Ceferino R. “Sam” Rivas, a long time resident of Bristol, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2016 at home with his loving wife and family by his side.  He was 93. 

Sam was the loving and devoted husband of 67 years to Maria Morales Rivas. 

Born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, he was a son of the late Jose` and Seferina Ruiz Rivas. 

Sam spent much of the beginning of his life in Puerto Rico where he met and married his wife.  In 1952 they came to the United States and were one of the first Puerto Rican families to settle down in Bristol Borough.  He led a 23 year career with Pathmark where he held various positions and also spent many years playing softball for the store’s team.  Following retirement Sam and his wife headed back to Puerto Rico to be closer to family and would later spend several years in Florida before returning to their beloved Bristol.    Sam was a devoted parishioner of St. Mark Church, an avid and talented gardener and was a dedicated Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan.

Most of all he will be remembered for his warmth of heart and caring and gentle spirit.  He was the type of the person who met you once and you quickly became a friend and part of the family forever.  He was a hard worker, a jokester, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother.  He will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Carmen Parr and her husband, Denny; his grandson HMC Ricardo Parr, U.S.N.; his great-grandchildren, Gabriella, Logan, and Cadeon Parr; and his sisters, Mercy and Eumelia.  He also leaves behind countless nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 from 9:00 AM until his Funeral Mass 10:30 AM in St. Mark Church, 1025 Radcliffe St., Bristol, PA 19007.  His interment with military honors will take place on Wednesday December 21, 2016 at 9:00 AM in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd., Newtown, PA 18940 where relatives and friends are asked to assemble at the cemetery’s office by 8:45 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Mary’s Cupboard at 100 Levittown Pkwy., Levittown, PA 19054 or to the Guardians of the National Cemetery, P.O. Box 233, Newtown, PA 18940.

Earl M. Sheeder, III, of Hatfield, PA died on Sunday, December 11, 2016, at Abington Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family and friends. He was 43.

Born in Abington, he was the loving son of Kathleen Cronin Sheeder of Warminster and the late Earl Sheeder Jr. and brother of the late Kathleen Rotz.

Earl grew up in the Buckingham area and graduated from Archbishop Wood High School in 1992 and continued on to play football at Wesley College in Delaware.  Talented with his hands, Earl worked as a general contractor and other similar trades in addition to being a bartender.  

In addition to his mother, Earl is survived by his sister Kristina Campbell of Hatfield along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

His family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, December 17, 2016 from 10:00AM until his Funeral Mass 11:00AM at Nativity of Our Lord Church 605 West Street Road, Warminster, PA 18974.  His interment will be held privately. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Kathleen M. Rotz Lung Cancer Research Fund, c/o Christian Hyde, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3309.

Lauren Ruth Coleman of Jamison went to be with her Savior Thursday, December 15, 2016 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, with her family by her side. She was 19.

Born in Abington, PA, she was the cherished daughter of Lawrence and Heidi Coleman and beloved sister of Andrew and Ben all of Jamison, PA.

Lauren was a beautiful shining light with a kind and gracious care for all that she knew.  She had a wit and insight beyond her years, funny and teasing, sarcastic and smug yet deep and caring. She personally trusted the work of Jesus Christ as Savior at the age of 13 through John 3:16. She loved the close friendships she had literally from around the world from Ukraine, Canada, Boston, Seattle, Connecticut, New Jersey, Michigan, Florida and especially her Christian family at the Hatboro Gospel Hall. She embraced the challenges of her battle with Cystic Fibrosis with grace, endurance, strength and courage. She had a special relationship with her caregivers at A.I. Dupont Children's Hospital and in the last year at HUP.

She attended Jamison Elementary, Bridge Valley Elementary, Lenape Middle School and graduated summa cum laude from Central Bucks West HS in June, 2015. She was accepted into the Biomedical Engineering program at the College of New Jersey completing her first semester there. She loved to travel visiting PEI, Canada, Hawaii, California, Wyoming, Florida, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, New York, London and especially Norway.

In addition to her parents, Lauren is survived by her brothers Andrew and Ben; grandparents Donald and Holly Ramsay of Warwick, and Wilbur and Maryanne Coleman of Hatboro; Aunts and Uncles Kim and Bill Gross of St. Petersburg, FL, Jack and Mary Coleman of Hatboro, PA, and Jim and Chris Coleman of Hatboro, PA along with many close cousins. Lauren also left extensive “Aunts” and “Uncles” “brothers” and “sisters” in her close relationships of Christian fellowship.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 from 5:00PM-8:00PM, at the Joseph A. Fluehr, III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave., (at Sandy Ridge Rd) New Britain, PA 18901. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 10:00AM at First Baptist Church of Doylestown 311 W. State Street, Doylestown, PA 18901. Interment will follow in Buelah Cemetery, 238 Almshouse Road, New Britain, PA 18901. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lauren’s memory to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Delaware Valley Chapter 2004 Sproul Road, Suite 208, Broomall, PA 19008.

Thomas Aquinas Moore Boyle passed away on December 15, 2016, at his home in Pipersville, PA at the age of 46.

Born in Butler, PA, he was the loving son of Barbara Ellen Dean Boyle and the late Joseph Michael Boyle, Jr. who died on September 24, 2016. Thomas is survived by his two children, Shauna Boyle and Aidan Boyle.

In addition, he leaves 3 sisters and their spouses, Marion and Kevin Kelleher, Deirdre Boyle and Maxim Panitch and Mary Anne Boyle and Mubeat Jakupovski, along with several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Also mourning his loss is a large community of friends who he loved as family.

Thomas was a professional skateboarder who contributed greatly to the sport. His natural charisma and love for humanity (and all living things) drew so many to him.  His loving, genuine, fun spirit will always be with us.  Like he said about his dad, “to know him was to love him and to learn from him”. 

Thomas’ family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and again on Thursday, December 22, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 602 West Ave, Jenkintown, PA 19046. His interment at a future date will be in Toronto at Mount Hope Catholic Cemetery along side his father.

Jack Tranotti of Bristol Township died Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at Pine Run Health Care Center in Doylestown. He was 90.

Jack was the beloved husband of the late Gloria Theresa DeMichele Tranotti.

Born in Bristol, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Anthony and Mary Maggio Tranotti and the brother of the late Anthony Tranotti, Josephine Hoffman and Eva Tranotti.

Jack was a life-long resident of Bristol Township before recently moving to Pine Run Community in Doylestown. He was a proud veteran of the US Navy, serving in World War II. Jack was an accomplished barber for many years in West Bristol and enjoyed the moments and conversations that he shared with all his clients throughout the years.

Jack is survived by his three daughters, Mary Ann T. Guarrieri and her husband Frank S. Esq. of Wrightstown, PA, Linda Kupp and her husband Michael of Washington Crossing, PA and Donna Manning and her husband Daniel of Perkasie, PA. He is also survived by his two granddaughters, Liza Marie Kupp and Elizabeth Manning

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Saturday, December 17^th from 8:15 a.m. until 9:15am in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954 followed by his Funeral Mass 10:00 a.m. in the Church of St. Andrew, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940. Jack’s interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to St. Mary Medical Center, 1201 Newtown-Langhorne Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047.

Winifred A. Hughes of Levittown died Monday, December 12, 2016 at her residence. She was 95.

Winifred was the beloved wife of 62 years to the late John F. Hughes Sr.

Born in Bristol, PA, Winifred was the daughter of the late Warren and Winifred Callahan Armstrong.

Winifred was a former resident of Newtown before moving to Levittown in 2011. She was a very spiritual and dedicated communicant of the Church of St. Andrew in Newtown. Winifred beautifully crafted rosary beads along with her late husband John that were shared with many people throughout the world. She was a prayer warrior spending hours everyday praying for the needs of others. The family would like to acknowledge the friendship and kindness of her dear friend Roseanne that has been supportive throughout the years.

Winifred is survived by her loving children, John F. Hughes Jr. and his wife Tisha of Langhorne, Marilyn A. Wink and her husband Jack of Delran, NJ, Kevin M. Hughes and his wife Karen of Salisbury, MD, Karen M. Solek of Levittown, and Brian J. Hughes and his wife Kara of Houston, TX. She is also survived by her 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing from 10:00am until her Funeral Mass 12:00pm on Thursday, December 15^th in the Church of St. Andrew, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940. Winifred’s interment will follow in St. Andrew’s Cemetery in Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Church of St. Andrew, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940.

Theresa Frances Williams on Monday, December 12, 2016 of Warminster peacefully passed away after a long illness surrounded by her loved ones. She would have turned 82 years old on New Year's Eve

Theresa was the beloved wife of Robert E. Williams for 59 years and a resident of Ann’s Choice Community in Warminster, PA.

Born in New York, NY, Theresa was the daughter of the late John J. and Helen (McGlynn) McKenna, sister of the late Mary (McKenna) Tully and mother of the late Stephen P Williams.

As a former resident of Woodcliff Lake and Saddle River, New Jersey, Theresa and Robert moved to Ann’s Choice Community in 2010 to be near her daughter Jenn and her family in PA.

Theresa was an avid tennis player, loved to sing in her church choir and enjoyed playing practical jokes.  Her huge smile and infectious laugh will be missed by so many. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.  She loved all animals, especially her beloved black Labrador Retrievers.

In addition to her husband, Robert E. Williams, Theresa is survived by five children; Robert and Patricia (Ewings) Williams of Fairlawn, NJ, John and Janet (Cashman) Williams of Lynbrook, NY, Theresa (Williams) and Christopher Gardner of Dublin, Ohio, Daniel Williams of Sarasota, FL and Jennifer (Williams) and Ralph Riley of Doylestown, PA.  She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, John and Lorraine McKenna of Hampton Bays, NY and sister Helen (McKenna) and Jack Pendergast of Pearl River, NY.

Theresa was a doting and playful “Nana.” She is survived by eight grandchildren, one great-grandson and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewings, on Sunday, December 18^th from 5-7PM in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954 and again on Monday, December 19^th  in St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Road, Holland, PA 18966 from 11:30am until her Funeral Mass at 12:30pm.  Theresa’s interment will be privately held in Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made in her name, to the Bucks County SPCA, P.O. Box 277, Lahaska, PA 18931.

John Laverty Newman of Upper Holland died Saturday, December 10, 2016 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 80.

John was the beloved husband of 51 years to Patricia Calhoun Newman.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late George and Gertrude Pfeffer Newman and the brother of the Doris Foeher, Alberta Schriener, Grace Peterson, late Agnes Lindinger, Joyce Kernan, Vickie McFaddon, Gertrude Malampy and George Newman, Jr..

John was a former resident of the East Torresdale section of Philadelphia and Sea Isle City, New Jersey before moving to Upper Holland in 2014. He had a long and distinguished career as a Philadelphia Fire Fighter with over 30 years of dedicated service until his retirement. In his leisure, he enjoyed salt water fishing and coaching soccer with the Philadelphia Soccer Club. John was a communicant of St. Bede the Venerable Church and will be deeply missed by his family and by all who came to know him.

In addition to his beloved wife Patricia, John is survived by his children, Christopher Newman and his wife Deborah of the Somerton section of Philadelphia, PA, John Laverty Newman, Jr. and his wife Jodi of Fairton, NJ, and Sharon Newman Wood and her husband Bob of Upper Holland, PA. He is also survived by his 4 cherished grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family from 8:30am to 9:30am on Monday, December 19^th in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954 followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:00am in St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Rd. Holland, PA 18966. John’s interment with military honors will follow in Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown.

If so desired, please consider a contribution in John’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Helen Schodowski of Morrisville passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, December 10, 2016. She was 92.

She was the beloved wife of 73 years to Dominic J. Schodowski.

Born in Staten Island, NY she was the daughter of Abraham and Helen Blackford; mother of the late Mary McGuire; and sister of the late Lawrence (Beatrice), Clark (Netta), and John (Ruth).

For over 20 years Helen worked as a home health aide and was valued and loved by the people she helped. She was devoted to her family and loved preparing holiday dinners that brought everyone together. She was a loving and caring person and will be greatly missed.

In addition to her husband, Helen is survived by her children, Diane Maurizio and her husband, James, William Schodowski and his wife, Sharon, John Schodowski and his wife, Lorrie, Victoria Schodowski, Michael Schodowski and his wife, Courtney, and Larry Schodowski and his wife, Melissa. She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Shannon (Dave), Sean, Kendal, Randy (Marie), Devin, Crystal (Chris), William, Adam, and Rachel; her great-grandchildren, Marisa, Alayna, Violet, Abigail, Whitney, Kylie, Logan, Anthony, Vincent, and Lidia; her niece Ruth and her children Gary III, John, and Alyssa.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 from 9:15 AM until her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 752 Big Oak Rd., Morrisville, PA 19067. Her interment will follow in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the charity of one’s choosing.

Joseph Felix Palio, of Ivyland, died on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at his home with his family by his side.  He was 92.

He was the beloved husband of 70 years to Evelyn M. Palio and father of the late Daniel Palio.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Felice and Marguerite D'Ambrosio.

He served in the US Marines from 1943 to 1945, after being wounded he was honorably discharged and retired from the VA in 1976.

In addition to his loving wife he is survived by his children Joseph Palio and his wife Diane, Robert Palio and his wife Lisa. He is also survived by his dear grandchildren Shannon, Dominic, Anthony and Alyssa.

Joseph’s family will receive condolences on Monday, December 12, 2016 from 6:00pm until Words of Remembrance at 7:30pm and on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 from 7:45am until 8:45am at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro. His interment with United States Marine Corps Honors will be held at 9:30AM at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown. 

Donations in his memory may be made to www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.