Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Albert "Al" W. Dougherty
Albert “Al” W. Dougherty, age 78, went to be with the Lord peacefully on July 31, 2014. Beloved husband, for 53 years, of Ida ( Anderson) Dougherty and loving father of Gary (Bonnie) Dougherty. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Simon, and brother, James Dougherty, and many nieces and nephews.
Al served in the U.S. Army in the late 1950’s and was employed by Philadelphia Electric Company for 35 years. Al’s biggest joy was spending time with his family including his “grand-dog Perri”. He also enjoyed music, gardening, and sharing time with friends and former co-workers.
Respecting Al’s wishes, service and interment will be private. Contributions in his memory may be made to Glenolden Congregational Church, 115 S. Scott Avenue, Glenolden, Pa. 19036.
Margaret Parcel Krotow
Marge Krotow, 76, passed away on July 8, 2014. Marge was a resident of Middletown Township for the past 46 years. She was a graduate of Media High School and a 1959 graduate of Temple University. She worked in human relations for RCA and was an “Ad Specialty” representative for the Three Marketeers for many years.
Marge was a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Chester having served as both an Elder and Deacon and was a current member of the Middletown Presbyterian Church where she also served as a Deacon. She was very passionate about service to others. She enjoyed going to the Jersey shore with her family, the occasional trip to Disney World, and helping with vacation bible school.
Marge enjoyed over 50 years of marriage to her late husband William.
SURVIVORS: Her sons, Stephen and his wife, Geri; and Michael and his wife, Wendy; her sister, Helen Ann; and her grandchildren, Alex, Ellen, Jack, and Anna.
VISITATION: Will be on Sunday, July 13 th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, Pa. 19074.
FUNERAL SERVICE AND BURIAL: Will be private.
Wenonah "Wendy" F. Bruner McNichol
Wenonah “Wendy” Fraas Bruner McNichol (nee Widdoes), age 79, of North Wildwood, N.J., and a former resident of Ridley Township, Pa., died peacefully at the Crozer-Keystone Hospice at Taylor Hospital on July 2, 2014. Born January 1, 1935 in Philadelphia, Pa., she resided in the Folsom section of Ridley Township for 39 years. Raised in Collingdale, Pa. she was a 1952 graduate of Collingdale High School. Her father, Richard S. Widdoes, was the Editor of the former Chester Times, currently known as the Delaware County Daily Times.
Wendy retired after 30 years of service as an LPN at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, Pa. Following retirement, she and her second husband, Bernard A. McNichol, former Sergeant, Ridley Township PD, retired to North Wildwood, N.J., where they both served as active members of the Cape May Emerald Society. In her youth, she was an active member of the Women’s Group of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Prospect Park, Pa., and was a devoted mother of her four children and step-son. She was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan; and her hobbies included reading, solving crossword puzzles, and enjoying days the beach.
Wendy was the daughter of the late Richard Sanford and Alberta Fraas Widdoes. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her second husband, Bernard Andrew McNichol (1998), and a son, Fritz Richard Bruner (2003), who would have been 57 years of age on the day she passed away.
SURVIVORS: Her half-brother, Jay Gordon Widdoes of Wilmington, DE; ex-husband, Fritz R. Bruner of Essington, Pa.; daughter Debra Bruner (Greg) Grillone of Norwood, Pa.; daughter Donna (Lewis) LaBar of Stroudsburg, Pa.; son Daniel Bruner (Megan Gorman) of Secane, Pa.; stepson, John McNichol of Glenolden, Pa.; daughter-in-law, Shirley Bruner of Folsom, Pa.; eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Will be held on Wednesday, July 9 th, at 11 A.M. at St. James Episcopal Church, 732 Lincoln Avenue, in Prospect Park, Pa. 19076.
VISITATION: Will be on Wednesday from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the church.
BURIAL: Will be private.
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. James Episcopal Church at the above address; or to St. Simeon’s Episcopal Church, 2502 Central Avenue, North Wildwood, N.J. 08260; or to the Cape May Emerald Society, P.O. Box 568, Wildwood, N.J. 08260 would be appreciated.
John Francis Hanley
John “Jack or Poppa Jack” Hanley, 88, peacefully passed away on July 2, 2014 with his daughters Karen and Joan by his side. A special thank you to the Durham VA Medical Center Hospice Unit for their loving care and support.
Jack was born on January 13, 1926 in Philadelphia, Pa. and spent the last six years of his life in Durham, NC. Jack was a proud U.S. Army veteran, serving in both World War II and the Korean War. His civilian career in Sales excelled through his integrity, enthusiasm, and love of people. Jack had a passion for life, always wore a smile, and had kind words for everyone. He enjoyed music, dancing, reading, yoga, and had a daring sense of adventure displayed when he went skydiving at age 70.
SURVIVORS: Poppa Jack is survived by his beloved daughters, Joan Hanley and Karen Menna; son-in-law Ron; two granddaughters, Jamie Menna Sanders and Lori Menna; as well as four great-grandchildren, Max, Oliver, Claudia, and Milo; as well as many other extended family and friends.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Will be held on Wednesday, July 9 th, at 11 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, Pa. 19074.
VISITATION: Will be on Wednesday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home.
BURIAL: Will be private with full military honors at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, Pa.
CONTRIBUTIONS: Memorial donations made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated.
Susan M. Graham
Susan M. Graham, 52, passed away after a brief illness on June 27, 2014 at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.
Born in Chester, Pa., she was a lifelong resident of Ridley Park and was a graduate of Ridley High School. She worked in the financial sector most of her adult life. She was a former Director of Compliance for Capital Analysts in Radnor, Pa. and enjoyed a second career as a Realtor for Coldwell Banker Preferred in Media.
She loved spending time with her family in the mountains of North Central PA. and with friends at the New Jersey beaches. She held a special place in her heart for her nephews. Sue enjoyed the sun and looked forward to summer days at the pool. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, crafting, and being creative. She loved animals, especially her cat, enjoyed nature and spending time outdoors.
Susan was the daughter of the late Elizabeth A. (Nee Hoffman) and James T. Smith, Sr. and Richard R. Graham.
SURVIVORS: Her sister, Beth A. Carbutt; brother-in-law, Paul W. Carbutt; and beloved nephews Nathan T. and Brendan A. Carbutt. Susan also had a large network of friends and neighbors who loved her and will miss her.
Family and friends are invited to share special memories of Susan at her Life Celebration on Tuesday, July 8th, at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, Pa. 19074.
VISITATION: Will be from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. followed by a Time of Sharing at 11 A.M.
BURIAL: Will be private.
CONTRIBUTIONS: Memorial gifts in her name may be made to The Taylor Community Foundation (for the Scholarship Fund), P.O. Box 227, Ridley Park, Pa. 19078 or to Jefferson (for the Liver Transplant Fund), Office of Institutional Advancement, 125 S. 9th Street, Suite 700, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107
Benjamin Campbell "Ben" "Benji" Axelsen
Benjamin Campbell “Ben” "Benji” Axelsen, 25, passed away suddenly on June 28, 2014 at his home in Essington, Pa.
Ben is the son of Doris M. Axelsen (nee Matuliewich) and the late William C. Axelsen. Ben was devoted to his family and friends. To be loved by Ben was something special because of his pride and loyalty that was behind his love.
Ben was an avid sports fan and could talk about any sport for hours. One of his favorite past times was to go down to the courts and get a game of basketball going. Ben enjoyed playing all sports, working out, listening to music, and spending time with his loved ones.
SURVIVORS: His son, Zachary; his mother, Doris Axelsen; his sister, Ashley Axelsen; his brother, William “Billy” Axelsen; his grandparents, Ben and Sharon Matuliewich; and also survived by his aunts, uncles, and cousins.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Will be held on Thursday, July 3 rd, at 11 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike in Norwood, Pa. 19074.
VISITATION: Will be held 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 to the “Benjamin Axelsen Memorial Fund” for his son, Zachary, may be sent to the Griffith Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 56, Norwood, Pa. 19074 would be appreciated by the family.
Erica L. Reiter
Erica L. Reiter, 41, a resident of Glenolden, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 25, 2014.
Erica was the daughter of the late Gary Reiter.
SURVIVORS: She is survived by her children, Aubria, Michael, and Ashley Bostelle; her sister, Christina Reiter; her mother, Debra Greene; and her nephew, Nathan Fanning.
VISITATION: A Visitation and Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, July 12 th, from 10 A.M. to 12 Noon at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, Pa. 19074.
BURIAL: Will be private.
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions to offset funeral expenses be sent in care of the Reiter children to the Griffith Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 56, Norwood, Pa. 19074
Ethel Marie Galloway
Ethel Marie Galloway, (nee Gross), born in Curry Hollow, Allegheny County, Pa., passed away in Ridley Park on June 23, 2014 after a long illness.
She was the beloved wife of Marvin Galloway, adored mother of Nancy and Lori, and coolest grandma of Robert and Adrian. She is survived by her wonderful sister, Pearl Kunkleman of Dravosburg, Pa.
Ethel was a 50+ year member of Ridley Park United Methodist Church. She had been on the church bowling team, and won several trophies. In years past, she would sing and Marvin would accompany her on guitar in the church’s talent show. She was also a member of the Eastern Star.
Ethel was an Old School Mom, but loved to laugh. She loved country music, Monty Python, Keeping Up Appearances, and telling casual acquaintances that one daughter is an opera singer and the other is a pirate. She happily told everyone that God picked out Marvin for her. With their marriage of nearly 70 years, no one would doubt that.
Her family and friends will miss her kind heart and gentle ways.
SERVICES: Relatives and friends may visit the family from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. on Wednesday, July 9 th, at the Ridley Park United Methodist Church, 501 N. Swarthmore Avenue, in Ridley Park, Pa. 19078. Memorial Service will follow at 7 P.M.
Her burial will be private.
CONTRIBUTIONS: Memorial contributions may be donated to Ridley Park United Methodist Church at the above address or to an organization that provides free cleft surgeries to children in need, at www.smiletrain.org
Mildred E. Crist
Mildred E. Crist (nee Crabtree), 91, a resident of Essington, Pa., died on June 21, 2014 at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pa.
She was born to the late Gladys Boone Crabtree Farah and Frank Crabtree in Middlesboro, Kentucky.
Mrs. Crist went to school in Kentucky and Virginia. She lived in Delaware County since 1946. She worked at W.T. Grant’s, and John Wanamaker’s in Philadelphia. She also worked at Speare Brothers in Chester for 15 years.
She was the wife of the late Joseph R. Crist who died in 2003.
Mrs. Crist was the mother of the late John Soluskey and Edmund Soluskey. She was the sister of the late Maynard Crabtree and Harvey Crabtree.
Her survivors include her sister Christine Vulgamore of Elizabethton, TN; two granddaughters of California; and nieces and nephews.
Her Funeral Service and burial will be private.
Robert William White
Robert William White, 66, of Schwenksville, passed away Tuesday, June 10.
He leaves behind his wife Elizabeth (nee Etzl), his brother Stephen White ( Sharon), his sister Connie Fedora and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service: Will be held Saturday, June 14, at 11AM, at Sunset Memorial Park, Mausolean of Peace Chapel, 333 County Line Road, Feasterville, PA 19053.
Visitation: Will be on Saturday from 10AM - 11AM at Sunset Memorial Park
Contributions: Made in Bob’s memory to the charity of the donor’s choice.
