Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Hayden P. Machamer
Hayden P. Machamer, 97, a longtime Prospect Park resident who was devoted to his family and was an active community leader, passed away on February 15, 2014 at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown.
Born in Chester, he was the resident of Prospect Park all of his life until moving to the Masonic Village in 2011. He was a 1935 graduate of Prospect Park High School.
Hayden worked in the Advertising department and then was Sports Editor for the former Interboro News for a number of years before he purchased the newspaper in 1965. He was the owner and publisher of the Interboro News until 1985. He then owned and operated Interboro Printing until his retirement in 1990.
Hayden was an active community leader, having served as District Judge for a number of years, and served for a period of time on the Interboro School Board.
He was one of the founders of the Prospect Park Swim Club and served as its first President. He was also a member of the Prospect Park 4th of July Association and was named Prospect Park Citizen of the Year during one of their holiday celebrations. He was a longtime member of the Chester Pike Kiwanis Club and was at one time a member of the Prospect Park Fire Company.
Hayden was a 50-year member of the Prospect Lodge #578 F. & A.M. and was a member of the Westinghouse Square Club. He was a longtime dedicated member of the Prospect Hill Baptist Church in Prospect Park.
He was the husband of the late Jean Machamer, who died in 1995.
Survivors: His three daughters, Patricia (Robert) Fahey and Cynthia (Mark) Liberati, both of Prospect Park, and Nancy J. (Joseph) Dehner of Harrisburg, PA; his son, Thomas W. (Diane) Machamer of Aston; his six grandchildren, Linda, Joe, Jennifer, Thomas, Michelle, and David; and his five great-grandchildren.
Memorial Service: Will be held on Saturday, February 22, at 11 a.m. at the Prospect Hill Baptist Church, 7th and Lincoln Avenue, Prospect Park, PA.
Visitation: Will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church.
Burial: Will be private.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions made in Hayden’s memory to Prospect Hill Baptist Church, 703 Lincoln Avenue, Prospect Park, PA 19076 or to The Masonic Village, Attn: Gift Planning, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 would be appreciated.
Sylvia M. Eschenbach
Sylvia M. Eschenbach, 84, a resident of Ridley Park, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2014 at the Taylor Hospice Residence in Ridley Park and was reunited with her beloved late husband, Bill.
Born in Philadelphia, she was raised in Collingdale and graduated from Collingdale High School. She was a resident of Ridley Park for the last eight years, having retired to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware for many years prior to that.
Sylvia will be remembered as a woman who was devoted to her family.
She was the wife of the late William “Bill” Eschenbach.
SURVIVORS: Her three children, William (Vicki) Eschenbach; Joann (Jeff) Thomason, and Karen (Rick) Dettmann; her four grandchildren; and her four great-grandchildren.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Will be held on Monday, February 17 th at 7:30 P.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, Pa.
VISITATION: Will be on Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
BURIAL: Will be private.
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions made in Sylvia’s memory to Taylor Hospice, P.O. Box 147, Ridley Park, Pa. 19078 would be appreciated.
John R. "Jack" Burnham
John R. “Jack” Burnham, of Media, and formerly of Ridley Township, passed away on February 2, 2014 at Taylor Hospice House in Ridley Park. He graduated from Prospect Park High School in 1946. Immediately out of high school he enlisted in the Army and served with the Constabulary in Germany.
He attended the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology. He was a skilled craftsman in machinery development working for manufacturers of package-making machinery. His companies were located in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York. He was a salesman of this machinery, traveling extensively throughout the United States and Canada.
He was an avid sailor sailing on the Barnegat Bay in New Jersey. His summer home was a joy as was his sailing. He participated in the beach association activities. While being a member of Barnstormers he participated in building sets and served as production manager for some shows. Having been a salesman, he enjoyed volunteering as a greeter at Granite Farms marketing events and working in the mail room.
Mr. Burnham was a member of the Olivet Presbyterian Church in Prospect Park and served as a Deacon.
He was the son of the late Wilda and Russ Burnham.
SURVIVORS: His wife of 65 years, Lil; his daughter Leah Grinnin and grandson Ethan of Phoenix, AZ; his sister Norma Walsh and her husband, Gerry of West Chester; and dear friends Diane and Steve Hawrylak.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Will be held on Saturday, February 22nd, at 1 P.M. at the Auditorium at Granite Farms Estates, 1343 West Baltimore Pike in Media, Pa. (Immediately next door to the YMCA)
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Olivet Presbyterian Church, 1001 Washington Ave., Prospect Park, Pa. 19076 or to the Granite Farms Samaritan Fund.
Lydia "Sis" Pearl Guess
Lydia “Sis” Pearl Guess, 90, a longtime resident of Norwood, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2014 at the Taylor Hospice Residence in Ridley Park.
Lydia was blessed with many friends. She was devoted to her family and was the wife of the late Ray Guess, who died in the year 2001. She loved her many friends and neighbors and always loved to hear a good joke.
She is survived by her four children, Linda, Ray, Debbie, and Kimberly. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
The Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 26 th at 5 p.m. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, Norwood.
Visitation will be on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in her family to Taylor Hospice, P.O. Box 147, Ridley Park, PA 19078.
Margaret "Peigi" Mroz Swayhoover
Margaret “Peigi” Mroz Swayhoover, age 71, a resident of Fair Acres Geriatric Center, died peacefully on January 14, 2014 after a long illness.
She was a long-time resident of Sharon Hill before moving to Florida. Born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia, she was a graduate of West Catholic Girls’ High School Class of 1960.
She was a published Haiku poet. She enjoyed music, singing, nature and spending time with her family. Peigi had a wicked sense of humor and a very strong will. She enjoyed being around people and sharing stories. She was very competitive and enjoyed playing games.
She was the daughter of the late Harold and Margaret (Coates) Mulhern; wife of the late Edward Swayhoover (December 2013).
SURVIVORS: Loving mother of Carolyn Damanskis (David), Marjorie Mroz (Patti), and Elaine White (Scott Eller); Also survived by her four siblings, Joan Schenk (the late Paul G. Schenk); Eileen Mulhern, Francis Mulhern (Vicky), and Monica Mulhern; her 7 grandchildren; and her 5 great-grandchildren.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Will be held on Friday, January 17th, at 11 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, Pa.
VISITATION: Will be on Friday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home.
BURIAL: Will be private.
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association, NFCPA has partnered with Network for Good to securely process your online credit card donation via the Network for Good Donor Advised Fund. Please use link: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/NFMCPAWARE?code+home%20page
Jean L. "Mini" Cohn Irving
Jean L. “Mimi” Cohn Irving, 90, of Ridley Park, Pa., died on January 9, 2014 at Springfield Hospital.
She was born in Ridley Park and lived there most of her adult life. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Norwood for over 70 years.
Jean worked for the Fronefield and DeFuria Law Firm in Media for 25 years.
She had many friends and exhibited extraordinary love and devotion to her family.
She was predeceased by her husband, Andrew R. Irving; her long time companion, Edward Irving; her daughter, Marsha M. Lukens; and her sister, Ruth Alma Scholl.
SURVIVORS: Her adoring sons, Andrew R. Irving, Jr. (Christine) and Carl D. Irving (Kathryn); loving grandmother of Jacqueline Perez, Christine Irving, Katelyn Irving, Amelia Irving, Lori Lukens, Kimberly Lukens, Robert Lukens, and Michael Lukens; also survived by her 10 great-grandchildren; her two great-great-grandchildren; and her brother, Robert Cohn.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Will be held on Thursday, January 16th, at 11 A.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 501 Chester Pike, in Norwood, Pa.
VISITATION: Will be on Thursday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the church.
BURIAL: Will be in Glenwood Memorial Gardens in Broomall.
CONTRIBUTIONS: May be made in Jean’s memory to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 501 Chester Pike, Norwood, Pa. 19074
Harry J. Hayes
Harry J. Hayes, 100, a resident of Aldan and former longtime resident of Prospect Park, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2014 at Crozer-Keystone Hospice at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.
Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Harry and Elizabeth Hayes. He was a resident of Aldan for the last 20 years, and was a longtime resident of Prospect Park prior to that. Harry was employed as a Foreman in the Transportation Division of Philadelphia Electric for 40 years until his retirement.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years and was active member of many local community organizations as well.
Harry will be remembered as a man who was devoted to his family.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Edna, who died in 1992; and was also predeceased by his grandson, Michael.
SURVIVORS: His wife, Betty Hayes; his daughters, Mary Hayes and Betty (Skip) Spielman; his son, Henry Hayes; his step-daughter, Donna; his grandson, Mark (Erica); his great-grandchildren, Hannah, Michael, and Olivia.
FUNERAL SERVICE AND BURIAL: Were held privately.
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions made in Harry’s memory to Crozer-Keystone Hospice, 5030 State Road, Suite 3001, Drexel Hill, Pa. 19026 would be appreciated.
Donald R. Speace
Donald R. Speace, 81, a resident of Prospect Park, Pa., died on December 26, 2013 at his residence surrounded by his family.
Born on May 29, 1932, he was the son of the late Ralph and Ida Nickerson Speace.
He was employed with Eastern Airlines for many years until his retirement and then worked as a valet with Park & Jet for a number of years.
Don was a veteran of the Korean War having served in the U.S. Air Force.
A longtime Master Mason, he was a Past Master of Renaissance Hall Lodge # 654 F & A.M. in Philadelphia and was a past member of St. Alban Swain Lodge # 529 F & A.M. in Philadelphia. A longtime Shriner, he was a member of Nur Temple Shrine in New Castle, Delaware and was also a member of Consistory.
He was also active in the Mummers, and was a member of the Shooting Star - Fancy Brigade.
SURVIVORS: His wife, Mary Speace; his sons, Michael, Richard, Edward, and Donald; his daughter, Eileen; his 12 grandchildren and his 9 great-grandchildren.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Will be held on Thursday, January 2 nd, 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 Don’s memory to The Shriners Hospital, 3551 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19140 would be appreciated.
Robert C. Faison
Robert C. Faison, 73, a resident of Ridley Park, passed away on December 20, 2013 at his residence.
Born in Philadelphia, Robert graduated from Sharon Hill High School. He received a Bachelor Degree from the University of Delaware with a major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Psychology and earned a Masters degree in Business from Widener University. He held a Professional Engineering License from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Robert traveled extensively in his employment as a trouble-shooter when mechanical lines of machinery failed in the field. He served as an expert witness in litigation regarding manufacturing, OSHA, and contract disputes.
Robert was an avid reader, enjoyed chess, tennis, golf and woodworking. He especially enjoyed working with young people, serving as Youth Leader in the church he attended. He also tutored many young people through math and science courses. He loved to challenge by asking thought-provoking questions and encouraged open debate. He was well-known for his honesty and spoke freely of his faith in Jesus Christ. His children were the source of joy and pride in his life.
He was the son of the late Lloyd and Lillian Faison and was the brother of the late Constance Davis. He was the father of the late Daniel Robert Faison.
SURVIVORS: His wife of 51 years, Janice; his daughters, Laurie Faison and Julie Hatch; his brother, Paul and his four grandchildren.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Will be held on Sunday, January 19 th, at 2 P.M. at The Blue Church, 940 Baltimore Pike, in Springfield, Pa.
BURIAL: Was private.
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions made in Robert’s memory to The Blue Church, 940 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, Pa. 19064 would be appreciated.
