Tributes & Memorials

Maria Monteleone, age 97, formerly of South Philadelphia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Media.

Born and raised in Caccamo, Sicily, Maria was the middle of 9 children born to the late Domenico and Nicasia (nee Geraci) Rotolo. Growing up, Maria always helped on the family farm and pitched in with the hard work of running the farm. Maria also enjoyed reminiscing and telling stories of her family’s time in Sicily. In particular, a story she was proud to share revolved around her family gathering their family and neighbors in Sicily, and helping everyone walk to their farm in the outskirts for safety from the bombs during the war.

Shortly after she married, Maria moved to the United States in 1955, with her parents and siblings, and settled in South Philadelphia. Eventually her husband was able to join her, and together they would also make their home; and eventually start their own family, as members of St. Richard’s Parish, South Philadelphia. She lived in her home in South Philadelphia for 60 years before moving to Media, to live with her daughter this last year.

In December 1994 Maria officially became a citizen of the United States. She retired after many years as a seamstress. She enjoyed spending her leisure at the various Senior Center groups in South Philadelphia and the surrounding parishes.

Maria was also very musical, with an ear for music; she could learn a song very quickly. She will be remembered for her beautiful voice, singing beautiful ballads, in Italian.

Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Vincent Monteleone; and her siblings, Girolama “Mamie” Rotolo, Vincenzo Rotolo, Josephine (the late Joseph) Filippello, Rosa (the late Joseph) Dina, Baby Joseph Rotolo, Domenica “Mechi” Rotolo, and Rev. Michael Rotolo.

She is survived by her daughters, Susanna V. Monteleone and Linda (Rick) Cattai; her grandchildren, Brandon, Brianna, Madeline and Veronica. She was also survived by her sisters, Carmela “Lina” Rotolo and Adua Victoria (the late Anthony) Filippello.

Joseph A. Segar “Joe” of Bryn Mawr, PA formerly of Havertown, PA passed away on September 18, 2023, after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was 65 years old.

Joe was born on June 19, 1958, to Kathleen (nee Gormley) Segar and Paul T. Segar, Jr. Joe is the beloved husband of Shirley A. Giuliani. He is the loving brother of Kevin J. (Jennifer) Segar, Mark J. Segar, Paul T. (Tony) Segar, III, and Kathleen S. (Gerald) Green. Joe is the proud uncle of Jessica (Kyle) Gahan, Tara J. Segar, Gayle (Percy) Cox, Katrina (Joe) Trainor, Meghan, Liam, and Shannon Green.

Joe is a graduate of Annunciation BVM Elementary School and Monsignor Bonner High School. He worked for Haverford Township Public Works for over 40 years before retiring in 2020. Joe was always a “numbers guy”, he could tell you all the Philadelphia area sports stats, all the family birthdates, and all the special dates of family and friends. Throughout it all, Joe always had a positive attitude and never complained. He was an inspiration who would take things one day at a time and was everyone’s hero who would always ask “how are you?”. Joe’s happy place was spending time at his brother Mark’s home in Margate, NJ.

Joe and his family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, support staff and teams at Bryn Mawr Hospital who cared for and treated him like family.

Until we meet again, rest in peace. You will forever be missed.

Joshua D. Myers “Josh” age 47 of Woodlyn formerly of Prospect Park passed away on January 1, 2023 after long courageous battle with cancer.

Josh was a 1993 graduate of Interboro High School. He went on to culinary school and worked as a cook in the area for many years. He went on to work as a warehouse manager and driver prior to most recently working at the Navy Yard.

He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan and loved spending time tailgating at Eagles games with great friends and hosting games in his famous garage bar “Time Delay Bar and Grill”. He enjoyed cooking food for his family and friends, bowling, golfing and taking trips to the cabin.

He was dedicated to his family and enjoyed coaching and volunteering for Swarthmorewood Athletic Assoc., Ridley Raider Youth Football and ABA Basketball. Watching his sons play baseball, hockey and football were his most precious moments. Lifelong friends were made here and are very special to Josh and his family.

He will be missed dearly by his family and the countless friends he made along his journey.

Survivors: Beloved husband of 19 years of Kim Myers, devoted father of Harper and Benjamin Myers, cherished son of Tom and Cecilia Myers and dearest son in law of Ed and Terrie Maguire, loving brother in law of Dan(Christy) Maguire and special uncle of Abby and Charlie Maguire.

October 16, 1937 — December 20, 2022 | Salvatore M. DeVito, 85, of Newtown Square, PA, passed away on December 20, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Montella, Italy on October 16th,1937, son of the late Salvatore and Grazia (née Garofalo) DeVito. Salvatore was born the sixth of seven siblings.

In 1962, Salvatore left his home and family in Montella, to follow the love of his life, Carmela, to Upper Darby where they were soon married. After arriving in the United States, Salvatore and his brother Amato with their brides Carmela and Antoinette worked diligently to save money and founded DeVito Brothers Iron Works in 1965. DeVito Brothers & Son continues to serve the greater Philadelphia and Main Line areas.

Salvatore was known for his artistry with metal and sculpture and won several awards from the Davinci Art Alliance. He was an active member of the Holy Savior Society of Norristown that preserves the culture and traditions of Montella. Salvatore enjoyed spending time with his family making wine and his famous Sunday Gravy. In his leisure he returned to Italy to see family and locally visited Mount Airy Lodge and the Jersey Shore. Salvatore was the life of the party and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. Always joking, dancing, and sharing stories of his years building and racing motorcycles, his childhood escapades and other family memories.

This past year Salvatore and Carmela celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July and his 85th Birthday in October.

Salvatore was the beloved husband of Carmela (née Teta) DeVito; the loving father of Rose Anne DeVito Glenn (Joseph), Angela DeVito Grazio (Paul) and Salvatore DeVito, Jr. (Margaret Coyle); devoted grandfather, of Joseph (Caitlin), Michael (Lauren), Christopher (Paula), Gabriella, Sophia, Salvatore, and great-grandfather of Kristina, Christopher, Reina, and Hailey. Also survived by his two brothers, Amato DeVito (the late Antoinette) and Orazio DeVito (Beatrice) and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous loving family members. Predeceased by his four siblings, Antonio, Luigi, Michael, and Carmela.

Lois Huffman | September 29, 1942 – December 20, 2022 | Loving wife of Charles “Chip” Huffman, to whom she was married for over 50 years.  Beloved mother of Kristi Huffman; stepmother of Tracie Miller-Godri and Charles Miller (Dawn).  Preceded in death by her siblings Edith Pelszynski, Margaret Henderson, Linda Jean Kreutzer, and William Mackell.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  Lois will be sadly missed by Coco.

Matthew U. Davis of Marlton, NJ. Passed away on November 5, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 46 years old. Beloved husband of Frances (nee Kulpa). Loving father of Adelaide and Blake. Devoted son of the late Walter and Sandra (nee Deschler) Davis. Matthew grew up in Marlton and was a 1994 graduate of Cherokee High School. He retired from Westampton Township where he worked as an EMT and Firefighter, and had previously served in Cherry Hill, Evesham and Burlington City (Endeavor). He taught HAZMAT courses in Burlington County and at Rutgers University and in his retirement worked as a safety coordinator for Princeton University. He was a member of NJ Task Force One, which is deployed nationwide for natural disaster rescue operations. He was also a member of the Beverly-Riverside Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.

Denise Grace Cuozzo of Galloway, NJ passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. She will forever be remembered as an incredible wife, mother, sister, and friend. She was born and raised in Newark, NJ before moving to South Jersey where she was a beloved Casino supervisor for 40 years at several casinos in Atlantic City, the most recent being the Golden Nugget. She was a devout Catholic and member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s parish. She was a world traveler, avid reader, and amazing cook. Her most enjoyable moments were spent doing yoga, spending time with family, walking her dogs, and going to the Brigantine beach.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Ralph A. Colasanti. She is survived by her husband, Joseph A. Cuozzo Sr., son, Joseph A. Cuozzo Jr, daughter, Deanna R. Cuozzo, sister, Debra Szapucki, brother, Anthony Colasanti Jr., and her two dogs, Petey and Spanky. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

John F. Mazurek, 70, of Hatfield, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2022. He was the loving husband of Jane (Tallia) Mazurek of Hatfield.

Born May 10, 1952 in New York, NY, he was the son of the late John and Emma (Wesner) Mazurek.

John was an avid golfer. He loved the game, and enjoyed Jane’s company by his side in the golf cart. He also enjoyed working in the garden with Jane. John and Jane enjoyed spending time with family at the beach, especially in the Outer Banks, NC where they vacationed for over 25 years. Above all, he was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He cared deeply for his family, as it was his second nature to be their support. He took much pleasure in watching his children and his grandchildren play sports.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Paul Mazurek (Carrie) of Middletown, DE, Laurie Goidas (Brian) of Hatfield, Christina Yaskowski (Justin) of Schwenksville; his grandchildren, Haden, Ryan, Tallia, Addison, Hailey, Jackson, Nolan; and sister, Lynn Sokalski of Catonsville, MD.

John is predeceased by an infant son, Matthew Mazurek and a sister, Elaine Meyer.

Patricia “Trish” Mary Churchill passed away on July 3rd, 2022, at the age of 27 in her parents’ home surrounded by her parents; her brother; her boyfriend, Steve; and close family and friends.

Trish was raised in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, a graduate of St. Thomas the Apostle and Archmere Academy where she excelled in the classroom, as well as on the softball field where she was captain of the team. She was an adored cheerleader who also served in multiple honors societies. Trish attended Penn State University and Thomas Jefferson University where she earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the College of Pharmacy in 2019.

Trish achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a pharmacist in 2019, working in center city Philadelphia before taking a position with PerformRX as a Pharmacist II on the Clinical Outcomes and Therapeutic Optimization team. She excelled in both positions, building strong and charming relationships with coworkers and the patients she cared for. Trish loved her job and treated every day as another opportunity to help someone else.

After graduating, Trish lived in Philadelphia. She loved the city and all it had to offer. She was always excited to try new restaurants and activities, spending time with friends, attending concerts and sports games, where she cheered on her beloved Philadelphia Eagles. She spent her summers in Sea Isle City, NJ with family and friends on the beach. It held a special place in her heart. SIC is where she met her boyfriend, Steve in 2017 and where she put together a team for Bringing Hope Home’s Sea Isle Stomps Cancer 5k for years to come. In 2020 & 2021, Trish and Steve found love for the beaches in Florida and lived in Key West and Delray Beach, where they spent quality time with her brother, Bobby.

To everyone who was lucky enough to meet her, they knew how loving, caring, and thoughtful she was. Trish was the type of person to put everyone else first, making sure others needs were put before hers. She carried this compassion in all walks of life, constantly bringing friend groups together and making every person she met feel loved.

Trish was the definition of selfless, an amazing person, so strong and unassuming, never drawing attention to herself even in the most difficult situations. While diagnosed with cancer in 2018, onlookers would have no idea, as she stayed committed to her friends and family, her daily activities, her pharmacy career, and beloved relationships. Faced with numerous obstacles, trials, and tribulations, her strength never wavered, keeping an infectious positive attitude throughout her journey. Trish will live forever in her family and friends’ memories as the sweetest, kindest girl, always charming, always laughing, always smiling.

Trish is survived by her parents, Kimberlee and Bob Churchill; her brother, Bobby Churchill; her boyfriend, Steven Elf; and many, many special friends and family members.

Mary Green Diamond, age 69, of Media PA, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on July 3, 2022. Mary is celebrated for her generosity of heart, her compassion for her community, friends and family and her contagious joy and desire to live life fully. Mary adored her family, especially her grandkids. One could often find Mary in the backyard planning an obstacle course, or hosting tea parties and fashion shows or playing games like hide the thimble or find the penny, all for her grandkids.

She had a wealth of friends who loved her dearly. She never forgot a birthday or a special event of any kind. She was always full of fun, never missed a party and made so many people smile. Mary was a long-time active member of Christ Church Episcopal in Media, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and led Bible Camp. She later became a member of Media Presbyterian Church and Middletown Presbyterian Church where she once again shared her angelic voice singing and performing in their choirs. She was also a member of the Neumann University Concert Chorale for many years and travelled with them to perform in several cities around the globe.

Continuing in her journey of service, Mary worked as a massage therapist and was certified as an Usui Reiki Therapist. She worked from home, in local spas and salons and would often donate her time offering massage to local organizations. She was an avid gardener, loved walking in nature or just around the neighborhood making friends wherever she landed.

Mary is survived by her husband William Diamond, her three sisters, Elizabeth Zoumas, Susan Feyrer and Lucy Messick, her three children, Jacqlyn Diamond, Jonathan Diamond and Meredith MacCleary and her four grandchildren. In addition, she is missed by many others of her extended family and dear friends.

Edward P. McLaughlin, age 64, husband of Johanna B. (Powers) McLaughlin, of Collegeville, PA, passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2022 at home. Born on May 11, 1958 in Upper Darby, PA, he was a son of the late Vincent and Patricia (Flanagan) McLaughlin.

Mr. McLaughlin was a graduate of Upper Darby High School, class of 1976. He faithfully attended Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Royersford, PA. Mr. McLaughlin worked in the corporate offices of Genuardi’s as the bakery manager for over twenty-five years. For the past ten years, he has worked as a category manager for C and S Wholesalers in Robesonia, PA.

Ed was an active basketball referee for several leagues in the area, and he enjoyed interacting with the players and mentoring those around him. He volunteered and coached alongside his children during their sports careers in the Spring-Ford athletic programs, and he loved watching, cheering, and videotaping for others to enjoy the races of his daughter Emma Rose in the unified track program.

Ed was a recipient of the generosity of Bringing Hope Home, an organization that assists families whose loved one is being affected by cancer. He would then go on to volunteer and represent the organization at many different events, and share his story with others. Ed and his family, in honor of their daughter Emma Rose, was one of the founding families of the Buddy Walk over twenty years ago at Villanova University. Through the charity, the Buddy Walk helps support families with a loved one with Down Syndrome, and proceeds helped form and continue to operate the Trisomy-21 Center through Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Ed loved spending time with his family, taking trips to Sea Isle City, NJ, and participating in the Mummer’s Parade.

In addition to his wife, Mr. McLaughlin is survived by three children, Patrick E. McLaughlin of Sea Isle City, NJ, Brenna P. McLaughlin, companion of Sonny Rennard of Collegeville, PA, and Emma Rose McLaughlin of Collegeville, PA.

Harry J. DeJesse Jr., age 63, of Secane, PA formerly of Collingdale, passed away on March 28, 2022 surrounded by family.

Harry was born in Darby, raised in Collingdale and a longtime resident of Secane.

He was the son of Anne DeJesse (Donahue) and the late Harry DeJesse of Collingdale. He graduated from Collingdale High School in 1977. He recently retired from the Union Carpenter for local 255 formerly 845 Delaware County.

Harry was the beloved husband of Sandy (Hagarty) DeJesse for 41 years; the loving father of Harry (Ashley), the devoted grandfather “Grumps” to the light of his life Genevieve, survived by his siblings Diane Kime (Daniel), Patricia Cashin (Paul), Jane Grossi (Matthew), Michael DeJesse (Natalie) Frank DeJesse (Barbara). He was uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews and predeceased by his Niece & Goddaughter Tiffany (Grossi) Johnson.

Harry enjoyed cooking, bowling, golfing, fishing, spending summers in Cape May Court House, NJ and recently the winter in Fort Pierce, Florida. He enjoyed time at the casino with family and friends and trying his luck on daily scratch off tickets.

Harry could give anyone a hard time but always made sure everyone always had a good time!

GONE FISHING FOREVER!

Mark William Jones, age 59, of Wayne, PA, passed away on January 16, 2022 after an eight month battle with cancer.  Mark’s treatment was led by Dr. Sameer Gupta and his compassionate team.   Born in Darby, PA, he was the son of the late William R. and Mary Patricia Jones (nee Higgins).

Mark is survived by his wife of 32 years, Catherine Regina Jones (nee Manion), his loving children Jessica Catherine Roche (Joseph), Meghan Colleen Jones, Mary Catherine Jones and Nathan Francis Jones.  He welcomed the birth of his grandchildren Harrison Joseph and Theodore Mark Roche on December 13, 2021.  He is also survived by his siblings Michael Jones, Timothy Jones, Mary Lochary and the late Anthony Jones and numerous in-laws and nieces and nephews.

Mark enjoyed golf, especially with his son, Nate.  He coached his three daughters in basketball for many years, and was a longtime St. Katharine and Region 32 CYO volunteer.   He enjoyed fishing at the shore, stamp collecting, gardening, reading military and Civil War books and loved his dogs.