Tributes & Memorials

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.

Christine M. “Chrissy” Boyle, age 54 of Chester Heights, PA passed away peacefully on November 12, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family. Born to John & Doris Hilferty Banes, she was raised in Drexel Hill, PA and has resided in Chester Heights, PA since 1991. Chrissy graduated from Archbishop Prendergast in 1987 and married the love of her life, Brian four years later in 1991. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, she was employed for 19 years as an H.R. Manager for Brothers Electrical Inc.. Chrissy was devoted to her Catholic faith and a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church and previously a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church. She loved the beach and spending summers in North Wildwood and Sea Isle City with her husband and children. Chrissy cherished time spent with her siblings, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Chrissy is preceded in death by 2 brothers, John (Late Susan) Banes and Edward Banes. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Brian E. Boyle, 4 children, Brian (Maura Scanlan) Boyle, Meghan Boyle, John Boyle and Anne Boyle, 6 siblings, Kathleen (James) Duffy, Nancy (Gary) Nolan, Peggy (Jim) Sullivan, Eileen (Michael) Coleman, Patty Banes and Stephen (Gloria) Banes, and a sister-in-law, Linda Banes.

Retired elementary school teacher, Susan Detwiler’s love of life didn’t come to an end with her death. Susan passed away on November 8, 2023 at the age of 63 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Susan graduated from Neshaminy Maple Point High School in 1978. She was an outstanding athlete setting track records in middle school and high school. Sue completed her Bachelor’s degree in education at Gwynedd Mercy College. After teaching for several years, she continued her education, earning a Master’s degree at Holy Family University. Susan’s pride was in her students, her children, and her grandchildren. She proudly shared her passion for reading with thousands of children during her many years as a teacher, a tutor, a mother, an aunt, and a grandmother.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Susan. She loved a quiet evening with friends sharing a glass of wine and conversation or cheering on her favorite Philadelphia teams. During school breaks, Sue loved to explore the great outdoors by RV, bike, and kayak, and she would enjoy motorcycle rides with her husband. She enjoyed visiting and camping with her children and grandchildren. Wherever she traveled, her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met.

Susan is preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Everett and survived by her father Bob Everett; sisters, Brenda Boyle and Katie Everett-Ferry (Danny); husband, Andrew; children, Greg Detwiler (Kate), Jacqui Anderson (Brad), and Austin Detwiler (Cassie); and grandchildren Jacob (11), Sutton (8), Andrew (7), Birdie (4), Max (4), Leighton (4), Ziggy (2), Patrick (2), and Charlie (7 mos).

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.