Toni, the Sicilian

     My mother and father came to the United States from Sicily when they were six­ teen years old. They were introduced to each other in their twenties. They were married and in due time their family consisted of six sons and one daughter. It was during these child rearing years that they received Christ as their personal savior.

For many years Mom and Dad said they wanted to worship God directly. Along with their many desires and questions they continued to be faithful to their church teachings. Then one day a preacher came door-to-door giving out Bibles. They received one but were afraid to read it.  However, when my father and the man next door would go to work, my mother, Josephine, and her friend would read the Bible to their delight.

     No longer could they keep the wonderful new things they were learning to themselves. They decided to take their chances and approach the men with their findings:

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man

Christ Jesus..." I Timothy 2:5

     Mike, our neighbor, and my father, Frank Cerami, realized the women had found the answers to many questions. When the traveling preacher returned to check on them, they shared the burdens of their hearts. In time the four asked Jesus to come into their hearts and were saved. Praise the Lord!

"When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them,'They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Mark 2:17

     I thank God my parents realized that by nature, all men are dead spiritually:

"Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart..." Ephesians 4:18

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so

death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned ..." Romans 5:12

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Ephesians 2:13

     Through the shed blood of Christ, Mom and Dad (sinners) were brought close to God. They learned spiritual life is obtained through faith.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36

     I, too, believe John 3:16 and Romans 10:9:

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

     Just as my parents accepted the fact that Jesus died as our substitute, paying the price of our sin, I also received Him personally into my heart and life.

"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." I John 2:2 "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." RomansS:6

     I was raised in an all Italian speaking congregation where my father served as an elder. My mother was always entertaining the people of the Lord as well as the unsaved. All of these folks are now dead and I miss them so. When it's quiet, some­ times I can still hear them singing without instruments, "The Old Rugged Cross."

     The greatest gift (inheritance) my parents gave me is their knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior. Mom and Dad's joy came when they accepted God's gift of eternal life. I now share that joy and have the assurance I will be with God and my parents after death!

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

     Thank God for the Bible and His Son!

Toni, the Sicilian

Andrew J. Kay of Chalfont , Pennsylvania passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family at his home on Saturday, September 8th, 2018.  He was 66 years old.

Andrew was the devoted husband of Elizabeth Gal Kay with whom he shared 22 years of marriage.  Born in Opatow, Poland, he is the son of Genowefa née Frejlich and the late Tadeusz Kaczmarczyk.  Andrew is also survived by his sister, Teresa Zboralski, daughter, Natalie Kay, his step-daughter, Amanda Schulenberg and her husband Brian Dusault and their daughter, Adele Dusault.

Andrew was a graduate of the University of Toronto’s School of Engineering and went on to lead a long career with FMC Toronto and FMC Technologies US as a project manager; remaining with the company after it recently became TAKRAF.

Andrew’s passion was music, he was a talented accordion player, an instrument that takes a great deal of time and talent to master. He also enjoyed fishing trips with friends, camping, skiing and being in the outdoors.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Thursday, September 13th, 2018 from 10:30am until a time of sharing and remembrances at 11:30am at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.), New Britain, PA 1890 and to his Funeral Mass 12:30pm in the St. Anne’s Chapel at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Rd., Doylestown, PA 18901.  His interment will follow in the adjacent Shrine Cemetery.

Ignazio Floro of Richboro passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 8, 2018. He was 78 years old.

Born in Termoli, Italy, Ignazio met and married Angeline J. (Caruso) Floro in 1967. Shortly after their marriage, Ignazio moved to Pennsylvania, where he called home, until his passing.

He and his loving wife, Angeline, just celebrated 51 years of marriage on August 24th. In addition to his wife, Ignazio will be greatly missed by his children and their families. Ignazio is survived by his son, Nicholas and his wife Kristina of Richboro, PA, and by his daughter Cristina and her husband John of Montgomery, NJ. Ignazio was a devoted grandfather and brought great joy to the lives of his grandchildren, Alexandra, Dante, Zachary, and Adam. 

Family and friends are invited to greet the family for a visitation on Thursday, September 13, 2018 from 2:30 pm until his Memorial Service at 3:15 pm 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, donations may be made in Ignazio's memory to Bethanna, an organization that helps children and families at https://goo.gl/i3xb2j

Donald R Braun., Sr., of Jamison, died peacefully on Friday, Sept. 7, 2018. He was 80 years old.

Donald is the beloved husband of Dolores Ann Braun (nee Fitzsimmons). The couple has been married for 58 years.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Donald was the son of the late Ernest and Clara Butterworth Braun and the brother of the late Robert Braun, Sr.

Donald was a man of great faith, and was always doing things for others; he volunteered with Aid For Friends and other outreach programs at his Church.  While he enjoyed a successful career, his first priority was always his family and he cherished any time spent with them. Whether a Phillies game or a trip to Ocean City, NJ, his day was always brighter when together with family.

In addition to his wife, Dolores, Donald will be greatly missed by his children and their spouses, Donald Braun Jr. (Jeanne), Mary Ann Braun, John Braun (Susan), Bernadette Braun (Tom Biemer), Robert Braun (Susan), Tracy O’Leary (Dennis Jr.), and Joseph Braun (Kristin).

He is the proud grandfather of Lauren Sager (Dan), Caley, Jack, and Maddie Braun; Christina, Michael and Joseph Ambrose; John Patrick and Megan Braun; Harry and Jack Biemer; Daniel, Ryan and Katie Braun; Aidenn, Joseph and Mackenzie O’Leary; and Shea and Aubrynne Braun; great grandfather of Caroline Patricia Sager; brother-in-law of Joan Braun; and uncle and cousin to many.

Donald’s family will receive friends on Tuesday Eve. from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.), New Britain, PA 18901; and at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Road Newtown, PA 18940 on Wednesday from 10:00am until his Funeral Mass at 11:00 am.  Interment will follow at St. John Neumann Cemetery in Chalfont.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st, Suite 800, Miami, FL, 33131.

Regina C. Sterner (Jean) passed away peacefully on September 7, 2018 at her home in Oakford, surrounded by her family. She was 78.

She was the beloved wife to Robert A. Sterner (Bob) for 59 years.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Cornelia (Keaton) Haines.  Jean was a resident of Oakford for 58 years.  She graduated from Girl High of Philadelphia and attended Penn State University where she met and married Bob. 

Jean was an avid breeder of dogs and attended many dog shows.  She loved to do crafts and in particular was very fond of crocheting and needle work.  She also devoted much of her time to candle making, especially around the holidays.  Jean also acquired an extensive collection of Native American art and artifacts over the years.

In addition to her husband, Regina is survived by her loving children; Robert A. Sterner, Jr. (Elaine), Catherine Canon (Shawn), William Sterner (Carole), Michael Sterner (Margaret), and Christine Murphy (Michael), as well as 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family from 11:00am until her Funeral Service at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954. Her interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Regina’s name may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305.

Lori Herrmann (Pauza) of Sellersville passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, September 7, 2018.

Lori was the loving wife of Gary Herrmann of 35 years.

Born in Abington, PA she was the daughter of the late Frank A. and Patricia A. Pauza (Kelley).

Lori, only 52, was a graduate of Abington High School (1983).  Shortly after graduating, Lori married the love of her life, Gary.  Lori and Gary became avid race car enthusiasts.  Lori loved hosting parties; Lori was always the “Life of the Party!”  She loved life on the farm with Gary and all of the different animals they raised, especially her “Buddy”.  She loved keeping her flower and vegetable gardens around the farm.

In addition to her husband, Lori is survived by her sisters, Dianne Pauza (Sherry) and Marianne Flanagan (Jim) as well as countless extended family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, September 14, 2018 from 9:00 AM until her Memorial Service at 11:00 AM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.), New Britain, PA 18901. Her interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to: Trustees at University of Pennsylvania, Attn: Funds for Radiation/Oncology in honor of Lori Herrmann, 3535 Market St., Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

Lucretia M. Bloh of Dresher passed away on Friday, September 7, 2018 at Neshaminy Manor Home in Warrington.  She was 83.

Lucretia was the loving wife of the late Leighton M. Bloh.

Born in Philadelphia she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Margaret Dillon Godwin.

Terry had a love of life and was curious about the world. She often said “Life is an adventure,” traveled the world and encouraged her children to pursue life in and outside the box. She loved learning of other cultures and visiting her children on both coasts.  After many exhausting trips she would claim “I’m done traveling!” only to start planning another ambitious excursion. An avid Philadelphia sports fan, Terry enthusiastically followed her Phillies and Eagles. When once asked why she liked baseball so much, she replied, “Growing up, that’s where the boys were.” Terry will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. Her children claim that she was their parent growing up and their best friend as they grew older. “Mom loved us, got us in line when necessary, and gave us an alibi when we needed one.” She will be dearly missed for her humor, guidance, unconditional love, and ever readiness to have a drink with you.

Rest in peace cherished mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, and friend. Your lessons of love, life, and fun continue to live in those that love you.

Surviving are her children, John F. Bloh of Merchantville, NJ, Maureen McClellan (Scot) of Warrington, Kevin M. Bloh (Linda) of Oxford, PA, Maria C. Morris (Thomas Chartier) of San Diego, CA, and Christopher L. Bloh (Gaynelle) of Blandon, PA.  She also leaves behind her grandchildren Jason Kordelski, Kevin Bloh, Jr., Leighton Bloh, Devin Bloh, Daniel Morris, Gracie Morris, Christian Antalics, Andrea Bergner , Jackie DiGiovanni and great granddaughter Kaitlin DiGiovanni.

In addition to her husband and parents, Lucretia was preceded in death by her siblings, Robert and Joseph Erwin Godwin and Margaret Godwin Smith.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 from 9:00 AM until her Funeral Mass 10:00 AM at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 856 Euclid Ave., Warrington, PA 18976.  Her interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem.

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

Gloria Viola Carlson of New Hope and formerly of Richboro died peacefully on Friday, September 7, 2018 at Pine Run Health Care in Doylestown. She was 81.

Born in Philadelphia, Gloria was the beloved wife of the late Richard J. Carlson Jr., loving mother of the late Jacqueline,  daughter of the late Francesco Saverio and Katherine Pillo Viola, and sister of the late Carole Yeakel and Marion Young.

Gloria was a longtime resident of Richboro and a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Church prior to moving to New Hope.  She enjoyed reading fine works of literature, time spent with friends and family at her home in Avalon, preparing and sharing many old world Italian meals, and above all Gloria cherished the times she spent with her adoring granddaughters.  Gloria will be greatly missed, but eternally loved by everyone who had the pleasure to have been a part of her life. 

Gloria is survived by her loving and devoted daughter and son-in-law: Suzanne and James P. Denning, Jr of New Hope and her loving granddaughters Alexandra Denning of Boston, MA and Alyssa Denning of Manhattan, NY.  She is also survived her brother Frank Viola and his wife Ann, her sister-in-law Joanne Potter, and numerous nieces and nephews.          

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 1:30PM until her Funeral Service 2:30PM in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954.  Interment will follow at Union Cemetery in Richboro.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory maybe made payable to Fox Chase Cancer Center for Neuroendocrine Tumor Research, c/o the Development Office, 333 Cottman Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19111. 

Thomas L. Reeves, of Levittown, died peacefully on Thursday, September 6, 2018. He was 93 years old.

He was the loving husband of Claire Leslie Reeves. The couple was married for 68 years.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Thomas was the son of the late Edward and Susan Derham Reeves and brother of the late Susan Conway and Edward, Pat and James Reeves.

Thomas proudly served during WWII, in the Pacific, as a signalman 3^rd Class in the US Navy. He worked as a salesman in the institutional food industry for many years, with Kraft, Gardeners Good Foods and Ellis Coffee. Having enjoyed his career immensely, he continued to work well into his 80’s and after his retirement.  He was an avid golfer and worked at the Yardley Country Club.

In addition to his loving wife, Thomas is survived by his 2 daughters; Susan Baldoni of Levittown, Leslie Mulreaney and her husband, John of Newtown, his sister; Mary Miller and brother Jack Reeves.  He is also survived by his three grandchildren; John (Britney), Elizabeth and Molly and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to Thomas’ visitation on Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 9:00am until A Time of Remembrance, 11:00am, at the Joseph A. Fluehr, III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.)  Richboro, PA 18954. Thomas’ interment will take place privately.

Mary C. Parkinson passed away peacefully on September 6, 2018 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 89 years old.

Mary was the beloved wife to the late Joseph J. Parkinson of 64 years, and daughter to the late Joseph and Agatha “Ida” Zappalo Menta.

Raising their 10 children began initially in South Philadelphia and in 1973, the family moved to Northeast Philadelphia. For the most part, Mary was a homemaker. However, later in life she enjoyed working at Sears on Roosevelt Boulevard; she worked in the cafeteria for approximately 13 years. Mary and her husband moved to Holland, PA nine years ago. They lived with their daughter, Lorraine, and her family. Mary was a St. Bede Parishioner.

Family and faith were most important to Mary.  She and her husband were devoted and loving parents to their children, and was always excited to welcome each new addition to the family. Mary will be sadly missed by her family and by their friends.

Mary is survived by her loving children; Mary Vito ( John), Nancy Marchese (Angelo), Judy Gioia (Joe), Lorraine Fergione ( Ray), Joann Parkinson, Kathleen Nealis (Ted), Tricia Holler (Bill), Joseph Parkinson (Colleen), Diana Nelms, and Lynn Small (Todd). Mary is also survived by her 27 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, as well as Salvatore Menta (Patricia), her only surviving sibling.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet her family on Tuesday, September 11^th from 6:00-8:00pm at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954 and again on Wednesday, September 12^th from 9:30am until her Funeral Mass 11:00am at  St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Road, Holland, PA 18966. Mary’s interment will be held on Thursday, September 13^th at 9:30am in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to Angels in Motion, 9883 Cowden St., Philadelphia, PA 19115, https://aimangelsinmotion.org/  or Autism Cares Foundation, 816 Second Street Pike, Southampton, PA 18966.