Helen T. Slater (née Flavin) of Newtown passed away at Manor Care Health Services in Yardley on Wednesday, April 19, 2017.  She was 87.

Helen was an administrative assistant in the legal and financial professions for many decades, finally entering full-time retirement at age 85.

An early member of the Philadelphia Girls Rowing Club, Helen won three Schuykill Navy racing medals for quad sculls in 1948 and 1949.  Helen's love and wide knowledge of the arts extended to literature, theatre, the symphony and opera. In 1984 she earned an Associates Degree (AA) from Miami-Dade College.

Helen's life was, above all, a life of service. During her 32 years in Miami, FL she taught and helped run CCD (Sunday school) programs at various parishes. In the 1980s she helped to found the Elier Dacal Foundation, providing assistance to people living with AIDS. Since moving to Bucks County in 1992, she was an active parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Church. Among her several key roles there, she served in the RCIA and as a Eucharistic Minister. She volunteered for two agencies providing rides to the doctor for those in need, and served as instructor for Welcoming the Stranger, providing free ESL classes to Syrian refugee families and immigrants from numerous lands. Despite declining health, in her final months residing at the Friends' Home in Newtown, she continued to give her time reading aloud to her visually impaired neighbors.

Born in Philadelphia, PA on May 10,1929, Helen was the daughter of the late James and Margaret Davitt Flavin and sister of the late Betty Ford, Kit Field, Peggy Jones, and Jim Flavin.  She is survived by loving son and son-in-law John Slater and Patrick Wang of Vancouver, Canada. She'll be long remembered as Aunt Ducky, matriarch to a vast and adoring family of nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren, with an equally vast network of loving friends, fellow parishioners, and co-workers.

As close as sisters were Helen's most intimate friends, the late Mimi Smith, Virginia Bagley, and Leda Pearl, who helped Helen succeed as a single, working mom in Miami, and her two closest surviving friends, Ann Damron and Sue Torelli, who was by her side almost daily in recent years. The late Harry Starr Slater, father of Helen's son John, always held a place of love in her heart.

Helen’s family will receive friends on Friday, May 5, 2017 from 10:00 AM until her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 752 Big Oak Rd., Morrisville, PA 19067.  Her interment will follow in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in Langhorne, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations in her memory to Welcoming the Stranger at www.welcomingthestranger.org 

James G. Serdenis, formerly a long-time Ft. Myers resident passed away on April 18, 2017 with his loving family by his side at home in New Hope, PA. He was 88.

James was the beloved husband of 57 years to Helen A. Kusiorski Serdenis.

Born in Detroit, MI he was a son of the late George and Mary Zantis Serdenis.

James was employed as a commercial artist for Ford Motor Company for 40 years and following his retirement moved to Ft. Myers, FL. During his time in Florida he worked on countless paintings and sculptures which he shared openly with friends and family. He also enjoyed fishing and was known for playing his luck on various lottery games.

He will be dearly missed as a loving husband, Uncle, and friend to many.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his niece and nephews, Paula Conzelman, Michael Mekanik, and Steven Mekanik; his sister-in-law, Joan Mekanik, as well as countless great-nieces and nephews.

James’ services were held privately in Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to a charity of your choosing

Ophelia Weatherholtz Berry of Newtown died peacefully at her residence surrounded by her loving and devoted family on Tuesday, April 18, 2017. She was 88.

Born in Luray, VA Ophelia was the beloved wife of the late James M. Berry, daughter of the late Carl B. and Edna Weatherholtz, and grandmother of the late Tracy L. McGlynn.

She was family focused and gave her heart and soul to her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending as much time with them as possible. She spent her days with her dog Peanut who she loved very much.  She always put others in front of herself making sure everyone was cared for and happy. She was an avid baker and famous for her cheesecake, chocolate pie, and homemade rolls which she prepared for those delicious family Sunday dinners. She loved to read and would often talk about different books she had read.  A favorite past time of hers was going to her condo in Daytona Beach, which she would often bring her grandchildren. Most recently nothing made her more happy than those visits from her great grandchildren which would bring a big smile and filled her with joy. She will be dearly missed by her loving family and by all who came to know her.

Ophelia is survived by her two daughters, Barbara Ludwig of Newtown, and Linda Fletcher of Newtown.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Karen McGlynn of Newtown, Christine Heise (Matt) of Holland, and Jessica Fletcher, Newtown, her cherished great grandchildren, Ella and James Heise, her 3 sisters, Jean Farr of Maryland, Mary Funkhouser and Judy Bly of Virginia as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Friday Eve, April 21^st from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954 and to her Funeral Service in Newtown Presbyterian Church, 25 N Chancellor St., Newtown, PA 18940 at 10:00am on Saturday, April 22^nd.  Interment will follow at the Newtown Cemetery.

Marilynn Vogt Burger of Bensalem, PA left this Earth to tend the flower gardens in heaven on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Chandler Hall Nursing Home in Newtown, PA. She was 74 and her beloved family was by her side.

Marilynn was a devoted wife of almost 50 years to her loving husband, the late John L. Burger.

Born in Washington DC, Marilynn was the cherished daughter of the late Charles Clifford Vogt and Charlotte Wager Vogt.

Marilynn grew up in Bethesda, MD, graduating with a Nursing degree from the University of Maryland. She met John, her husband—also a Maryland graduate—on the beach in Ocean City, MD. After working as an ER nurse she moved with her husband to Philadelphia and lovingly raised their three children. Around countless school, sports, and dance events that she actively supported, she worked in customer service roles for several retail companies. In her leisure, she loved spoiling her children and grandchildren with her uniquely thoughtful gifts, playing and watching tennis, flower gardening outdoors, and spending time at the beach.

Marilynn will dearly miss her beloved children and their spouses, John M. Burger and his wife Elaine of Madison, NJ, Charles L. Burger and his wife Debbie of Quakertown, PA, and Sandie K. Glover and her husband Aaron of Monkton, MD. She is also survived by and so proud of her five grandchildren, who she taught, entertained, and related to so well, Matthew, James, Olivia, Melanie, and Stephen; and her brother Larry and Carol Vogt, and family, of Shoemakersville, PA. Marilynn’s spark, beautiful smile, and generous, caring soul will be missed by neighbors, former colleagues, caregivers—especially Jody, and Beth and the compassionate staff at Chandler Hall—and countless friends, among them life-long friends Marianne and Phil Bosche.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday, April 25^th from 5:00pm until the Funeral Service at 6:30pm in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954, www.fluehr.com/resources for directions and lodging. Marilynn’s interment will be private.

If so desired, please consider making contributions in Marilynn’s memory to a cancer or heart charity of your choice.

Joseph C. Griesbaum of Holland, PA, died Monday, April 17, 2017 at Chandler Hall Hospice, surrounded by his loving family. He was 78 years old.

He was the beloved husband of the late Nancy Young Griesbaum for 46 years.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of the late Joseph S. and Agnes O’Donnell Griesbaum and brother of the late Jean Filotei. He moved to the Bucks County area at the age of 15, and was a graduate of Pennsbury High School. He received his Bachelor Degree in Education from Western Carolina. Having worked in the steel industry for most of his career, he rose to the position of Director of Human Relations. Joseph was a proud US Marine, an avid football player and enthusiast, and a true family-man at heart. He lived for his family and friends, and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters.

Joseph is survived by his children, Jill M. Kahley and Joseph W. Griesbaum; and his granddaughters, Megan M. Kahley and Erin B. Kahley.

Family and friends are invited to attend Joseph’s visitation on Wednesday, April 26 from 11:30am until the start of his Funeral Service, 12:30pm at the Joseph Fluehr, III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5455 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43214.

Carolyn L. Morrison of Richboro died peacefully on Saturday, April 15, 2017, at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne. She was 82.

Born in Philadelphia, Carolyn was the beloved wife of the late Maxwell E. Morrison, daughter of the late Carl and Ruth (Carson) Lang. Carolyn was a resident of Richboro for the past 56 years.

Carolyn was a graduate of Germantown High School, class of 1952. She attended the University of Pennsylvania for a short time. Most of her career was spent as an Office Manager for the late Dr. Earl K. Connors of Langhorne and the late Dr. Howard Leister of Newtown.

To say that Carolyn was family focused was an understatement; she gave her heart and soul to her daughters and grandchildren. Carolyn gave her time and talents to those less fortunate; she helped with Aid for Friends and knitted blankets and hats for people in need through her participation with her Knitting Club.  She will be remembered for her gracious smile, warm embrace and loving ways.

Carolyn is survived by her dear children Bonnie Sykes of Richboro, Colleen Morrison of Richboro and Valerie Sanders and her husband Bruce of Warwick. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Leah VanNieuwburg and her husband Bradley, Jenna Lynn Geragi, and step grandchildren; Thor Sanders and his wife Holly  and Leslie Martinez and her step great grandchildren; Troy, Lily, Abby, Ty, Izzy and Donovan.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewings, Thursday evening April 20, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and Friday morning April 21, from 10:00am until her Funeral Service 11:00am at Advent Lutheran Church 45 Worthington Mill Rd. (Second St. Pike and Worthington Mill Rd.) Richboro. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, Richboro.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to Advent Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 840, Richboro, PA 18954.

Gidio Ciavaglia

Remember the Number 2.

The first time you met Gidio Ciavaglia, chances were excellent that he’d ask you to remember that number before launching into the story behind it, which goes like this:

He served overseas in the U.S. Army during World War II for two years – 1943 to 1945.

He made two landings: once in Italy, once in southern France.

He was wounded twice: once in Italy, once in southern France.

He received two Purple Hearts: one in Italy and one in southern France.

He received two Bronze stars: one in Italy and one in southern France.

The story ended with, "That’s it."

If you met Gidio Ciavaglia, chances are good that you heard this story more than two times. He retold it until the day he died on April 15, 2017.  He was 92 --six weeks shy of 93.

Gidio – pronounced GEE-DEE-O – was a great story teller. He had lots of stories, most worth repeating two, three, 100 times, which he often did.  If you asked Gid, as he was often called, what was the secret to a long life, he’d likely answer:  Peace and quiet. Plus, don’t get married until you are at least 40 and make sure it’s to a nice Italian girl.

His parents didn’t give him a middle name and no one is quite sure where his first name came from. As a kid, he was known as “the fruit from Orchard Street” because he would bust out in hysterical laughter during inappropriate points in the movies. He once broke up with his future wife by telling her he had to rototill his garden and didn’t have time to take her out on dates.

During World War II, Private First Class Ciavaglia worked in the U.S. Army Second battalion’s ammunition and pioneer platoon in the 30th Infantry 3rd Division. He laid and removed field mines as part of his duties. His nickname was The Bull.

He captured two German soldiers during the war, but rarely talked about his service time. He was a self-taught portrait artist who would sketch the celebrities on the TV-guide cover when he was bored.

In his later years, he owned a dozen baseball caps, each emblazoned with some variation of World War II veteran and combat wounded. He wore one every day, everywhere. His favorite shirts and jackets were emblazoned with his veteran status, as well. His favorite jacket, a bright lavender unlined satin one, he wore proudly when it was 30 degrees outside, unless his family hid it from him. He was known for saluting people.

After returning from the war, Gidio returned to his job as a machinist at SKF Industries in Philadelphia where he worked more than 40 years, earning a gold pocket watch at his retirement in 1989. He built a three-bedroom ranch house with 2-inch thick hardwood floors, fieldstone fireplace and plaster walls on an acre lot in Holland. He lived in it until January 18, 2017, when he entered, first the hospital, then rehab.

He survived metastatic melanoma at age 74. He cultivated a quarter-acre home garden until he was in his late 80s, and gave away most of what he grew. He lost an index finger at the first knuckle in a machine. He was a former league bowler and shot a mean game of pool into his 90s.

A first generation Italian American, Gidio married a first generation Italian American girl at age 42. He frequently reminded people he married the most perfect woman, aside from his mother. They had three children, Joann Ciavaglia, of Bensalem; Tina (Ciavaglia) Scannapieco, of Wayne; and the late Joseph Ciavaglia, of Bensalem.  Later in life, he had one fat cat named Mia, but who he called Weezy and complained followed him everywhere. He is survived by two grand-children Samantha Scannapieco and Joseph Scannapieco and four grand kitties: Norton, Cedar, Noelle, and Mom Ciavaglia. He also is survived by two nieces, five nephews, and many friends including Original Neshaminy Mall Club members Joe Sicilia, and Junior DeBiase, Aunt Mary and Eugene Bilotti, Maureen and Bob Hickey, Allen Rupp, Pam CIA, the Sunday LA Fit Breakfast Club, Agron and Sam Shay and the Hartman family.  He was preceded in death by his son Joseph; wife, Louise; older brother Joseph Ciavaglia; and parents, Oddo and Giovanna “Jenny” Ciavaglia.

Family, friends, fellow veterans, strangers are invited to call from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Assumption BVM Catholic Church, 1900 Meadowbrook Road, Feasterville, where Gidio was a devoted parishioner for more than 50 years. The viewing will be followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial with full military honors will be in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in Middletown. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent in his name to Bingo’s Foundation, P.O. Box 7130, Penndel, Pa 19047, or Shamrock Reins at http://www.shamrockreins.org/general-donation.html

Wayne Louis Maurer of Holland died Friday, April 14, 2017 at age 70.

Wayne was the beloved husband of 47 years to Betty Sliwinski Maurer.

Wayne was a resident of Holland for 44 years, having grown up in Philadelphia. He was a graduate of Drexel University where he received his Undergraduate and Masters Degrees. Wayne was a Certified Public Accountant who had a distinguished career working with various firms in both PA and NJ. He was a faithful Communicant of St. Bede the Venerable Church in Holland. He enjoyed playing basketball and watching the Phillies and Eagles. For over 35 years, Wayne and Betty enjoyed having special dinners with their close group of friends. Wayne will be truly missed by his family and by all who came to know him.

In addition to his beloved wife Betty, Wayne is survived by his dearest children, David Maurer and his girlfriend Skeets Baker of Phoenix, AZ; Dawn Handel and her husband Eric of Richboro; and Debra Maurer of Holland. He is also survived by his sister Elaine Craig and his three cherished grandchildren, Aspen, Haley, and Devan.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954 on Wednesday, April 19^th from 6:00-8:00pm. There will also be a viewing in St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Road, Holland, PA 18966, on Thursday, April 20^th from 10:00-11:00am followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00am. Wayne’s interment will be private. 

If so desired, please consider a contribution in Wayne’s memory to the San Alfonso Retreat House, 755 Ocean Avenue, West End, NJ 07740.

Edith Agnes March, longtime resident of Holland, peacefully passed from this life to life eternal on Friday, April 14, 2017. She was 96 years old.

Edith was the beloved wife of the late Henry K. March and they were together for 72 years.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Harry C. and Agnes Peters Neumayer and sister of the late Henry C. Neumayer.

A member of the Northampton Presbyterian Church in Holland for 52 years, Edith sang in the church choir and was active in many church activities throughout those years. She was a member of Good Shepherd, St. Bede’s and the Northampton Senior Citizens’ Groups along with being a at-home contributor to the Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Ivyland. She lovingly produced many shawls for those in need.

Edith had a gift for numbers which aided her in the insurance industry, in the family business, March For Menswear Haberdashery in Olney, Philadelphia, PA and as a tax examiner with the Internal Revenue Service for 17 years. However, her first love was her family. She loved her visits with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and would sit for hours reliving memories of their visits through many, many photos.

Edith will be dearly missed by her loving children, Barbara E. Schneider and Wayne H. (Patricia) March; her grandchildren Robert Tulanowski, Robin (Evan) Weber, Brian (Lauren) Schneider; her great grandchildren: Taylor, Landon, Bryton, Madison; and several nieces and a nephew.

Relatives and friends are invited to Edith’s Memorial Service at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Northampton Presbyterian Church, 539 Buck Rd., Holland, PA 18966. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Northampton Presbyterian Church, 539 Buck Rd., Holland, PA 18966.

William B. Taggart "Bill" of Langhorne, PA died peacefully on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne PA.  He was 83. 

Bill was born on August 20, 1933 in Newark, NJ to William V. L. and Louise W. (Thurber) Taggart, the youngest of 3 children.

He was the beloved husband of the late Cecilia E. (Lavan) Taggart.

In 1956, Bill began a long and successful career in the Banking Industry until his retirement in 1993. After 24 years in Budd Lake, NJ, he and his wife retired to Ocala, FL.  He was soon widowed but found a way to live life fully - traveling the world for the better part of 15 years. Bill moved to Langhorne, PA in 2013 to be closer to his family.

Bill was a proud Army veteran, having served 8 years from 1953 -1961 and during the Korean War.  He served as a volunteer fire fighter for the Budd Lake Fire Company from 1969-1993, having held the position of President for 5 years between 1978-1984.

A self-described backyard mechanic, he could be found on any given weekend with a car in varying states of repair - teaching his kids along the way who (to this day) aren’t afraid of changing a tire or checking under the hood. Bill was also an avid reader, history buff, lover of music – especially Big Band and Sinatra, and most notably a faithful/dedicated NY Giants Fan!

Known for his enduring sense of humor and loved by many names - Commander Whitehead, Captain, Budd Lake Bill, Inspector 12, Uncle Ba Ba, Papa Bear, or simply Bill or Dad - he touched so many lives in so many ways and will forever be remembered for his BIG heart and open door to anyone for any reason.  A larger than life personality - with a little “gruff” around the edges - who left a lasting and loving impression on everyone he met.

He is survived by his four children, Cynthia A. (Taggart) Kaeble and her husband, Richard, of Yardley, PA; Diane L. Taggart and her husband, Bill King, of Newtown, PA; William D. Taggart and his wife, Amy, of Woodstock, GA; and Barbara A. Taggart and her husband, Rayen Hall, of Newtown, PA.  He is also survived by his 8 loving grandchildren, Danielle & Rick Kaeble; Abigail & Shane King-Taggart; Brandon & Mackenzie Taggart and Ashley & Cole Taggart-Hall. He also leaves three step grandchildren, Ryan, Christopher and Courtney King – as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, Virginia (Taggart) Stiles and Joan (Taggart) Page.

Services and interment will be held in early July.  Details will be announced soon. 

A life long animal lover; in his later years he enjoyed visiting with his grand doggies and kitties. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Alpha Bravo Canine, P.O. Box 16030 Philadelphia, PA 19114.  www.alphabravocanine.org. Alpha Bravo Canine’s mission is to provide trained service dogs to U.S military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and other combat related disabilities.