Joan L. Halloran, of New Hope, formerly of Staten Island, died on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne, PA. She was 67.

Born in Staten Island, New York, she was the daughter of the late Theresa O'Rourke Halloran.

Joan grew up in Staten Island and was a 1966 graduate of St. Joseph Hill Academy and then continued on to receive her Radiological Technician degree.  She began her career at the New York Infirmary and worked at several institutions prior to retiring in 1988 when she was with Richmond Medical Associates in Staten Island.

Those who knew Joan knew her passion for animals, especially cats.  Joan was always taking care of cats. It didn’t matter if it was a stray, hurt or simply a cute one that needed a home she was always willing to take one in.

In 2009 she moved to New Hope to be closer to her family and enjoyed the time she had with her grandsons who will miss her dearly.

She is survived by her two daughters; Mary Colleen Alexis of Washington Crossing and Kelly Wade and her husband Rich of Washington Crossing PA, her 2 sisters MaryAnn Knets and her husband Egons of Clayton, CA and Elizabeth Shields and her husband Walter of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by her 2 dear grandsons; Sean and Ryan and her former husband James Alexis of Lambertville, NJ.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass, Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in St. George's Roman Catholic Church, 1370 River Road, Titusville, NJ 08560 where her family will receive everyone following the Mass.  Her interment will be held privately. 

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

Unabridged Eulogy given by Ken:

 

Thank you Father for permitting to share a few words and reflections about Dad as part of this Eucharistic celebration. 

My commentary, may do a little disservice, as a bulk of the discussion  will reflect on events which occurred over the past three years of a most beautifully life lived of eight six years.

 

Before I go into my diatribe, lets reflect that today is a day of much sadness and emotion, but it is also a day of much joy and celebration.   On the glass is half full side we Celebrate the life of Donald James Sullivan:  A life Lived Well. 

We take heed in the words in Psalm 23 The Good Shepherd; and in John Chapter XI where he writes:

     “ I am the resurrection and the life;

        Whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,

        And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. 

So my story, and I’m sticking to it, goes back three years to Port Saint Lucie Florida.  Dad’s journey with Congestive hearts problems began to take an uptick in January 2013. 

There was compensation for the build up of fluids in systems, which were controlled by medicine, which than led to dehydration and complications to his kidneys.  At this point Dad was in the weeds.  

When confronted by this and having to return home from Florida, I thought about how do you make sure you truly share the thoughts you have for a person without holding back.  If Dad was to snap back, I wanted to leave something for him to read. 

So I sat in the kitchen, and looking over the lake in their back yard in PGA Village, I wrote him this letter.  I’d like to share it with you: 

 

Dear Dad: 

It was good spending the time with you last week.  While it was a pleasure spending time with Mom and yourself, I was sorry to see the manner in which you were struggling a bit health wise. 

I hope this letter finds you feeling a better.  Try to stay true to the routine of eating, taking your meds, and getting whatever exercise you are strong enough for. 

My other disappointment was that you were not well enough to get up before I left, because I had some things I wanted to say, and the exchange just never took place ( I understand) 

Knowing that I am not for a loss for words, I am going to have Christopher and Gregg share this with you when it arrives.  This is the true reason for my note, and not the healthcare directive I outlined above. 

I wanted to take the time to express my gratitude to you for all you have done for me, the collective us (the family) , and the manner in which you have lived your life and have been an example to me over the years. 

You worked hard your whole life, and gave everything and anything you could. 

While there are many fond memories: Your exploits on the Basketball court, Softball field, and Four Wall Hand Ball Court; Your vacations and travels to Europe and Beach locales galore; The Family together both in the Bronx, and Ridgewood, the Castle Hill pool, the Jersey Shore, Hilton Head; Teaching me to play sports or drive a car (You remember the Chrysler Imperial with the imaginary brake pedal on the side where you were sitting).  

While these were all experiences and little vignettes that played out, here are some of the things that stand out the most: 

You and Mom provided me with not only the greatest sense of right from wrong, but taught me how to live my life with the utmost integrity and to treat others with dignity and respect . 

You provide me with a path, a faith journey, with Jesus Christ which is the greatest gift fondationally any Mom and Dad could provide their child. 

 You taught me the meaning of the words Love and Sacrifice, and what the sacrament of marriage truly is when played out properly. 

If someone were to ask me about you, two thoughts would come to mind:

1. My Dad is a man of unconditional Love.
2. Throughout my Life, my Dad was always there for me, and  “I NEVER HAD TO ASK” whatever the circumstances.

 

While I’ll see you again soon in March, begin to feel better.

Just wanted you to know how much I Love you, and how “PROUD” I am to have you as my father.  I’ll close for now, in the same manner in which you have signed all your cards over the years: 

                        “With All My Love”

Respectfully,

Ken

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Before I go on, Just an editorial note:  Please insert the words We for I; Us for Me, Our for My because everyone in this chapel felt the same way. 

In addition, when I speak publicly for business, I generally do not use notes or stand behind a podium.  This was all a cheap trick so that I could plow though this without getting too emotional.  Please don’t look unkindly on me if I cant look up.  

Fast forward till today three years later, Dad convalesced and recovered from his illness.   God continued to teach us through Dad/Donald’s life. 

Over the next three years, there was a decision to move north from Florida.  The last stop on the train was a two year stint spent up in Bucks County with my family.  

As I described a series of experiences and fond memories  as I outlined  in my letter, those experiences were again overshadowed by what I saw with my eyes and felt in my heart. 

While there were no longer days at the beach anymore more (So to speak) , there were many good days, up until the last couple of months.  

I saw Dad live his to the fullest, and try to be strong at all times. I saw the same gentle man, his smile, and an occasional korney joke at the dinner table. 

Through my wife and children, I saw an embracing lot, who not only did the tangible things of renovating a house to accommodate my parents needs, but filled that home with a true love and support. 

Through my Brothers there was always a caring word, support, and prayer, 

Through Mom (Still directing traffic for the family), She was there every day.  Despite a bad back, and often in pain, with the exception of one day with a twenty four inch snow fall, she was there at the hospital and rehab hospital to share her love and support for her beloved husband.  

Thank you God, for all of this. 

When arranging this funeral you are handed a bunch of death certificates for use in a variety of financial and administrative purposes. 

-          The Local Registrar’s cause of death reads:  Respiratory failure; End Stage Cardiac arrest.

-          Ours reads:  Donald James Sullivan:  A Life lived well.

 

So in closing, We thank God for the gift of Donald James Sullivan , and we entrust him into your Love and Care in Heaven. 

Rest In Peace.

 

Obituary below:

Donald J. Sullivan of Newtown and formerly of Ridgewood, NJ and Port St. Lucie, FL passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne with his loving wife and family by his side. He was 86.

Donald was the beloved husband of 59 years to Constance D. Williams Sullivan.

Born in New York, NY, he was a son of the late Joseph and Helen Hyland Sullivan, and pre-deceased by his sister, Virginia Hughes.

Don was a proud member of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War. He later led a long career as a photo engraver, working for the New York Post, the Long Island Press, and the New York Times, his career having spanned over 40 years. Together with his wife he was a faithful parishioner of St. Helena’s Church in the Bronx, NY, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Ridgewood, NJ, and St. Bernadette’s Church in Port St. Lucie, FL.

Don was an avid sports fan and was especially fond of the Brooklyn Dodgers, the New York Mets, and the New York Giants, he was also an dedicated fan of Notre Dame teams.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Kenneth Sullivan and his wife, Christine, Christopher Sullivan and his wife, Katie, and Gregg Sullivan and his wife, Angelique. He also leaves behind his brother, Gerald Sullivan and his wife, Beverly, and his grandchildren, Patrick, Kelly, Lauren, Kevin, Meghan, Riley, and Madeline. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Thomas Hughes.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 AM on Thursday, February 25, 2016 in the Our Lady of Queen of Peace Chapel at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 W. Stevens Ave., Hawthorne, NY 10532-2205. His interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Don’s name to the American Heart Association, 5455 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43214.

Elizabeth Ann Covaleski Mascoli, of Holland died peacefully on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne, PA. She was 87.

She was the beloved wife of 58 years to the late Carmine C. Mascoli, Ph.D.

Born in New Britain, CT she was the daughter of the late Albert and Alice Moley Covaleski. She is survived by her brother, Edmund Covaleski of Newington, CT, her sister, Eleanor Covaleski of Newington, CT, and her sister, Aliceann Bailey of Plainville, CT.

Elizabeth was a graduate of New Britain High School, New Britain General Hospital School of Nursing, and did postgraduate work at Teachers College of Connecticut, New Britain. She graduated with honors from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in psychiatric nursing.

Elizabeth was an avid reader of literature and biography, and her interests included world news and U.S. politics, solving crossword puzzles, working in her garden and hosting dinner parties for family and friends. She and Carmine traveled frequently by air and sea to destinations in the Mediterranean, most often to Italy to wine, dine and dance under la bella luna.

Elizabeth is survived by her loving and devoted children; Thomas P. Mascoli and his wife Elizabeth of Fair Lawn, NJ, Lisa A. Hanssen, Esq. and her husband Tore of Southampton, PA, Susan E. Mascoli and her companion Philip Light of Glouster, NJ, James C. Mascoli of Holland, PA, and Mary M. Donagan and her husband Edward of McFarland, WI. She is also survived by her 9 loving grandchildren, Julie, Julian, Melvin, Alex, Tony, Nicky, Max, Elisse and Aidan.

Elizabeth’s family will receive friends on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 10:00 am until her Funeral Mass 11:30am at the Church of St. Andrew 81 Swamp Rd. Newtown, PA 18940. Interment will be conducted privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center at www.mdanderson.org or to the Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org

 

Vincent A. Formica, a 45 year resident of Holland, died peacefully on Sunday February 21, 2016 at Saint Mary’s Medical Center, Langhorne.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the beloved husband of the late Dolores E. Zimmerman Formica for 56 years. He was the son of the late Sylvester and Anna Checchia Formica.

Vince lived in San Diego, CA, Warminster and Holland. He was a graduate of North Catholic High School. Vince attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, and proudly served four years in the Navy. He was a 2-bar Lieutenant in the Korean War and served as a Navigator. After he left the Navy, he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University.

Vince had a lustrous career at the Naval Air Development Center (NADC) in Warminster for 38 years where he jointly invented and was awarded three patents, he retired in 1996.

Vince was a communicant of St. Bede the Venerable Parish, Holland. He enjoyed golfing with his wife and many friends at Northampton CC and Neshaminy Valley CC. He also loved watching golf and football, especially the Philadelphia Eagles.

He was a family man. Nothing made him happier than to be surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. He was generous, a wonderful role model, an accomplished but humble man. He will be missed tremendously by his family who loved him so very much.

Vince was the devoted and loving father of Dolores C. “Dee” (Salamone) Chavanon and her husband Pascal, Deborah S. Formica-Anella and her husband Anthony and Vincent L. Formica and his wife Kathleen. He was the loving grandfather of Anthony L. Salamone (Emily), Michael V. Salamone (Nicholl), Danny C. Salamone, Ashley M. Salamone, Christine D. Anella, Ryan A. Anella, Stephen V. Anella, Vincent Formica and Brian Formica.

He was also the Great Grandfather of Giovanna M. Salamone, Anthony L. Salamone, Danny J. Salamone, Rocco A. Salamone and Annabella C. Salamone. Vince is also survived by his brother, Robert Formica.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Tuesday March 1, 2016 from 10:00am until his Funeral Mass 11:30am at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Road, Holland. Interment with Military Honors will follow at St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in his memory to the National Kidney Foundation, Inc., 111 S. Independence Mall East, Suite 411, Phila. PA. 19106 (www.kidney.org).

David F. Farren of Churchville died peacefully on Saturday February 20, 2016 at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne after a courageous battle with Lung Cancer. He was 65.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the beloved husband of 39 years to Rosanne Mirabella Farren, son of the late Richard and Frances Lyons Farren.

David was a resident of Northeast Phila, before moving to Churchville 17 years ago. He was a graduate of Roman Catholic High School, class of 1968 and received his Bachelors of Arts Degree from LaSalle University. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era.

David retired from the United States Postal Service in 2008 after 35 years, being committed to public service, David went on to work for the Northampton Township Police Department as Communications Clerk and had just retired in January after 8 years.

He was a communicant of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Richboro, an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed all of the Philadelphia sports teams. He will be sadly missed not only by his loving family and friends but his colleagues at the Post Office and Northampton Township Police Department.

In addition to his beloved wife David is survived by his daughter and son; Jennifer and her fiancé John Russell and Jeffrey and his wife Monica. Brother of Michael and his wife Sandy and Patricia and her significant other Jim. David was the proud grandfather of Shane, Emery, Luke and Esme. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Wednesday February 24, at St. Vincent de Paul Church 654 Hatboro Road from 9:30 am until his Funeral Mass 11:15am. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Barbara Joan (Crowley) Flynn of Newtown died Saturday, February 20, 2016 at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne. She was 69.

Barbara was the beloved wife of 47 years to the late James M. Flynn, Sr. She was the daughter of the late Bernard and Adeline (Staffieri) Crowley and the mother of the late Sean Michael Flynn.  

Barbara was born and raised in the Oxford Circle section of Philadelphia. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School and worked as a Medical Secretary at Einstein Hospital. She and her husband started their family in Rhawnhurst before moving to Newtown in 1980. She was a homemaker to her six children and devoted her life to taking care of her family. She was incredibly selfless and it always made her happy to give and do for others. The highlight of her life was being ‘Mom Mom’ to her grandchildren. Each of her grandchildren brought her so much joy and she loved each one dearly. She truly was the center of her family’s heart and she will forever be missed.

Barbara is survived by her children, James M. Flynn, Jr. and his wife Virginia of Clinton, PA, Brian J. Flynn and his wife Colleen of New Britain, Maureen P. (Flynn) Martin and her husband David of Jamison, Michael P. Flynn and his wife Michelle of Jamison, and Kevin R. Flynn of Newtown; her two sisters, Diane, wife of Domenic Veneziale of Hainesport, NJ and Patricia, wife of the late Donald Bigley of Moorestown, NJ. She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren, Christopher, Victoria, Nicholas, Molly, Madeline, Colin, Riley, Sean, and Adeline; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to express their condolences on Monday, February 29, 2016 from 12:30 pm until her Funeral Service at 1:30 pm in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Road) Richboro, PA 18954. Barbara’s interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to either the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 225 E. City Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003 or the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

 

Catherine R. Merlino, of Langhorne, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, February 19, 2016, at St. Mary Medical Center. She was 75.

She was the beloved wife of 56 years to Anthony J. Merlino.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Edith Pasquarelli Caruso.

On June 4, 1960 she married the love of her life and soon after moved to Feasterville, although she spent summers in Wildwood with her family. Catherine was a kind and caring woman and regularly put her needs aside to assist her family and friends. Catherine was a skilled and crafty seamstress who made beautiful blankets and quilts for the patients at St. Mary Regional Cancer Center. Her selfless acts of kindness will long be remembered and appreciated.

In addition to her husband, Catherine is survived by her children Michael Merlino and his wife Kelly of Feasterville, Nicholas Merlino and his wife Diane of Hilltown, Joseph Merlino and his wife Wendy of Bensalem, Anthony Merlino and his significant other Stefanie Wolfert of Feasterville and Edith Lazicki and her husband John of Philadelphia. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren: Michael Jr., Meghan, Gabriella, Isabella Rose, Anthony, Devon, Dominic, Alexandra, Ashley, Carly, Nicole, Emily and Jonathan and one great-grandson, Joshua.

Her family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, February 22, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954 and on Tuesday, February, 23, at Assumption B V M Church 1900 Meadowbrook Rd. Feasterville, PA 19053 from 9:30 AM until her Funeral Mass 10:30AM. Her interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the St. Mary Regional Cancer Center, 1201 Langhorne-Newtown Rd. Langhorne, PA 19047.

James Edward Kenney of Fountain Inn, South Carolina died at his residence on Friday, February 19, 2016. He was 68 years old.

James was the beloved husband of 48 years to Joan Shirley Rohrman Kenney.

Born in Philadelphia, James was the son of the late James J. and Margaret McIlrath Kenney.

James was a former resident of Northeast Philadelphia before moving to Fountain Inn, South Carolina. He had a distinguished career as a Philadelphia Police Officer for 34 years at various Districts in the city until his retirement in 2004. James also was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving as an MP during the Vietnam War. In his leisure, he enjoyed hunting, boating and fishing. James was instrumental in the raising and mentoring of all of his grandchildren throughout their lives. He will be truly missed by his friends and family.

In addition to his wife Joan, James is survived by his children Kelly K. Barone and her husband Carmen of Jamison, Karen K. Ryman and her husband Robert of York, PA and Shane E. Kenney and his wife Gayle of Greenville, SC. James is also survived by his grandchildren, Rebecca, Ryan, Allison, Hunter, Cassidy, Shea, and Kylie.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing from 10:00am until his Funeral Service 11:00am on Thursday, February 25^th in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. James interment will follow in Forest Hills Cemetery in Philadelphia. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Greenville Health System, which will benefit various rehabilitation programs, c/o Office of Philanthropy & Partnership, 300 E. McBee Avenue, Suite 503, Greenville, SC 29601 or online at Roger C. Peace and please select accordingly in the selection menu.

Frank N. Bruns, of Kunkletown, PA formerly a 46 year resident of Southampton, Pa., died at home with his wife and family by his side on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at the age of 69.

He was the beloved husband of Ruth Hawkins Bruns for 47 years and the father of Debbie Mooers (Jim), Dennisville, NJ, Ginny Kutger, Southampton, Pa. and F. Matthew Bruns (Karen), Southampton, Pa. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Rachel (Ethan), Jessie, Matthew, Mackenzie, Valerie, Dylan, Kristen, John, Cassidy & Bobby (Shannon), his nephew Bill Borger (Marissa) and their daughters, Cheyenne & Sienna, and his sister Joyce Bruns Cooper (Bill).

He attended Wm. Tennent High School and served in the US Army. He worked for Alfa Laval, Inc. for 30 years in Warminster, Pa. & Chesapeake, Va. Frank served on the Board of Directors, also as Vice President of Hemlock Lake HOA over a 25 year period. He was a long time member of the Delaware Valley Regional Group of the Early Ford V8 Club and loved restoring antique Fords. He was a member of the Lehigh Valley ATV Club. Frank was involved with the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Youth Group, enjoyed coaching his daughters softball teams in the Southampton Girls Club and racing go-karts with his son.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 10:00AM to 12:00PM with services to follow at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home 800 Newtown Richboro Road, Richboro, PA 18954. His interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Frank's memory to: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation,1415 Route 70 East, Suite 311, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.

Elaine R. Gilbert of Holland died Monday, February 15, 2016 at Twining Village Health Care in Holland. She was 88.

Elaine was the beloved wife of 60 years to Joseph E. Gilbert, Jr.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Rosina Seeger Haist, sister of the late Thomas Haist and sister-in-law to the late Hilda Haist and Virginia Haist.

Elaine was a former resident of Richboro before moving to Holland in 2012. She was a graduate of Frankford High School in Philadelphia, Class of 1945. Elaine was a charter member and a long time member of Sola Gratia Circle at the Advent Lutheran Church in Richboro. She was the Past President of the Northeast Philadelphia Ladies Lions Club and was an active participant and donor to Aid for Friends.

Even with her physical challenges, she was fiercely independent. In her leisure, Elaine enjoyed ceramics and knitting caps for infants. She was supportive of her friends and family, and frequently attended her grandchildren’s activities. Elaine will be truly missed by her family and by all who came to know her.

In addition to her husband Joseph, Elaine is survived by her two sons; Bruce Gilbert and his wife Melissa of Arlington, VA and Scott Gilbert and his wife Michele of Furlong. She is also survived by her brother Matt Haist of Ivyland and her cherished grandchildren, Christine, Sarah, Ryan and Samantha.

Relatives and friends are invited to express their condolences on Saturday, February 20^th from 10:30am until her Funeral Service 11:30am in the Advent Lutheran Church, 45 Worthington Mill Road, Richboro, PA 18954. Elaine’s interment will be privately held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Advent Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 840, Richboro, PA  18954.