.
Diane Sharshon, 79
Diane Sharshon, a Phoenixville newspaper person for more than 25 years died Wednesday evening, December 5, 2007, in her home in Phoneixville. A native of Phoenixville, she was a daughter of the late Dr. George W. Sharshon and Jeane L. (Shaw) Sharshon. Her Father conducted the practice of medicine in Phoenixville from 1925 until his death in 1949. Ms. Sharshon was educated in the schools of Phoenixville, The Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, and the Columbia Institute in Philadelphia.
During her lengthy newspaper career, she was employed first by the Daily Republican, then its successor The Evening Phoenix. Ms. Sharshon reported and wrote on a wide range of subjects. She held various editorial posts, and was responsible for a weekly column, “Once Over Lightly.”
Ms. Sharshon is survived by; one sister; Jeanne S., wife of Nicholas Arena, of Fearrington Village, N.C., one niece; Nicole Arena, of Calif., four nephews; Jason Arena, of Fla., Dr. George W. Sharshon Jr’s sons; Paul Guggenheimer, of Iowa, Peter Guggenheimer, of Pittsburgh, Gregor Guggenheimer, of Pittsburgh. Ms. Sharshon is predeceased by one brother; Dr. George W. Sharshon Jr., who died in 1972.
Funeral services and burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell–Ennis–Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville. Memorial gifts may be made to the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Free Library of Philadelphia, 919 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5289.
Dessa Crawford, Ph.D.
Dessa Crawford Ph.D., formerly Dessa Ewing and wife of the late Henry Kobsa, of Phoenixville, passed away at her home on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007, at 66 after a long struggle with A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Born in Texas, she was the daughter of the late W. Jack and Odessa (Barnes) Crawford, she obtained her Doctorate from the University of Texas in Austin. She moved to the Philadelphia area in 1976 and taught humanities at Delaware County Community College in Media, PA for 23 years. She retired early as a Professor Emerita to travel and spend time with her family, and had visited such locations as Vienna, France, Greece and even Antarctica, until her disease progression slowed her abilities.
She is also a widely-published poet (including The Evening Phoenix), and has won many national awards for her poetry.
She is survived by her children Kelly M., wife of John Haile, of South Coventry and Scott Ewing of Phoenixville, her beloved grandsons, Elliot, Brandon and Dylan Haile, and a brother John Crawford, of Nebraska. She will be sorely missed by her family and her many close friends.
Family and Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service, planned to celebrate her life, on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 5 p.m. in Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville, Pa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Assoc. (www.ALSPhiladelphia.org) to support research and save other lives.
Grace N. MacLaren, 77
Grace N. MacLaren, 77, formerly of Lower Providence and Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, died on Thursday, December 6, 2007, at Sanatoga Center.
Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, she was a daughter of the late Clarence and Helen (Morrison) Newlin.
Ms. MacLaren attended Atlantic City schools.
She was a switchboard operator, first for Bell Telephone and then with General Electric in King of Prussia, for many years before retiring in 1990.
Ms. MacLaren was able to enjoy an early retirement living in Atlantic Beach, N.C.
She loved animals, especially dogs, as well as the beach, her favorite place to live.
Surviving are two sons, Paul E. Williams, of Lower Providence, and Mark H., husband of Jody Williams, of Royersford; their Father, whom she married in 1957, Henry E. Williams, of Trooper; a sister, Margie, wife of John Simon, of Pottsville; grandchildren Lauren A. Williams, of Trooper, Staci L., wife of Brendan Fink, of Mt. Penn, Kelley Williams, of Royersford, and Lauren Vasquez, of Bensalem; and three great-grandchildren, Christine, Felix and Carmelia.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Hope Levy in 1980; a sister, Marian Brandon; and brother Rudy Newlin.
Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home, 600 Washington Street, Royersford.
The Reverend James R. Roth will officiate.
Burial will follow in Riverside cemetery.
Visitation is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the S.P.C.A. of Montgomery County, 19 East Ridge Pike, P.O. Box 222, Conshohocken, PA 19328-0222.
