Robert Bruce Sergeant of Chalfont died Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Neshaminy Manor Home in Warrington. He was 87.

Bruce was the beloved husband of 60 years to Mary Jane Radhe Sergeant.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Robert Gayley and Katharine Hunter Reutlinger Sergeant.

Bruce was a resident of Chalfont for 44 years having formerly resided in New Britain. He was a proud veteran having served in the United States Marine Corps and was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Doylestown. Bruce was a graduate of Drexel University and was an Industrial Engineer retiring after working with various corporations. He truly enjoyed working with his hands and in the outdoors. Bruce was an accomplished stone mason and specialized in historic stone restoration. He was a member of the Historical Architectural Review Board for Chalfont Borough, the Marine Corps League, the GATSME Model Railroad Club in Fort Washington and The Pennsylvania Railroad Technical and Historical Society. “Sarge” will be truly missed by his family and by all who came to know him.

In addition to his beloved wife Mary Jane, Bruce is survived by his children; Carol Lee Husband and her husband Phillip of Washington DC, Barbara Sergeant Ulrich and her husband Peter of Bedminster and Robert Hunter Sergeant and his wife Ilze of Chalfont. He is also survived by his 3 brothers David Frederick Sergeant of Coatesville, Grant Lee Sergeant of New Britain Township and Luther Reutlinger Sergeant of Lansdale along with his 4 grandchildren, Isabelle, Christian, Hunter and Savannah.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing from 10:00am until his Funeral Service at 11:00am on Friday, March 23^rd in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 301 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901. Bruce’s interment with military honors will be held at 9:30am on Monday, March 26 in Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 301 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA  18901.

Elizabeth D. Kelly died Saturday, March 17, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.  She was 93.

Elizabeth was the beloved wife of the late Leo T. Kelly.

Elizabeth was a longtime resident of Churchville and was a founding communicant of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Richboro. She was very proud of her Irish heritage and will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family. Elizabeth will be deeply missed as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all.

Elizabeth is survived by her children; Thomas Kelly and his wife Julia, James Kelly and his wife Cynthia, Daniel Kelly and his companion Eileen Handzus, Ellen Manno and her husband Anthony and John Kelly and his wife Joanne. Elizabeth is also survived by her sister, Eleanor Smith and her 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing from 9:30 am until her Funeral Mass at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 24th  at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 654 Hatboro Road, Richboro, PA 18954. Elizabeth’s interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Philadelphia. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the LifePath Foundation, 3500 High Point Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18017, Attn.: Development Office. LifePath.org

Mohammad A. Jafar, M.D. of Holland, PA died Saturday, March 17, 2018 at St. Mary Medical Center. He was 72 years old. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Susan A. Jafar, and their loving children Mark, Heather, Nicole, and Matthew. 

Born in Comilla, Bangladesh, Mohammad was the son of the late Mohammad Ali, a police chief, and Amiba Begum Ali. He was one of 13 brothers and sisters, many of whom survive him in locations around the world including Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, California, Georgia, and Indiana. His extended family numbers in the hundreds and speaks of him with deep love and reverence, often using his Bangladeshi nickname, Kamal.

Upon earning a degree at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Mohammad emigrated to the United States to complete his residency at Flushing Medical Center in Queens, NY and pursue a medical career. In 1977, Mohammad and Susan moved to Philadelphia, PA where he served as a staff physician at Jeanes Hospital and ultimately established his own practice in Cheltenham. Mohammad and Susan moved to Holland in 1985.  Mohammad cared deeply for his patients, whether they were the elderly for whom he often made house calls or the neighborhood kids whose parents brought them by with bumps and bruises. 

Mohammad was often described as a kind and gentle man of a quiet nature, perhaps except when watching his children play sports. He was not, however, without a sense of humor and loved to deliver an offbeat joke with a mischievous grin. Mohammad was a fine cook of his native Bangladeshi cuisine — often claiming to be the “Best in the East” — enjoyed gardening, and spending time in nature. He could often be seen taking long walks throughout Holland in the afternoon following a day at the office.

In addition to his immediate family, Mohammad is survived by the loving spouses of his children; Mark’s wife Julia Phelps, Heather’s husband Alex Fridell, and Matthew’s wife Allison McCarthy Jafar.  Among them he had four grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy; Mark and Julia’s children Sawyer (5) and Reese (3), who referred to Mohammad as “the Pancake Thief” for his tendency to help himself to their breakfasts; Heather and Alex’s son Graham (6 months); and Matthew and Allison’s daughter Ella (5).

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Thursday, March 22, 2018 from 4:30 p.m. until the start of a funeral service at 6:30 p.m. at the Joseph A. Fluehr, III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. For those who would like to join, a reception will be held immediately following at Northampton Valley Country Club10 Harmony Drive (at 299 Newtown-Richboro Road), Richboro, PA 18954.  His burial will be held privately. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Stroke Association or American Diabetes Association.

Albert H. Chant, Jr., of Holland died on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at Buckingham Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Buckingham. He was 95.  

Born in Philadelphia, Albert was the beloved husband of the late Rita A. DeLuca Chant, son of the late Albert H. Sr. and Marie Seher Chant.

Albert was a resident of Holland for the past 55 years; he was a graduate of Drexel University with his degree in Mechanical Engineering and proudly served as a 1^st Lt., Pilot in the United States Army Air Corps, during World War II and was a member of the VFW Post # 6493.

Al was a talented musician; he preformed for both the Hegeman String Band and the Greater Kensington String Band. He also enjoyed golf and built and flew model airplanes. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends and former coworkers.     

Albert is survived by his dear children and their spouses Karen L. Daniele and her husband Louis, John P. Chant and his wife Karen, Phyllis D. Chant. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren

Albert’s family will receive condolences on Saturday April 14, 2018 from 9:00 AM until his Memorial Service 10:00 AM at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 877 Street Rd. (at Knowles Ave.) Southampton, PA. 18966. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.

In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory may be made to Alzheimer’s disease Assn., 399 Market St. Suite 102, Phila, PA 19006.

Cecelia Recklitis of Ivyland died peacefully on Friday March 16, 2018 at Doylestown Hospital, Doylestown. She was 90.

Born in McAdoo, Pennsylvania, Cecelia was the beloved wife of the late Anthony Recklitis, Jr., daughter of the late Thomas and Anna Chickowicz Teprovich and grandmother of the late Brian T. Fite

She was a resident of Ivyland and Northampton Township for the past 52 years. She was a graduate of Quakake Elementary School in Quakake, PA. Cecelia and her late husband Anthony owned and operated a home construction company specializing in wood working and drywall, in the Southampton, Northampton and Yardley areas for many years before their retirement.

Cecelia was a faithful communicant of St. Cyril’s Parish in Jamison, a regular at the Warminster West Restaurant and occasionally would enjoy a game of chance. A devoted mother and grandmother her family came first.   

Cecelia is survived by her three children; Nancy Fite (Mark Fite), Anthony E. Recklitis, III, Debbie Magee, one sister Theresa Flaim. She is also survived by 5 dear grandchildren; Anthony, Krissy, Shaun, Gregory and Ryan and 2 great grandchildren; Charlotte and Brior.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Friday March 23, 2018 from 10:00am until her Funeral Mass 11:00 am at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church 1410 Almshouse Rd. Jamison. Entombment will follow at Our Lady of Czestochowa Cemetery, Doylestown. 

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church, Memorial Fund at the above address.

Andrew T. Fanelli, D.O. ; Fellow and Diplomat of the American Board of Gastroenterology and the Medical Director and Gastroenterologist of Regional Gastrointestinal Consultants and The Ambulatory Endoscopic Surgical Center of Bucks County; passed away on March, 15 2018.

Dr. Fanelli was a graduate of St. Joseph University and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in which he achieved the honor of the Homer Mackey Memorial Award for highest academic achievement, and graduated first in his class.  He completed a fellowship in Gastroenterology at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in which he was chief fellow in internal medicine and gastroenterology.

He later became a fellow of American College of Physicians, the American Gastroenterology Association, and the American Board of Forensic Examiners. He was a clinical professor of medicine at the Medical College of Medicine and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

He established Regional Gastrointestinal Consultants and The Ambulatory Endoscopic Surgical Center of Bucks County in Yardley, PA.  He was an attending gastroenterologist at St. Mary Medical Center and past Chairman of the Department of Medicine and the Department of Gastroenterology. Dr. Fanelli was Gastroenterologist Emeritus at St. Mary Medical Center from 2014 to present.

Dr. Fanelli was nominated by his patients for the honor of Physicians of the Year in Talk of the Town from 2011 through 2015. He was also was honored as a member of the Leading Physician of the World in 2016.

Dr. Fanelli enjoyed practicing medicine and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather to his four grandchildren.  He was an award winning sport fisherman, enjoyed many things including nature studies, history, and the arts.  His greatest loves in life were his work as a gastroenterologist, and his family.  He was married to Angela on July 11, 1970.  Dr. Fanelli had a tremendous influence on his family, friends, and the patients he treated medically.  He was a deep and caring individual who in his humble and gentle way had a significant impact on the lives of others.  He was deeply loved by his wife, children and his grandchildren, in addition to the many others who had the joy and privilege of knowing him.

Dr. Fanelli is survived by his devoted wife, Dr. Angela S. Fanelli, Ed.D. and his four children, Jennifer A. Fanelli,  Drs. Andrea Fanelli- Nola and son-in-law Dr. Vincent Nola;  Mr. Matthew J. Fanelli, and Mr. Andrew T. Fanelli Jr. and his wife, Anastasiya Fanelli.  He is also survived by four grandchildren who are Vincent, Jr.; Sophia; Isabella, and Nicholas; and his brothers, Matthew Fanelli and his wife, Sheryl and Thomas Fanelli and his wife, Rosa. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewings on Monday, March 19, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM and on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 from 9:00 – 10:00 AM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954 and to his Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church, 999 Reading Ave., Yardley, PA 19067.  His entombment will follow in Our Lady of Czestochowa Cemetery, Doylestown.

Flowers or contributions in his memory to St. Ignatius of Antioch Church at the above address would be appreciated.

Michael Dennis Downey Sr. of Chalfont, PA passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.

He was the beloved husband of Nancy and son of the late Anthony and Alice Downey.  In addition to Nancy, “Denny” is survived by his four children; Michael (Sara Metzger), Elizabeth (Nick Berry), Nicole (Richard Milsop) and Brigette (Paul Mahoney).  He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren; Ashleigh, Julianna, Jared, Ava, Parker, Riley, Declan, Ruan, Reese, Sorcha, Nicholas, Scarlett, Finn, Niall, and Kieran.

Denny grew up in Philadelphia and proudly served in the United States Army.  He also worked as a Deputy Sheriff and Detective in the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Department for over 20 years. He loved hunting and fishing.  He simply enjoyed “going into the woods”. 

In addition to his wife, Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Thursday, March 22, 2018 from 9:00AM until his Funeral Mass 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 235 East State Street, Doylestown, PA 18901.   Interment with Military Honors will be held at 11:30AM in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

Thomas M. Chiartas of Chalfont passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at his home.  He was 85.  Born Nov.11,1932 in Philadelphia.

Married on Nov. 22, 1959, Thomas was the beloved husband of the late Roberta A. Blackburn Chiartas.

Born in Philadelphia he was a son of the late James and Mary (Koutlou) Chiartas.

Tom retired from PECO in 1990. Thomas was known by many names, among them were ‘Tommy’, ‘Milt’, and ‘Greek’.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are his children, Stephanie Flanagan (Daniel) of Perkasie and Victoria Fernandez (Christopher) of Perkasie.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Madison & Daniel Flanagan and Eric & Olivia Fernandez; and his sister, Estelle Mueller (the late Malcom).  Preceded in death by his siblings, brothers William, George (the late Lillian), John (Elizabeth) and sisters Cleo (Richard), and Dorothy (the late Manual).

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Friday March 16, 2018 from 10:00 AM until his Funeral Service 11:00 AM at Annunciation/Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church, 7921 Old York Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027.  His interment will follow in Lawnview Cemetery, Rockledge. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Annunciation/Evanglismos Greek Orthodox Church at the above address.

James H. McGowan, of Newtown, PA formerly of Warminster, PA died peacefully on Monday, March 12, 2018 at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook, PA. He was 90.

He was the beloved husband of 63 years to Pauline A. Och McGowan.

Born in Philadelphia, James was the son of the late James H. McGowan and Mary A. Rossiter McGowan.

James was a proud veteran who served in the Army during World War II and who, upon his return, attended LaSalle College.  He was a retired executive from Sears, Roebuck and Company.  He was previously an active usher and parishioner at Nativity of Lord Church and a member of Big Brothers and Sisters. He enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra and watching the Philadelphia Eagles, and was an avid Golfer and card player.  James was a devoted husband who enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed but eternally loved by everyone who had the pleasure to be in his life.

In addition to his wife, Pauline, James is survived by his loving and devoted children: Kathryn McGowan West and (John L. West) of Horsham, and James H. McGowan, Jr. of Lansdale.  He is also survived by his two grandchildren, J.L. West and Cassandra West, his three brothers John McGowan (Patricia), Daniel McGowan (Judith), Joseph Kern (Meirong), and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his two brothers, William and Thomas (Effie), and his sister Joanie.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 from 10:00 am until his Funeral Mass 11:30 am in the Church of St. Andrew, 81 Swamp Rd. Newtown, PA 18940.  Interment with Military Honors will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in the name of James H. McGowan may be made to the Theatre School at Music Mountain Theatre, 1483 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ 08530 or at www.musicmountaintheatre.org

John (Jack) J. Voelmle Sr. of Richboro died Monday, March 12, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 88.

Jack was the beloved husband of 65 years to Anne L. Remer Voelmle.

Born in Philadelphia, Jack was the son of the late Albert and Mary Enright Voelmle and the brother of the late Albert and Joseph Voelmle.

Jack was a former resident of Bensalem before moving to Richboro. He, along with his wife Anne were founding members and Communicants of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Bensalem for 40 years before attending St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Richboro. Jack lived his life to the fullest and was a true model of the Catholic faith. As a founding parishioner at Our Lady of Fatima Parish he was active in his faith serving as a Eucharistic Minister and an Usher. He was an Altar Server at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, volunteered countless hours in many parish activities. Jack worked with the Sears Roebuck Company in Bucks County, Philadelphia and King of Prussia as a Distribution Supervisor retiring after 43years of dedicated service.  In his leisure, he enjoyed watching the Philadelphia sports teams especially the Eagles and Phillies. Jack was extremely, family focused. He always put his family first and never missed an opportunity to spend quality time with his family, either at home or the beach. Jack was a man of character and conviction and will be deeply missed by his family and by all who came to know him.

In addition to his beloved wife Anne, Jack is survived by his children; Carol A. Zemnick and her husband Ronald of Ivyland, Barbara M. Holdren and her husband Donald, Sr of Holland, John (Jack) J. Voelmle Jr. and his wife Mariann of Hershey and Alison T. Cacchio and her husband John of Richboro.  He is also survived by his cherished 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing from 9:30am until his Funeral Mass 11:00am on Saturday, March 17^th at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 654 Hatboro Road Richboro, PA 18954. Jack’s interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery in Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Holy Redeemer Hospice, 12265 Townsend Road, Phila., PA 19154.