Dorothy Helen Gestite Ward of Doylestown died peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2015. She was 85.

She was the beloved wife of the late Forrest A. Ward, loving mother of the late Karl and Michael Gober and the stepmother of the late Michael Ward.

Born in Philadelphia she was the daughter of the late Anton and Helen Swagzdis Gestite.

Dorothy was a humble and charitable woman and a devout Catholic with a life long reverence for the Blessed Mother. She discovered a talent for painting late in life and displayed her work at various art shows. Dorothy loved her family and cherished all of the special memories she created with them. She will be greatly missed by everyone who has had the pleasure to know and love her.

Dorothy is survived by her loving children; Gail Thompson and her husband Randy, Antoinette (Toni) Meyer and her husband Jonathan Rapp, Peter Gober and his wife Anna Diaz and her stepchildren; Charles Ward and his wife Carol, Arlene Carrello and her spouse Joe, Marcia Ward Krintz and Albert Ward. She is also survived by her brother Thomas Gestite and his wife Kitty, grandchildren Heather Kamasa and her husband Shane, Luke Thompson and Daniel Brachman, and her great grandson Noah Kamasa, as well as step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Thursday, February 26, 2015, from 9:30am until her Funeral Mass 10:30AM at St. Ephrem Church, 5400 Hulmeville Rd. Bensalem, PA 19020. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Catholic Charities, 100 North 20^th St. Philadelphia, PA 19103 or the Covenant House, 31 East Armat St. Philadelphia, PA 19144 or the charity of your choice.

James Patrick Boyle of Doylestown Pennsylvania passed away Friday morning at 9 AM after a yearlong battle with bone cancer. He had reached the age of 82 years old.

He was the beloved husband of fifty-five years to Ellen D. Boyle.

Jim was born on September 10, 1932 in Hazleton, PA, the youngest son of six siblings of the late Patrick A. and Mary Coyle Boyle.

He graduated Villanova University, ’54, and after service in the Navy had a career at Bloomingdales and John Wanamaker’s before working for International Paper. Jim commuted between NYC and Bucks County to be home with his family on weekends and Wednesday nights. He retired as vice president of regional sales for the Northeast.

Jim lived for his wife and family and the friendships he built in his Pebble Ridge Rd. neighborhood and in Doylestown, where he and Ellen, his wife, moved in 2003. He introduced his family to camping throughout the Eastern Seaboard in the summers, instilling in them a love of nature and the outdoors and self-reliance. Although his bad knees kept him from the sport and Ellen's hands could not take the cold, he took the family on winter vacations so they could master the sport of Alpine Skiing. This selfless act epitomized Jim Boyle and lead to a lasting impact on the family's future.

Jim loved his Irish heritage, his Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, and to entertain friends, family and crowds with jokes, stories, and by hosting parties. In particular, he enjoyed participating in performances with the OLMC Choir and State Street Players.

In addition to his loving and devoted wife, his four children Jay, Kerry, Kevin, and Tim, his four beloved grandchildren Brittany, Connor, Alice and Keely, and his sister Alice, survive Jim. His extended family includes nieces and nephews and their offspring in Arizona and Texas. They wish to thank their friends for the many happy moments spent together with them and Jim.

There will be a memorial mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Doylestown on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 11:00AM. Those wishing to attend are most welcome. The Boyle family thanks you for yours prayers. The family plans to hold a second memorial mass in the summer and invite his friends, golfing partners, and the members of OLMC choir and The State Street Players to celebrate his life with an After Life Party at Jim's request.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Saint Vincent DePaul Society or the charity of your choice.

Sister Clare Carty, O.S.F., Former President and CEO of St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne, died on Saturday February 14, 2015 at Crozer Chester Medical Center. She was 78.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Margaret O’Brien Carty, sister of the late Anne Patricia Burke, Helen Fritz, and James F. Carty.

Sister Clare entered the Sisters of St. Francis Philadelphia in 1955 and was an elementary teacher in Baltimore, Washington, and Charleston. She received her BS in Education from Mt. St. Mary College, her MS in Guidance Counseling from Loyola College, and a Master in Health Education from George Washington University.

In 1980 Sister Clare was named Assistant Administrator of St. Mary Medical Center and was named President and CEO in 1982. Under her dedication, guidance, and gentle way, she built a foundation for the Medical Center and its healing ways to the Community that serves to this day.

Greg Wozniak, St. Mary CEO, said on her passing: “Sister Clare was committed to ensuring that Bucks County community members had access to the highest quality of care and service. Her persistence and leadership led to the development of one of the finest open heart surgery and cardiovascular programs in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and the establishment of the only Trauma Center in Bucks County. Most importantly, Sister Clare was always interested in serving St. Mary colleagues, physicians, volunteers, patients and their families, and the community—especially the poor and underserved.”

As a Health Care administrator, she served on many of the Franciscan Health System Boards. In 2000 Sister Clare retired from Health Care Administration and focused her energy on the development of the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, Aston, PA.

Sister Clare served on many Boards and Committees within the County of Bucks, including the County Operations Review Committee, Emergency Services, Bucks County Wellness Partnership, Bucks County Health Improvement Project, Bucks County Violence Prevention, Bucks County Business/ Education Partnership, Chair of the Parenting Resource Centers, and many others. She received numerous awards: Citizen of the Year, Lower Bucks Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the First Annual Soroptimist International of Indian Rock, Woman of Distinction Award.

An avid sports fan, she followed the Philadelphia professional and college teams and enjoyed playing golf and "talking sports" with friends and colleagues.

Sister Clare is survived by her brother, Thomas Carty, sister-in-law Agnes Carty, and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday February 20, 2015 at 12 Noon at Our Lady of the Angels Chapel, 609 S. Convent Rd., Aston, PA 19014. A prayer service will be held at 10:30 AM, followed by a visitation until her Funeral Mass. Interment will follow in Our Lady of the Angels Cemetery.

Memorial donations to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Rd., Aston, PA 19014 are appreciated.

Frederick Edward Willing, III, of Ivyland, PA, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2015, at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne, PA. He was 87.

He was the beloved husband of 59 years to Mabel Keemer Willing.

Born in Philadelphia, Fred was a son of the late Frederick E. Willing, II and the late Gertrude Cloud Willing.  In addition to his wife, Fred is survived by his sons, Gregory S. Willing (Judith A.) of Spring Grove, PA and Doug J. Willing (Julie Ungerer) of Elkins Park, PA; his grandchildren, Ethan, Megan, Dylan, and Dustin Willing; and his sisters, June White of Deptford, NJ, and Suzanne Knecht (Jack) of West Warren, PA.  Fred also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard and Jack Willing.

Fred completed his undergraduate degree in Secondary Education at Millersville University in 1952. He received a Masters Degree from Rutgers University, performed graduate work at Oregon State University, Hope College and Franklin & Marshall College, funded by the National Science Foundation. Continuing his love of learning and teaching, Fred taught chemistry at Pennsbury High School for over 30 years, where he also served as Chair of the Science Department. Fred was touched by the many former students who maintained a relationship with him after their graduation.

Fred was devoted to his community and his country. He was an active member of the Central Bucks Sertoma Club, providing support to people with hearing loss and communications disorders. He enjoyed helping his sons’ Boy Scout troops and was voted Scout of the Year in 1942. He also served as an Aviation Electricians Mate Third Class in the United States Navy during WWII.

Above all, Fred loved his roles as husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle . He looked forward to any occasion involving time with family.

After retirement, Fred enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved gardening, fishing, traveling, sailing, and skiing around the world with the Bucks County Ski Club. In addition, as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Pennsbury Power Squadron, he took great satisfaction in recruiting new cadets. He also spent many hours listening to opera, which was a lifelong passion.

As a final tribute to his love of teaching and learning, Fred requested that his body be donated to science to assist in teaching medical students.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather and greet Fred’s family from 1:00 until his memorial service at 2:00 on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954. His interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fred’s memory may be made to the Central Bucks Sertoma Club, P. O. Box 1508, Doylestown, PA 18901 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675.

Ruth Palmere of Allentown, PA passed away February 14, 2015 at the age of 103.

She was the daughter of the late Bernard & Rose Berkowitz, loving wife of the late Joseph Palmere & mother of the late Vincent Palmere. She was the last of 7 siblings. Ruth is survived by Gail, daughter-in-law; Cassie & Corinne, granddaughters; Aurora & Leia, great-granddaughters; many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews.

Ruth was a caring and active member of her community. Besides all the charity work she did for The Red Cross, Ruth volunteered over 30,000 hours at Allentown Osteopathic Hospital and was 1989 Lehigh Valley volunteer of the year.

Ruth will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park, Roth Avenue & 15Th St. in Allentown Monday, February 23, 2015 at 2:30 PM.

Jack Holzinger, of Newtown, formerly of Richboro died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at The Birches of Newtown. He was 93.

He was the beloved husband of 66 years to Anna Holzinger.

He was the son of the late Peter and Elizabeth Lafleur Holzinger, brother of the late Anna Seifert and Leni Gewiss.

Jack was a resident of Richboro for 53 years before moving to Newtown in May of last year. He worked for Perkasie Industries located in Perkasie, PA for over 28 years. He was in charge of manufacturing lighting and fixtures when he retired in 1984.

After his retirement, Jack kept busy planting and trimming shrubs and trees as well as working in his garden, the fruits of which he shared with friends and neighbors. What he enjoyed most was taking daily walks with his beloved wife Anna and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his devoted daughter Anita C. Kelly and her husband Neil, his two loving grandchildren Jack and Katherine and a brother Christof Holzinger.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing, Monday, February 16, from 9:30am until his Funeral Mass 11:00 am at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 654 Hatboro Road, Richboro, PA 18954. His interment will follow in Newtown Cemetery.

Robert “Bob” Krauss, Ret. Sergeant, Northampton Township Police Department, died peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, PA. He was 71.

Bob was the beloved husband of 51 years to Jeanne Mather Krauss.

Born in Abington, PA and raised in Langhorne Boro, he was the son of the late Arthur and Dorothy Kuintzle Krauss.

Bob graduated from Neshaminy High School and then attended Bucks County Community College. He married the love of his life on July 6, 1963 in Hulmeville and moved to Northampton Township in 1965. He started his career with the Northampton Township Police Department on June 1, 1967 as a police officer. Bob was promoted to Patrol Sergeant on July 1, 1971 and remained with the force for 38 years until his retirement on December 31, 2005. Bob served as Firearm Instructor, Armorer and team Commander of the Special Reactions Team. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Bucks County Lodge # 53 , Wycombe and was a 32^nd Degree Mason and a member of Newtown Lodge # 427 , F and AM and the Lehigh Consistory in Allentown.

In 1979, Bob started his own landscaping business which he has continued to have had an active role in operating up until most recently; he also operated a tractor-trailer for Crawford and Son’s in Bristol, PA. Bob loved playing sports especially golf and baseball in High School and received a letter in eleventh grade. He played fast and slow pitch baseball and was avid bowler and once threw a 300 game in 2007.Bob also looked forward to his hunting trips with friends. He was a Harley Davidson rider and was a former member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed his hotrods and was a member of the Philadelphia Modifiers Car Club. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

In addition to his beloved wife Jeanne, Bob is survived by his loving children; Dave Krauss and his wife Jean, his two daughters, Nancy Gredone and her husband Will and Wendy Zitter. He was the devoted grandfather of grandchildren, Jessica, Austin, Rebecca, Kaitlyn, Stephanie and Paige. He is also survived by his 2 sisters Doris Zimmerman and Helene “Peachy” Kozlowski.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Thursday February 19, from 8:45 am until his Funeral Service 11:30 am in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. Masonic Services 11:15 am. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery in Richboro.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society 1626 Locust St. Phila, PA 19103 or a Charity of the Donors Choice.

John D. “Jack” Kottler of Bucks County, passed away Tuesday February 10, 2015 at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne. He was 70.

He was the loving and devoted husband of 48 years to Kathleen H. Weingarth Kottler.

Born in Elizabeth, NJ, he was the son of the late John F. and Dorothy Kendall Kottler.

Jack was born and raised in New Jersey, a graduate of Middletown Township High School. He went on to attend Monmouth College before entering the United States Army where he completed Flight School and served proudly as an attack helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War – receiving countless medals of commendation and rescuing soldiers from the front line. Upon returning from Vietnam, he and his wife moved to Schweinfurt, Germany to serve out the remainder of his tour of duty.

After returning to the United States Jack began a full career as a commercial helicopter pilot, first with Ronson Aviation and later served as chief helicopter pilot for Johnson & Johnson. After 27 years flying with Johnson & Johnson he retired from flight, however he continued his work as a consultant for the company until recently.

Jack loved all kinds of technology, pets and shooting but most importantly he loved his family and friends. He always put others before himself without a second thought and treasured time spent with those he loved. He will be remembered as a man of great fortitude, honor, and character and as a loving husband, father, and friend. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten.

In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his son John J. “Jay” Kottler and his wife, Stacey, of Fountainville.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, February 13, 2015 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM, followed by his funeral service at the Washington Crossing United Methodist Church (The Crossing), 1895 Wrightstown Rd., Washington Crossing, PA 18977. His interment will be held in the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown for immediate family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America at 8719 Colesville Rd., Ste. 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Henry R. Ryba of Langhorne passed away on Tuesday February 10, 2015 at his home with his loving wife and family by his side. He was 92.

He was the beloved and devoted husband of 65 years to Priscilla J. Formolo Ryba.

Born March 25, 1922, he was a son of the late Walter and Caroline Zych Ryba.

Henry was born and raised in upstate Pennsylvania and served proudly with the United States Army during World War II. He was employed many years with Morris Wheeler as a driver until his retirement. Along with his beloved wife, Henry enjoyed many years of travelling and the two especially loved escaping the harsh Pennsylvania winters for Sunny Florida. Most of all, Henry treasured time with his family and most especially with his great-grandchildren who were the loves of his life. He will be dearly missed.

In addition to his beloved wife Priscilla, Henry is survived by his daughters Rhea Edgil and her husband, Lee, of Levittown and Diane Wagner and her husband, Richard, of Langhorne; his grandchildren Dianna (Jay), Richard (Melissa), Theresa, Andrew (Maura), and Timothy (Amy); and his great-grandchildren, Tamra, Wyatt, Graham, Hudson, Ella, Holly, Eli and Sydney. He also leaves behind his sisters, Estelle Chulock and Erene Kakalecik.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 10 siblings. 

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Saturday February 14, 2015 from 10:00 AM until his Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at the Church of St. Andrew, 81 Swamp Rd., Newtown, PA 18940. His interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem.

In lieu of flowers, prayers or mass cards for Henry would be greatly appreciated by his family.

Kenneth E. Webb Jr. of Philadelphia, PA and formerly of Warminster died suddenly on Tuesday, February 10, 2015. He was 29.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of Rosemary L. Black and step-son of Hugh Henry Jr. of Warminster.

Ken was a resident of Philadelphia for the past 1 ½ years and formerly lived in Warminster for 17 years. He was a graduate of William Tennent High School, Class of 2003. Ken worked for Mike’s York Street Bar & Grill in Warminster as a cook, Rite Aid warehouse in Morrisville, 7-Eleven in Croydon. Most recently he was employed by Shop Rite in Bensalem.

In his leisure time, he was an avid video gamer, enjoyed skateboarding, loved music and was a talented piano player. He especially enjoyed the special times that he spent with his son.

In addition to his mother and step father, he is survived by his son, Kenneth E. Webb III of Croydon, PA, his father, Joseph T. Black Jr. of Austin, TX, the love of his life Maggie Logan of Philadelphia, PA and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Saturday, February 14, 2015, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM at 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 his memory may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, One Valley Square, 512 Township Line Road, Suite 133, Blue Bell, PA 19422.