Tributes & Memorials

Luke Bartholomew Vannicola, 57, of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, peacefully passed away surrounded by loving family on Thursday, November 6, 2025, after a two-year battle with cancer.

Luke was a graduate of St. Elizabeth’s High School and became an HVAC master technician.  He was employed as the Facilities Maintenance Manager for the City of Rehoboth Beach. Growing up Luke played baseball and football. He stayed friends with many of this teammates / neighbors after all these years. Luke loved everything about life. Living at the beach, going out on his boat, a ride on his Harley with friends or a Harley sunset ride alone along the water’s edge. Luke’s love for music also came with associated memories. He loved going to band practice at “Grannies” in the basement. Luke was a member of the Choptank River Yacht Club in Denton MD. Every year he looked forward to the Annual Christmas Tree Day Club event and members.  His friendships ran deep. Luke was always up for a trip to the Italian market. Let’s not forget his love for holidays to be with family and sit around the big table at Mom’s.

Luke wanted the family to thank those who were side by side with him every day through this journey. They say it takes a village. Luke’s village was STRONG!

Luke is survived by his son, Luke A. Vannicola (Jessica); his mother, Margaret Anne (Regener) Vannicola; his fiancée, Wendy Davis and stepdaughter, Elizabeth; his brother, Mark C Vannicola, his sister, Angelique “Angel” Colombo (Charles), his nieces, Kimberly Bastek (Carl), Theresa and Catherine Colombo as well great nieces and great nephews.

Luke was predeceased by his father, Philip B. Vannicola, Sr.; his brother, Philip B. Vannicola, Jr.; his sister-in-law, Ruth Vannicola.

John “Johnny” Batgos, 57, passed away peacefully at his Devon PA home on October 23rd. John was the son of the late Penelope (Millili) and James Batgos. He was a lifelong resident of the Wayne and Devon area.

A graduate of Conestoga High School, John also attended the University of West Virginia. Prior to a metastasized cancer diagnosis in December 2024, he spent his career in the service industry, beginning as a teenager at his family’s restaurant, Valley Forge Diner in King of Prussia. After the sale of the family business, John continued working as a server and bartender at various restaurants in Chester County; Black Powder Tavern, Epicurean Garage and Flowing Springs Inn.

John ‘s quick wit, and encyclopedic knowledge of sports, movies and music, made him a service industry natural. It wasn’t unusual for many customers to specifically request John to be their server. Both customers and friends loved to hear his laugh, which was both infectious and distinct. This past May, John was well enough to attend his 40th high school reunion. According to his classmates, he was the star of the show and had them laughing till it hurt.

John is survived by his brother Thomas, his wife Marianne, and their son James, and sister Joanna, her husband Jonathan(Chip) and their children, Jessie, Zachary and Drew, as well as many close friends.

Karen Barr-Gosselin of Wallingford, PA passed away on October 5, 2025. She was 74 years old. Karen is the loving mother of Aimee (Travis) McManus, and Danielle (Vincent) Damasco. She is the proud grandmother of Drew, Harper, and Boden McManus, and Benjamin, Gabriel, Owen, and Katherine Damasco. She is the dear sister of Dennis (Anne) Barr, Kevin Barr, Monica (John) Feehery, and Brian (Sheri Clemiss) Barr.

Karen was born on December 14, 1950, in Philadelphia, PA to the late James J. and Helen K. (nee Kelly) Barr. She is a graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield, PA. Karen excelled in her work as an accomplished massage therapist in which she healed and restored the health and well being of her patients. Her beloved dog Ricardo was always alongside Karen as she worked.

St. Bart’s Blessing: Life is short, and we haven’t much time to gladden the hearts of those that travel with us. So be quick to love and make haste to be kind. Rest assured that God is infinitely more concerned with the promise of our future than the mistakes of our past. And the grace of our Savior Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all, now and always. Amen.

Robert George Clark, 80, of Stone Harbor, NJ, formerly of Wayne, PA, peacefully passed away at his home on July 15, 2025.

Bob was born to Edward and Isabella Clark on January 19, 1945. He graduated from Ridley Park High School in 1962 and was a 1967 graduate of Drexel University.

He married his high school sweetheart, Loretta “Midge” Greeley, on September 17,1966 and they shared 53 wonderful years together. As a family they raised their children, Chrissy & Bobby, in Wayne, PA before moving to Stone Harbor, NJ full-time in 2007.

Bob was an incredible husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his family and the moments they spent together. He loved traveling with his loved ones and taking annual trips to the University of Notre Dame with their long-time friends Mack and Jane. His favorite time was spending weekends in the summer with his family on 82nd street in Stone Harbor. Professionally, Bob dedicated nearly 40 years as a controller to J.P. Mascaro and Sons and was proud to work alongside ownership where he was affectionately known as “BC” to everyone.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Midge, his brother Edward, and both of his parents.

Bob is survived by his children, Christine (Jeff) Thornton and Robert (Tara) Clark, Jr., along with his five grandchildren, Dallas, Tyler, Kyle, Troy, and Alexa.

Bernardine Anderson Yost, 94, of Plano, Texas, passed away on June 19, 2025. She was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on March 23, 1931, graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School, and received an AB degree from College Misericordia, Dallas, Pennsylvania. She married Alan Edward Yost on August 29, 1953.

Bernardine was a homemaker, a teacher, and a counselor. She held teaching positions at Quakertown and Pennridge High Schools. She managed and coordinated volunteer counselors at Northampton County Prison, and in her retirement years, she taught English literacy to US immigrants. Bernardine spent the years raising her five children in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, where she was an active member of Saint Isadore’s Parish.

Bernardine was a talented cook and an enthusiastic hostess. She enjoyed hosting dinner parties for friends and family. There was always laughter, stimulating conversation, and excellent food at these events. She enjoyed playing backgammon and was always up for a game of cards. But, if she had one passion in life, it was books – from the time she was a child, she loved to escape into a good story.

Bernardine and Alan relocated to Center Valley in retirement. After Alan’s death, Bernardine moved to Mount Laurel, NJ, where she developed many close friendships and decided to take up knitting. Later, as her health and mobility declined, the family moved her to Texas, where two of her daughters lived.

Bernardine’s passing was preceded by the deaths of her husband, Alan Yost; brother and sister-in-law, John and Elizabeth Anderson; son, Thomas Yost; daughter, Kristin Rose (husband Irwin); and son-in-law, Michael Horrocks.

Bernardine is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Augustine Concilio, her daughters, Mary Ellen Meza (husband, Peter), Julie Kudyba (husband, Peter), Miriam Horrocks Isenberg (husband, Paul), son-in-law, Irwin Rose, and her grandchildren, Alexis Graham (husband, Keith), Jacklyn Haefner (husband, Michael), Peter Kudyba and his wife Katy, Patrick Kudyba and his wife Rebecca, Danielle Hurlburt (Husband Stuart), Ryan Rose, Christa Smith (Husband, Adam), Michael Horrocks, Christopher Isenberg, Gabrielle Isenberg and her great- grandchildren, John Cote, Nathan and Claire Graham, Lily Kudyba, Michael and Jackson Hurlburt, Cooper and Harrison Smith.

Mary Ellen Greenebaum passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 8th at the age of 84 after a long and courageous battle against Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born to the late Laurence & Bridget Fox on their farm in Carra Bullaun, Loughrea, County Galway, Ireland. Her childhood was filled with happy, playful times, farming chores and helping her Mom look after her three younger brothers. At age 12, she emigrated alone to The United States for its educational opportunities and lived with relatives in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. She became a naturalized American citizen in 1959 and graduated from Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia.

Mary Ellen began her career as a file clerk at Dun & Bradstreet and subsequently rose to become the company’s first female & most highly paid salesperson. She met the love of her life (John) in 1971 and they married in 1974, having recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Mary Ellen then unselfishly gave up her career at its height to help John raise his two young sons from a previous marriage, David and Robert.

Mary Ellen’s life was filled with fun and laughter and especially friendships that she constantly developed and nurtured over the years. She was a natural “people” person with an open and friendly presence that made others want to confide in her, seek her advice and most of all be her friend. She loved golfing with the ladies at LuLu Country Club, socializing, shopping and any activity that involved interacting with other people. And – she absolutely adored being Grandmom to Sam, Josh, Jax and Jonah.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Delly and Kathleen who both died during their childhood years and her brother Larry. She is survived by her husband John, stepsons David (Kate) and Robert (Francine), brothers P.J (Carmel) and Tommy (Theresa), grandchildren Sam, Josh, Jax (Oliver) and Jonah and many nieces and nephews from her extended family in Ireland.

Bennie Dale Wilson, 75, of Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on July 5th, 2025.
Bennie was born on Wednesday, February 8, 1950, at Kessler Air Force Base to Bennie Dale Wilson and Margaret Murtaugh. He grew up in Chester, Pennsylvania, Woodlyn, Pennsylvania, and Pelham, Tennessee. Bennie attended St. James High School, where he played baseball and football. Bennie met his high school sweetheart, Eileen Sharp, in 1969 and married her two years later in 1971. They have been happily married for 54 years as of June 26th of this year. He was an avid golfer who got to play a round at his favorite golf course, Pebble Beach. Bennie was a life long sports fan, growing up following the Pittsburgh Pirates and later in life following the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles.

Bennie was predeceased by his mother and father, his stepfather, William Archer, his sister, Maryellen Glass, his grandson, Cooper Roach, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Bennie is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Sharp Wilson, his son, Joseph, and his son’s wife, Marianne. His foster daughter, Tina Roach, and her fiancé, Jeremy Coupe. His grandchildren, Shepard Wilson, Orion Wilson, Bodhi Wilson, and Aubrey Coupe; sister, Elizabeth Wojdylak.

William Vincent Boylan, Jr., age 65, a longtime resident of Edgmont and recently of Downingtown, passed away at home on May 22, 2025 in the loving presence of his family.

Bill was the loyal husband of Bernadette Boylan (née McCabe) with whom he shared 40 years of marriage. He leaves behind five loving, children Lauren Volpe (Michael) of Broomall, William V. Boylan III (Elizabeth) of Downingtown, Kevin Boylan (Shannon) of Swarthmore, Christopher Boylan (Victoria) of West Chester and Marykate Boylan of West Chester. Bill absolutely cherished his role as a grandfather to Jonathan Volpe, Evelyn & William V. Boylan IV, and Mickey, Vivian, & Vincent Boylan. He is also survived by sisters Julie Brady of Galloway, NJ and Mary McCabe of Media, PA along with many nieces, nephews, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Beloved son of the late Mary (née Mellon) and William Vincent Boylan, Sr., Bill spent his childhood years in Havertown, PA. After graduating from Monsignor Bonner High School in 1978, Bill began working in the waste management industry as a truck driver for McCusker and Sons. At age 25 he married the love of his life, Bernadette, and settled in Drexel Hill before moving to Edgmont where they would raise their five children. After many years with McCusker and Sons, Bill ventured out on his own and created Boylan and Sons, LLC. He was well-known and respected in his industry. Upon selling Boylan and Sons, Bill returned to McCusker as his “retirement job”. With such an engrained work ethic, Bill could never bring himself to fully retire. Whether at work, where Bill gave 100% every day, or in the community, where he was always ready to lend a hand, Bill led by example – with integrity, compassion, and humility.

Bill was a dedicated friend and was generous with his time. He volunteered with the Rose Tree Colts as a football coach for many years. His Catholic faith was an integral part of his life. For the past five years, Bill was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s in Downingtown, but for most of his adult life, his spiritual home was St. Mary Magdalen where he served as a faithful and devoted Eucharistic apostle for over 20 years. He enjoyed his weekly visits with Jesus at 4:00 am in perpetual adoration. Bill and Bernadette were dedicated members of the Marriage Encounter Ministry for many years.

Bill was a diehard Eagles and Phillies fan. He found joy in simple routines – gardening with Bernadette, detailing his truck, and bike rides in Ridley Creek State Park or on the OCNJ boardwalk. He treasured summers spent with his family in Sea Isle City and Cape May, New Jersey.

Bill battled cancer with the same integrity, humility and faith that was deeply woven into his daily life. He was a good and faithful servant, and though the Lord called him home, Bill’s legacy will be felt for generations to come.

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.