Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Ruthann Cornelius, 98, a resident of Annapolis, MD for the past 10 years and previously of Baltimore and Hyattsville, MD, passed away on May 2, 2021 at her home.  Born on September 14, 1922 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Louis and Katharine Miller, Ruthann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She dedicated her life to making a comfortable home for her husband and son and supporting them in all their pursuits and interests.  An avid Baltimore Orioles and Ravens fan, Ruthann also enjoyed crosswords, needle point and playing cards.  In her later years, her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

In addition to her parents, Ruthann was preceded in death by her loving husband of 38 years, George Charles Cornelius.  She is survived by her son, Roy C. Cornelius and his wife, Susanna of Annapolis; five grandsons, Michael, Joseph, George, Gregory and James Cornelius; one granddaughter, Mary Katharine Cornelius and three great-grandchildren.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9AM on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road, Annapolis.  Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010.  

On line condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab at the top of this page

All services at this time will be private. Please take a moment and leave a condolence for the family by using the link on this page.

Oden McLane “Junior” Cullember, Jr., 82, a lifelong resident of Annapolis, MD, died on Saturday, May 1 at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Born on March 29, 1939 in Annapolis to the late Gladys Louise and Oden M. Cullember, Sr., Junior attended Annapolis High School. He worked at Trumpy’s Boatyard, Broadwater Boatyard, managed Breezy Point Beach and Marina and worked as a shipwright at the U.S. Naval Station, North Severn. After retiring from the Naval Station, he worked as a courier for Annapolis Bank & Trust before retiring a second time. Junior formed the band, Big O and the Crystalaires which performed all around the state of Maryland for more than 45 years. He was a member of the Annapolis Elks, Moose and Masonic Lodges and the Shriners Boumi Temple in Baltimore, MD. Junior also enjoyed camping and spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Joan A. Cullember, who died on March 7, 2021; his son in law, Jeff Parnell and his granddaughter, Taylor Jaeschke. Junior is survived by his children, Chuck (Leanne) Cullember of Severna Park, MD, Mark (Amy) Cullember of Clear Spring, MD and Margie Parnell of Annapolis, MD; his sister, Louise (John) Myrick of Riva, MD; his grandchildren, Will Grierson, Kenny Cullember, Mark Cullember, Jr., Thomas Gronert, CJ Jaeschke, Morgan Parlon and Nicolas Cullember and his great-grandson, Zachary Stewart. Friends are invited to celebrate Oden's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Monday, May 10 from 10:00 am until his funeral service begins at 12:00 pm. Entombment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery in Annapolis, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Living Legacy Foundation, 1730 Twin Spring Rd., Ste. 200, Baltimore, MD 21227. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

Kalas Funeral home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Kalas Funeral Home Service for Oden Cullember
Time: May 10, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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John Phillip Steele, III of Davidsonville and previously of Bowie, MD passed away suddenly on April 30, 2021 due to a vehicle accident.  He was born to Laurie Steele Pullman and the late John P. Steele, Jr on October 21, 1976. John spent a short time in the U.S. Navy before joining PEPCO Local 1900 as a relay technician.  He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his family, especially his two daughters.    

John is survived by his mom, Laurie and her husband, Bob Pullman; daughters, Alexandria and Jordan Nicole Steele both of Davidsonville; spouse, Tricia Steele of Davidsonville; sister, Shelly Wilson of Virginia as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his PEPCO family. Friends and family are invited to celebrate John's life on Friday, May 7, 2021 from 12 - 3pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater. 

On line condolences may be made at: by using the memory tab on this page.  



Dorothy “Dot” Teresa Polvinale Principe, age 78 of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on April 30, 2021. Dorothy died in the home she shared with her adoring husband of 58 years, Frank Joseph Principe. She is survived by her loving children; Ann Principe and husband, Daniel Larnick, Stephen Principe and wife, Mary Louise and their children, Carmen (deceased), Mary Olivia, Vincent, and Dominic, Patricia Principe Schmaltz and husband, Gary and their children, Dorian and Henry, Frank J. Principe, Jr. and wife, Ashley and their children, Samuel, Burk and Lillian, Felissa Principe Oden and husband, Chris and their children, Kristina, Katie and Caroline, Peter Principe, Juliet Principe d’Epagnier and husband, Andy and their children, Madeleine, Violette, and Camille, Andrew Principe and wife, Angie and their children, Nicholas, Sophia and Angelina, Amanda Principe Overby and husband, Scott and children, Isabella and Avery and Lucia Principe and her daughter, Xayla. Dorothy leaves behind a legacy of extended family, who loved her beyond measure and includes great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dot was born on August 2, 1942, and raised in Washington, DC with her older sister, Mary “Bunny” Polvinale David, her brothers, Richard and Joseph Polvinale and youngest sister, Lisa Polvinale Hall. She attended Notre Dame Academy and Mount Aloysius Junior College before marrying the love of her life on April 27, 1963 and embarking on the adventure of starting the family she had always dreamed of having. 
Anyone who came in contact with Dot experienced her larger-than-life personality. She held firmly to her values and beliefs and loved fiercely. Dot cherished her family and was always there to welcome a stranger or lend a hand to those in need. Her passion for food and cooking was one of the many ways she showed her love. To know Dot was to know her traditions of Friday night pizza, Christmas biscotti, and the annual summer camp called “Camp Toddi” with the grands and great grands.
 
Dorothy, Dot, Thumper, Aunt Dot, Cizzi, Toddi, Mom...she answered to many names and left an indelible mark on all those who knew her. The house she shared with Frank and their ten children was considered “home” to so many. The world will never be quite the same without her in it. 
May she find rest and comfort in the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Dot’s life on Wednesday, May 5 from 9:30 to 11:00 am at her home, 8060 Croom Rd., Upper Marlboro, MD followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 pm at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Chester, MD. Interment will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Queenstown, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Chesapeake Charities, Not My Child Fund, 101 Log Canoe Circle, Ste. “O”, Stevensville, MD 21666

An online guestbook is available by visiting the link on this page.

LT Hobart Kistler, USN, SC, (USNA '13) passed away Friday, April 30, 2021 in a tragic car accident.  He is survived by his incredible wife and family.

Words alone will not suffice to describe the life of Hobart Kistler, but we will try.  Hobart was a true American, honorably serving his country through service to his nation in the US Navy Supply Corps.  More importantly, however, Hobart was an incredible human being whose reputation crossed more social circles and networks than anyone could begin to imagine.  A passionate historian and genealogist, Hobart never ceased to amaze those who knew him with his never-ending stories and his ability to transcend generations.  His impact on those he met serves as a testament to his character and his legacy will be unparalleled.  

Hobart graduated from United States Naval Academy in May 2013 with a BS in Economics and a minor in Spanish and commissioned as a US Naval Supply Corps Officer.  After graduation, Hobart finished his MS in Finance from Johns Hopkins University before reporting to Supply School in Newport.  Hobart served tours as the Supply Officer aboard the USS Louisville (SSN-724), Deputy Director of Finance at the Office of Naval Reactors, Military Social Aide to the President, and was serving as the Retail Services Officer aboard the PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN-79).

Rest easy, shipmate.  We have the watch.  Stand tall, big man.

Unfortunately due to COVID restrictions services are private. If you wish to donate to the family, please use the link below.

<a href="https://gofund.me/cdacb04d">go fund me</a>


Sally “Sal” Burrows Zoller, age 93, a resident of Edgewater for over 50 years who previously lived in Silver Spring, died April 29, 2021 at her residence of natural causes.  Born March 1, 1928, she was a high school graduate who worked as an administrative assistant at the Department of Agriculture before becoming a full-time mother and homemaker.   She was a member of Joy Reigns Lutheran Church, the Ladies of the Elks, American Legion and the South County Senior Center, where she spent many hours volunteering her time.  Sally was extremely creative with any projects where she used her hands, including quilting, sewing, painting, sculpting, stained glass art, dollmaking and reupholstering furniture.  
Sally is survived by her children, Sara Zoller Starry of Crownsville, Joseph S. Zoller, Jr. of Damascus, Sandra Zoller Gardenhour of Edgewater and James S. Zoller of Warrenton, VA;  her grandchildren Glenn J. Starry, Kevin J. Starry, John T. Eloshway, James W. Eloshway, Brandon C. Gardenhour, Robert J. Eloshway, Jonathan S. Gardenhour, Elizabeth Rose Bulger, Erika Jo Hoffman, Kathleen Zoller,  Jennifer Zoller and Joseph Zoller; and her great grandchildren, Parker Starry, Arthur Starry, Dalton Bulger, Wyatt Bulger, Josephine Hoffman and three more great grandchildren on the way.   She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph S. Zoller, Sr. and a son, John S. Zoller.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Sally’s life on Monday, May 10 from 7-9 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 11 at 11 AM.  Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sally’s name may be made to <a href="https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/">Hospice of the Chesapeake</a>, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122.

Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guest book at the link on the left side of this page.

Edward Anthony “Ed” McKenney, 77, of Shady Side, MD and previously of Tyler, TX, passed away at his home on April 29, 2021.  Born on October 27, 1943 in Ft. Sill, OK to the late Bertram and Mildred McKenney, Ed served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years, retiring in 1990 with the rank of Commander.  He earned a Master’s degree in Foreign Affairs and later earned a Doctorate degree as well.  After retiring from the Navy, Ed taught at the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges for 12 years and the Coastline Community College for 9 years where he served as Dean of Military Education.  Ed enjoyed traveling, sailing, gardening and, most especially, spending time with his family.  

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Jacquelene McKenney; four children, Elizabeth McKenney of Newport, RI, Gordon McKenney and his wife Donna of Annapolis, MD, Jeremy Lutz and his wife Melissa of Crofton, MD and Jared Lutz of Morongo Valley, CA; and four grandchildren, Christian and Cooper Lutz of Crofton and Hendrix Lutz and Justice Stevens of Morongo Valley.  A memorial service will be held for Ed at 1PM on Wednesday, May 19 at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, 1815 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis, MD 21403.  Online condolences may be offered at: KalasFuneralHomes.com


Michael Edward “Mike” Cronin, 69, a true family man and resident of Annapolis, MD for forty-three years, died on Wednesday, April 28 due to complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on August 30, 1951 in Washington, DC, as the third child of seven, to the late William J. “Bill” and Mary T. Cronin. Mike was a devoted and kind son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He attended Mt. Calvary Grade School and was a proud graduate of Gonzaga College High School and Villanova University. He made his career as a certified public accountant with Brown, Cronin & Frye and later, Cronin & Associates. 

As a young man at Gonzaga, a place where he made so many lifelong friends and memories, he was a sports enthusiast. While he would never be one to mention it, his efforts earned him a place in Gonzaga’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He played football, basketball and baseball and served as co-captain in both football and basketball. Throughout his four years playing football, he served as wingback, halfback, quarterback, cornerback and safety while also carrying the punting and place-kicking duties. In basketball, as a sophomore, he was responsible for the creation of league rule prohibiting players from playing JV and Varsity games on the same day after scoring 30 points in the JV game and 15 points in the Varsity game that immediately followed. In baseball, Mike was a standout as both a shortstop and centerfielder. 

He also had many good times on the swim and dive teams at Oakcrest Country Club with his brothers and sisters in the summer. As a child he also spent a lot of summer time down at North Beach with all of his siblings and a multitude of many cousins having a blast, as well as weeks down at Bethany Beach every summer with his own wife and children and extended family and friends.  

His love of playing sports transitioned to coaching when he became a dad, coaching many Little League baseball and softball, basketball, and soccer teams for his kids and their friends over the years. He was an avid golfer for his entire adult life and had many fond memories and great times with friends in his slow-pitch softball league. 

Mike thoroughly enjoyed a good meal with family and friends and was known to remark that he never needed to go to a restaurant because he could eat so well at home, thanks to the amazing cooking of his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 47 years, Patricia Cronin.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia “Trish” or “Pat” Cronin; his children, Stacy Williams (Iwan) of Severna Park, MD and James Cronin (Dawn) of Easton, MD; his siblings, William “Bill” Cronin of Pass Christian, MS, Timothy “Tim” Cronin (Veronica) of Atlanta, GA, Joseph “Joe” and Mary Ann Cronin both of Washington, DC and Catherine Cronin and Julie McHale (Steve) both of Annapolis, MD and his grandchildren, James “Jay” and Rylee Cronin and Rhys and Brynn Williams, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mike’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Tuesday, May 4. Visitation will occur from 1-2pm, when his memorial service will begin. Masks will be required and social distancing measures will be followed. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the <a href="https://www.gonzaga.org/support-gonzaga/make-a-gift">Gonzaga Fund</a> in memory of Mike Cronin '69. Alternatively, make checks payable to “Gonzaga College High School” and send to the attention of the Advancement Office at 19 Eye Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 or the <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_giving&set.custom.wt=giving&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsqmEBhDiARIsANV8H3abaMTSSKHpNbfwGW-JbB5_hx38Q32skgdhs1mHAMzK021u5PC4UWQaAk81EALw_wcB">Alzheimer’s Association</a>, 1850 York Rd., Ste. D, Timonium, MD 21093.

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

Rollie James Washington, Jr., affectionately known as “Ray” to his family and friends, was born on September 7, 1947 in Orlando, Florida to Rollie James Washington, Sr. and Clotiel McKinnie (Bell).  However, he grew up along with his older brother, James Bellamy, in the care of their dedicated grandparents, George and Ruby Jackson, who exposed them to farm life in Chipley, Florida. Their grandfather grew peanuts and raised horses, cattle, pigs. Throughout his life, Ray frequently spoke fondly of his farm life experiences in Chipley, which clearly inspired him and his former wife to acquire an 82-acre farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland in the 1980s.

His roots in Tallahassee, Florida: After the passing of his grandfather, Ray’s grandmother eventually relocated him and his brother to Tallahassee, Florida where she supported them by doing domestic work for white families. Ray and his brother also had to work to contribute to their care. Their non-nuclear family worked together cleaning the whites-only office buildings in the downtown area of Tallahassee and always during the late-night hours because they were prohibited from interacting with the office occupants.

During the 1960s, Ray became a high school football standout at “Old” Lincoln High School, the Blacks-only high school in Tallahassee. He earned a football scholarship to Florida A&M University. Ray also met and married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Mae Alexander, in Tallahassee. They were married for 47 years until they divorced in 2015. Together they raised and educated their five children - Rollia Oliver (Robert Anthony), Rollie “Little Ray” Washington (Sumone), Rovall Washington (Caitlin), Raichell Brown (Chris), and Raechell Bailey (Marcus). Ray was also a father to his first two grandchildren, Eric and Ashley, during their life just as his grandfather was for him. Three of his oldest grandchildren, all of whom are now adults, still affectionately call him “Daddy.”

His life in Maryland: After Ray’s freshman year at Florida A&M University, he transferred to Morgan State University where his football career continued to grow and led to a short-term professional football contract. Nonetheless, he sustained a neck injury and did not fulfill his potential to play professional football. Despite his unrealized dream to play professional football, he experienced professional and financial success through a variety of other endeavors. In addition to working jobs to support his growing family, he purchased and subdivided land in Anne Arundel County, Maryland and joined forces with a life-long friend from high school to build and sell single family homes.  

Additionally, he and his former wife formed Washington and Washington Enterprises, which provided social services to underserved and disabled communities. In the mid- 1980s, the pair discovered an 82-acre parcel of farmland for sale in Upper Marlboro, then known as horse country in Prince George’s County. The pair purchased the property and relocated their still-young family from suburban Anne Arundel County to the place the family now refers to as “The Farm.” Ray acquired and bred thoroughbred horses, raised cattle, and taught his children the humility and pride of hard-working farm life that he cherished from his early childhood.

His legacy: A few years before his passing, Ray accepted his oldest daughter’s invitation to speak to her middle school classes on Career Day. He shared the stories of his many successful business endeavors during his younger years. After concluding his talk, a student asked him, “What was your greatest accomplishment?” He tearfully replied, “My family.” 

Rollie James Washington, Jr. was not a perfect man, but he was, without a doubt, a good man. He was born into no advantages in life, but he dared to dream big and worked hard to pursue extraordinary endeavors. As a result, his children, grandchildren, and descendants who will never know him have a strong foundation from which they can achieve greatness. 

In his later years, Rollie James Washington, Jr. (a.k.a. Daddy, Grandpa, Pop-pop, and Ray) focused on his grandchildren and relished in the pure joy that they brought to his life, and he dedicated his time and energy to trying to bring just as much joy to theirs. He is survived by his five children as well as his 18 grandchildren – Eric, Ashley, Robert Christopher, Colby, Justin, Zarriah, Mia, Phoebe, Princeton, Boston, Alexandra, Keith, Christina, Dorian, Devvon, Rhilee, Marcus (MJ), and Emmersyn – and two great grandchildren, Cire and Victoria. He is also survived by his former wife, older brother, and a handful of dear friends.




George Francis “Skip” Houston, 90, a 40 year resident of Edgewater, MD., died April 26, 2021.  George was born in Colesville on December 8, 1930 to George and Mary (Hutchison) Houston where he lived until joining the U.S. Air Force in 1951.  He married his beloved Barbara Ann Mills in 1953. They lived in Topeka, KS; Takoma Park; Colesville; and Rockville before settling in Edgewater in 1981.  

George served in the Air Force from 1951-1955, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.  Following the Air Force, he worked as a brick layer before being promoted to construction superintendent for a private company building and renovating schools and churches, mostly in Montgomery County.  He was well respected by Montgomery County Schools, which hired him to work as an inspector until his retirement. 

George was known for his gentle nature and dry wit, and those who spent even a few minutes with him would find themselves walking away with a smile on their face.  Even as he lay ill in bed he could be heard talking and laughing with his late wife, Barbara.  To say he will be missed by many is a great understatement.   

He is survived by his daughter, Deborah (Dale) Russell of Friendship; his brother, Robert “Rocky” (Suzie) Houston of Silver Spring; his grandchildren, James (Connie) and Brian (Bonny) Russell, Joseph (Amanda) McWilliams, Melissa (Dannie) Demoucelle, and Emily (Nam) Nguyen; his great grandchildren, Evan, Ryan, Cash, Ford, Smith, Logan, McKenzie, Daniel and Everett.  He was looking forward to meeting two great grandchildren due in May and June.  

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary; his beloved wife of 66 years, Barbara; daughters Diane McWilliams (Bruce Bennett) and Teresa Houston; and siblings John “Tommy” Houston, Mary “Little Mary” Houston, and Elizabeth “Betty” Tucker.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate George’s life at a memorial gathering on Thursday, May 6 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD with a memorial service to follow at 12:30.  Private inurnment will be at  Crownsville Veterans Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in George’s name to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 
Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023


Robert Harrison Myers, Sr, Lieutenant Commander, USN (Retired)

Died at the age of 73 at his residence in Fort Washington, Maryland on April 25th, 2021. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Juanita Myers and his second wife, Esther Azarcon Myers. He is survived by his only son, Robert H. Myers, Jr and grandchildren, Valeria, Vander, Venice and Vella. 

Bob, as known to his friends and family, was born on May 22, 1947 at Orange, New Jersey to Robert V. Myers and Alice Jane Myers. He is the eldest of 7 siblings, survived by sister, Susan Carenza-Richard, brothers Tom and Tim Myers.

Robert Myers graduated from University of Missouri with a degree in Forestry. He was subsequently commissioned with the US Navy as a Photographic Officer, where he served tours in South Korea and Vietnam. Among his awards, LCDR Myers received the Navy Commendation Medal; the Navy Achievement Medal with Gold Star; Navy Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Korean Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars. He honorably retired from the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 5th, 2021 at Saint Columba Catholic Church, in Oxon Hill, MD at 11:00 am. Viewing of the urn, and gathering of friends and family will be held at the side chapel from 10:00-11:00 am. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery to be announced at a future date, arranged by Kalas Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Saint Columba Catholic Church.


On Saturday, April 24, 2021; the beloved mother of Maria M. Saporteza. Relatives and friends are invited to Leonides' Life Celebration on Sunday, May 2 from 1 to 4 and 5 to 8 pm at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, May 3 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church,  7800 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment immediately following the mass at St. Mary's Church of Piscataway Cemetery, 13401 Piscataway Rd., Clinton, MD.

Robert Thomas “Bobby” Merkert, 62, a longtime resident of Severna Park, MD died of sepsis on Saturday, April 24 at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. Born on December 31, 1958 in New Haven, CT to the late Eugene Hayes and Patricia Tighe Merkert, Bobby was a graduate of The University of Maryland, Robert Smith School of Business. His professional career included Vice President, Public Sector  Pure Storage, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Jeskell Systems and Vice President, IBM Systems, Federal. Bobby was a member of Mariners Church, Forked Creek Yacht Club, and a two-time Chartwell Golf and Country Club Champion. Bobby’s wife, his children, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and extended family were the joy of his life. His legacy of kindness, his lighthearted smile, passion for golf, love for the Lord, and his zest for life will always be a part of them. He was an inspiration to so many who knew him and his unassailable spirit encouraged so many to reach for their greatest potential. Bobby is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathleen Boyd Merkert; his sons, Robert T. Merkert, Jr., Keegan P. Merkert and Andrew T. Merkert; his daughter-in-law Claire V. Merkert, and granddaughter Lila A. Merkert ; his siblings, Maureen Lalley, her husband John, E. Hayes Merkert, his wife Molly, J. Tighe Merkert, his wife Irene, Megan Hoffman, her husband Bob, Patricia Bell, her husband Brad, Tom Merkert, and his wife Stephanie; his in-laws Jack and Cecil Boyd, John and Diana Boyd, Lisa and John McGovern, and Christopher and Beth Boyd, as well as many nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to celebrate Bobby’s life at the Chartwell Golf and Country Club, 1 Chartwell Dr., Severna Park, MD on Saturday, May 22 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Best Day Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Chapter, 567 Auto Center Dr., Watsonville, CA 95076 or online by clicking <a href="https://bestdayfoundation.org/donate/">HERE</a>. Please take a moment and leave a condolence for the family by using the tab on this page.

Shirley was Born in Berwyn Heights Maryland on July 9, 1930 to late Robert Ailes and Alice Lawson. Shirley departed this earthly life onto eternal rest on Friday April 23, 2021, peacefully at INOVA Hospital. 

Shirley married her longtime friend and love, Clarence Junior Dewhirst, on December 3rd 1949 who preceded her in death in December 26, 1974. Shirley was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children, and grandchildren, she embraced every moment with them. She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. She was always involved in her local community and made friends everywhere she went.

Shirley was a member of the Eastern Star Mason in the late 70s, She retired as a school bus driver from Prince Georges County Public Schools. She was active with the Berwyn Heights Senior Center; and was one of the star players on their Wii Bowling league. Shirley volunteered at the Berwyn Heights Presbyterian Church Food Pantry. She spent her summers at Solomon’s Island, with family and friends. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She doted on her family and was happiest when her large brood surrounded her.

Shirley is proceeded in death by her Husband Clarence Junior Dewhirst, and her Son Charles Edgar Dewhirst. Two Sisters, Patricia, and Jean two sister in laws, Janice and Lavern. Shirley is survived by seven children, Patricia Ellen Raum husband John Edward Raum Sr. William Allen Dewhirst, wife Linda Dewhirst, Clarence Robert Dewhirst, Ruth Francis Belsar, Frank David Dewhirst, Roger Glen Dewhirst wife Connie Dewhirst and Kathy Lindsay Nukols huband Bernard.

MARGARET SUSAN EMERY was born on January 4, 1927 in Englewood, New Jersey to Charles E. Emery and Dorothy Gardner Jaynes (Emery). She had one older sister, Dorothy Jaynes Emery. “Peggy Sue,” or “P.S.”, as she was known to most everyone for much of her life, spent most of her childhood in Towson, Maryland and lettered in a number of sports at Towson High School—badminton and basketball being two of them. When the United States entered the war in 1941, her family moved to Quantico where her father, Charles E. Emery re-entered active duty as a Lt. Col. in the Marine Corps as commander of a service battalion. This is where she met Ronald Lee Glendinning, who had graduated from the Naval Academy in 1945 and entered the Marine Corps as a First Lieutenant. They were married at the Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis in 1946 and—after the birth of Puddy (1948) and Charlie (1949) at Camp Pendleton, California—the family found themselves back across the country in military housing in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where Ronnie trained in combat at Camp Lejeune and soon shipped off to Korea. (SIDEBAR: This is as good a time as any to remind people—as P.S. always did—that it’s pronounced “luh ZHERN”, not “luh JOON.” Please . . . make her happy . . . say it right.

The end of one war and the beginning of another, was a time of transition. Peggy Sue’s parents bought a small house in downtown Annapolis that served as a kind of “home base” for the rather rigorous planting and transplanting that the military finds necessary for enlisted families. Her father, Charles Emery, had recently founded Emery Advertising in Baltimore and was always glad when the growing family showed up on his doorstep. One such time was for Charlie’s baptism in 1950 just before Ronnie left for Korea. During the time he was away, the family was officially in Jacksonville, but were always glad NOT to be there, preferring, rather, to be in Annapolis with “Gangie” and “Dordo.”

When Ronnie returned from Korea, the Marine Corps moved the family to Portland, Maine where Ronnie’s duties found him at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. Why the family chose to live in Portland (which is 50 miles north) is a complete mystery. One could imagine a desperate scenario: What if someone needed to go to the hospital in Kittery, let’s say for a pregnancy? And what if on the way—while one’s poor wife was in the throes of active labor—one had a flat tire? And what if, while changing that tire, one had to tell one’s wife she had to hitchhike (since who in their right mind would pass by a visibly pregnant woman in pain on the side of the road while her husband banged away with a wrench on a stubborn lugnut?) The answer: no one. P.S. stuck out her thumb and the very next car picked her up and got her to the hospital in the nick of time to welcome Rob (1952) into the world.

During this time in Portland (which really only lasted a little more than a year) it is hard to believe that the family actually lived in three houses: One on Maine Avenue for a short while as they looked for a more “permanent” house on State Street. Then, a third, that Ronnie built (in his spare time) just before the Corps shipped the family back out to Camp Pendleton. The house was in Barstow, California—a cinder block bunker in the middle of the Mojave desert. They had traded the five-foot snow drifts of Maine for blistering sand storms and melting tar dripping off the roof. It was here in Barstow that the family realized that much of their life in the Marine Corps was living out of boxes. This may have been the moment of epiphany when Ronnie and P.S. had “the discussion” about whether or not it’s an excellent idea to try to raise a growing family while remaining an active-duty Marine. Whomever was on which side in that discussion, is lost to the ages. The outcome was that Ronnie decided to leave active duty and take a job as an electrical engineer at Westinghouse in Baltimore. The fact that may have tipped the scales, however, was that P.S. was pregnant with Dolphy (1954). In any case, to celebrate, they decided to camp from Barstow to Annapolis in a leaky and heavily-oiled green umbrella tent.

With the family getting ever larger, and the small house in Annapolis remaining the same size, they needed a bigger house, so in the Spring of 1955, two grandparents, a mother, a father, four children, a dog and an upright Steinway piano moved into a house in Wardour, an area just north of Annapolis on the Severn River. When P.S.’s father, Charles Emery, died in 1957, her mother went to live with her sister, Margaret Reed, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Ronnie and P.S. and four children moved to West Annapolis where Katherine was born (1960). In 1962, Ronnie went to work for NASA at Cape Canaveral and the family followed a year later, moving into a house in Rockledge, Florida on the Indian River. Almost weekly, they watched the rockets take off—first in brilliant silence, but then finishing in a distant low rumble. Sadly it was here that the “differences” between Ronnie and P.S. proved “irreconcilable” and they separated, the family moving back to West Annapolis after just one year.

In 1975, P.S. met and married Philip Fanshawe Clapp and they built a house in Edgewater where they lived for most of the “growing up time” of her 11 grandchildren who decided her new name would be “Mimi.” When Phil died in 1997 she moved into a condo in Edgewater and loved the commotion of holidays as her 11 grandchildren added 17 great-grandchildren to the commotion. 

Mimi loved camping, dabbled as a painter, a potter, a poet, a cook. She gardened like a boss, was a seamstress, a knitter and raised wonderful children. She was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and prayed diligently for her children. She loved holidays and suffered (with joy) to make them magic for everyone. She never did things by half-measures. She was a member of the D.A.R. and The Mayflower Society. She sat with family members (under the guidance and astounding brilliance of the Internet) and traced her lineage through the Livingstons all the way back to Robert the Bruce. Refusing to stop there, she found that her ancestors went all the way back to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, where the Livingstons (then known as “deLeving,” revealing their Hungarian origin) accompanied Queen Margaret in her journey north to the Netherlands. But a storm had other plans and swept the ship to Scotland. Mimi’s love for Scotland was long-standing. She bought Charlie his first bagpipe, Rob his first drum, and sewed kilts for Puddy, Dolphy and Katherine. The inspiration behind the Annapolis Pipe Band happened when she stood up at a PTA meeting and suggested it. She also brought in Sandy Jones, Pipe Major of the Air Force Pipe Band, to ensure the band didn’t embarrass itself when it decided their first-ever competition would be the World Championships at Cowal in Dunoon, Scotland. On that trip in 1969, the entourage numbered eight on an overnight flight to Prestwick. Not having slept a wink on the plane, they landed in the morning, Mimi rented a van and drove the entire group (on the wrong side of the road) across Scotland to Callander. They arrived at their hotel at 8:00 pm. (Note to anyone: Never do this.)

It was, with a sweet sadness, in the early morning of April 21, 2021, at age 94, Mimi slipped the surly bonds of earth in her own bed. The fact that she could BE in her own bed was due in large part to her caregivers, Darren Baze, Lisa Park and Marta Azorsa. Their care of Mimi over the past several years was a true Godsend! God bless you, Mimi! You have blessed so many beyond measure!

All arrangements for Margaret are private. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to "Martha's Table" by clicking the link <a href="https://marthastable.networkforgood.com/projects/95536-martha-s-table-martha-s-table-expanded-programs-covid-19?utm_source=website&utm_medium=menu&utm_campaign=donatenowbutton">HERE</a>

Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the link on this page.  

Thurmon Benjamin Jones III, age 57, passed away peacefully on April 21st, 2021 surrounded by love and family. His trying battle with cancer magnified the extent of his determined nature in life. He was born January 19, 1964, in Washington, D.C., to Nadine Greene-Pini and Thurman B. Jones Jr. He eloped and married his longtime friend and love, Oluseyi Alegbeleye-Jones who in met in November of 1998. 

Thurmon was a mentor to many, a jack of all trades, and a master of none. His hobbies and interest were boundless from cooking to landscaping, and certainly everything in between. He loved technology, gadgets, music, cars, and mechanics. By far, home improvement and grilling were his favorite. Thurmon was a fixer-upper and always devised a solution to every problem. 

For many years Thurmon worked as an entrepreneur which matched his drive to obtain knowledge and skills. He gave back to the world and his community by helping, guiding, and conversing with others. If someone needed help, Thurmon was the one to lend a hand or a tool. Every act of kindness delighted his heart as he never ceased to offer aid, even to strangers. 

His life was a living example of Ephesians 4:32: “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

Thurmon is survived by his loving parents, Nadine Greene-Pini and Thurman B. Jones Jr.; sisters, Heidi (John) and Cheronda (Dwayne); wife, Seyi; children, Thurmon IV (La’Trisha), Tiffany (Jason), Naomi, and Thurmon V; grandchildren, Leila, Ta’Niya, Isaiah, Joshua, Benjamin, Gianna, and Zuri; plus, his many nieces and nephews; Christopher, Jade, John, Jordyn, Dwayne. All of these he loved and touched deeply. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Thurmon's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, April 28 from 11 am until his funeral service begins at 12 pm.  Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Thurmon’s GoFundMe for medical expenses by visiting the link <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-thurmon-in-this-very-difficult-times?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer">HERE</a>

Please take a moment to sign his online guestbook.

Kathleen Alice “Kathy” Giuffreda, 65 a 17-year resident of Wesley Chapel, FL and previously of the Edgewater/Davidsonville area in Maryland, passed away suddenly on April 21, 2021 following an automobile accident.  Born on May 8, 1955 in Annapolis, MD to the late Wheatley and Constance Ward, Kathy graduated from high school and went on to train for a career as a dental assistant.  She was a jokester and enjoyed reading, good music and spending time in Ocean City, MD.  

Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Joe Giuffreda; her son, Robbie (Mary Beth) Hall of Pasadena, MD; her daughter, Tammy (Ron) Smith also of Pasadena; one brother, Edward (Kathleen) Ward of Edgewater; two sisters, Virginia (Harry) Gessford of Edgewater and Peggy Chappell of Florida; and five grandchildren: Julianna, Dalton and Lainey Hall and Mathew and Brenden Smith.  

Friends are invited to celebrate Kathy’s life with her family from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, May 3 at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater where Kathy’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 4.  Burial will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville.


Barbara “Bubba” Ann Boyer, 79, passed away April 20, 2021 in Centreville, MD. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Heidi Hiltabidle, son in law Walter Hiltabidle, grandchildren Jack and Greer. She is also survived by her sister Kathleen Riggsbee, niece Mary Ann Sullivan , great niece Teagan Ann Sullivan of Centreville, MD and brother Judd Kendall of Deltona, FL.

Barbara worked for years as a manicurist for several salons in Annapolis and loved her clients. She enjoyed knitting, being tan, baking, sewing, ice cream and shopping (like her daughter and granddaughter!) She was a wonderful grandmother to Jack and Greer.

Barbara loved the water and her ashes will be spread in Queenstown at a later date.

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

Cosette Laslo, nicknamed Cozy or Net over the years, passed away Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland at the age of 94 with her three daughters present at her side.

She was predeceased by three brothers and one sister.

Cosette was born March 13, 1927 to Ethan and Mable Sapp on their farm and raised there in Stark, Florida.
After graduation, Cosette obtained a position as a switch board operator with “Ma Bell” and moved to Jacksonville with that company.  She later transferred to Washington DC, where she met the love of her life, William Laslo and settled in Forestville, Maryland where she gave birth to and raised four children, Steven, Tina, Michele and Cyndi.

Cosette later worked for Burlington Coat Factory until she was 84, enjoying meeting and helping people each day.  She moved to Annapolis in 2002, and was cared for by her daughter Michele for her remaining years.
Cosette loved the sun, beach, sunrises, sunsets, plants and flowers, fireworks in Ocean City, pastries in Puerto Rico with her son and daughter in law, ballroom dancing and was an avid reader.  Mostly she loved, and lived for, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, attending every possible function, birthdays, graduations, etc.  Cosette was thoughtful of her appearance and her wardrobe was classic.
Cosette’s excellent memory allowed her to enjoy sharing detailed stories of experiences and amusements, that spanned several decades, with friends and family.  She still controlled her own finances and paid her own bills.

Cosette is survived by her son, Steven Laslo, three daughters, Tina Fullerton, Michele Hardman and Cyndi Hargrove, grandson Kyle Laslo, granddaughters Chelsea Fullerton and Cierra Hargrove, as well as great grandchildren, Liam Laslo and Lorelei Laslo.

A celebration of life with friends and family will be announced at a later date.

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

Edward L. Schwenk, “Ed”, 76, a resident of Solomons, MD and previously of Calabash, NC passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021 in Washington, DC.

Ed was born on December 26, 1944 in Washington, DC to the late Raymond and Eva Schwenk. During his youth, he was a life-guard, played Varsity Baseball and Football and became a Gold-Glove Boxer. He was a Class of 1963 graduate of Suitland High in Maryland. Sadly, during his junior year, his father passed away and Ed was left to take care of his mother. Shortly after graduating high school, he chose to serve his country proudly in the US Navy so that he could help provide for his mother. During his 8-year service, he flew in multiple missions over Vietnam and was stationed at Naval Air Stations in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Corpus Christi, Texas and Patuxent River, Maryland. Upon completion of his service, he went to work for the Federal Government for over 38 years. He last worked at Fort Meade and retired as a Supervisor for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Ed was an avid golfer and loved watching his beloved Notre Dame football and Washington Redskins. In 1983, he even cheered the Redskins on to victory at the Rose Bowl in Super Bowl XVII. For 0ver 20 years, he was known throughout PG County for coaching woman’s basketball and softball. And at one time, Ed had a brief stint as the JV Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Maryland, College Park. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed countless hours playing cards, chicken foot, Parcheesi and miniature golf.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Ro Schwenk, three sons; Edward Schwenk II of Buckeye, AZ, Jeff Schwenk of York, PA and Ryan Schwenk of Solomons, MD. He leaves behind two daughter-in-laws; Elisa Schwenk and Ashley Schwenk. He is also survived by his seven amazing grandchildren; Paige, Nickolas,
Matthew, Caleb, Taylor, Joshua and Mekyla and 4 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ed's life on Sunday, April 25, 2021 from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

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

Richard Anthony LaForte, age 63, a five year resident of Port Deposit, MD and formerly of Fort Washington, MD  passed away at his residence on Monday, April 19, 2021 from Coronary Artery Disease.  

Richard was born November 4, 1957 in Perth Amboy, NJ to Michael and Geraldine LaForte. After graduating High School he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He served his country as an Aircraft Firefighting and Rescue Specialist for seven years including a tour in Japan and a tour in Turkey. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He was honorably discharged in July of 1983. He started a career with the Prince George’s County Fire Department in 1984 as a Fire Technician. He retired after 18 years of service in 2002. His nickname around the Fire Department was “Fred Flintstone”. 

Richard was a former Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #5317. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, playing golf, dominating the world while playing Risk, spending time with his family, playing cards (poker & spades) and drinking Coors Light.  
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his five children, John L. LaForte of Nottingham, PA, Michael E. LaForte of Ashburn, VA, Richard S. LaForte of Manassas, VA, Kathleen E. Maresch of Waldorf, MD and Michelle F. LaForte of Manassas, VA; his brother, Michael K. LaForte of Bethel, ME ; his grandchildren, Sean M. LaForte of Ashburn, VA  and Guinevere E. Maresch of Waldorf, MD; his former wives, Virginia Stidoms and Suzanne LaForte and many other relatives and friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Richard’s Life Celebration on Friday, May 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, May 8th at 12 noon at Highview Memorial Gardens, 
3433 Fallston Rd., Fallston, MD 21047.  Memorial Contributions may be made to the Semper Fi Fund, seperfifund.org	


Daniel L. Gray, "Danny", 76, a 28-year resident of Glen Burnie and previously of Edgewater, MD, died on April 16, 2021 at the Mandrin Inpatient Care Center in Harwood, MD from heart failure following a long illness. Born October 20, 1944, in Washington, DC to the late Elise May (Halley) Gray Nacke and George Dale Gray, he worked at Silver Hill Sand & Gravel from 1969 to 1999 and Safeway from 1994 to 2012. Danny served his country in the U.S. Navy from October 31, 1961, to February 18, 1966, on board the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42). He was a longtime member of American Legion Post 248 in Temple Hills and Post 226 in Mayo. Danny enjoyed doing word searches, playing Wii, and swimming with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Barbara Gray; five children, Daniel Gray of Seattle, WA, Amanda Ryan of Pasadena, MD, Dianne Gray of Florida, Vickie Hood of Pennsylvania, and Anita Hohman also of Pennsylvania; two sisters, Eleanora Musgrove of Frankfurt, DE and Cecelia Rinehart of Mayo, MD; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Danny's life on Saturday, May 15, at 1 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where Danny was a longtime member, 409 5th Ave SE, Glen Burnie, MD. Interment private. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122. Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the link on the left side of this page.

Obituaries

Ruthann Cornelius

Albert Stewart

Oden Cullember, Jr.

John Steele

Dorothy Principe

Hobart Kistler

Sally Zoller

Edward McKenney

Michael Cronin

Rollie Washington

George Houston

Robert Myers

Leonides Saporteza

Robert Merkert

Shirley Dewhirst

Margaret Clapp

Thurmon Jones

Kathleen Giuffreda

Barbara Boyer

Cosette Laslo

Charlie Thames

Edward Schwenk

Richard LaForte

Daniel Gray