Mary Agnes Robb Tafel, 87, of Churchville, PA, transitioned to heaven on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Pine Run Nursing Home after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was surrounded by her loving family and devoted husband Louis Tafel.

Born May 4, 1931, in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Mary Robb. She was also the sister to late Jane, James and Lt. Hugh Robb.

Mary is the devoted mother to six children, Carol Cotter, James Tafel, Robb Tafel, Rich Tafel, Bill Tafel and Diane Plack. She was mother-in-law to Pete Cotter, Susan Tafel, Betty Tafel and Matt Plack. Mary is survived by her grandchildren and their spouses: Christin and Art, Charles and Maria, Andrew, Michelle and Onuka, David and Courtney, James, Allison, Stephanie and Dan, Jessica, Melanie, Mitchell, Morgan, Ryan, Marissa and Caitlyn. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren; Aidan, Jack, Luke, Evan, Desmond and Ifeanyi.

Mary graduated from Frankford High School Class of 1949 and Philadelphia General Hospital as an x-ray technician. She served many years as an office manager for an orthodontist practice in offices throughout the area.

Mary enjoyed spending time with her family, attending her children and grandchildren’s events and celebrating holidays together. Mary and her husband Louis L. Tafel celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on June 9, 2018.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Service at 11:00AM on Friday, December 28, 2018 in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Road), Richboro, PA 18954.  Interment will be private. 

In Lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Disease Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102 Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Kenneth McConeghy, 55, of Newtown, Pennsylvania earned his angel wings on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. Born in Philadelphia, January 30, 1963 he was the son of Christal Masch McConeghy and the late George McConeghy and the late Peter Kent.

He was the beloved and cherished husband of Janice Murray McConeghy for 29 years.

Ken was a graduate of Hatboro-Horsham and a long time employee of Germantown Tool and Die.  Later he went on to work in Central Bucks at varying schools for the past 14 years. Along the way he made many friends always with a smile on his face. Ken was willing to help anyone at any time; he had a great love for the special needs students that he encountered along the way. They always brought a smile to his face when he spoke of them. He loved to hear, “Hi Mr. Ken” or when they reached out to give him a high five. The students gave him many cards over the years and he couldn’t wait to come home and tell us about each one and how much they meant to him.

Ken loved camping and shared this passion with his boys many years before they joined scouts. He became a cub leader and took that love and went on some wonderful and interesting camp outings through the years. He was never more proud then the day when each boy joined the rank of Eagle Scout and he earned his Father’s pin. He helped with many a scout trips, hauled the troop trailer to different outings, and assisted other scouts along their trail to Eagle. Recently, an Eagle Scout awarded with a mentor’s pin for assisting on his Eagle project. He was surprised to receive one because helping was just in his nature. He was the kindest man who was always right there to help out with anything you needed.  

One of Ken’s greatest days was the day he became an Opa (grandfather). Ken cherished his camping trips to the Adirondacks in New York and to the Jersey Shore with family and friends. He enjoyed sitting by a fire pit sharing stories, memories, and his boat trips with the guys on the Delaware River; where an island appears and people pull up their boats and hang for the day.  

In addition to his wife, Ken’s legacy will live on in the lives of his boys, Corey McConeghy (Desolina) of Elkridge, MD, and Kyle McConeghy of Newtown, as well as his most precious gift, his grandson Anthony, and his many nieces and nephews; Danny, Meghan, Bobby, Leighan, Peter, Kevin, Johnny, Aubrie, Matthew, Connor, Erin, Katie, John “Bubby”, Andrew and the late Blake Walker.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 from 10:00 am until his Funeral Service 11:00 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2631 Durham Rd., Buckingham, PA 18912. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 291 W Durham Rd., Newtown, PA 18940.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ken’s name may be made to: Anthony McConeghy Education Fund, C/O Janice McConeghy, 41 Cloverlee Lane, Newtown, PA 18940

On Tuesday, December 11, 2018, David A. Dampman, Sr. of New Hope, PA died at St. Mary Medical Center due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis.  He was 74 years old.  Dave faced this final challenge on his own terms and with world class style.

He was the beloved husband of Shirley A. Morris Dampman. The couple were high school sweethearts and have been married for over 53 years. Dave proudly told his friends that Shirley was “the one” he would marry after their first date.  They were married in June of 1965.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he graduated from Mastbaum Technical School class of 1963.  He was the son of the late Clarence Eugene and Helen Spofford Dampman. He is also preceded in death by 2 brothers and 2 sisters. 

Dave began his career as an electrical apprentice for National Publishing Company.  He later worked for The Budd Company and ended his career at The Centennial School District spending 16 years there as an electrician.  He has enjoyed the past 12 years of retirement cruising, vacationing, and spending time with his family and friends. 

Dave had a great smile and an infectious sense of humor and he always loved a good party and a good hug. He loved taking pictures, capturing all special moments and creating lifelong memories.  He was an all-around handyman and was more than willing to help others. He loved being “Poppy” to his grandsons. 

In addition to his beloved wife Shirley, Dave is survived by his sons, David A. Jr. and his wife Michelle; and Michael and his wife Tara.  Dave is also survived by his treasured grandsons, Nicholas, Andrew, Ryan and Alex Dampman; his brother Thomas Dampman and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Dave’s visitation at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Rd. Newtown, PA 18940, on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 from 10:00am until his Funeral Mass at 12 noon.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at JDRF.org, or to 26 Broadway, 14^th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

Ruth Ann Focht, of New Britain, passed away on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at Doylestown Hospital. She was 71.

On August 23, 1969 she married the love of her life, William W. Focht, at Shamokin Dam, PA.

Born on February 23, 1947 in West Reading, PA, she was the daughter of the late Emerson D. and Esther Pealer Laubach and sister of the late Esther Louise Fritts.

Ruth Ann graduated from Selinsgrove High School in 1964. She then went on to graduate from Shippensburg University and later from Drexel University with degrees in library science.  She used these skills and talents in the Abington School District for over 35 years.

Ruth Ann was a voracious reader, especially Dick Francis novels. She loved to work in her garden, do crossword puzzles and was an excellent historical and genealogical researcher and a member of several historical societies.  She especially enjoyed visiting the Christmas markets in Germany, touring Paris, exploring New Mexico and spending time at baseball spring training in Arizona.

In addition to her loving husband, Ruth Ann is survived by her brother Emerson D. Laubach Jr. of Tennessee, her niece, Sue D’Auito of Iselin, NJ, and two nephews; Jon Fritts of Los Angles, CA and Andrew  Fritts of Madison, WI.

Her services and interment in Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Ambler will be held privately at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Charity of the Donor's Choice.  Please consider a library or local historical society for your generosity.

Richard A. Haurin passed away peacefully on Monday, December 10, 2018. He was 84.

He was the beloved husband of Mary Suzanne O’Donnell Haurin.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son to the late Richard A. & Stella Grzywna Haurin.

Richard joined the Army in 1954, where he proudly served his country as a Sargent.  After leaving the service, he joined his father working at Dodge Steel where he met the love of his life Mary Suzanne O’Donnell.  His next and final job was working as a Finance Manager for HFC Corp for 34 years.  He was a member of St Vincent De Paul Church from its inception 50 years ago. He was a member of the American Legion and Elks. Richard took great pride in his family and his country.  He was a great father and husband who always put others needs first.  He enjoyed many wonderful times with his wife Sue traveling and spending time with their family.   He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his loving children; Richard Haurin (Michele), Robert Haurin (Sharon), Allen Haurin, Joseph Haurin (Kimberly), John Haurin (Tara), Martin Haurin (Dawn), and Suzanne Hershkowitz (Drew), as well as his 19 grandchildren, his brother Robert Haurin (Betty) and his two brothers-in-law James O’Donnell (Phyllis) and Charles O’Donnell (Peg).  His legacy will live on in his grandchildren: Jack, Maddie, Kristen, Chelsea, Ben, Danny, Sarah, Will, Maya, Kyra, Ava, Bella, Pat, Emma, Nick, Layla, Julia, Charlie, and Christian.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 9:00 am until his Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 654 Hatboro Rd., Richboro, PA 18954. His interment will take place on Monday, December 17, 2018 at 2:30PM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd., Newtown, PA 18940. Those who are attending are asked to gather at the Cemetery Administration Building by 2:15 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, 625 W. Ridge Pike, Building A, Suite 100, Conshohocken, PA 19428 or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Judes Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Edith Carpino of Doylestown, PA died peacefully on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at Harborview Rehabilitation and Care Center.  She was 97.

Born in Philadelphia, Edith was the beloved wife of Joseph Carpino and the daughter of the late Palmine and Nicholas DiMuzio.

Edith brought  joy to all those fortunate to know her.  She loved to socialize with her friends and family.  She enjoyed cooking and would entertain everyone that came to her home.  Her door was always open, welcoming all with food and companionship.  She was adored by her family who will cherish the fond memories of the times they spent with her.

Edith is survived by her daughters: Joann McColgan of Warrington, PA and Linda Carpino of Berlin, NJ.  She is also survived by her four grandchildren: Jennifer L. Arnold, James C. McColgan, Kim DiCaprio-Teague, John DiCaprio and her two great grandchildren Nora McColgan and John DiCaprio.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass on December 17th, 2018 at 11 am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 235 East State Street Doylestown, PA 18901.  Her interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Feasterville, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Caring Hospice, 400 Commerce Dr, Fort Washington, PA 19034.

On Sunday, December 9, 2018, Rose Raia Duess quietly left this earth to be with her Heavenly Father, and rejoice in the arms of her Savior, Jesus, and to hold the hand of her spiritual mother, Mary, Most Holy.

She was 90 years of age.

Born in Lodi, NJ, Rose was raised in Garfield, NJ with her cherished sister, Nina Raia Laquino, now of Canadensis, PA, by her late parents, Anthony Raia and Rose Roselli Raia.

She met her late husband, Edward P. Duess, when he was on leave during World War II. They were married when he returned from the Navy after serving overseas. They reared three sons in Garfield, Deacon Edward E. Duess (Marie) of Langhorne, Robert A. Duess (Dalia) of South Carolina, and Thomas A. Duess of Yardley. She is also survived by her aunt, Lillian Torres, of Lodi, NJ.

She is predeceased by her baby brother, Salvatore, and her beloved daughter-in-law Christina Duess.

She will be forever remembered with love by her grandchildren, Mai-Ann Duess Carey, Edward “Buddy” Duess, Thomas Duess, Christian Duess, and Jessica Duess, and she has two great-grandsons.

When she was a young woman, Rose left school to work in McCrory’s Department store in Passaic to be the sole supporter of her family for several years while her father recovered from a serious accident. It was one of many selfless acts in Rose’s life.

She became a homemaker after the birth of her first child, and governed her home with loving and efficient authority and a wonderful sense of humor. Through her example, she taught her daughters-in-law how to be truly loving and accepting wives, and devoted mothers and mothers-in-law.

Rose moved to Bucks County in 1992, residing in Newtown, then at D’Youville Manor in Yardley, before transferring to St. Joseph’s Manor in Meadowbrook four years ago. She was a parishioner at Most Holy Name Parish in Garfield, and then became a member of Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Newtown.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Monday December 17, 2018 at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Rd. Newtown, from 10 a.m. until her con-celebrated Funeral Mass 12 Noon.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of Flowers contributions in her memory may be made to St. Joseph Manor, 1616 Huntingdon Pike Meadowbrook, PA, 19046.

John “Jack” Curran passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 8, 2018 with his wife by his side. He was 91 years old.

Jack shared 62 extraordinary years with the love of his life, Maureen. Born in Brooklyn, NY on February 9, 1927, he was the son of Michael and Mary Curran and older brother of Robert Curran. He led an idyllic life in his beloved Brooklyn, spending his days on East 57^th Street with the neighborhood gang, who remained his lifelong friends.

Jack attended Xavier High School and Brooklyn College. A terrific athlete, he played football, basketball, and baseball, excelling in all three sports. In 1944, Jack was offered a minor league contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers. However, his sense of duty to his country was strong, and he chose to enlist in the United States Navy at the age of 17. Following his service in the Navy, he completed his degree at Mount Saint Mary’s.

After college, Jack became a special agent for the F.B.I. He was extremely proud of his work as an agent, specializing in espionage during the Cold War. Jack was the F.B.I. liaison to George H.W. Bush when he was Ambassador to the United Nations. But Jack ‘s greatest accomplishment at the F.B.I. was meeting a beautiful secretary named Maureen, who became his devoted wife. They enjoyed a wonderful life together full of priceless memories with their six children in Wantagh, New York.

A sports fanatic, Jack loved going to his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and performances. He was a well-known figure at fields and gyms across the Northeast, never missing an opportunity to be there for his grandchildren. The bond he formed with all the people he met through these activities was a great sense of pride to him.

Jack was a man of great faith and moral integrity, whose love for his family is his greatest legacy.

He is survived by his wife Maureen, children Maura Smith (Smitty), Michael Curran (Lucy), Patti Arcidiacono (Joe), Brian Curran (Leslie), Sheila Carrigan (Scott), and Christine Hoehn (Chris), 28 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, his special brother, Dr. Robert Curran and his wife Rita, and many nieces, nephews, and friends, whom he loved very much.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family from 5 to 8pm Friday, December 14 at Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954.  On Saturday, December 15, a viewing at 10am and a funeral mass at 11am will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940.  Burial will be private at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 www.woundedwarriorproject.org, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org/donate.

Monica A. Wilton of New Hope and formerly of St. James, Long Island, New York died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, December 8, 2018.  She was 81.

Born in Ozone Park, NY she was the daughter of the late Michael A. and Ann Birkett Holland and the sister of the late Maude Feron.

Monica was the beloved wife of Donald H. Wilton for  61 years.

Monica was a gourmet cook and excellent seamstress with an artistic eye.  She worked as the office manager for her husband’s construction company for many years.   She enjoyed English History, reading, and grammar. Most of all she cherished being a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  Monica will be greatly missed. She will be eternally loved by everyone who had the pleasure to have been loved by her.

In addition to her husband Donald, Monica is survived by her loving children: Kerry Murphy and her husband Peter of New Hope, Denise Tripp and her husband Steve of Osterville, MA, Tracy Kinzie and her husband Peter of St. James, Long Island, NY, Donald Wilton Jr. and his wife Anna of Kintnersville, PA, and Deana Massa and her husband Frank of Baiting Hollow, Long Island, NY.  She is also survived by her twelve dear grandchildren: Peter, Monica, Patrick (Emma), Daniel, Claire (Dan), Natalie, Audrey, Olivia, Madeline, Harry, Jack, and Gabriella.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewings on Sunday, December 16, 2018 from 5:00-7:00PM in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954 and at St. Martin of Tours Church, 1 Riverstone Circle, New Hope, PA on Monday, December 17, 2018 from 10:30 am until her Funeral Mass at 11:30AM.  Interment will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Rheumatoid Arthritis Research c/o the Arthritis National Research Foundation, 5354 East 2^nd Street, Suite 201 Long Beach, CA 90803 or at https://curearthritis.org/donation/

Tamae Hickling, of Newtown Pennsylvania, died peacefully on Friday, December 7, 2018 at home with her family by her side. She lived a long and full life of 84 years.

Born in Kamakura, Japan, she was the daughter of the late Masaho and Sumiko Hara Kuratomi. She was the beloved wife of 57 years to the late Derek R. Hickling and devoted mom to Ronald Hickling and Leslie Hickling Zoto.

Tamae was a 1952 graduate of Fukuoka Chuo High School in Japan. She worked as a typist at Ashiya Air Force Base where she met Derek in church. The couple was married in Abashiri, Japan where Ronald was born and briefly moved back to Philadelphia where Leslie was born. The family moved back to Japan until 1972 when they relocated to S. California and lived there until retirement. In 1998, they moved to Newtown to be closer to their daughter and her family.

With a vibrant personality, she inspired her family in many ways. Her children and grandchildren were always her priority and she was proud to pass her Japanese heritage on to them. Having lived through war, moving to a new country, learning a new language and culture, she became independent and self-reliant, even learning how to drive.

Tamae enjoyed reading, gardening and cooking, especially for others. She was always young at heart and exercised daily to Korean Pop, in particular a boy band named BTS. She loved animals, especially her dogs and her parrot, Petey.

Tamae will be greatly missed by her children, Ronald and his wife, Mary Hickling and Leslie Zoto; her grandchildren, Alyssa and Quintin Zoto, and Nathan Hickling; her brothers Michiho and Hisamaru Kuratomi; her sisters, Kishiko Yokose, Hamako Ohnaka and Mihoko Okumura and many other extended family in Japan and the U.S.,her close friends ;Yuko and Dave Love, Utsumi Sepich, Noriko Hensler, Nick and Marge Zoto, and her special neighbors at Country Bend, especially Jeff and Darlene Buck. She is also survived by her cherished parrot, Petey, who now resides with her daughter.

Her family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, December 20, 2018 from 11:00 AM until her Funeral Service, 11:45AM at the Joseph A. Fluehr, III Funeral Home 800 Newtown Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. Her interment will be at 1:30PM in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tamae’s memory to the Bucks County SPCA, PO Box 277, Lahaska, PA 18931 or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.