Irma Theresa Pontarelli Plassa of Yardley, PA died peacefully surrounded by her loving and devoted family on February 10, 2019. She was 78.

Born in Philadelphia, Theresa was the beloved wife of 56 years to Michael J. Plassa and the daughter of the late Guerino and Elvira Giannini Pontarelli.

Theresa’s career as a Medical Sales Specialist spanned many years but her proudest role was as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed tending to her plants, cultivating vegetables and herbs that she would use in her traditional Italian cooking, preparing feasts for her family, and having her whole family together at the table. Theresa took great pride in her children and especially in her grandsons. She felt proud and fortunate to be so actively engaged in their lives from birth through college. Theresa will be greatly missed but eternally loved by everyone who had the pleasure to have been loved by her.

In addition to her beloved husband Michael, Theresa is survived by her loving and devoted children: Michael D. Plassa and his wife Jody of Yardley, Stephanie Plassa and her life partner Victoria Hunt of Yardley, and Thomas Plassa and his wife Ina of Morrisville. She is also survived by her cherished grandsons Michael and Daniel Plassa, dear granddog Cherry, her brother Dominic Pontarelli, her sisters Elise DiPlacido and Rita Piccone.

Services and interment for Theresa conducted privately at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her memory may be made to either the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org: DONATE BY CLICKING HERE) or to Justice Rescue (http://www.justice-rescue.com/).

Stefan Gigliotti, of West Chester, formerly of Doylestown, a shining light in many lives, died suddenly on Saturday, February 9, 2019. He was 28.

Born in Langhorne, Stefan was the beloved husband of Magdalena Zielinska Gigliotti and the youngest son of Chris Gigliotti and Sharon Rodebaugh Gigliotti.

Stefan was a graduate of La Salle College High School and West Chester University. He was working at E.A. Berg Associates as an Account Executive and was excited for the opportunity to flourish. His free spirit, big heart, charismatic nature, and contagious laughter, along with his affinity for Air Jordans, are but a few of the many qualities that will be forever held dear. Stefan was known for his ability to make others smile, to offer a helping hand or a kind word, and for his abundant love of his wife, his family and his friends.

In addition to his loving wife and parents he is survived by two brothers, Nicholas and Jason Gigliotti, both of Doylestown, his mother in law Marta Kaminska of Poland and father in law, Slawomir Zielinski of Warminster, his paternal grandmother; Carole Gigliotti of West Palm Beach and maternal grandmother, Jacqueline Rodebaugh of Doylestown, along with his Aunts and Uncles.

Stefan’s bright light will live on in those he held dear.

His family will receive relatives and friends from 9:00 AM until his Funeral Service 11:00 AM on Friday, February 15, 2019 in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 East Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.) New Britain, PA 18901. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Stef’s memory may be made to: CamCare Health Corporation Fund for “The Stefan Gigliotti Endowed Fund” and mailed to the attention of Mark Roberts, 817 Federal St., Camden, NJ 08103 or Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia for “The Stefan Gigliotti Endowed Fund” and mailed to the attention of Joseph Marziello, 1518 Walnut St., Suite 712 Philadelphia, PA 19102. 

These funds will help facilitate Stefan’s desire to provide hope to disadvantage youth in Philadelphia and surrounding communities through educational, nutritional and recovery services.

Laura Smith Isleib, of Newtown, died Friday, February 8, 2019 at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne, surrounded by her loving family and friends following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 64 years old.

On September 2, 1983 she married Donald F. Isleib.  Daughter of the late Addison J. and Agnes Jewett Smith, Laura was predeceased by her step children; Laurie Isleib Pimentel (late Jeff), Debbora Isleib Kuritz, (Ronald); and her brothers, Charles Bridges, Keith Smith and Wendell Smith.

Born in Richford, VT, and raised on the family farm, Laura loved animals, particularly, horses and cats. After she and Donald moved to Pennsylvania, they enjoyed traveling, especially to New England. Laura loved to document each of their travels through photography.

Laura received an Associates degree from Bucks County Community College in 1999. Her work experience began, however, after high school, at a machine shop in Connecticut that made parts for jet engines. After her move to PA., she worked for a company that manufactured farm combines. She eventually found work in the food industry where she was an MRP coordinator until September 2018.

Laura loved God, and her church family at Newtown Reformed Church, where she was a member for several years. Laura always focused on Donald after his diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease some nineteen years ago. She was determined, selfless and fiercely loyal to those she loved.

In addition to her beloved husband Donald, Laura is survived by her step children; Susan Isleib Walden (late John), Jeffery Isleib (Pamela), Timothy Isleib (Sissy). Laura is also survived by her sister Patricia Korbich (John) and several step grandchildren. 

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Laura’s family on Friday, March 1, 2019 at 2:00pm for a Tribute to Laura’s life at Newtown Reformed Church, 206 Buck Road in Newtown, PA 18940. Her interment will take place privately at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society 1626 Locust St. Phila, PA 19013.

Dolores J. Petruzzi of Twining Village in Holland died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday, February 7, 2019. She was 96.

Born in South Philadelphia, Dolores was the beloved wife of the late Mauro A. Petruzzi and the youngest daughter of the late Sebastiano and Rosaria DiNardo Stanisce.

Dolores enjoyed crocheting anything imaginable from Afghans to clothing, she was always thrilled and proud of the confectionaries she would bake for her family and close friends, the many bus trips to the casinos, time spent listening to music and singing songs, playing pinochle and the many trips to Hazleton. But most of all she cherished all of the special moments she spent with her family.  Dolores will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to have known her and to have been loved by her.

Dolores is survived by her loving and devoted children: Maurus N. Petruzzi of Horsham, Cookie Atkinson and her husband Daniel of South Point, OH, and Diana P. Visco and her husband Tom of Lawrenceville, NJ.  She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, and her five great grandchildren. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Saturday, February, 16, 2019 from 9:30 to 11:00AM  in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954 and to her Funeral Mass, 11:30AM at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Road Holland, PA 18966.  Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheltenham.

Eugene J. Poiron, of Chalfont, PA, died on February 7, 2019 at his home.

In the week prior to his passing Gene was surrounded all day, every day with love and loved ones.

Gene was the deeply loved and deeply loving husband of over 25 years to Charlotte A. Giordano Poiron. He will be remembered by his children, stepson, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and by those many friends he embraced as family. Our hearts are breaking – 81 years will never be enough for those of us who knew and loved him. He will be missed and never forgotten.

Gene proudly served in the US Navy, rising to Senior Chief Petty Officer. He developed many lasting friendships while in the Navy and as a successful local businessman.

His family will receive relatives and friends from 11:00 am until his Funeral Service at 1:00PM on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 East Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Road) New Britain, PA 18901. His interment will be held privately. 

Contributions in his memory may be made to New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, 2900 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA 70122. http://www.habitat-nola.org/

Joseph T. Lutz of Philadelphia passed away on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family.  He was 79. 

Joe was the loving and devoted husband to the late Rose (McDonald) Lutz. 

Born in Philadelphia he was a son of the late Paul D. and Rose A. Hughes Lutz. 

Joe graduated from North Catholic and went on to attain his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the then La Salle College.  He began his career with Fischer & Porter and later worked for Catalytic which became United Engineers and then Raytheon, until his retirement. 

Joe loved golfing, boating, fishing and baseball; and especially time spent with family and friends in North Wildwood, Avalon, and Townsends Inlet, NJ.  Joe was devoted to his family and will be dearly missed as a loving dad, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. 

Surviving are his children, Denise DiRugeris (David) of Chalfont, PA, Joseph Lutz (Tamara) of Doylestown, PA and Timothy Lutz (Donna) of Chester Springs, PA.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Amanda, Alexa, Tim, Michael, Elisabeth, Analiese, Caroline, Abigail, Timothy, James, and Daniel; and his brother, James Lutz (late Jeanne). 

Relatives and friends may greet the family Wednesday, February 13, 2019 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave., New Britain, PA 18901 and Thursday, February 14, 2019 from 9:00 AM until his Funeral Mass 10:00 AM at St. Jude Church, 321 W. Butler Ave., Chalfont, PA 18914.  His interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cem., Cheltenham.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center, 3535 Market Street; Suite 750 in Philadelphia, PA 19104.

John D. Whiteman of Churchville passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.

John married his high school sweetheart, Carol. They were married for nearly 50 years.

He was born in Darby, PA to the late Horace and Ruth Whiteman.

John attended LaSalle College and earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania.  He continued his research and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Penn. He enjoyed his 33 year career at the Rohm and Haas Company, working initially as a research chemist and later as a department head.  During this time, he and his family accepted a transfer to France.  While there, John developed a taste for good food, fine wine, skiing, and travel. He retired in 2005.

John enjoyed golfing, doing home repairs, and working outside in the yard.  He and Carol continued traveling to new destinations as well as to old favorites.  He was happy to meet friends for lunch. Most of all, John will be remembered for his devotion and love for his family. He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his daughters, Eileen (Mitchell Berger) and Sharon; his grandson, Patrick; his sister, Alice Regine; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Susan, and his brothers, Philip, Richard, Edward, and William.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd., Richboro, PA 18954 and to attend his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 654 Hatboro Rd., Richboro, PA 18954.  Burial will immediately follow the Doylestown Cemetery in Doylestown, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, 3535 Market St., Ste. 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104 or to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia PA 19104.

Katie Burns, of Bethlehem, PA died at home, on Wednesday, February 6, 2019. She was 32 years old. Born in Cincinnati, OH, Katie moved as a young child along with her family to Chalfont, Pa. She is the daughter of Jon and Sue Burns.

Katie attended the Central Bucks School system, graduating from Central Bucks West. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and achieved her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Philadelphia University. She had lifelong ambitions to serve in the healthcare field and worked as Director of Rehabilitation Services at Westminster Village at Allentown. Katie was passionate about her work. She was loved by the patients in her care and well respected by her staff and employer.

Persistence, determination and sense of humor were ever present in all facets of her life.

Katie loved family and comes from a large tight knit extended group. She was very comfortable meeting new people and made friends very easily. Her spirit, sense of humor and spontaneous and adventurous nature led to many fond memories that will be cherished by family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Katie is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Amanda Burns and Jay Avis; her brother, Michael and his fiancé Chelsea Yanishevsky; her boyfriend, Brian Sweeney; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to share in Katie’s remembrance service on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 from 9:00am until the start of her Funeral Mass, at 11:00am at St. Jude Church, 321 West Butler Ave. Chalfont, PA 18914. Her interment will take place privately.

Donations for resource development in Katie’s memory, may be made to Westminster Village at Allentown, (reference Katie Burns in memo) 803 N Wahneta St, Allentown, PA 18109.

Arthur J. Hinkel of Newtown died peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.  He was 75. 

Born in Philadelphia, Arthur was the beloved husband of the late Loretta Novak Hinkel, the son of the late Edward W. and Alberta C. Swisher Hinkel, and the grandfather of the late Richard J. Walsh III.

Arthur was a life long carpenter who enjoyed his gift for woodworking.  He enjoyed assembling model cars, keeping his truck shining, playing board games, and above all supporting and caring for his family.  Arthur will be greatly missed, but loved forever by everyone who has had the pleasure to have been in his life.   

Arthur is survived by his loving and devoted daughter and son-in-law  Donna and Richard Walsh of Newtown.  He is also survived by his sisters Louise Sigrist and Eleanor Mary Barth, and his grandson Bryan Walsh.

Arthur’s family will receive friends on Friday, February 8, 2019 from 10:00 AM until his Funeral Mass 11:00AM at The Olde Church of St. Andrew, 135 S. Sycamore St., Newtown, PA 18940.  Interment will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Lung Association, 527 Plymouth Rd. Suite 415 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.

Joseph W. Hassell of Newtown passed away suddenly at home on February 5, 2019.  He was 57.

He is survived by his beloved wife Tracy (nee Miller), loving father to Daniel, devoted brother of Robert and Christopher Wetzler, and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Temple University School of Law, Joe had a thirst for knowledge and was a voracious reader.  He loved spending time with family, especially making Christmas special for all.  His love of family extended into being the family historian, making sure no one’s memory was lost.

Joe was a caring father who made every event in Daniel’s life extraordinary. He was a thoughtful, humble, reserved, and generous person who enhanced the lives of those who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 from 10:00am until his funeral service 11:00am at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954. His interment will take place privately.