Anthony J. Pomponi, of Quakertown, PA died on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital. He was 97.

He was the beloved husband of 75 years to Veronica M. Rozanski Pomponi.

Born in Lebanon, PA, he was the son of the late Angelo and Domenica Vannicola Pomponi.

Anthony grew up in South Philadelphia and was a strong and physically fit man who took great pride in his appearance. He worked out regularly and was a competitive body builder who performed on the beaches of the Jersey shore. He also enjoyed boxing; watching it as a spectator and as an amateur fighter.

Throughout his life Anthony worked with his hands and was in the textile industry for over 40 years. Before retiring from Barringer Knitting Mills, Inc. of Philadelphia, he was working as a cutter. Throughout his life Anthony was active and enjoyed various hobbies, and after marrying his beloved wife they altered to include her. Together they enjoyed watching car racing on television and at various race tracks in the area. However, their most favorite hobby together was bowling and they played a lot of games together, especially at Thunderbird Lanes where they won various tournaments individually and as a team.

In addition to his wife, Anthony survived by his daughter Nancy Bennett of Quakertown, and his son James Pomponi of Littleton, CO. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Friday, January 18, 2013 from 9:30 am until his Funeral Mass 10:30 am at St. Isidore’s Church, 2545 West Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA 18951.

His interment will be in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, Langhorne.

Patricia T. Iannarone, of Jamison, PA died on Monday, January 14, 2013, at her home. She was 71.

She was the beloved wife of 51 years to Nicholas A. Iannarone.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Theresa Czarmonska Smith and sister of the late Ralph Smith.

Patricia had a natural ability to be very creative. She was a keen artist who loved to paint and enjoyed home decorating. Her home décor was a perfect example of her talent. Patricia possessed an interest in astrology and always loved telling people about the characteristics of their zodiac signs associated to their birthday. She enjoyed the special times spent with her children and grandchildren. She will be sadly missed as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister.

In addition to her beloved husband, Patricia is survived by her 2 children and their spouses, Marci and Rod Capel of Solebury and Anthony and Jodi Iannarone of Hatboro, her 2 brothers, Peter and Sandra Pytrysson of Philadelphia, and John Pytrysson of Philadelphia. She is also survived by her 2 grandchildren; Alyssa Capel and Nicholas Iannarone.

Her family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, January 18, 2013 from 10:00 am until her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at St. Cyril of Jerusalem, 1410 Almshouse Road, Jamison, PA 18929.

Her interment will follow in Doylestown Cemetery, Doylestown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to American Diabetes Association, Greater Philadelphia and Southeastern NJ, 150 Monument Rd., Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.

Maximus Donald Coleman, of Churchville, PA died on Monday, January 14, 2013, at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He was 1.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of Donald and April Wharton Coleman of Churchville.

Maximus was born on November 21, 2011 with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. However, he was strong and so was his personality. A personality that shined through him and on to others who loved and cared for him. Maximus was exposed to many people in his short life from family, friends, doctors and hospital staff and they all fell in love with him. He was a character with an animated personality.

His actions and mannerisms were especially cherished by those who met him in the hospital. Once they knew him, they would visit him even if it meant going out of their way to see him. Although his time was brief, he was special, loved and endeared by everyone.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his 2 sisters, Emma Rose and Sara Maeve Coleman, his "Mom Mom" Margaret Steur and "Poppy" Randy Pellegrini, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Donald L Coleman.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service, 11:00 AM, Saturday, January, 19, 2013, at North and Southampton Reformed Church, 1380 Bristol Road, Churchville, PA 18966. His interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to CHOP Foundation/Cardiac Center, CHOP Lock Box #1352, P.O. Box 8500, Philadelphia, PA 19178.

Former Pennsylvania State Sen. H. Craig Lewis, 68, who represented Bucks County and parts of Philadelphia for 20 years, died Sunday, Jan. 13, while vacationing in the British Virgin Islands. Sen. Lewis, who served five terms, lived in Center City.

Sen. Lewis' death "was a real tragedy, because he had so much more to give in so many different ways," said former Gov. Ed Rendell.

"He was smart, honest, resourceful. He served in the Senate with integrity and with real concern about what was best for the people not just in his district, but in Pennsylvania," Rendell said.

Sen. Lewis was born in Hazleton, Pa., on July 22, 1944. He graduated from Millersville State College with a bachelor's degree in history. He attended the University of Nebraska graduate school and was a graduate of Temple University School of Law.

Sen. Lewis practiced law and served as a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Council, and the state Advisory Committee for Guidance Service.

He was elected to the Senate from the Sixth District, serving from 1974 to 1994. Sen. Lewis, a Democrat, was chair of the Judiciary, Local Government, and Ethics Committees during his time in the Senate. He also served on numerous state commissions.

After leaving the Senate, Sen. Lewis served as a vice president for corporate affairs at Norfolk Southern Corp. Before joining Norfolk Southern, he was a partner in the Dechert, Price & Rhodes law firm. In 1998 he was named Chairman of the Philadelphia Foundation, an umbrella group for more than 600 charities and charitable funds. At that time, the Foundation rescued the Philadelphia Liberty Medal. In 2005, The Philadelphia Foundation named an honor after Lewis: the “H. Craig Lewis Leadership and Governance Award, which has been bestowed on those who “exemplify the finest traits in leadership, fiduciary responsibility and strategic thinking.” He also served on several boards, including the Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia Belt Line Railroad, Aria Health System and the Andalusia Foundation.

His wife, Dianne Semingson, city representative under Mayor W. Wilson Goode, described Sen. Lewis as "a wonderful husband, father, and community leader." "He was so supportive of me personally, his family, all his friends, and the organizations with which he was associated. He is known as someone of honesty and integrity," she said. “He also was a lot of fun,” she added. “Craig loved wine, music, golf, and traveling.” In 1989, Lewis climbed to the base camp on Mt. Everest in Nepal with Dick Bass, author of the book Seven Summits. He and his wife also traveled to Vietnam, Cambodia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, skied in Bulgaria and visited most of the European countries. “For Craig, life was worth living to the fullest.”

Lewis is survived by his wife, Dianne, daughter Janet, son C. Robert, daughter-in-law Leslie, grandson Keagan, brothers Raymond and William along with a nephew and 2 nieces.

Relatives, friends and colleagues are invited to attend his Memorial Service, Friday January 25, 3:00pm at the Prince Music Theater 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia PA. Reception immediately following. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, Craig’s family would appreciate contributions in his memory be made to The Philadelphia Foundation, 1234 Market St. Suite 1800, Philadelphia, PA. 19107.

Irma Suzanne Barness, a noted local artist, died on January 11, 2013. She was 86.

Irma was a woman of many talents and gifts. She was admitted to the distinguished High School of Music and Art in New York City, where she played the piano and flute. She then went to Bucknell University, where she took her first art course. It was at Bucknell where she fell in love with art and also with Herbert Barness.

After graduation from Bucknell, Irma married Herbert Barness, who became a real estate developer in the region, and moved to Bucks County and then Montgomery County. She took art classes, painted, and did sculpture while raising a family of two daughters, Lynda Barness and Nancy Barness, with her husband. She loved painting people, flowers, and creations from her own imagination. Many of her paintings feature her travel experiences and family gatherings. Art was Irma’s very personal endeavor. After their children became adults, Irma and Herb Barness returned to Bucks County, and Irma painted full-time.

Her interest in art was enhanced by some special teachers over the years: Jacques Fabert, Richard Liberman, Selma Burke, Mr. Gottlieb, Paul Gorka, and recently Gwen Koths. She attended Cheltenham and Abington Art Centers, Allens Lane Art Center, The Museum School, and The Barnes Foundation.

Her work has been exhibited at the New Hope Golden Door Gallery, Carol Schwartz Gallery, Doylestown Library, and have been featured in many area art shows, as well as winning a number of prizes. She gave a retrospective of her work in the summer of 2012 and exhibited over 100 works of art at that time.

She is survived by her two daughters Lynda and Nancy, grandchildren Jennifer (and Daniel), Melissa (and Charles), Julie (and David), and Elizabeth, along with four great-grandchildren who always brought a big smile to her face. She leaves behind others she loved: her “Three Musketeers” friends Jeannie and Bobbie, as well as David and Delores, who took great care of her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Service, Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 2:00pm at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027.

Contributions in her memory would be greatly appreciated at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania 3400 Spruce St. Phila PA 19104 or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Theresa L. Franklin, of Doylestown, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 11, 2013 at Neshaminy Manor. She was 77.

She was the beloved wife of the late Lloyd E. Franklin, Jr.

Born in Norristown, she was the daughter of the late Hugh and Catherine Cahill Kindlan.

Theresa grew up in Willow Grove and went to St. David’s Elementary school and Notre Dame High School in Wyndmoor where she graduated in 1952. She was active in her parish and enjoyed singing in the church choir.
In 1957 she marred her beloved Lloyd and remained in Willow Grove until 1994 when they moved to Doylestown and joined St. Jude Church. Theresa was a loving and wonder mother and “Nanny” who was always there for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The love she showed will always be remembered.

Theresa is survived by her children: Lloyd Franklin and his wife Ellen of Lansdale, PA, Owen Franklin and his wife Patricia of Pottsgrove, PA, Kathryn Armstrong, and her husband Jeff of Seattle, WA, and Jennifer Cameron, of Doylestown, PA. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren, 3 great-granddaughters and 2 great-grandsons.

Relatives and friends are invited her viewing on Friday, January 18, 2013 at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 East Butler Ave., New Britain, PA 18901 (at Sandy Ridge Rd.) from 8:15 to 9:15am and to her Funeral Mass 10:00am at St. Jude Catholic Church, 321 West Butler Ave., Chalfont, PA 18914. Her interment will follow at Doylestown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory, may be made to Doylestown Hospital Hospice, 595 W. State St., Doylestown, PA 18901.

Joyce S. Kellogg, of Perkasie, passed away on Friday, January 11, 2013 at Fox Chase Cancer Center. She was 66.

Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late M. Nelson and Suzanna Kirkpatrick Peck, and the sister of the late Phyllis Boggs.

She was the beloved wife of Walter L. Kellogg for 48 years.

Joyce loved all animals, especially her dogs. She will be remembered as being crafty and wonderfully artistic, and loved to garden and watch plants grow. Most of all, she cherished the time she spent with her loving family.

In addition to her husband, Joyce is survived by her daughters: Kimberly Bronstein, wife of Jeff of Quakertown, Terese Macnamara, wife of Joseph of Perkasie, Candace Rossbach, wife of Ronald of Warrington, and Cassandra Kellogg of Perkasie; two brothers: M. Nelson Peck Jr. and Donald Peck; six grandchildren: Justin, Chelsea, Catherine, Elise, Joshua and Nicholas; and her mother-in-law: Theresa Kellogg.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 from 12:30 p.m. to the time of her Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.)New Britain, PA 18954.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Rita Marie Ruggeri of Holland died gracefully on January 10, 2013 at St Mary Medical Center, Langhorne. She was 95.

Born in Philadelphia she was the beloved wife of 54 years to the late Joseph L. Ruggeri and daughter of the late Frank and Amelia Matticola.

Rita was the youngest of 15 children and in the true sense of the word she was the Matriarch of the extended family. Her caring and nurturing ways, her gentle manor and true love of life were admired by many, and she always strove to make things perfect for her family. She and her family were raised in West Philadelphia and then resided in Northeast Philadelphia. Rita was a faithful communicant of St. Albert the Great Parish from 1962 until 2008 when she moved to Holland and joined St. Bede the Venerable Parish. Rita was a resident of Twining Village in Holland since 2008.

Rita enjoyed cooking, playing cards and singing, but what she was most admired for was her graciousness. Rita loved people and they loved her back; she was a very good friend to many and they will miss her dearly.

Rita is survived by her devoted daughter and son; JoAnn M. Stanger and her husband James and Bruce A. Ruggeri and his wife Patricia A. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewings Monday evening from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in the Chapel of St. Bede the Venerable Church 1071 Holland Rd. Holland and on Tuesday morning from 9:30 am until her Funeral Mass 10:30am in the Church.

Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to the Twining Village Benevolent Assoc. 280 Middle Holland Rd. Holland, Pa 18966 or to Catholic Charities 222 N. 17th St. Phila PA 19103.

Gloria Ann Calise, of Horsham, PA died on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at Abington Memorial Hospital. She was 83.

She was the beloved wife of the late Salvatore Calise, married for 47 years.

Gloria was a bright and well educated woman in academics and in life. Her formal education included an undergraduate degree from Beaver College, currently Arcadia University and her PHD and Master’s degrees from Temple University. She was an avid world traveler including 2 trips around the world and several African safaris.

Her talents and intellect were not kept to herself for she was involved in many things from ballroom dancing and garden club, to her church where she was in the choir and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was a proud member of the Republican Party and served on the Montgomery County Planning Commission, as President of Horsham Township as well as Councilwoman, Tax collector and Committee woman spanning 40+ years of service.

Gloria was appreciated and recognized by her family, friends, the communities she served. Her contributions were recognized nationally. She was selected to the organization of Who’s Who of American Women. She was also selected as National Teacher of the Year which was one of her most meaningful accomplishments. The examples she led will always be treasured by those who knew her.

She is survived by her sister Elizabeth Mehler of Lansdale and her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. As her only sibling, “Betty” and Gloria were inseparable and did everything together. As sister and best friend, she will be missed greatly.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Monday, January 14, 2013 from 9:00 am until her Funeral Mass 10:00 AM at Nativity of Our Lord Church, 605 West Street Road, Warminster, PA 18974. Her interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Roslyn.