John S. Kessler, of Yardley, PA and formerly of Dayton and East Brunswick, NJ died peacefully on Thursday, March 10, 2011, at Arden Courts in Yardley. He was 92.

He was the beloved husband of the late Henrietta M. deLumeau Kessler

Born in Frackville, PA, he was the son of the late John S. Kessler Sr. and Emily Harris Kessler, brother of the late Emily Faust, and Sherwood and Kendell Kessler, and grandfather of the late Halsey Penney.

Mr. Kessler was a proud Veteran of World War II, and served with the Army Air Corps as a Sergeant. In 1980 he retired from East Brunswick Township Public Works after many years of dedicated service. He was a member of the American Legion Post #401 of South Brunswick. In his leisure he enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending quality time with his family and friends. John will be sorely missed by everyone who has come to know and love him.

He is survived by his daughters Jean S. Kessler and her Husband Michael Gutzan of Yardley, Margaret Farris and her husband J. Michael of Georgia, and Virginia Brown. He is also survived by his brother Paul R. Kessler, his 2 sisters , 4 grandchildren Deb Reed, Sabrina Plymel, Tammy Sparks, and Monty Holton, 2 great grandchildren Kyle and Chase Penney and many Nieces and Nephews.

John’s Family will receive condolences on Saturday March 19, 2011 from 9:00AM until his Memorial Service 10:00AM at Montgomery Free Evangelical Church, 246 Griggstown Rd. Belle Mead, NJ 08502. Interment will follow at Van Liew Cemetery, New Brunswick, NJ.

In lieu of flowers contributions in John’s memory may be made to the American Legion Post #401 P.O. Box 82 Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852.

Ethel M. Hogg Smith, of Croydon, went home to her Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 10, 2011, at Aria Health, Lower Bucks, Falls Township.
She was 87.

She was the beloved wife of the late Harvey R. Smith.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Irwin and Anna Weisser Hogg, and sister and sister-in-law of the late Mildred and Richard Dolton.

Ethel was a resident of Croydon, for the past 60 years. She was the consummate homemaker; her home was her castle, where she welcomed her devoted family and friends to gather round her table. A true Christian in every sense of the word she never lost faith through all her health challenges. She will be deeply missed by her loving family.

She is survived by her two loving daughters, Gail D. Smith and her dear companion Stephen A. Zimmerman, of Croydon and Sandra Rawle and her husband Jim of Newportville. She is also survived by her two devoted granddaughters; Dawn Rawle and her husband Christian Pleva and Victoria Rawle.

Ethel’s family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, from 10:00 am until her Funeral Service 11:00 am at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 1305 State Road, Croydon, PA 19021. Interment will follow at Bristol Cemetery, Bristol.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in her memory would be greatly appreciated by her daughters.

Wallace K. Yerkes,” Wally” of New Hope, formerly of Richboro died on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at Buckingham Valley Rehabilitation Center. He was 94.

He was the beloved husband of 67 years to Thelma Fellows Yerkes. Born in Churchville on the family farm, he was the son of late D. Clifford and Flora Kenderdine Yerkes of Davisville and father of the late W. Scott Yerkes.

‘Wally” as he was known to family and friends was a resident of Richboro for most of his life and has enjoyed living in Buckingham Springs for the past 12 years. He was an experienced and hard working potato farmer; Wally farmed over 200 plus acres by himself and won many awards for his potato crop over the years.

Not only did he farm, he annually raised over a 100 Herford steers which he purchased in western U.S. and personally brought through the stock yards in Chicago and West Virginia. He retired from everyday farming in 1973. He was a man of many talents, especially at being a husband, father and grandfather. Wally and his beloved wife, Thelma traveled all over the United States taking in the sights and the beauty that God made. He looked forward to Deer hunting in the fall and being with his Masonic brothers at the W. K. Bray Lodge # 410 F and AM in Hatboro.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter and son; Karen A. Hoff and her husband James R. of Kintnersville and Gerald R. "Jerry" and his wife Linda Martino Yerkes of Penns Park, his 2 sisters, Mildred Lempa of Leighton PA and Bernice Damiano of New York. Wally was the proud grandfather of Michelle Hoff, Nicole Seaman and her husband Jon and Curtis Hoff and his wife Diane, and great-grandfather to Zachary James.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Tuesday, March 15, 2011 from 9:30am until his Funeral service 11:00am at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro.Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Richboro.

In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory would be appreciated to Carversville Christian Church 3736 Aquetong Rd. Carversville, PA 18913

Florence M. DeFazio (nee Minton) of Richboro, PA, died on March 8, 2011.

Florence was the beloved wife of Carman J. DeFazio and dearest mother of John C. DeFazio, Michele Doyle (James), and Michael F. DeFazio. She is also survived by her brother, 2 sisters and 3 grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 8:45 AM until her Memorial Mass 10:00 AM at St. Dominic’s Church, 8504 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19136.

Interment to follow in Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 3331 Street Rd. Suite 410 Bensalem, PA 19020.

Dorothy Mae Crawford, of Holland, died surrounded by her family on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at her daughter’s home. She was 81.

She was loved dearly by her husband, the late Addison Crawford. She was the daughter of the late D. Stanley Ross and Edna M. Ross; she was born in Philadelphia in 1929.

She graduated from Frankford High School in 1947. She was predeceased by her son Ross Addison Crawford, her beloved brother Robert Ross and her great-great granddaughter Destiny Nicole. She is survived by her two daughters, Ronda, wife of Robert Gray, and Valerie, wife of Robert Schweizer, and one brother Charles Ross, husband of Ann. In addition she was the matriarch to 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by five loving nieces and many great nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was very active in her church, St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Southampton, PA. She devoted herself to helping others through the Northampton Senior Center, the Phoenix Ladies Auxiliary and was a supporter of the Southampton Band and Phoenix Soccer Club. Through her work at the senior center, she frequently made meals for those staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing Monday March 14, from 10:00am until her Funeral Service 11:00am at St. John Evangelist Anglican Church, (located at Jesus Focus Ministry) 1150 Bristol Rd, Churchville PA, 18966. Her interment will follow at Rosedale Memorial Park.

Contributions in her memory maybe made to St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, P.O. Box 192 Southampton, PA, 18966.

Elnora "Ellie" Mae Vail, of Richboro, PA died on Monday, March 7, 2011, at Pickering Manor. She was 91.
Born in Dalton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Mary Davenport Ross.
Ellie was a resident of Richboro, PA for over 30 years, having moved from Clark Summit. Living with her daughter and family she enjoyed the time she had with her grandchildren as they were growing up, and was fortunate to also enjoy many hours with her great-grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time working in her flower gardens and loved to bowl and was active in a league for many years.
She is survived by her children Sandra and David Parry of Richboro, Frazier "Fritz" Vail of Apalachin, NY, her sisters Jean Rounds of Tingley Lake, PA, Betsy Delevan of New Hampshire, Gayle Lent of State College, PA, and her sister-in-law Velma Ross of Sarasota, FL. She is also survived by her grandchildren Sharon Russo, Frazier "Fritz" and Brian Vail, Stacey Talotta, David and Dan Parry and great grandchildren Robert and Renee Scarinzi, Richelle, Frankie, Vinnie, and Tommy Russo, Benjamin and Gregory Talotta, and Ashley, Ryan, and Tyler Parry.
Her family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, March 12, 2011, from 10:30 am until her Memorial Service 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Nesquehoning, 152 West High Street, Nesquehoning, PA 18240. Her interment will be held privately in the Fairlawn Cemetery, Dalton, PA.

Herman F. Sack of Holland, PA died Monday, March 7, 2011 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 94.

Herman was the beloved husband of 65 years to the late Frances T. Sack.

Born in Collingswood, NJ, he was the son of the late Hugo H. and Mabel M. Forman Sack and father of the late Carol-Mae F.S. Campion.

After graduating from Collingswood High School in 1937, Herman attended Camden Commercial College where he met his future bride. The Army cut short his college career.
During World War II, Herman proudly served in the US Army as an infantryman and signal technician from 1941 to 1945 with the 5th Ranger Battalion and 8th Army Division. Participating in the Normandy Campaign in Europe, he heroically fought in the Battle of Normandy, Battle of the Bulge, Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle for Brest where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during combat operations. In addition to his many decorations, he was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge (with two stars), Presidential Unit Citation (twice awarded), and French Croix de Guerre with Silver-Gilt Star for aiding in the successful liberation of France at Pointe du Hoc. Herman also helped liberate two concentration camps in Germany.

Herman retired in 1982 after over 40 years of service with NJ Bell Telephone, now known as Verizon. In his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed travelling all over the United States in their RV seeing the sights, winning ping pong tournaments, making many friends, and good memories. When he wasn’t travelling, Herman volunteered countless hours of his time in Brigantine helping out at the local Library and the Senior Center. He also enjoyed “hanging out” with the members of the Police and Fire Departments and visiting his many friends at City Hall.

During his 60 year residency in Brigantine, Herman was a Boy Scout Leader, member and Deacon of the Community Presbyterian Church, an Auxiliary policeman, and founding member and past Chaplin of the American Legion Post #396.

When Herman and his wife moved to Twining Manor in 2006, he fostered many relationships. Affectionately known as “Sarge”, he was often seen walking the grounds and feeding the squirrels. Herman was an usher at Sunday morning services and distributed newspapers at Twining Manor.

His interests included gardening, farming and walking the “great outdoors.” He loved all animals especially dogs who sensed a real friend in him. Herman was a life member of the National Ranger Battalions Association WWII and a member of the NJ Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Herman is survived by his daughter, Kathryn S. Klatzkin and her husband Charles of Warrington, his four cherished grandchildren, Jacquelyn P. DuVal, Jesse T. Campion and his wife Celina, Lindsay B. Klatzkin and Christopher J. Campion and his great grandsons Braydon DuVal and Justin Gutierrez.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Thursday March 10, 2011 from 10:00 AM until his Funeral Service11:00 AM at the Community Presbyterian Church in Brigantine, 1501 W. Brigantine Ave., Brigantine, NJ 08203. Interment will be private at Milford Union Cemetery, Milford, NJ. Shiva will be observed on Sunday Evening, March 13, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the residence of Charles and Kathryn Klatzkin.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the following organizations: Community Presbyterian Church at the above named address, AARK Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, 1531 Upper Stump Road, Chalfont, PA 18914, or Temple Judea of Bucks County, 300 West Swamp Rd. Doylestown, PA 18901.

Francis R. McGuire of Halifax, PA died suddenly on Monday, March 7, 2011, at his home. He was 81.

He was the beloved husband of Florence Klotzbach McGuire for 36 years.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Aloysious and Margaret McGrath McGuire and brother of the late Dorothy Wunder, Bertha Koelzer and Margaret Gallagher.

Mr. McGuire has been a resident of Halifax for the past 5 years and formerly lived in Langhorne from 1974 until 2006. He was a civil engineer who started his own business, Vector Contracting, which was located in Langhorne for many years. Francis was a proud veteran of the Marine Corps. In his leisure time, he was an avid reader who enjoyed all types of books and was always ready to play golf. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.

In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his three children, Wesley T. Rickards of Charleston, WV, Kenneth S. Rickards of Kitnersville, PA and Dawnlynn Reichle and her husband, Stephen, of Warminster, PA. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Walcott and her husband, Alvin, of Warminster, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Friday, March 11, 2011, from 2:00 PM until his Funeral Service 3:00 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 Halifax Area Ambulance & Rescue Association, 100 Mountain View, Halifax, PA 17032.

Joan Brennan Stitz, 88, of Gardenville, PA died on Monday, March 7, 2011, at Doylestown Hospital, Doylestown, PA.
Born August 17th, 1922 in Philadelphia, PA, Mrs. Stitz was a resident of Holland, PA for 38 years. She graduated from John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School, Class of 1940 and Drexel Institute of Technology, Class of 1944, with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration. While working at SKF in Philadelphia, she attended graduate school at Temple University where she met her husband, Joe, after World War II. After raising a family, she returned to work at Greif Company, Division of Genesco in Baltimore, MD and John J. McIlhinney of Feasterville, PA, before joining her husband in his accounting business in Holland, PA. She was a member of the Newtown Questors for many years and enjoyed golf, gardening, sewing, smocking, needle point, counted cross-stitch, a good book and the annual vacation on the Outer Banks. She will be sadly missed as a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Daughter of the late Joseph Xavier and Anne McGlone Brennan, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Joseph L. Stitz in May 2008. She is survived by her three sons, David J. Stitz and his wife, Sherry, of Gardenville, PA, Paul E. Stitz and his wife, Ann, of Cockeysville, MD, Mark E. Stitz and his wife, Eileen, of Washington Crossing, PA, her twin brother, Joseph X. Brennan, Jr. and his wife, Beverly, of Upland, CA and her sister in law Jean Marie Savage of Delran, NJ. She is also survived by her seven dear grandchildren, Michael Stitz (Maria), Jennifer Stitz, Christina Finney (Shawn), Katherine, Elizabeth, Edward, and Megan Stitz and three great grandchildren, Lilliana and Brennan Stitz and Alexa Finney.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School, Chamberlain, SD 57326 www.stjo.org or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Edward J. Yocum, of Churchville, PA died on Monday, March 7, 2011, at Buckingham Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was 73.

He was the beloved husband of 49 years to Ilse A. Yocum.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Louis and Florence Yocum.

Edward grew up in Philadelphia and moved to Churchville in the early 1970’s. He graduated from Temple University with honors and served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. He owned and operated his own independent insurance agency in Philadelphia for over 45 years, representing numerous insurance companies. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his daughter Linda Marshall and her husband Timothy of Newtown, and his son Edward J. Yocum, Jr. and his wife Donna of Chadds Ford, PA. He is also survived by his 4 grandchildren, Joseph, Edward J. III, Matthew and Ana.

His funeral service and burial at Sunset Memorial Park, Feasterville were held privately.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Rd.-Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.