Robert L. Gruber of New Britain passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at his home with his loving family by his side.  He was 88. 

He was the beloved husband of the late Hannah Sasse Gruber. 

Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Lewis and Gertrude Seitz Gruber and brother of the late Joseph Gruber.

Bob was born and raised in Olney and attended North Catholic.  He played minor league baseball and loved sports throughout his life.  Bob began his career at Standard Pressed Steel and retired as an HR  Executive at Extracorporeal Medical Specialties (J&J).  He helped establish the CYO at St Judes in Chalfont and coached boys basketball at the school for many years.  He had one heck of a hook shot!

Surviving are his children Jane Donnelly and her husband, Michael, Frances Hahn and her husband, James, and Meg Barainyak and her husband, Michael;  his grandchildren, Katie, Ann, and Michael Donnelly, Emily Lang (Dan), Julie Hahn, and Michael and Jacqueline Barainyak; and his nephew, Joseph Gruber (Hope).

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewings, Wednesday December 14, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.) New Britain, PA 18901 and Thursday, December 15, 2016 from 9:00 AM until his Funeral Mass 10:00 AM at St. Jude Church, 321 W. Butler Ave., Chalfont, PA 18914.  His interment will follow in St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.  

In lieu of flowers, please send donation to The Philadelphia Children's Alliance, 300 E Hunting Park Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19124 www.philachildrensalliance.org.

Claire Theresa Walton (nee Guertin)

Sunrise: July 5, 1926

Sunset: December 6, 2016

“Though she be but little, she is fierce.” William Shakespeare may have written these words about one of his characters in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but they might be applied just as aptly to Claire Theresa Walton, who, in her 5’ frame, united seemingly limitless intelligence, humor, compassion and strength. She loved fiercely, was fiercely loyal, and took on life with a fiercely iconoclastic and refreshing slant. After 90 revolutions around the sun, Claire’s Lord called her home on December 6, 2016.

Claire was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 5, 1926 to an English mother, Ellen Richarby Guertin, and a Quebecois father, Maurice Marc Guertin. In many ways, Claire’s personality reflected her heritage, combining the wild beauty of the Yorkshire moors with offbeat French humor and originality. The only girl in a family with four brothers, Claire attended Little Flower School in Philadelphia, and graduated from St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls (Class of 1944), where she was a pioneer “Bambi”.

With a penchant for jazzy ankle strap shoes and a deep appreciation for music, particularly Big Band songs, The Mills Brothers’ “Paper Doll” and the stylings of a young Frank Sinatra, whom she saw in concert many times, Claire loved to dance. It was at a church dance that Claire met a La Salle boy who would become her soulmate. Claire and Francis (“Frank”) Joseph Walton were married on February 3, 1951, and shared 61 years together, until Frank went to be with the Lord in 2012.

Frank was a lifelong educator whose work ultimately took him and Claire to New Jersey. It was there that the couple raised their two daughters, Claire Ellen and Andrea. They also shared their home with numerous strays and rescues, canine and feline, as well as birds, fish, turtles and even a hermit crab! A particularly memorable example of Claire’s passion for God’s creatures comes from a time when the family had rented a home at the shore for a week. A thunderstorm had broken out at sea and brisk winds whipped around the house. Responding to their mother’s call to come to her, the Walton girls found Claire ensconced on the stairs leading to the home’s loft, a birdcage on her lap and a shaggy terrier pressed against her legs. Providing comfort and protection for those she loved and for individuals in need – two-legged and four-legged – was important to Claire, even to the final days of her life. More than anything, she wanted those about whom she cared to be happy, safe and well.

Claire possessed a keen eye for details and strong interpersonal and office skills. For many years, she enjoyed a fulfilling career as a legal secretary in the Princeton, NJ, area and also worked in the College Counselor’s office at The Peddie School in Hightstown, NJ. At Peddie, Claire was beloved by many staff members and students, to whom she often seemed a second Mom. She inspired many with her integrity, and delighted them with her offbeat and witty, but always gentle, humor.

Indeed, humor and intelligence were among Claire’s most enduring characteristics. When asked by their eldest daughter if “Mom was always like that,” Francis replied, “Yes, she was a little bit kooky and I really liked that about her.” Claire enjoyed “Candid Camera”-type pranks and wrote highly imaginative rhymes and poems which she enjoyed sharing with others. She also had a wonderful laugh, and cherished good times with family and friends. As a special gift, she modelled for her daughters the unique beauty and strength of friendships forged with other exemplary women, both those from within the traditional family and those who became family members by choice and affinity.

Claire also possessed a strong creative streak. Who else might have envisioned chasing her children around the house with lobster tails when the kids were bad (back in the day when lobster tails were affordable and the girls were young enough to be cowed by prehistoric-looking creatures in shells!) Who else would have thought of securing buttons on a red coat with cinnamon dental floss, or using material from the hem of a dress to fashion a huge rose that effectively obscured any view of cleavage on her daughter’s prom dress? Affectionately nicknamed “The Innovator,” Claire could instill terror in her daughters and husband simply with the phrase, “I can fix that for you!”

One day, many years ago, Claire was having an argument with her daughters and said, “You’ll be sorry – one of these days I’m going to die.” All at once, the electricity went out and the room was cloaked in darkness. Silence ruled until Claire pondered aloud, “Am I in Heaven or in Hell?” Silence continued for a few seconds more, until the girls erupted into peals of laughter. Claire’s colorful response cannot be repeated here but, happily, because of the atoning work of the risen Christ, we are comforted in knowing that she is, indeed, in Heaven, with her Lord, and reunited with “Little Frankie” and beloved friends and family members, including “little dawgs” and other pets. We look forward to seeing her again one day and sharing a cup of “cawfee” at the Lamb’s banquet!

Claire is survived by her daughter, Claire Ellen, and daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and Hamid; a brother, Edgar Guertin (Dot); a sister-in-law, Gwyn Pollock Walton; many nieces and nephews; several close friends; and 5 fur grandbabies.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Claire’s family on Friday, December 16, 2016 from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954 and to her Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Rd., Holland, PA 18966. Her interment will follow at 11:30 AM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are invited to the following:

American Heart Association – https://donatenow.heart.org (click on “memorial”)

Animal Alliance of Belle Mead – donate securely online at www.animalalliancenj.org (click on “honorarium & memorial gifts”) or via check to Animal Alliance, PO Box 1285, Belle Mead, NJ 08502

Dennis Judson Kulp of Holland died Monday, December 5, 2016 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 70.

Dennis was the beloved husband of 45 years to Gwen A. Subiel Kulp.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Judson Kenneth and Evelina Anna Gilliard Kulp.

Dennis was a former resident of Huntingdon Valley before moving to Holland in 2007. He was a proud veteran of the US Army serving during the Vietnam War. Dennis was an accomplished Real Estate Broker-Owner and founded ReMax Eastern, Inc. in 1979 until his retirement in 2015. He was active in many professional and community associations throughout his distinguished career. Dennis was a member of the National Association of Realtors and a member of the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors. He was the Chairman of the Professional Standards for GPAR and a real estate consultant for the Firefighters Local 22 Union. He also served on the Board of Realtors in both Bucks and Montgomery counties and donated countless hours of his time with the Mayfair Civic Association and many other organizations. In recent years Dennis enjoyed playing cards with his friends.

In addition to his beloved wife Gwen, Dennis is survived by his son Peter Judson Kulp and his wife Sara of Huntingdon Valley and his cherished granddaughter Sofia.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewings, from 6:00-8:00pm on Thursday, December 8^th and on Friday, December 9^th from 9:30am until his Funeral Service 10:30am in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. Interment with military honors will follow in Forest Hills Cemetery in Philadelphia.

Christine F. “Chris” Harkins of Chalfont and formerly of South Deerfield, MA, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Doylestown Hospital with her loving husband and family by her side. She was 71 years of age.

She was the loving and devoted wife of 48 years to Ronald J. Harkins formerly of Allentown, PA.

Born in Greenfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Emily Sanicki (Tucek) of South Deerfield, MA.

Chris graduated from Frontier Regional High School and went on to earn her associates degree in Data Processing from Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, MA.

In 1979 her family relocated to Chalfont, PA where she was actively engaged in raising two small children. After the children got older Chris was employed by Jennings Associates and Bill Vandergrift Appliances. Chris loved being with and teaching children and enjoyed being a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. She was an avid bowler, enjoyed working in her back yard and had a real passion for volunteer work in her community.

While volunteering at Doylestown Hospital she accumulated over 7,000 hours as the co-chairperson for the gift shop. She took great pride in being a familiar and friendly face that visitors came to know as they looked for just that right gift to lift the spirits of family and friends.

Most of all she will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and devotion to all those who knew and loved her. She will be dearly missed.

In addition to her husband Ron, Chris is survived by her children, Daniel J. Harkins of Philadelphia and Maryann E. Beshore (Harkins), her husband Brett; and her two grandsons, Brenden and Jorden Beshore of Yorktown, Indiana and her brother, David Sanicki of Cape Cod, MA. She was also the loving aunt to numerous nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Emily, father Joseph and brother, James J. Sanicki.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, December 9, 2016 from 10:00 AM until her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at St. Jude Church, 321 W. Butler Ave., Chalfont, PA 18914.

Relatives and friends are also invited to greet the family on Monday, December 12, 2016 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the Wrisley Funeral Home, 90 Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield, MA 01373. Her interment will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, South Deerfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chris’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Doylestown Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program at 595 W. State St., Doylestown, PA 18901.

Kyle E. Sanford, of Chalfont, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 4, 2016. He was 28 years old.

Born at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook, PA, he was the loving son of Kevin E. and Lori A. Rishel Sanford.

Kyle grew up in Chalfont and went through the Central Bucks Schools; Mill Creek, Unami and Central Bucks South before continuing on to Bucks County Community College.  Most recently and for the past two years Kyle has been working as a clerk in the shipping and receiving department of Havis Inc. in Warminster.

Kyle was a kind and caring brother and friend, who enjoyed spending time with others, playing on the computer, video games and playing the guitar. However, it was his sincere concern for others and their well being that made him so very special.  He was selfless and worried more about those in need than taking care of himself.  His genuine, good natured ways and kindness to others will always be remembered and appreciated.

In addition to his parents he is survived by his two brothers Nathan B. Sanford and Tyler E. Sanford both of Chalfont, his maternal grandparents Bradley Rishel and Sandra Diehl Rishel of Danville, PA.  He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Paul E. and Mary E. Sanford

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Friday, December 9, 2016 from 9:00 AM until his funeral Service 11:00 AM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home 241 East Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.) New Britain, 18901.  His interment will be in Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Ambler. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made "In Memory of Kyle E. Sanford" to The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania Inc., 252 West Swamp Road, Doylestown, PA 18901.

Evelyn Pearle Weigand Edwards died peacefully at her home in Pennswood Village, Newtown, PA on December 3, 2016. She was 91.

She was the beloved wife of the late Gomer R. Edwards, daughter of the late W. Glenn and Mary Edith Christy Weigand.

She is survived by her devoted son and daughter-in-law Richard N. and Caroline Edwards, a cherished grandson Frederick Glenn Edwards. She is also survived by one brother and three sisters. She will be greatly missed by her dear family.

Evelyn’s passions centered around her family and teaching young children to read. Her excellence as an educator was never in question.

In lieu of flowers, please make time to read to a young child. Her firm belief was that education and reading are the keys to a better world.

A private family memorial service will be held in Western Pennsylvania in the spring.

Rita Rose Forrest passed away suddenly on Friday, December 2, 2016.  Rita was born on August 15, 1948.

Rita was born in Collingswood, NJ and raised in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.  She attended St. Helena’s Elementary and Cardinal Dougherty High School.  Her whole life was committed to her family and was loved by so many for her kindness and compassion.

Rita is loved by her devoted husband of 44 years Dan Forrest, her brother Carlo Del Rossi, her four children Susann Forrest Mullins, Michele Gerrell, Robert Forrest, Brian Forrest, and her six grandkids Brenna Crippen, Michael Daniel Crippen, Stormi Mullins, Isabelle Gerrell, Billy Gerrell, and Max Forrest.  She is also loved by her niece Amanda Del Rossi Frank, Nephew Perry Del Rossi and their children, her three best friends Donna Balecki, Irene Buchert, and Diane Lafave as well as many additional loving friends and her cat Angel who will forever miss her mommy.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from 9:00am until her Funeral Mass 11:00am in the Olde Church of St. Andrew, 135 South Sycamore St. Newtown, PA 18940.  Interment will be private. 

Donations can be made to the Flutie Foundation at www.flutiefoundation.org or to the National Foundation for Autism Research at www.nfar.org

Gail K. Weber of Doylestown passed away suddenly, Thursday, December 1, 2016.  She was 82.

She was the beloved wife of the late Frank J. Weber to whom she was married for 55 years.

Gail was born in Binghamton, NY on August 30, 1934 the daughter of the late Robert and Priscilla Whitner Knapp.

Gail was a resident of Doylestown, PA since 1978 and graduated from The University of Pennsylvania as a Dental Hygienist. She loved fashion, watching and following football and golf, of which she was a true fan of the game.  Surrounding herself with family was paramount and she did this with her fabulous cooking, by spending her summers at her home in Avalon with her husband and family, spending time on the water, boating and waterskiing.  She was loved by many but more than anything she was cherished by her family and no words can express how she will be missed as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend.

Gail is survived by her son, Craig M. Weber and his wife, Brandi, her daughter, Alicia Strouse-Nakonetschny and her husband, Michael, her sister Imogene Smith and her brother Mark Knapp. She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren; Amber Strouse, Austin Nakonetschny, Chloe Bernstein, Meadow Bernstein and many nieces and nephews.

Gail’s family will receive condolences on Wednesday December 7, from 9:30 AM until her Funeral Service at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 5175 Cold Spring Creamery Road, Doylestown, PA 18902.  Interment will follow in Doylestown Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 5455 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43214.

Oliver Yiu-Leung Szeto of Richboro, passed away surrounded by his loving family and friends on Thursday, December 1, 2016. He was 56.

Born in Hong Kong, he was the son of Wing Szeto and the late Chun Lee. He was beloved by his wife Carmen Molina Szeto, and will also be greatly missed by his children Rachel Szeto, Jonathan Szeto, Jasmin Molina, Adam Molina and Troy Molina, his brother Victor Szeto, his sisters Betty Sham, Kitty Zhou and Agnes Leigh, and many special nieces, nephews and cousins.

Oliver was the owner of Metaphase Technologies, Inc. and LED Living Technology Inc. in Bristol, Pennsylvania. In 2014 he won the Bucks County Emerging Technologies award.

Oliver was a man to be trusted in his word and deeds. He maintained free healthcare for his LED fixture manufacturing employees at LED Living Technology Inc., and Metaphase Technologies Inc., as costs continued to rise over the last few years. He gave people chances where many would pass over for someone with more resume building acronyms. He did so because he could tell they were a hard worker, or ethical, or a “real christian.” He had a way of taking care of others, without letting on: like ordering his wife’s favorite dish, because he knew they would share it. Blessed with a great head of hair, an infectious smile, and an ever present twinkle in his eyes, he used his charisma for good: like convincing you it was a great night for “spaghetties.” Oliver built people up through trust, expectation, and example. Some people are born with the energy and strength to move mountains. Oliver built two successful technology manufacturing companies in the US--one during a recessed economy. He paced, he strode, he swept into rooms. He bore change, he chased progress. When all else failed you could ask him for help, and he would pick up his cell phone and make calls until your problems disappeared. People believed in Oliver. After two years of battling cancer, Oliver is now looking down on us, ever vigilant, watching for ways he can take care of his loved ones, in ways he hopes, they won’t notice came from him.

The family will receive condolences on Friday, December 9 from 6:00-8:00 pm and on Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 am until his Funeral Service at 11:00 am at Joseph A. Fluehr, III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd., at Holland Rd, Richboro, PA 18954. Interment will follow at the Union Cemetery, 209 Almshouse Road, Richboro, PA 18954.

Anthony Pettit of Warminster died suddenly at his residence on Tuesday, November 29, 2016. He was 33.

Born in Philadelphia, PA Anthony was the beloved son of Edward N. Sr. and Kathleen M. Castine Pettit, maternal grandson of Kathleen and the late George Castine, and the paternal grandson of the late Norman and Marie Pettit.

Anthony graduated in 2001 from William Tennet High School and worked for many years at the Amber Inn of Doylestown. In his leisure, he enjoyed fishing but most importantly were the times he spent creating cherished memories with his nieces and nephew. Anthony will be greatly missed, but will always be loved by everyone who has had the pleasure to know him.

In addition to his parents Ed and Kathy, his grandmother Kathleen, Anthony is survived by his siblings Edward N., Jr. and his wife Deseray, Eric, and Tara Pettit. He is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephew Gulianna, Kendall, and Cameron, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Friday, December 2, 2016 from 8:30 to 10:15am in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954 and to his Funeral Mass 11:00am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 611 Knowles Ave. Southampton, PA 18966. Interment will be private.