Tributes & Memorials

Carmel M. Muratore (nee Persia) age 71, a resident of Garnet Valley formerly of West Philadelphia and Broomall, PA passed away on April 8, 2025.

The daughter of the late Josephine S. Persia (nee Sacco) and the late John F. (Johnny) Persia, who were both from Philadelphia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Joseph M. Muratore Sr. and her brother-in-law, Joseph M. Muratore Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Robert L. Muratore (Monk), her mother-in-law, Phyllis A. Muratore (Mimi) (nee Gaeto). Also many cousins and friends.

Carmel attended Our Lady of Lourdes and graduated from West Catholic Girls High School. After graduation, she worked for Pierce-Phelps and then as a dance instructor at Arthur Murray for many years. Later, Carm worked as a medical biller and retired in 2015.

She was a caregiver for 18 years for her mother, who was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 57. Carm lived with and took care of both her mother and grandmother until their deaths.
At a young age, Carmel entered a Liza Minnelli look-alike contest and won. She was on Channel 6 Action News, was interviewed by Hank Sperka, and met Liza Minnelli herself in New York.

Carmel loved to dance. It was her dream to become a dance instructor for Arthur Murray. Her love for animals had no boundaries, Carm loved her Gina, a four year old Shih Tzu that was her true companion when she first got ill. She was truly a loving and caring person who never had a bad word to say about anyone and would always see the good in people instead of their flaws. Growing up, Carm lived with her parents and grandparents and spoke fluent Italian. Home is where she learned how to cook and clean, but mostly how to be a kind, caring, and loving person. Carm was taught the proper values in life and learned to respect others. Family and respect were the most important values to Carm.

Gwen “Penny” Courtney, of Norristown, PA, passed away peacefully at home on February 22, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 66 years old.

Family was the most important part of Penny’s life. She is survived by her devoted husband, Peter, and her loving sons, Max (Courtney Nelson) and Ben (Kaitlyn). She was the proud and adoring Gigi to her four cherished grandchildren: Savannah, Bo, Audrey, and Sloane. She also leaves behind her sister, Pam Baker (George), with whom she shared a lifetime of love and memories. She is reunited in peace with her parents, Jim and Grace Ball, and her brothers, Jimmy and David Ball.

Penny dedicated her career as a registered dental hygienist. Her kindness, patience, and gentle spirit made a lasting impact on every patient she cared for, often speaking about them as if they were members of her own family. She was also a passionate dog lover, opening her home and heart to countless golden retrievers over the years. On more than one occasion, she opened her home to terminally ill goldens so that she could provide them with a wonderful life before it was their time to cross the Rainbow Bridge.

A true Philly sports fan, Penny cheered avidly for the Phillies, Flyers, Eagles, and her favorite, the La Salle College High School Wrestling Team. She also had a deep love for music, especially live performances, and found pure joy in concerts, singing along to her favorite songs, and sharing those moments with friends and family. Nothing made her happier than a sunny day at the beach, toes in the sand, listening to the waves, and soaking in the warmth of the sun. The beach was her happy place, and where she felt most at peace.

Above all, she was a source of warmth, laughter, and joy to everyone who knew her. Whether as a loving wife, a devoted mother, a loyal sister, a dear friend, or the best Gigi in the world, Penny lit up every room she entered. Her love of life was infectious, and she will be remembered for the joy she brought to others and the unwavering love she had for her family.

In keeping with Penny’s generous and selfless spirit, she chose to donate her body to the Humanities Gifts Registry in Philadelphia. Because of this, there will be no immediate service. Any memorial gathering will be private for the family.

Michael J. “Skip” Rector, III age 79 of Havertown, formerly of Phoenixville, PA died in his home on Saturday, February 8, 2025. He was the husband of the late Christine (Andrusisian) Rector.

Born on March 12, 1945 in Philadelphia, PA he was the son of the late Michael J. Rector, Jr. and Genevieve (Raniszewski) Rector. He graduated from St. Pius X High School and worked at Read’s Moving Systems in Hatboro until his retirement.

Skip was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Phoenixville. He loved painting, crafting, and anything Christmas.

He is survived by three children: Julie wife of Randy Orner, Andrew Rector, and Joanna wife of Randy Moore; six grandchildren: Lindsay Orner, Jacob Orner, Mary Orner, Kyra Orner, Noah Rector, and Conner Moore; two brothers: Rev. Warren Rector and Ken Rector.

June 16, 1972 – February 1, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of Megan (Goslee) Salladino on February 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital, she was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, living life with sharp wit, boundless generosity, and an unwavering love for her family and friends.

Meg had a deep affection for her fur babies, Hallie, Carson, and Hope, as well as for John Elway and the Denver Broncos, gardening, ghost hunting, pizza tours, and yard sales. Extremely proud of her Irish heritage, she cherished Cape May memories and always kept her husband, Bob, on his toes with her perfect blend of humor, tenacity, and hard-headed charm.

Generous to her core, Meg supported Bringing Hope Home, a nonprofit that assists individuals and families battling cancer, and she volunteered at the Providence Animal Center. She worked as an Administrative Assistant in the Economics Department at Swarthmore College and previously at Neumann University and Widener University, where she earned a degree in Paralegal Studies.

Meg is survived by her loving husband, Bob; children Ryan (Kathy) and Caden; mother Madeline; siblings Rob (Toni), Shanna (Tommy), Matt (Kelly), Tim (Mary), James (Rebecca), Michael, Danny, and Maryanne (Tom); and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Her spirit lives on, and we find comfort knowing she is now with her father, Robert, and several loved ones who welcomed her in Heaven.

Franklin Wayne Rogers “Wayne”, 64, of Clifton Heights, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne, PA.

Born in Wynnewood, PA, Wayne was the son of the late Franklin and Eleanor Joan (Behenna) Rogers, Jr. He was also predeceased by his uncle, Allan P. Rogers.

Wayne worked in sales throughout his life. He was an Eagle Scout, enjoyed playing the guitar, and was a talented bowler. He loved music and found joy being a member of the community. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, wearing the nicknames “Pops” and “Uncle Wagno” proudly.

He is survived by his son, Matthew Wayne Rogers (Kristen); daughter, Brieanne Marie Repp (Nathan); brother, Walter Rogers (Barbra), and his granddaughters, Cecilia Repp and Paige Rogers.

Dana Marie Piazza, 60, of Bridgeport, PA passed away on October 5, 2024 at her sister’s home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Norristown, PA on April 19, 1964 and was the daughter of the late Joseph R. and Pauline “Carline” (Prestia) Piazza. Dana was a graduate of Pleasant Valley High School in Brodheadsville, PA, in the Pocono Mountain area. She later worked in Sales which she did for her career for many years. She most recently worked as a Sales Rep. for Just Got 2 Have It!, a leading wholesale sales rep agency that specializes in trendy gift, fashion, and home décor. Dana was a die-hard Eagles and Phillies fan. She enjoyed decorating, cooking and baking, especially baking cookies for the holidays. She loved holiday parties and gatherings with family and friends. She also enjoyed travelling, which she did extensively for her work. Dana was a wine enthusiast and was known as the “Ray of Sunshine”, the “Sparkle Girl”, and the “Hollywood in the House”.
Dana is survived by her sister Darleen “Petey” Mazzerle (the late Daniel) of Collegeville, her brother Joseph R. Piazza, III of Norristown, her close nephew Daniel Mazzerle, Jr., her uncle James F. Piazza (Tricia), her uncle James Prestia, and other extended family members, and many friends.

Robert J. “Bob” Muma, 75, of Exton, passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at Paoli Hospital with his family by his side. He was the husband of Deborah (Martinette) Muma, sharing 34 years of marriage.

Everyone that knew Bob was touched in one way or another by his charisma, charm, and kindness. He had the innate ability to truly connect with people. And while he was accomplished in business and had an insatiable enthusiasm for hobbies, Bob may be most remembered for his incredible sense of fun. If there was a prank to be played, a laugh to be had, Bob was likely the instigator.

Bob enjoyed a storied professional career in envelope manufacturing, ascending to multiple VP positions in Sales and Marketing across three companies. He also had the esteemed honor of being the Chair of the Postal Affairs Committee for Envelope Manufacturers of America.

He went head first into his passions, resulting in many adventures and deep friendships. From his recent obsession with fishing and boating, to Harley Davidsons and an epic cross-country road trip, to raising golden retrievers, photography, computers, planes and even a train at one point, he also enjoyed a lifelong passion for cooking. Bob went all in when an interest caught his attention, eager to understand it and then to master it from every angle.

He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in recent years, which also motivated a new determination for health and staying active. He was a fixture in their neighborhood, most recently proudly zipping around on a new scooter to enjoy impromptu visits with their close-knit community.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on March 24, 1949, and growing up in Beverly Hills, Mich., he was the son of the late Laurence and Helen (Canning) Muma. Bob graduated from Groves High School and attended Central Michigan University.

Surviving in addition to his wife Deborah is a nephew Greg Muma, husband of Kim, and their children Josh and Abby; niece Laura Muma; brother-in-law Rhead Martinette, niece Cary Leigh Martinette and niece Lauren Jean Martinette. He was preceded in death by his brother Bill Muma.

Mary Jane Whelan (née Grayson), aged 68, passed away on June 23, 2024, surrounded by loved ones in her daughter’s home in Aston, Pennsylvania. Born on July 15, 1955, in Darby, Pennsylvania, she was a beautiful soul known for her bright smile and a cherished presence in the lives of her family and friends.

Mary Jane graduated from Ridley High School and dedicated many years to serving the community through her work. She was a server at Trieste Restaurant in Prospect Park from 1988 to 1998 and at Sam’s Saloon in Glenolden from 1998 to 2013. In 2013, she began working as a Clerk at the County of Delaware District Court, a position she held until her passing.

A caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary Jane was known for her warmth, kindness, and compassion. She cherished every moment spent watching her children and grandchildren grow up, and her true passion was the true love she shared with her beloved husband.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas A. Whelan Jr.; her children, Christina W. Cangemi (Mike) and Caroline E. Jackson (Brian); her grandchildren, Dante T. Cangemi and Nathan M. Cangemi; her siblings, Elizabeth E. Westerberg, William P. Grayson, and John F. Grayson along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Patrick Thomas Whelan, and her parents, Jesse R. Grayson and Elizabeth M. Grayson (Feeney).

Charles Raymond Weber, aged 98, of Bethlehem, PA, formerly of Glenolden, PA passed away peacefully on June 18, 2024. Charles was the son of the late James and Ray (nee North) Weber and grew up in West Deptford, NJ. He was the second youngest of their 9 children. He graduated from West Deptford High School in 1943.

Charles proudly served in the US Navy during WWll and was assigned to the ATR4, a sea going rescue tug boat in the European Theatre. Charles worked as an electrician, a skill that he further developed in his career as an industrial alarm installer for ADT, where he retired from in 1991.

Charles was predeceased by his loving wife Evelyn (nee Hatton), whom he cherished and cared for until her death in 2016. They were married for 69 years and are survived by their two children, Linda Petrenko (UE) and Gary Weber (Teri). Charles will be sorely missed by his grandchildren, Jeff Weber (Renee), Lisa Franklin (Jamie), Nicole Hamm (Brian), Christopher Petrenko (Jessica), Liz Bradley (Glen), Patrick Brennan (Dana), and Kevin Brennan Jr (Olivia) and Logan Calixto. Charles’ grandson, Ryan Weber, predeceased him, as did his parents and brothers and sisters. Charles was loved by and is survived by his 15 great grandchildren.

Charles was a kind, gentle man with a dry wit. He was hardworking, and could fix anything. He loved Country and Big Band music and was an avid gardener. He loved to travel and he and Evelyn took many fun and interesting trips with their senior citizens groups.

Antoinette “Toni” Makowski, (nee Iaquinto) age 85, of Chester Springs, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on December 31, 2023.

Wife of the late Kenneth Wallace Makowski, beloved mother of Gina Potemski (Ron), Felicia Biberica (Vladimir), and Kenneth Makowski (Ryan). Loving grandmother to Christopher and Gabrielle Isenberg, Nicholas Potemski, Ava and Laila Biberica, Cole, Leo and Mila Makowski, Christa Smith and Mick Horrocks.

Toni was predeceased by her daughter Nicole Isenberg (Paul). She leaves behind her dear brother Lou Christine, uncle John Iaquinto and many beloved cousins.

A native of Philadelphia, Toni was born to Michael Iaquinto and Natalie Mickles. She graduated from Little Flower High School and Immaculata College.  As a young woman, Toni taught high school English and later returned to Immaculata where she worked for 25 years, retiring as Senior Director of Gift Planning in 2005. For many years she devoted her time and energy to promoting art shows at Immaculata and the Malvern Retreat House.

Toni shared a deep appreciation of opera and Italian culture with longtime companion, Raoul Pagin, and she treasured their trips to Italy. She also loved her time volunteering at Bringing Hope Home, an organization co-founded by son-in-law Paul, that gives emotional and financial support to families battling cancer.

Toni encouraged her loved ones to “carpe diem” and in life she did just that, squeezing the most out of every day with passion and purpose. She lived with an open heart, always ready to expand her wide circle of family and friends.

Anne V. Stanley, age 77 of Wallingford, PA, passed away after a courageous battle against breast cancer; surrounded by her loving family. Anne was born in Philadelphia, the daughter of the late Helen (Cooney) and Joseph Sharp and raised in Brookhaven, PA. She was a 1964 graduate of Notre Dame High School, where she played on the Catholic League Championship Basketball team and was Secretary of her senior class. In 2002, Anne achieved a lifetime goal of receiving her bachelor’s degree from Neuman University. Anne was married to Robert Stanley in 1971 and is the mother to Anne Marie (Dan) Fisher, Kate Trotter, and Rob (Rachel) Stanley. Together they were proud grandparents to Bree, Jake, Ellie, Shane, Ian, Zoe, and Cayden. Her favorite pastimes included anything involving family, vacationing in the Outer Banks, and cheering everyone on at countless sporting events. Anne is predeceased by her sister Mary Gorbey. She is survived by her sister Eileen (Bennie) Wilson and numerous loving in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Shirley A. Giannini, nee DeStefano, 88, entered eternal life on November 17, 2023. She was born February 10, 1935, in Chicago, married for 50 years to the late Richard Giannini. She was a beloved mother and is survived by her four children Rick (Nancy), Anthony (Sharon), Marianne (the late Abe) Millman, & Vince (Norma). Cherished grandmother of Kate (Doug) Grove, Lauren (Bryon) Rue, Cristina (Brendan) Farrell, Marisa (Steve) Manassa, Jacqui, Nathan, Anthony (Fiancé Mayra), Nick, Joe, Nicole, Ryan, Michelle, & Matt. Loving Great-grandmother of Dominic, Marco, Gabriella, Brooklyn, Madison, Francesca, Michael, Nora, & Gianna. Daughter of the late Anthony and Mary DeStefano, dear sister of the late Lucille (late Frank) Janda, the late Angelina (late Paul) DeJoseph, the late Vincent (late Evelyn) DeStefano, the late Joseph DeStefano, the late Mildred (late Joseph) Binetti. Fond Aunt, cousin, and friend of many.

Shirley was an incredibly kind person who brought joy to so many with her positive outlook, terrific smile, and words of encouragement. She enjoyed taking care of those she loved, spending time with her family and friends, cheering on the Cubs and looked forward to seeing her work family almost one day per week for many years. She passed on her love of cooking by teaching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren how to make homemade ravioli and Easter pizza.