James W. Semmel, dedicated teacher and principal for the Willingboro, NJ School District and Elder at Newtown Presbyterian Church, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 surrounded by his family at his home at Ann’s Choice in Warminster.  He was 86.

Jim was the loving husband of 28 years to Marilyn Kavan Semmel and, until her death, the loving husband of the late Jean Houseman Semmel.  Jim was preceded in death by his son, Scott A. Semmel, 2nd Lt., U.S. Air Force.

Born in Berwick, PA on June 6, 1931, he was the son of the late Worthy G. and Esther M. Eisenberg Semmel.

Jim taught school and then became an elementary school principal in Willingboro, NJ for 27 years. His love of children and teaching was palpable and his memory was full of wonderful stories.  He once said of his career, “The greatest reward you have in education is to see the kids grow up and be successful.”

Even after he retired, he was busy helping others. He volunteered with the school districts in Pennsylvania, joined Helping Hands and was an Ambassador at Ann’s Choice Retirement Community.  Always ready to help others!

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his children, Beth A. Rodriguez (Richard) of Tenafly, NJ, Brig. Gen. Greg A. Semmel (Carla) of Jamesville, NY, Jennifer Potter of Lumberton, NJ, John White of Philadelphia, and James White of North Carolina. He also leaves behind his daughter-in-law, Kathleen Foster (Erik) of Newtown, PA; his grandchildren, Amy, Katie, and Julie Rodriguez; Tara and Carl Potter; and Eric, Allison, and Amanda Semmel.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 from 10:00 AM until his Memorial Service at 11:00 AM at Newtown Presbyterian Church, 25 N. Chancellor St., Newtown, PA.  His interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Ann’s Choice Scholars Fund, 20000 Ann’s Choice Way, Warminster, PA 18974.  Please make checks payable to “Ann’s Choice Restricted Fund,” noting “Scholarship” on the memo line. 

John T. Oates, Jr., of Yardley, died Monday, May 7, 2018 at St. Mary Medical Center. He was 77 years old.

He was the loving husband of Genevieve Dlugosz Oates for 50 years.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late John T. and Helen Murphy Oates and brother of the late Mary McCree and Betty Foley.

John was known for his sharp mind, his hard work, and his love for his family. John worked his entire life and took much pleasure in his career as an executive and later as a CPA. He read several newspapers a day to stay current and truly enjoyed helping his clients solve complex problems. Although he was remarkably career oriented, his true passion was his family. He was an exemplary provider for his family and always put them first. Whether working together in the family business, strolling the boards in Ocean City, NJ, or gathered together for meals in their home, John was the happiest when surrounded by his family.  

In addition to his loving wife, Genevieve, John will be missed by his children and their spouses, Christine A. and Joseph Kulka, Carol Oates, John T. Oates, III and Nicole Beden, and Kellie A. and Christopher Quinn; and his seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis Oates and his wife Joan.

Family and friends are invited to attend John’s visitation on Friday, May 11, 2018 from 10:00am, until the start of his Funeral Mass, 11:00am at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church, 999 Reading Ave. Yardley, PA 19067. His interment will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at: https://pulmonaryfibrosis.donorpages.com/Tribute/JohnOates

Ronald Lewis Gadonniex of Langhorne passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 5, 2018.  He was 30 years old. 

Born in Beacon, NY he was the son of Melinda Bardwell Provenzano of Horsham and the late Ronald Gadonniex.

Ron was a graduate of Council Rock High School North and Middle Bucks Institute of Technology where, following in his father’s footsteps, he studied to become an automotive mechanic.  It wasn’t long before it became clear how talented and knowledgeable he was as he excelled in his career and quickly became lead mechanic at various area shops.  He was admired by his colleagues for his passion for his job and the care he took in figuring out a problem and solving it. 

Ron was not only a skilled mechanic but he was also an all around handy man, possessing the keen ability to fix just about anything. After the loss of his father at a young age, Ron quickly took on the role as “man of the family” and was steadfast in his devotion to them. He will be remembered not just as a brother but also as a father figure by his younger siblings.

In addition to his love for his job, Ron was also an avid bowler, loved animated movies, enjoyed the exhilaration of riding roller coasters, being out in nature, and he was unusually good at winning prizes from crane game machines.  Most of all, he will be remembered for his caring nature, for always wearing his heart on his sleeve, and for being willing to do anything he could to help someone in need.  Ron will be forever missed but never forgotten.

In addition to his mother, Ron’s memory will be cherished by his girlfriend, Rachel Vollmer of Langhorne; his siblings, Kayla Clementi and her husband, Andrew, of Horsham and Tyler Gadonniex and Chase Provenzano of Horsham.  He also leaves behind his niece, Addison Gadonniex; his grandparents, Lewis and Carol Bardwell; and his K-9 companion, Riley.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Ron’s family on Thursday, May 10, 2018 from 5:00 PM until a time for sharing of tributes and remembrances at 7:00 PM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954.  His interment will be private.

Vincent J. Presto passed away peacefully on May 5, 2018 at Holy Redeemer Hospital. His loving wife and family were by his side. 

Vince was the Loving and adoring husband of Doris Miller Presto with whom he shared 69 years of marriage.

Vince graduated from West Chester University where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Education and later earned his Masters in Education from Temple University.  He spent the entirety of his career with the Philadelphia School District, retiring as a Health and Physical Education Department Head and Athletic Director for Northeast High School. 

Vince was not only devoted to his teaching career but as an a great lover of all sports, he also had an impressive career as a football official at the college level and for two Army vs. Navy games, among many others.  He was inducted into the Philadelphia Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and even had a street at Northeast High School named after him for his dedication to the school and sports communities. 

Vince served proudly with the United States Army Air Force during World War II and later in his retirement enjoyed spending time with his family and enjoying countless vacations with his wife.  He will be greatly missed. 

In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Patricia Brown of South Williamsport, PA and Christine Ireland (James) of Palm Beach, FL.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Andrew Brown (Carolyn) and Michael Brown (Cari) and his great-grandchildren, Rylie, Carter, and Payton. 

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Marie Stumpo. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 11:30 AM at St. Christopher Church, 13301 Proctor Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19116.  His interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Northeast High School Alumni Association, Cottman & Algon Avenues, Philadelphia, PA 19111.

William J. Mitchell of Warminster and formerly of Beach Haven Terrace, NJ and Essex, MA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at Christ’s Home Retirement Community in Warminster. He was 90.

He was the beloved husband of 15 years to Dorothy Edman Mitchell and to the late June Adams Mitchell.

Born in Providence, RI he was the son of the late Manuel and Margaret Damon Mitchell, father of the late David N. Mitchell, and step father of the late Douglas Sanders.

William proudly served in the United States Army during World War II.  He worked for over 40 years and retired as a production foreman for Seafood Kitchens.  William coached his sons Little League Baseball and Pee Wee Football teams.  He bowled for many years with the Essex Men’s Bowling League and was an avid golfer and diehard New England Patriots fan.  William loved boating, dancing, sharing good jokes, but he cherished the times he spent creating memories with his beloved family.

In addition to his wife Dorothy, William is survived by his loving sons: William J. Mitchell Jr. and his fiancée Susan Bjork, Bruce W. Mitchell, and Michael E. Mitchell and his wife Kelly Brown-Mitchell.  He is also survived by his step-children: Bruce Sanders and his wife Valerie, Glenn Sanders and his wife Denise, Kimberly Sanders-Geib and her husband Glenn, his step-daughter-in-law Linda Sanders, 19 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service at 3:00PM on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Christ’s Home Retirement Community’s Multi Purpose Room, 1 Shepherd’s Way Warminster, PA 18974.  Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Christ’s Home Retirement Community Benevolence Fund, 800 York Road Warminster, PA 18974.

A woman of great faith

Rosaria “Rosalie” Iola Esposito of Holland died Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at Pickering Manor Home in Newtown with her daughter and extended family by her side.

She was 111 years old.

Born in Ansonia, CT, she was the daughter of the late Domenica and Antonio Messina who were immigrants from Sicily.

Rosalie and her family eventually moved to the New Haven area during her teenage years.

 Rosalie was the beloved wife of 46 years to the late Joseph P. Esposito whom she married in 1933.

Rosalie spent many years employed as a tailor in a few of the finest men’s stores near Yale University in New Haven, CT., which included Fein and Feinstein and Ensons.  Her family came first and foremost; she was a former Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. Rosalie loved to attend operas and Broadway Shows. Singing and dancing were hobbies of hers, but sewing was her passion.

Rosalie and family moved to East Haven, Ct., where she and her   husband Joe became active members of St. Vincent de Paul’s Catholic Church where Rosalie became a Columbiette and member of the Women’s Guild.

“Rosie” as she was affectionately known to family and friends, often stated that, most important in her life were “Faith, Family and Friends” as well as to practice everything in Moderation. With always a positive, happy disposition.  Rosie loved helping others and maintained being a selfless person throughout her life. She accepted at all times whatever situation came along. She will be remembered for the inspiration she gave to all those that came to know and love her for her strength of character.

Rosie moved to Holland when she was 100years old to live with her daughter Dolores. She loved attending Mass at St. Bede the Venerable Church and was in their Bible Study Group for a few years.

Rosie is survived by her 2 children; Dolores M. Uphoff and Paul J. Esposito.  She is also survived by her 2 grandchildren, Carla Shaffer and Matthew Esposito and his wife Sarah and her 2 great grandchildren, Giana and Jonathan. Rosie was predeceased by her son-in-law Richard Uphoff and her daughter-in-law Amelia Esposito, 3 sisters: Wilhelmina Monde, Grace Vegliante, Anna Messina, 2 brothers Anthony and Joseph Messina. She is also survived by several nieces’ nephews and many friends.

Rosie’s family would like to thank her Doctors, the Administrators, Nurses Aides and staff at Pickering Manor in both Personal Care and Nursing-Rehab. As well as Kindred Hospice and Guardian Angels for the wonderful care that was given to Rosie.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing Monday May 7, from 10:00am until her Funeral Mass 11:00am at St. Bede the Venerable Church 1071 Holland Rd. Holland. Interment will be held at a later date in North Haven, CT.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to St. Bede the Venerable Church at the above address or to Pickering Manor Home, 226 N. Lincoln Ave. Newtown, PA 18940.

Dr. Richard W. Scott, longtime resident of Warminster, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at Ann’s Choice, Rose Gardens. He was 82 years old.

He was the beloved husband of Betty Jackson Scott for 60 years.

Born in Norfolk, VA, he was the son of the late Herman Willis Scott and stepmother, Mary Kathryn “Kitty” Scott.

Music was always one of Dick’s passions, but growing up with humble beginnings, this was difficult for his family to finance.  He mastered many instruments, playing whatever instrument was left over in the school music closet that year.

After he had finished serving in the Army, as a peace-time warrior, where he had played in the 5^th Army band at Fort Jackson, SC, Dick attended the University of Southern Mississippi.  He received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1962, where he also met the woman of his dreams, Betty Jackson, who also shared his passion for music.

Dick received his Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan in 1964, then moved to Philadelphia, where he taught in the Philadelphia School District at Edison and Overbrook High Schools.

In 1970, Dick and the family moved to Warminster, PA, where he became the instrumental music teacher at William Tennent High School, in the Centennial School District, also taking on the responsibility of Marching Band Director. 

He loved to encourage young musicians, and continued to teach at Klinger, then Longstreth and Willow Dale Elementary Schools.  Over the years, he served as director and assistant for the District Band, String Ensemble, Band and Concert Finale night for the Fine Arts Week.

As an early adopter of computers, Dick continued to author and publish many tutorial music pieces for young musicians, which produced a long-lasting body of work. His preparation of teaching young children the basics of music, included the use of practice tapes for his students, that continued even after he retired. Most characteristic of his teaching style, was the freely given encouragement, which put many a smile on his students’ faces.

Dick received his Doctorate of Musical Arts, in performance, at Combs College, in 1988.

A member of the Cavalcade of Bands for over 43 years, Dick continued to promote Jazz and Marching band competitions by serving as Judge, Jazz Band Judge Coordinator and Administrator. In acknowledgement of his hard work and passion for music, he was inducted into the Cavalcade Hall of Fame in 2003.

He loved to work in the garden. Mulching ever richer soil to grow wonderful bounty of fruits and vegetables, Dick would often feed the grandchildren right from the vine.

If Dick wasn’t writing music or working in the garden, he was fishing …or planning on fishing or talking about fishing or the one that got away. He loved to share all these experiences with his grandchildren. 

Dick and Betty raised two children, Mary and David. Mary is married to Paul Morgan, and David to Alicia (Zilinsky) Scott. He had six grandsons, Seth, Jonathan, Zachary, Joshua, Michael and Matthew.

Dick grew up with four loving brothers, David (deceased), Herman “Joe”, Mark and Samuel Scott.

Family and friends are invited to attend Dick’s Memorial Service on Sunday, May 20^th at North and Southampton Reform Church, 1380 Bristol Road, Churchville, PA  18966.  Visitation will be at 1:00, and a memorial service at 2:00, immediately followed by a time of fellowship and appetizers. The family request you wear lots of color in celebration of his life. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ann’s Choice Scholarship Fund, c/o Philanthropy, 20000 Ann’s Choice Way, Warminster, PA  18974.      

Born in Kentucky on November 28, 1922, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Arnold George Tew, lived a full life and peacefully reached the end of his final voyage on May 2, 2018. 

He grew up in Rhode Island, graduated from Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy, and proudly served his country as a Merchant Marine during World War II.  He enjoyed a career with Sears Roebuck until his retirement, after which he spent time growing his portfolio of investments.  He married the love of his life, Shirley Carpenter Tew, in April 1951 and celebrated sixty-seven glorious years of marriage just before his death at age 95 due to complications related to advanced dementia. 

His survivors include:  Shirley, son John D. Tew (Molly), daughter Susan Tew (Bernie Handler), son Peter Tew (Teri) and son Robert Tew; grandchildren Molly Prader (Chris), Shane Tew (Kristen), Conor Tew, Jonathan Tew (Pam), Christopher Tew and Emily Dworecki; and great-grandchildren, Grace Prader, Nora Tew, Rory Prader, Reagan Tew, Marigold Tew and Rosie Prader.  He is also survived by his younger sister Priscilla Henthorne and was predeceased by his brother John A. Tew (Becky).  Other survivors include many nieces and nephews of the Tew, Carpenter, and Connell families.  The extended family will hold a memorial service and interment at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, Rhode Island at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to the Creative Gifts Peace Valley program for young adults with special needs in New Britain, PA or Brookdale Hospice in Wayne, PA.

Mary De Benedetto of Perkasie died peacefully on April 30th at Abington-Warminster Hospice, Warminster. She was 89.

Born in Scranton, Mary was the beloved wife of the late Valentino who died in 2003, daughter of the late Matteo and Angelina Masotti Sanitate, great grandmother of the late Dylan Valentino O’Toole.

Mary attended Overbrook High School, Philadelphia. She met the love of her life Valentino and was happily married for 54 years. Mary lived in Richboro for 37 years and was a faithful communicate of St. Bede the Venerable Parish before moving to Perkasie 4 years ago. Family came first and foremost; her grandchildren and great grandchildren made her eyes sparkle.

Mary looked forward to family gatherings, working on scrap books, doing all sorts of crossword puzzles, playing mahjong and reading constantly, but every night before going to sleep, Mary would get her list of family and friends who were either sick or passed and said a prayers for them all.

Mary is survived by her dear children and their spouses Anne Marie Francano and her husband Thomas, Angela Foley and her husband Joseph, Joseph De Benedetto and his wife Lisa. She is also survived by her 9 dear grandchildren: Rachelle (Anthony), William (Michelle), Nicole (Dave), Danielle (Ryan), Kristen Nicole (Michael), Kristen Marie (Brandon), Derek, Ashley and Victor and 16 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Friday May 4, from 10:30am am until her Funeral Mass 11:30 am at St. Bede the Venerable Church 1071 Holland Rd. Holland.   Interment St. Peter & St. Paul Cemetery, Springfield PA.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory maybe made to Abington Jefferson Hospice 225 Newtown Rd. Warminster, PA 18974.

Mildred Mento passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Sunday, April 29, 2018.  She was 83 years old.

She was the beloved wife for 47 years of the late Nathan Mento, who died in 2003.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the youngest of the nine children of the late Leonard and Margaret (Dailey) Mainart.  Mildred graduated from Hallahan High School in 1952 and met the love of her life, Nathan Mento, in 1955 at a Valentine’s Day dance.  When Nate got home that evening he told his parents that he met the woman he was going to marry.  They got married in 1956 and raised their three children in the Bustleton section of Northeast Philadelphia.  Mildred retired from Graybar Electric , and she and Nate retired to their home in the Pocono Mountains.  They escaped the harsh cold of the Poconos by leisurely driving to Florida every winter, always spending some of the time in their favorite place, Disney World, where they took their children and grandchildren several times.  Millie was an avid reader and enjoyed knitting and crocheting.  She was most famous for her intricate afghans and beautiful baby blankets.

Mildred was preceded in death by her siblings Katherine Mainart, Leonard Mainart Jr., Thomas Mainart, James Mainart, Edward Mainart, Margaret Smith, Anna Mainart, and Agnes Daley, as well as her niece Deborah Daley and her nephew David Mainart.

Mildred is survived by her children Audrey Mento, Nicholas Mento, and Stasia Mento-Moloney and her husband Daniel, all of whom reside in Bucks County.  She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Patricia Mento, her grandchildren Edward Mento and his wife Susan, Andrea Parkins, Rachael McLaughlin and her husband John, Nicole Mento, Makayla Mento, Sean Moloney, Kristyn Moloney, and Lisa Moloney and her great-grandson, Varian Rodriguez.

She will be missed by her many nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren as well as by the crew from Graybar, her dear friend Jane Everitt Overington, whom she has known since first grade, and her friends and the staff at Twining Village.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family from 7:00-9:00pm on Wednesday, May 2nd, in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Road), Richboro, PA 18954 and on Thursday, May 3rd, from 9:00am until her Funeral Mass 10:00am at St. Bede the Venerable Church at 1071 Holland Road, Holland, PA 18966.  Mildred’s entombment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park in Feasterville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Millie’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org).