Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Shirley Norfolk, 86, a 57-year resident of Riva, MD, died at her home of kidney failure on February 23, 2021.  Born December 19, 1934, in Deale, MD, to the late William and Ella Mae Catterton, she graduated from Southern High School.  Shirley worked and retired from C & P telephone.  She was a member of the American Legion, 3 Rivers, and the South County Senior Center.  Shirley enjoyed ceramics, traveling, reading, playing cards, and shopping.  She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Samuel Norfolk; a daughter, Wendy Sullivan of Riva, MD; two brothers, Norman Catterton of Lothian, MD and Morris Catterton of Churchton, MD; two grandchildren, Chuck Phipps of Washington, DC and Megan Jones of Annapolis, MD; and a great-grandson, Michael H. Jones, Jr.  In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by four brothers, Sonny Boy, Charles, Linwood, and Wayne Catterton. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Shirleys' life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, March 3, from 10 am until her funeral service begins at 12 pm. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens. Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the link on this page.  

Robert Alton Platt Jr., a resident of Annapolis, MD, who recently retired to Millville, DE, passed away on February 22, 2021 at home surrounded by family after a courageous 9-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in 1944 in Norristown, PA, to the late Robert A. Platt Sr. and Mary Casselberry Platt, Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Theano Panos Platt of Annapolis, where they lived, worked and raised their family.
     Growing up, Bob’s family would spend summers in Eaglesmere, PA and return during the winter to go toboganning across the lake.  At the age of 12, Bob began spending his summers working there where he was introduced to the two great influences in his life: the food industry and golf.  He started working at the Eaglesmere Country Club as a dishwasher, progressed to bussing tables and cooking on the line.  Later he became a server and finally was promoted to management by the time he finished college. When Bob was outside on the golf course, he caddied and learned the gentleman’s game of golf. 
    Bob attended the local public schools, graduating Norristown High School in 1962.  He was accepted to Pacific University in Forest Grove. OR where he played football and, in 1966, received degrees in both business and psychology.  He was an active member of the Alpha Zeta Fraternity which recently celebrated their 50th reunion. 
    After graduation, Bob accepted a position to manage Hogates, a 600-seat seafood restaurant in Washington, DC.  In 1970, Bob relocated to Richmond, VA to work for the Hickory Hearth Corporation.  They hired Bob to open and manage their new restaurant, the Abbey, in College Park, MD.  In 1976, Bob met his future bride, and later that year became operating partner of the Apple Tree with locations in Washington, DC and Tysons Corner, VA.  During that time, Bob worked his way back to College Park as an operating partner of the Abbey Restaurant which he transformed into the StrawBoss Restaurant.  He also opened Sorry Charlie’s a mile away.
    In 1979, Bob bought his first restaurant, Mums, in downtown Annapolis which became a local gathering place until Bob sold it 17 years later.  In 1985, he took over Pirates Cove Restaurant and Marina in Galesville, MD and managed it until his semi retirement in 2015 when Bob stepped out of the restaurant but continued to manage the marina.  In 1996, he opened Springhouse Restaurant in Davidsonville, MD, which Bob ran for five years until a fire destroyed the building and Bob underwent triple by-pass surgery which altered his decision to rebuild.
    Bob loved the challenge of putting a place together for people to congregate, and he loved what he did.  His career was his passion and he was known by many as a fair businessman who developed lasting friendships along the way. 
    Bob took pride in his family’s activities and the rich traditions of the Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church where he and his wife have been long-time members. Their involvement throughout the years, along with their children’s schools and sports programs, have now continued to the next generation with their only grandchild who has been Bob’s greatest joy.
    His love for outdoor sports continued when time would permit, with golf, fishing, and duck hunting.  And what better way to start your morning then by hopping on your boat with coffee and a briefcase in hand to head to the West River for work?  That was one of the things Bob continued to enjoy on his bucket list along with two cross-country driving trips to the northwest, Canada, winter trip to Florida, train across the Rockies, Napa Valley, cruise from Frankfurt to Amsterdam, Hawaii and Greece. He also enjoyed watching every golf tournament and football showdown.
    He was a man of many stories from his many ventures throughout the years; so many they could fill a book. Yet there are many stories still to be told of this one man who has quietly touched the hearts of many…. Bob Platt.  
    In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his children, Tiffany Platt Steigerwalt of Annapolis and Derek Alton Platt of Alma, CO; and one grandson, Liam Robert Steigerwalt of Annapolis.  He is also survived by his sister, Sally Keenan (James) of Lafayette Hill, PA; three nephews, Rob, Don, and Greg Keenan and their families from the Philadelphia area;  sister-in-law, Tina Veves, of Millville, DE, and brother-in-law, Michael Panos of Arnold, MD and their families.
    Friends are invited to celebrate Bob’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, February 25, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8PM.  Due to COVID restrictions, the family asks that you quickly pay your respects to allow others to enter the facility in the same fashion.  A viewing will also be held at Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Rd., Annapolis, MD on Friday, February 26 from 10AM until his funeral service begins at 11 AM.  A live feed will be available for those unable to attend by visiting the link <a href="https://youtu.be/dBuYpyYdADI">HERE</a>.   Interment will follow at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered using the Memory wall tab above.
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Jerry "Jay" Coon II of Upper Marlboro, MD and previously of Harwood, MD passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. Jay was born on March 26, 1956 in Cheverly, MD to Jerry and Maizie Coon of Scaggsville, MD. He worked in construction as a dump truck driver and thoroughly enjoyed working at a local farm driving the tractors. Jay enjoyed being outside riding his Harley, fishing and hunting. Jay is survived by his wife, Anna Coon of Upper Marlboro MD; his parents Jerry and Maizie; his son, Jerry Coon III and his wife Melissa of Churchton, MD, a step-son, David Sergent of Upper Marlboro, MD; siblings, Tim Coon and his wife Sandy of Savage, MD, Ricky Coon and his wife Beth of Georgia, Lisa Cobb and her husband Joe of Sneads Ferry, NC, Pat Coon and his wife Nancy of Scaggsville, MD, and Andy Coon and his wife Roni Sue of Sharpsburg, MD; grand-daughters, Amilynn and Elianna Coon, and Alexis Sergent. Nieces and Nephews: TJ Coon and his wife Sue, Nicholas Coon, Erica Clark and her husband Wesley, Emillie Coon, Brandi Coon, Jessica Roberts and her husband Thomas, Nathan Cobb and his wife Ashley, April Huff and her husband Robert, Hannah Cobb, Andrew Coon, Justin Coon and his wife Catie, Brianna, and Hunter Coon.  7 great nephews and 7 great nieces.


Friends and family are invited to celebrate Jay's life on Sunday February 28, 2021 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where his funeral service will be held on Monday March 1, 2021 at 11 am. Due to Jay's extensive medical expenses, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made by contacting the funeral home at 410-956-4488. On line condolences may be made by visiting the link on this page.

Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the online guestbook at the link found on this page.

Mary Jane Hamilton, 86, a resident of the Annapolis area and previously of Silver Spring, MD, passed away peacefully at her home in Edgewater, MD on Saturday, February 20 of natural causes. Born on October 24, 1934 in Four Oaks, NC to the late Henderson and Irene Upchurch, Mary Jane earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from East Carolina University. With her late husband, William “Bill” Hamilton, she owned and operated the W.A. Hamilton Co., Inc. Mary Jane is survived by her children, Michael Hamilton of Washington, DC, Philip C. and Glenn A. Hamilton both of Edgewater, MD and Kimberly Shoraka of Rockville, MD; her brother, Henderson C. (Sarah Joe) Upchurch of Waynesboro, GA, 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. In person funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the <a href=" https://www.tunnel2towers.org">Tunnel to Towers Foundation,</a> 

Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall tab on this page.

Patricia J. Wichmann, 97, formerly from Southern Shores, NC, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Friday, February 19, 2021, at Ginger Cove Retirement Community in Annapolis, MD.
Born in Vandergrift, PA, she was the daughter of Joseph B. and Mary F. Patton. After graduating from Vandergrift High School in 1941, she continued to pursue her love for journalism professionally by working for the Vandergrift News during WWII. Later as a mother of three in the 1960's, she joined the staff at the Valley Daily News in Vandergrift and then became editor of the local Apollo, PA newspaper. She revisited her talents as a writer in her 80's and 90's when she delighted family members with her memoirs.
Pat dreamed of painting for many years, and finally after retiring to the Outer Banks in 1985, she attended classes in oils and watercolor at Kitty Hawk School and the College of Albemarle. Through these classes, she confirmed that watercolor was her favorite medium. She found workshops with a number of watercolorists – Frederick Wong, Barbara Thelin-Preston, Zoltan, Szabo - very rewarding. As a talented painter herself, she exhibited artwork in numerous local art shows
Pat and her husband Wick were very active in their community of Southern Shores, NC. They were an essential part of the planning committee for All Saints Episcopal Church. Pat was also instrumental in starting the Dare County Republican Women's Club of NC and served as its first president, an historian, and their first Honorary Life Member. In addition, she was involved on state and national levels in the NC Federation of Republican Women as Unit Club President and as a delegate to the state and national conventions.
Pat also enjoyed traveling and journeyed to France, England, Italy, Hawaii, and Korea. However, she found her greatest joy in her family who will lovingly remember her as the woman who found the perfect driftwood Christmas tree and decorated it with seashells, who loved to cook and entertain, who reveled in the beauty of sunsets over the sound, who went white water rafting down the Rio Grande in her 70's, and who showered us all with her unconditional love.
Pat was predeceased by her husband of 23 years, Jack R. Lynch, and her husband of 28 years, L.C. Wichmann (Wick). She was also predeceased by her siblings, B.J. Allen, Mimi Wray, and Bob Patton.
Her loving family includes sons, Jack R. Lynch II (Eun Sook) of Millersville, MD and Timothy M. Lynch of Milwaukee, WI, daughter Kathleen E. Rickard (Bruce) of West Friendship, MD, honorary daughter Susan Wray of Pittsburgh, PA, step-son John C. Wichmann (Linda) of Aliquippa, PA, and step-daughter Karen E. Lipman (Sydney) of Erie, PA. Grandchildren are Megan R. Hearron (Jason) of Bel Air, MD, Brad A. Rickard of Ellicott City, MD, Jack R. Lynch III of Millersville, MD, Mia Ahn Lynch of Hanover, MD, Dr. Ruthann Lipman (Angela) of Erie, PA, Benjamin Lipman (Erin) of Chandler, AZ, Margo Lipman (Rynell) of Valemount, BC, Kate Sherman (Moshe) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Emily Ainsley Wichmann (Laura) of Aliquippa, PA. In addition, Pat had 11 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private memorial will take place at a later date

Willard Dean Toney, 83, a resident of Davidsonville, MD for 50 years and previously of North Carolina, died on February 19, 2021 at her home after battling dementia, congestive heart failure and COPD for three years. Born on February 8, 1938 in North Carolina to the late Joseph Cleatus and Minnie Geanette Davis Walker, Dean was an Anne Arundel County school bus driver. Dean was a former member of the Davidsonville Dance Club and helped organize the Davidsonville Bluegrass Festival. She enjoyed dancing, hallmark/ romance movies, chocolate shakes, chicken n dumplings, Frank Sinatra and thrift store bargains. Dean was preceded in death by her husband of more than 60 years, Charles Andrew Toney and her son, Charles Barry Toney. She is survived by her son, Chuck Toney of Davidsonville, MD; her siblings, Wayne and JC Walker both of Casar, NC, Katherine Sansing of Shelby, NC and Edith Brackett of Polkville, NC and her grandchildren, Emily, Katlyn, Dakota and Melissa Toney. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contact the Kalas Funeral Home at 410-956-4488 for contribution instructions. Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the link on this page.

Alice Esther Girillo, 93, passed away peacefully at her home in Fort Washington, Maryland on February 18, 2021. Born August 7, 1927 in East White Plains, New York, Alice is the daughter of Elmer and Lucy Coombs.  Alice married Anthony (Tony) L. Girillo in 1949. They enjoyed a rewarding life together for 68 years until Tony’s passing in 2017.  Alice leaves behind three daughters, three sons-in-law, six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.  

When her husband enlisted in the Air Force, Alice became a career military wife.  Her resilience, strength, and courage became the core of who she was.  She faced many challenges setting up homes in Saratoga Springs NY, Cape Cod MA, Mt. Holly NJ, Biloxi MS, Phoenix AZ, and Oxon Hill, MD.   Throughout the years, she adeptly managed all household and family matters while providing a home full of love and laughter.   She proudly proclaimed herself a “domestic engineer.”

Most people know her as Alice.  Her family knows her as “Babe.”  Her husband Tony lovingly called her Esther.  No matter what name she was called, Alice was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a proud American.  She never met a person in need who she didn’t reach out to help.  She was beautiful, strong, independent, loving, and kind. 

Alice loved animals, always feeding the stray cats, and taking a few in as her own.  Deer regularly found a welcome home in her backyard.  You could always find her outside cutting the grass or working in her garden. Her yard was by far the most beautiful in the neighborhood!  

When she was not in her garden, a favorite pastime activity was dancing and singing to the tunes of Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, and many other performers.   Alice joined the emerging aerobic dancing movement where she participated in classes and dance-a-thons to raise money for Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital. 

Cherished memories of her kindness and love live on in her three daughters:  Susan Novotny (John), Pamela Au (Jim), Brenda Evans (Matthew); six grandchildren Matthew, Nathan, Anthony, Joseph, Kylie, and Maggie; and seven great grandchildren Cameron, Jahsiah, Easton, Payton, Oliver, Abraham, and Lucy.  

Alice will always be remembered for the charming way she said goodbye -- “See you later alligator! In awhile crocodile!”

Burial services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Tony.  Burial service information will be posted on the Kalas Funeral Home website as it becomes available.

As a tribute to Alice, donations may be sent to Alley Cat Allies, online at <a href="https://www.alleycat.org/">https://www.alleycat.org/</a> or by mail to:  Alley Cat Allies, 7920 Norfolk Avenue Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814-2525



EUGENE SPEARS (USA, RETIRED)

Eugene Spears, previously of Oxon Hill, Maryland, passed away on Thursday, 18 February 2021. Eugene was born on 7 March 1935 in Harnett County, North Carolina to the late Sammie Dee and Mary Spears. Eugene spent 20 years and 12 days in the Army but he would often say “not a day over 20” and for good reason. As with many Veterans who served in Vietnam, it was harrowing experience. From the stories he use to often recount, it was a brutal war. He served with pride and distinction with MAC-V SOG as a Green Beret. His primary specialty was what the Army now calls, a Communicator. He crossed-trained in demolitions, guerrilla warfare, weapons, airborne operations, foreign languages, and more. He retired from the Army in 1972, worked as a civilian in Thailand for a few years, moved back to the United States in 1976, and settled in Maryland. He worked for the Department of the Navy as a quality control specialist and electronics engineer at Indian Head Naval Base. After retiring yet again, he worked at the Joint Base Bolling Commissary as a courtesy clerk for another 20 years! He really enjoyed meeting people there and passing along wisdom to young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and just about everyone who he had the pleasure of serving. He loved fishing,  card games, talking with his siblings and his friends, and playing the lottery (he had a system). In July of 2020 he developed what was later diagnosed as a terminal illness and was released to in-home hospice on 4 January 2021. He passed in his sleep. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sammie Dee and Mary; his son Michael (sp. Christina), his sisters Colia-Mae, Julia Cohen, Mary Lee Robinson, Effie Penn; his brothers, Willie Johnson, James Spears, Lucky Spears. Eugene is survived by his wife, Prongchit; his siblings, Oscar, Joe, and Edna; his former spouse Katie Williams; his children, Siannan Sperseneau, Vincent (sp. Gwen), Ron (sp. Leverne), Regina Gainey (sp. Kenneth), ChanCham, and Kato (sp. Kara); his grandchildren, Natisha Sanders, Maryam, Meek, Eugene, Darius, Jasper (f. Michael), Kathy & Ebony (f. Vincent), Beverly, Shea, Kebrina, Kim (f. Ron), Larry NcNeil Jr., Carlos McNeill, Charita Gainey, Kenneth Gainey, Jaquan Dixon (m. Regina), Bryan & Ryan (m. ChanCham), Kirk & Kristian (f. Kato) and great-grandchildren, Christina & Isabella (gf. Michael), Joseph Williams, Melani, Nathayla (gf. Vincent), Nikki, Dominic, Trey, Javon, Jaylen, Sophia, Jordan, Ibrahim, Yosua, Honesty, Trinity, Faith, Christian, Gabriel, Israel, Jacob (gf. Ron), Cikki McNeill, Heaven McNeill, Deshawn McNeill, Kobe McNeill, Karmen McNeill, Kenzie Gainey, Kaishaun Gainey, Lambrusco Gainey, Kiera Taylor (gm. Regina), and Aizen & Aylan (gf. Kato). He had his special “granddogs” Madea, Jack, and Keelo (m. Siannan). Friends and family are welcome to join live on Zoom to safely participate in and witness his ashes being spread in the Potomac River on the following virtual platform:

Topic: In Loving Memory of Eugene Spears
Time: Mar 7, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89810376209?pwd=M2N3VTd3ZXBQS3ZHL0xEK3c1K2tIQT09

Meeting ID: 898 1037 6209
Passcode: 626946

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kc4yxH9vPV

James W. Malloy, “Jim”, a resident of Glen Burnie, MD for over 20 years, and previously of Philadelphia, PA, died at his home on February 15, 2021.  Born December 14, 1957, in Abington, PA to the late James T. and Anna M Malloy, he graduated from Northeast Catholic High School for Boys and Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. 

Jim was employed with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) as a vehicle engineer.  He served in the U.S. Navy as an A-6 Organizational Maintenance Technician.  Jim's hobbies included a wide range of interests, such as art, aviation and space, astronomy, reading, and outdoor activities.  He also loved spending time cooking and perfecting gourmet meals. Jim is survived by two siblings, Tom (Kerry) Malloy of Davidsonville, MD and Joyce Malloy of Burbank, CA; and a nephew, Matt Malloy of Davidsonville, MD. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jim’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, February 24 from 5 to 7 pm.  Another celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Friday, February 26 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 225 Bellevue Ave., Pendell, PA from 11 am until his Mass of Christian Burial is offered at 12 pm. Interment Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, Langhorne, PA.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box  7023, Merrifield, VA 22116, or online at Diabetes.org/donate-memorial.  

Please take a moment and leave a condolence for the family by using the tab on this page.

Rosie M. Roe, 78, of Temple Hills, Maryland passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata, Maryland. Rosie was born on February 19, 1942 in Washington, D.C.; she was the daughter of the late Richard Storty and Margaret (Young) Storty.

Rosie was an avid horsewoman who was interested in all things equestrian from an early age. She participated in local horse shows even as a preteen; and continued showing horses into her 30’s.  An independent, hard working woman, Rosie began a 46 year career at the Giant Food Company in 1964. Along the way she made friends with many coworkers and customers.

Rosie leaves behind 3 sons, Roger Wayne Chappelear, Richard David Chappelear, and Ronald Dean Roe; a brother Richard Storty; 5 grandchildren, James Baker and his wife Cecilia, Andrew Baker and his wife Allison, Linde Hill and her husband Billy, Amanda Kress and her husband Lane, and Bobby Roe; as well as 6 great grandchildren.

Interment will be private.


Sara H. Carter of Davidsonville, MD passed away on February 17, 2021. Sara was born on December 21, 1932 in Dundalk, MD to the late James and Sarah Hess.  She worked in the telecommunication industry for Western Electric and AT&T.   Sara was a 47 year member of Davidsonville United Methodist Church where she enjoyed meeting, sharing and doing for others. Sara and her husband, the late George Carter, spent time traveling throughout the United States as both tent campers and RVers. 

In addition to her parents and husband, Sara was preceded in death by her brother, John and a step-sister, Jean. She is survived by her daughter, Georgia Katheryn Carter of Odenton, MD; a brother, Jim Hess of Baltimore, MD and many friends.   Family and friends are invited to celebrate Sara's life on Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 11am until her service begins at 12pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 


Kalas Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Please make sure to mute your microphones while attending the zoom.

Topic: Kalas Funeral home's Zoom Meeting
Time: Feb 27, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 916 0630 1078
Passcode: 310913



Mary Eleanor Suit Herkert, of Palm Coast, FL, and Edgewater, MD, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Born in Birdsville, MD, she was the youngest daughter of the late William and Daisey Tucker Suit.  Mary graduated from Southern High School in Harwood, MD and studied at the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing and Loyola College in Baltimore, MD and became a Registered Nurse.  
Mary married Robert Francis “Bob” Herkert from Pittsburgh, PA in 1960. After marriage, Mary took a break from her career to become a mother and homemaker.  With her husband, they raised their children in Kailua, HI, and Birdsville, MD and developed dear lifelong friendships. When her children grew, she returned to nursing and upon retirement was the Nurse Administrator at Woods Adult Daycare Center in Glen Burnie, MD.  After retirement, Mary and Bob relocated to Palm Coast, FL. 
Mary enjoyed traveling, gardening, drawing  and painting.  She knitted, crocheted, and was a creative seamstress and dressmaker.  She enjoyed making clothing for her daughters and granddaughters and took particular pride in designing and making her daughter’s wedding gown and flower girls’ dresses.  She was an avid genealogist and crossword puzzle enthusiast.  She loved learning and during retirement regularly took courses at the local community college where she became fluent in Spanish, studied photography, desktop publishing and took line dance classes.  Through her warm and outgoing personality she accidentally founded the Palm Coast “Taco Bell Club” where she lunched weekly and developed enduring friendships in her later years.
Mary is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bob; her children, Gregory William, Pamela Ann, Robert Edgar and his wife, Elba, Mary Frances “Francie” and her husband, Keith; her grandchildren, Sarah Christine and her partner, Matt, Heather Lynn and her partner, Jason and Robert Lorenzo and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her siblings, Charles William Suit, Anne Suit O’Donovan, Catherine Cecilia Suit, John Edgar “Ed” Suit, Frances Suit Mariscal, Robert Owen “Bobby” Suit, and Louis Joseph “Lou” Suit. 
Due to COVID-19 gathering and travel limitations, services will be held in the spring. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, May 7 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 101 Owensville Rd, West River, MD from 10:00 am until her Mass of Christian Burial begins at 11:00 am. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall tab on this page.


Robert Haldo Oliva passed away on February 15, 2021 at the age of 91 from acute myeloid leukemia, at his home in Edgewater, Maryland.
He was born in Winchendon, Massachusetts, on March 7, 1929, to Aldo and Ruth Oliva.  He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps immediately after high school, serving on active duty from 1948 until he retired in December 1968.  His second career began as a manager of Peerless Dry Cleaners in Quantico, Virginia, and eventually he became president of Admiral Cleaners (in Maryland), from which he retired just before his 75th birthday.
On January 20, 1951, he married Anna Marie Simone and they raised seven children: Frederick Oliva, Robert Oliva Jr., Janice Oliva, Mary Oliva Backs, Catherine Oliva, Angela Sirvas, and Anella Oliva.  
Robert was preceded in death by his wife and his two sons.
He enjoyed playing golf, playing cribbage, and helping his neighbors and family by cooking meals, mowing lawns, and painting houses.
At his request there will be not be a celebration of life service.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to his favorite charity, Toys for Tots.



Gretchen L. Decker, 56, a 20-year resident of Annapolis, MD and previously of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl, and Erie, PA, passed away at her home on February 15, 2021, surrounded by her family.

Gretchen was born on March 25, 1964, in Erie, PA to John and Charlotte Decker. She attended the Boyd Travel School of Pittsburgh, PA and received the Airline/Travel Career Certificate and the President’s Award for Academic Excellence. Gretchen enjoyed traveling and worked in sales at Certified Travel, Iceland Air and Travelocity.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband of 14 years, Robert Wonilowicz, and her six siblings; Martin, Matthew, Heidi, Jennifer, Mary, and Sharon.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Gretchen’s life on Sunday, February 21, 2021, from 1 to 5pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037, where a funeral service will be held on Monday, February 22, 2021, at 11 am. Entombment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Gretchen Wonilowicz to <a href="http://www.k-9lifesavers.org/" > K-9 Lifesavers</a>. Online condolences may be made to KalasFuneralHomes.com.


Thomas F. Feddon, Jr.
March 2, 1942 ~ February 15, 2021

Thomas Franklin Feddon, Jr., 78 of Murrells Inlet, SC, formerly of Clinton, MD departed February 15, 2021.  Born March 2, 1942 in Washington, DC.  Son of the late Thomas Franklin Feddon, Sr. and Willie B. (Lewis) Feddon.  Predeceased by one sister, Sr. Joyce C. Feddon, one nephew Paul Piorko.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years Barbara (Grover) Feddon, children, Michael C. (Amy) Feddon of Martinsburg, WV, David (Diane) Feddon of St. Pete Beach, FL, Brenda (Andy) Gibbs Sr. of Huntingtown, MD and Joseph (Michelle) Feddon of St. Petersburg, FL.  Grandchildren, Jesse (Katie) Feddon, Ariel Feddon, Caleb (Melissa) Wilkerson, Teagan Hunt, Zachary Tyrrell, Joshua Tyrrell, Katelyn (Austin) Gibbs, Andrew Gibbs Jr., Benjamin Gibbs, and Tanner Moody.  Survived by eight great grandchildren.  Survived by two sisters, Cheryl Davidson and Donna (Muskie) Piorko.  Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
After high school, he joined the Navy and served active duty for 8 years before going into the reserves for 20 more years and retiring as a Senior Master Chief having served most of those years at Andrews Air Force Base in Clinton, MD.  
During his Navy reserve years, he was a police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department from which he retired after 20 years. He was a founding member of the DC Police Helicopter Branch, where he ended his career as a Sergeant/Chief Pilot.  After his retirement from DC Police, he was an integral part of getting Prince Georges County Helicopter branch up and running again.  He was one of four who flew the new helicopters from Arizona to Maryland and one of two who stayed on contractually to get the pilots their required training hours.
After this, he went to work for the FAA as a Flight Worthiness Inspector and Safety Instructor and was a pilot for the State of MD Agricultural Dept and the State Police as a contractual pilot with the Medivac Unit out of their Bryans Road location.  He was also an active volunteer EMT with the Ironsides Volunteer Rescue Squad in Charles County.  Before his move to Murrells Inlet, he worked along side his daughter at the funeral home and was a transport driver.
When he retired to South Carolina, he remained active with Fleet Reserves FRA Branch #254 until its charter ended and joined with FRA Branch #269 and enjoyed his weekly lunch meetings with his shipmates.  He belonged to the Coastal Carolina Shields for retired law enforcement officers, Blue Knights Motorcycle Club, and Knights of Columbus at his parish church.  He was a lifelong member with the American Legion.  He was a volunteer with Tidelands Hospital for years.
More than anything he accomplished during his life, he was most proud of his title of Husband, Dad and Pop, as he dearly loved his family and any time he had with them.  
Family will receive friends on Monday, February 22nd at Burroughs Funeral Home at 3558 Old Kings Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 from 7-8 pm with prayer service at 7:30 pm.  Knights of Columbus will serve as Honor Guard and the American Legion will perform military honors.  He will have an escort by the Patriot Guard to his Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, February 23rd at 10 am at St. Michael’s Catholic Church at 542 Cypress Ave., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.  For those who cannot attend mass, it will be live streamed on their website: www.saintmichaelsc.net
Services will continue in Maryland on Thursday, February 25th at Kalas Funeral Home at 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD  20745 with a viewing from 10-11 am with Catholic prayer service at 11 am.  Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery with police and military honors.  Pallbearers will be his sons and grandsons.
Due to services being in two states, the family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Aylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306-3100 or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.


Ford B. West, age 73 of Davidsonville, Maryland died surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 14 after a 15-year medical adventure with metastatic, castrate resistant, prostate cancer. 

Ford was born on December 11, 1947 in Murphy, North Carolina to Venson and Evelyn Ford West. He graduated from Andrews High School in 1966 and Mars Hill College in 1970. He was a member of the Mars Hill football team, tri-captain of the 1969 team, active in student government, and listed in the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

During the first Vietnam draft lottery in 1969, his draft number was 39. He joined the United States Air Force and received an honorable discharge in May 1974 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He then attended North Carolina State University where he met the love of his life, Mary Lucas (“Cathy”). He earned a Master of Science in Food Science and would be proud to tell you that after graduation Cathy beat him out for a job they both pursued. After four years together and a proposal by mailing a ring cross-country, the two married and built a life in Maryland grounded in faith and family.  

Ford began his professional career with the National Canners Association, located in Washington, D.C. In 1979, he joined The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) where he was named President in 2005. He was passionate about the industry and his legacy of 34 years with TFI lives on through the Ford B. West Center for Responsible Agriculture, a training center in Owensboro, Kentucky named in recognition of his efforts with ResponsibleAg. In 2013, he was recognized by the Agricultural Retailers Association with the Jack Eberspacher Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2018 Ford was inducted into the Fertilizer Hall of Fame. 

Ford traveled the world with Cathy, but was happiest in his own yard tending to his garden, spending time by the pool with his children, and giving his four grandchildren endless rides on the gator. He was an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Annapolis, Md. where he and Cathy facilitated Sunday School classes for over 30 years.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy, who he married June 16, 1979 in New Providence, N.J, three children: Ashley Hurst (husband Brad) of Davidsonville, Md; Lindsey Lutz (husband Jason) of Stephens City, Va. and Lucas West (fiancée Kirsten Hartman) of Washington D.C.; four grandchildren: Ford and Brooke Hurst and Elyse and Owen Lutz; three sisters: Carolyn White (husband John) of Huntsville Al; Melva Benham of Clearwater Fl; Clarice West of Southern Pines N.C.; and one brother Rick West (wife Jan) of Heavener, Ok.

A Celebration of Life for Ford will be held onSunday, October 24 at 11:30 AM atCalvary United Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Blvd. Annapolis MD.

The family wishes any memorial contributions to be made to The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins or Calvary United Methodist Church in Annapolis, Md. 

Phyllis M. Hall, 93, a resident of Harwood, MD for seventy-three years, died at The Country Home Assisted Living Facility on Sunday, February 14, 2021 of natural causes. Born on February 20, 1927 in Annapolis, MD to the late Philip and Susan Leitch Prout, Phyllis was a graduate of Southern High School and worked for the State of Maryland for more than 20 years. She was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church and enjoyed reading, plants, television, talking on the phone and music. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Julian Stewart Hall, Sr. and her sisters, Karleen Pumphrey and Elizabeth Wallace. She is survived by her children, Julia A. Bingham and Julian Stewart Hall, Jr. both of Lothian, MD; her grandchildren, C. Allen W., Philip John and Gwendolyn A. Bingham, Kimberly A. Olinger, Kristie Lynn Click, and Jaime Michelle Byrnes; and eleven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be private. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall tab on this page.



******* DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE FAMILY HAS DECIDED TO POSTPONE TODAY'S SERVICE. THE SERVICE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23,2021 AT 4:30PM.




Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mike's life on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 4:30 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment will be private.

Dolores Evelyn James
12/16/29 –2/14/2021

Dolores Evelyn James, daughter of Vera Evelyn (Meininger) Garner and Howard Paul Garner, was born in Washington DC and spent her childhood in the Capitol.  She grew up in the Cedar Hill Community off Pennsylvania Avenue with her two sisters, Joyce Moore (Shrewsbury PA) and Jeanne Garner (Fredericksburg VA) and a large loving family of many aunts, uncles and cousins.  Dolores met her husband, the late Bernard A James, post WWII.  Together they had 9 children the late Bernard James, Jennette Hilton of Tampa, Cheryl Williams of Beverly Beach, David James of Delaware, the late Daniel James, Michael James of Herald Harbor, Vera Sohovich of Annapolis, Patricia James of Glen Burnie and Jeanne James of Herald Harbor.  She is survived by her 7 children, 19 grandchildren, 21 great grand children and 1 great great grandchild.

Dolores, Bernie, and the family moved to Anne Arundel County in the mid 60’s where Howard Garner had built the “summer cottage” on the Severn River as many DC families had done.  Back then, going to “the beach” was going to the bay.  The family spent many years enjoying the waters of Round Bay and the Severn River.  She enjoyed the bay lifestyle, playing cards, was a voracious reader and loved to travel .Even as her vision and hearing declined; she found a way to continue reading til the time of her passing.  It wasn’t unusual for her to read five or more books a week.  She was passionate about the Coastal lighthouses, visiting many from Maine to Florida.  She was always up for a family road trip and traveled the country from east coast to west coast, North to south with family in tow.  She never left the US…but had seen more of our own country than most.  She loved the Outer Banks and traveled with her children, and grand children, on many a summer vacation in Nags Head.  She was a feisty little lady, all 4’9” of her, and would be out the door to watch the pelicans and dolphins in the surf at sunrise and be found at a fishing pier making new friends. 

During WWII she worked for the Army as a cartographer.  Following her marriage, she was a homemaker for many years, not entering the workplace until her 40’s.  She worked as the customer service manager of Montgomery Wards in Annapolis – back when it was the only department store in what is now the Annapolis Mall.  She loved handcrafts.  She was an avid crocheter and liked needle work.  She took up pottery and ceramics and shared her knowledge volunteering at senior centers across Anne Arundel County.  She put her whole heart into this, turning her basement into a pottery shop, kiln and all.  She went on the craft show circuit and shared her art with others.  

She loved her family.  Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life.  She was also our light.  Making every party fun.  Despite her many hardships and health issues in life (cancer, severe arthritis), she was always happy.  Always giving.  Always teaching. Always selfless. 

She had many adventures, had a very full 91 years and passed peacefully in her sleep. A bright light who will be missed.  

There will be a celebration of life service Saturday, May 8th, 11:00 am the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037, followed by a reception at Renditions in Davidsonville.  She will be buried with her husband and son at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery In Crownsville, privately.  




Jessica Smith passed away suddenly Feb. 14 at Doctors Hospital in Lanham Md. She is survived by her son Michael 'TRE' Collins, Mother Nicole Divver, brothers Anthony Divver, David Lynch, Cory Mchan. Grandmother Eleanor Yerkie. Aunts Kelly Short, Billie Jo Haston and Cathy Crocker, along with other relatives. Jessica will be cremated and no service will be held. In lieu of flowers you can make a donation of your choice to the charity of your choice in her name.

George Nutter believed he was put on Earth to help people, and that belief held true throughout a life of service, love, and kindness for all who were lucky enough to know him.
And so, it is with tremendous sadness that George’s family announces his passing on Feb. 11, 2021. 
George collected many titles during his time: Son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, firefighter, bomb technician, investigator, teammate, and friend. In each of these roles, he carried an integrity and compassion that defined him throughout his life.  
George was born in Lowell, MA on April 4, 1961, to George and Julia (Theresa) Nutter. He developed an easy manner and sharp wit as the third-oldest in a family of eleven children; in the 1970s and 1980s, you couldn’t walk ten feet through the Christian Hill neighborhood of the city’s Centralville section without being asked if you were “Georgie” Nutter’s brother or sister. 
After studying carpentry and starring as a diver at Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical High School, George pursued the career he had dreamed about as a boy: He joined the United States Air Force to learn fire protection; thus, began his life-long commitment to helping people.
George served Prince George’s County, Maryland for 20 years: First as a firefighter, and later as a bomb technician and as a fire investigator. His dedication and expertise as an investigator were showcased in a feature story for the Washington Post Magazine in 1995.
Upon his retirement from the fire department, George ran the daily operations at the family business, Sunnybrook Tavern in Fort Washington, MD, where he was able to explore a new avenue for helping and serving others.
The sparks from the fires he battled were only matched by those he felt upon meeting JoAnn Maccarone in 1980. They married, and together, raised two children: George J. Nutter, Jr. and Jessica Nutter.
George and his family enjoyed taking vacations, traveling and attending concerts together. Music was a big part of George’s life, with traditional Irish folk songs, and albums by Pink Floyd and Bruce Springsteen being among his favorites.
 As a huge sports fan, George reveled in the success of his favorite teams: He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, and an adopted hometown fan of the Washington Redskins, Washington Capitals and Washington Nationals. 
When George, Jr. took Ashley to be his bride, he blessed his father with another opportunity to love and help, this time in the role of “Grandpa.” Perhaps nothing in the world made “Big George” happier than spending time with his grandchildren, George Joseph Nutter III & Ariel Nutter. In George’s last years, “Georgie” & Ariel were the reasons for the sparkle that lit his eyes and the smile that creased his face.
Aside from JoAnn, Jessica, George Jr., Ashley, Georgie and Ariel, George is survived by his brothers, sisters, and in-laws: Kathleen Nutter, Maureen Nutter Dumont, Gerard Nutter and his wife Donna, Patrick Nutter and his wife Donna, Colleen Nutter, Nancy Nutter, Lisa Nutter, Fred Nutter, Theresa Ellsworth and her husband John, and many nieces & nephews.
He is also remembered lovingly by his closest friends, including John Tougas, Donald Poole, and Carrolyn Grimm, who all helped take care of him in his time of need.
George is predeceased by his mother and father, by his brother, Paul Nutter, and by his in-laws, Achille & Delphine Maccarone.

“How I wish… how I wish you were here.”

Memorial services will be held on Monday, Feb. 22, from 2-5 p.m. at Kalas Funeral Home in Oxon Hill, MD.
A second memorial service will be held on Friday, Feb. 26 from 4-8 p.m. at Tyngsborough Funeral Home in Tyngsborough, MA. 
A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, Lowell, MA, followed by a burial ceremony at St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George's name to:
Colea Benevolent Fund
checks to: Prince George's County Professional Firefighters Charitable Foundation, Inc., a 501(c) 3 charity.
3060 Mitchellville Road, Suite 217
Bowie, MD  20716



Anne Brodes of Annapolis, MD passed away on February 11, 2021. She was born on January 7, 1932 in Jones Station, MD to the late William F. Kirby, Sr. and Thelma E. Kirby (nee' Howard) and was raised in Arnold. Anne was baptized into the Baptist faith in 1975. 

She worked for C&P Telephone Company from 1952 to 1977 and for AT&T from 1977 until her retirement in 1987. Anne also worked for the State of Maryland as a switch board operator. Once her kids left home Anne realized she wasn't ready for a retirement lifestyle quite yet and found a rewarding second career as a hostess at McDonalds for 6 years. 

She enjoyed crocheting, reading, games shows, slot machines. watching horseracing and occasionally  a good Margarita. Most importantly Anne enjoyed helping others. She always looked after her family and provided for them. 

In addition to her parents; Anne was preceded in death by her loving husband, William L. Brodes; a daughter, Frances Anne Hugg; two sisters and three brothers. She is survived by her three daughters, Carole, Cheryl, and Billie Anne; two grandsons, Louie and Michael; one granddaughter, Andrea; two great-grandsons, Kaedyn and Avery and two step-grandchildren she claimed as her own, Robert and Patti. She is also survived by three brothers and many nieces and nephews. Due to the ongoing COVID restrictions, Anne's interment at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cape St. Claire VFD or the Arnold VFD. Condolences may be made by clicking onthe memory link on this page.

Obituaries

Shirley Norfolk

Robert Platt

Jerry Coon

Doris Tatterson

Mary Jane Hamilton

Patricia Wichmann

Willard Toney

Alice Girillo

Eugene Spears

James Malloy

Rosie Roe

Sara Carter

Mary Herkert

Robert Oliva

Gretchen Decker

Thomas Feddon

Ford West

Phyllis Hall

Michael Shover

Dolores James

Jessica Smith

Yvonne Stephens

George Nutter

Anne Brodes