George L. Ricciardi Jr. of Langhorne passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at Hahnemann University Hospital.  He was 52.

George was the loving and devoted husband for 26 years to his best friend, high school sweetheart, and love of his life; Maryellen Toy-Ricciardi.  

Born in Bristol, he was the son of Colleen McCarthy Ricciardi of Philadelphia and the late George L. Ricciardi Sr.

George graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School and went on to earn his Bachelors degree in Special Education from West Chester University.  He was Director of M.I.S. for the last 25 years at F.A. Davis Publishing Co. in Philadelphia.

To say that George was giving of his time would be an understatement.  He made sure to be not only involved in his family’s and children’s activities but also gave of his time to his church and other organizations.  He was a beloved softball coach, director of Softball for District 21, and was a faithful parishioner and taught 5th grade C.C.D. for Assumption B.V.M.

George was a proud Eagle Scout and volunteered his time as a Big Brother, as the Camp director of Cousins Camp, coordinated at served for the Kensington Project, as well as many more organizations and groups.

George was a natural leader and often the person people turned to for guidance in any aspect of life.  He was a steadfast Philadelphia Sports Fan and was always the life of the party.

Most of all, he was kind, funny, and made everyone around him feel important.  There is no measure to the lives he has touched and how greatly he will be missed by all those who loved him.  Simply put, he was one of the finest people you could ever know.

In addition to his wife and his mother, George is survived by his daughters, Jacqueline, Kieran, and Logan Ricciardi; his brother, Patrick Ricciardi and his sister Colleen Oriente (John).  He also leaves behind his beloved Brussels Griffon K9 companion; Sophia as well as countless other relatives and friends.

In addition to his father he was preceded in death by his sister, Loretto Ricciardi.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Monday, April 2, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM and on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 from 10:00 AM until his Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at Assumption B.V.M. Church, 1900 Meadowbrook Rd., Feasterville, PA 19053.  His interment will follow in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, Langhorne.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County, 2875 York Rd., Jamison, PA 18929.

Josephine E. Lacy of Churchville, formerly of Holland died peacefully on Sunday, March 25, 2018, at her home surrounded by her family. She was 74.

Born in Philadelphia, Josephine was the beloved wife of 35 years to Edward M. Lacy; she was the devoted daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Janka.

Josephine was a resident of Holland and Churchville for the past 50 years. She was born and raised in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia; she was a graduate of Little Flower High School for Girls and received her professional degree from Pierce Business School.

Josephine spent her professional career working for Bell Telephone Company and Verizon retiring in 2003 as a Manager. Josephine loved spending time with family and friends, especially her sorority at the Jersey Shore; she looked forward to spoiling her grandchildren and spending  nice afternoons shopping. She will be sadly missed by her devoted family, sorority and neighborhood crew.

In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by her dear children and their spouses Milissa Bancroft, Michael Grafenstine and his wife Joy, Stefanie Morgan and her husband Rick, Megan Fenton and her husband Tom and Jeannie Zbarsky. She is also survived by her 9 dear grandchildren; Brandy, Jimmy, Michael, Alexis, Jack, Andrew, Lacy, Liah and Hunter.

Josephine’s family will receive condolences on Tuesday evening April 3, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro and on Wednesday morning at St. Vincent de Paul Church 654 Hatboro Rd. Richboro, from 9:00am until her Funeral Mass 10:00am. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to Alzheimer's Disease Assoc. 399 Market St. Suite 102 Phila, PA 19106.

Wanda Elizabeth (Terwilliger) Comfort passed away on Wednesday, March 21^st, 2018 in her home in Newtown, PA.  She was 92.

She is survived by her husband Bernard W. Comfort, Sr. of Pennsylvania with whom she had shared over 76 years of marriage.  Wanda was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Corinne D. Franzese.

Born on March 22, 1925, Wanda was raised in Mosherville, PA by her mother and grandparents.

Her hobbies were varied such as cooking, sewing, and gardening, but her major passion and zeal for life was caring for her family and friends, and spending time with them.

Surviving are her children, Bonnie J. Civitts (Ray) of Georgia, Rosalyn L. Comfort of Pennsylvania, Elizabeth A. Hills (Peter) of Pennsylvania, Bernard W. Comfort, Jr. (Jackie) of Florida; her son-in-law,  Lawrence Franzese of North Carolina; her nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren (with three more due this year); plus five great-great grandchildren.

Wanda’s family will receive condolences on Friday, March 30, 2018 from 10:30 AM until her Funeral Service 12:00 PM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954.  Her interment will follow at 1:30pm in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

In-lieu-of flowers donations can be made in her memory to the Bucks County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired at 400 Freedom Drive, Newtown, Pennsylvania, 18940.

Jennie H. Leary of Doylestown passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Friends Nursing Home at Chandler Hall in Newtown.  She was 99.

Jennie was the loving wife of the late Howard Leary with whom she had shared 52 years of marriage. 

Born in Warrington, she was the daughter of the late Calvin and Lea Kehrwieder Hines. 

Jennie grew up in the Germantown Section of Philadelphia and was a 1936 graduate of Frankford High School.  She then went on to Temple University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1940 and her Master of Education in 1945.  She then went on to teach at Jefferson High School, Frankford High School and ultimately Washington High School where she remained for over 35 years. 

During her time at Temple, Jennie worked in the athletic department as she was a strong athlete and a tremendous gymnast.  And in 1940 was talented enough to qualify as a member of the US Olympic Gymnastics team.  Unfortunately, the Olympic Games were suspended indefinitely following the outbreak of World War II and did not resume until the London Games of 1948 so she never had the opportunity to compete.

After retiring from teaching, Jennie and her husband moved to Solebury where she cultivated her passion for gardening and cooking. She established many very close friends and loved to entertain them in her home.  Her good heartedness and kindness towards others will long be remembered and appreciated.

Her Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Northwood Cemetery, 1501 Haines Street, Philadelphia, PA 19126. 

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

John J. Pier, of North Wales, PA died on Friday, March 23, 2018, at the Abramson Center for Jewish Life. He was 76.

He was the beloved husband of the late Ann M. Pier.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was a son of the late Hermann and Ann DiFrancesco Pier and brother of the late Donald Pier who passed away on March 14, 2018.

John grew up in Philadelphia and was a graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School.  He was a proud Vietnam War Veteran and an avid golfer playing anywhere and anytime with his brothers and friends.

He is survived by his brother Robert Pier of Warminster and his sister Carol Ann Ercolono and her husband John of Philadelphia. He is also survived by his 3 nieces; Gia M. Miksiewicz and her husband Frank of Chalfont, Dina A. Walsh and her husband Brian of Philadelphia and Michelle Minnitti and her husband Gregory of Philadelphia. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 from 10:00AM until his Funeral Mass 11:00AM at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church, 1325 Upper State Road, North Wales, PA 19454.  His interment will take place on Thursday, at 1:30PM at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

Thora Jane McKenna of Richboro died suddenly at her residence on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. She was 70.

Jane was the beloved wife of 51 years to Ronald McKenna.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Oswald and Olga (Mygland) Tjersland.

Jane loved traveling with her husband and their Saint Bernard, Ben, to many locations in their RV. Together they explored sites in as well as outside of the country, with a recent trip together to her father’s hometown in Norway.

Jane’s love of children and their curiosity for learning can be seen in the many lives she touched over the past 30 years, as a teacher at Breezy Point Day School.  Jane was able to see the everyday beauty in the world around her, the simple but fulfilling pleasures of life like the first flower of spring, the beauty of a cardinal in the winter snow and toes in the sand on the beach. Jane had a natural love of animals and shared that love and wonder with her family. Teaching her grandchildren to take the time to watch a butterfly, listen to the birds sing and her students at Breezy Point Day School to marvel at the site of baby chicks hatching and young riders at Breezy Point, in the summer camp program, to feel the joy of the wind in your face when riding a horse.

In addition to her husband Ron, Jane is survived by her loving daughters and sons-in-laws: Amy McKenna-Fell and Bruce of Buckingham, Laura Lamelza and John of Buckingham, and Joyel Moeller and Sean of Port Matilda, PA.  She is also survived by her sisters: Anna Mae Carlstrand (Richard) and Marlene McKenna (Kenneth), her seven grandchildren, Caitlin, Ally, Trevor (T.J.), Courtney, Mckenna, Khloe, Cameron and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jane’s family will receive friends on Saturday, April 21^st from 9:30am until a Service Celebrating Jane’s life begins at 11:30am at Advent Lutheran Church 45 Worthington Mill Rd. (Second St. Pike and Worthington Mill Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers contributions in Jane’s memory may be made to Breezy Point Day School, 1126 Bridgetown Pike, Langhorne, PA 19053 for a memorial fund in Jane’s name.

Michael Dean Simon (6/29/66 – 3/20/18)

Michael Dean Simon of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 20, 2018 after a heroic battle with cancer.  He was pre-deceased by his brothers Rob and Jeff who died tragically in a plane crash in 1980, and his partner and best friend Tom Bender who passed away in 2012.  He is survived by his loving and grieving family who include his parents Joseph and Janice Simon of Warrington, his sister Erica Jo of Jamison, his brother Chris and sister-in-law Lisa of Doylestown, his niece and nephews Maggy, Daniel, and Chris Jr. Simon of Doylestown, and by nephews Joseph Morris and Dylan Morris of Jamison.

“Mickey” was an accomplished trumpet player, section leader and Marching Band Drum Major at Council Rock High School in 1984. He attended college at West Chester University and Philadelphia Textile Institute where he excelled in design.

Professionally, he worked for many years as manager of several restaurants in Philadelphia and Wilmington that were noted for “fine dining”.

In his later years he became expert and enjoyed collecting, buying and selling artifacts, especially antiques, on weekends. He was also a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan, and their amazing Super Bowl victory and Parade were highlights for him that he enjoyed immensely.

He loved his family and friends passionately and he, in turn, was equally beloved by them.

He will always be remembered and that memory will always be cherished by all of us!. 

Adios sweet boy, until we meet again!!

His Funeral Service and interment will be held privately.

Checks should be made to Simon-Ford Instrumental Music Scholarship, Council Rock High School-South, 

2002 Rock Way, Holland, PA 18966, c/o CRHS-S Orchestra Parents

James Whitman, of Feasterville, PA, died peacefully at Chandler Hall Hospice, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, March 20, 2018. He was 68 years old.

He was the beloved husband of the late Diane McClelland Whitman.

Born in Luzerne, PA, he was the son of the late Viddie A. and Margaret L. Evasic. James was a proud and decorated veteran, having served in the US Army during Vietnam. He loved going to the casino and was an avid car enthusiast. However, his greatest pride and joy was his family and time spent with family.

James is survived by his children, James and his wife Paula, and Jaclyn; his step children, Kelly Skidmore and Lee Visco; his grandchildren, Tripp, Megan, Matthew, Brooke, Jordan and Devon; his sisters, Peg Williams and her husband Ken, Karen Dickson and her husband, Joe and Diane Beeco and her husband Brian; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 from 11:30 am until the start of his prayer service, 12:30 pm, at the Joseph A. Fluehr, III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. James’ interment will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in James’ memory may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 26 Broadway; 14^th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

Emily O’Hara of Langhorne passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Attleboro Nursing & Rehabilitation.  She was 100 years old.

Emily was the loving wife of the late William J. O’Hara.

Born in Philadelphia she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Mary Fedence Kavalkovich.

Emily was born at home in South Philadelphia and she was the youngest of 4 children. She graduated from South Philadelphia High School, the first one in her family to complete high school. She was married in 1936 to William O'Hara and they were blessed with 4 daughters, 15 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. Emily took great pride in the accomplishments of her family and attendance at school and sporting events, dance recitals and every birthday party was a time of special joy for her.

Over the years she had many careers but the job she loved the most was ownership and operation of her own candy store ( O'Hara's Candy store). She loved life and was always involved in some activity. Some of her favorites were traveling, singing, dancing, painting and playing the guitar but the thing she loved to do the most was  to spend time with her children and their families.

Surviving are her children, Emily M. McLoughlin (the late Edward), Nancy Anderson (Clark), Eileen Melvin, and Patricia Ricci (Alex).  She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, John and Andrew Kavalkovich and Mary Billy.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Monday, March 26, 2018 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954 and to her Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM at The Church of St. Andrew, 81 Swamp Rd., Newtown, PA 18940.  Her interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Bucks County Association for the Blind, 400 Freedom Dr., Newtown, PA 18940.

Cecelia ‘Cis’ Mazzella of Palm Harbor died Wednesday, March 20, 2018 at SunCoast Hospice in Palm Harbor, Florida surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was 62.

Cecelia was the beloved wife of 44 years Francesco Mazzella. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Cecelia was the beloved daughter of the late John and Cecelia Muir Phillips.

Cecelia was a former resident of Newtown, Pennsylvania before moving to Palm Harbor, Florida.  Before moving to Palm Harbor Florida Cecelia was a teacher at Dipolvere Nursery School in New Jersey and Our Lady of Grace School in Pennsylvania. Cecelia dearly loved her friends and family, and enjoyed traveling to Pennsylvania and New Jersey for special occasions and holidays. Cecelia enjoyed traveling, cooking, gardening and helping others.

In addition to her beloved husband Francesco, Cecelia is survived by her children, Francesco Mazzella Jr. and his wife Donna of Chalfont, Christopher Mazzella and his wife Lindsey of Edgewater Park, NJ and Jenna Rae Mazzella of Palm Harbor.  Cecelia is also survived by her 6 dear grandchildren: Benjamin, Justin, Lucas, Caeli, Rocco, and Lucia, brothers Jack Phillips (Jessie) and Neil Phillips, her sisters Veronica Mulrine (George) and Ellen Cline (Ernest) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewings from   6:00-8:00 pm on Monday, April 2nd and from 8:30am-9:15 am on Tuesday, April 3rd in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954 followed by her Funeral Mass 10:00 am in the Church of St. Andrew, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940. Cecelia’s interment will follow in Newtown Cemetery in Newtown.

If so desired, contributions in her memory may be made to Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard Clearwater, FL 33760 (https://suncoasthospice.org/donate) or to Autism Cares Foundation, PO Box 180 Richboro, PA 18954 (https://autismcaresfoundation.org).