Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Sigrid (Sig) Carla Beecher, a retired Hospice nurse and active church member, of Annapolis, MD, died on June 14, 2021. The cause of her death was a combination of heart and kidney diseases.     
Sig was born December 21, 1939, in Milwaukee, WI to William and Carla (Johnson) Pierce.  She and Gary Beecher were united in marriage Aug 4, 1962, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI. In August of 2019, she and Gary joyfully celebrated their 80th birthdays together with family and many friends.

Sigrid attended schools in the Milwaukee area and graduated from Rufus King High School.  She attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and Madison (WI) General Hospital School of Nursing.  Sig served as a Registered Nurse in hospitals in Madison WI, Manhattan KS, and Baltimore and Laurel MD.  She worked in several specialties, but especially enjoyed working in Labor and Delivery and with new moms and newborns.  She was a member of Mayor William Donald Schaefer’s ‘trial’ Hospice-Home Health Care program in Baltimore where she learned many of the hospice principles outlined by Dr Elisabeth Kübler-Rossof Great Britain.  Subsequently Sig worked as a Hospice Nurse with Montgomery County (MD) Hospice and with several Visiting Nurse Associations in the greater Washington, DC area.  She dearly loved her interaction with hospice patients and their families, regardless of the hour of day and the weather conditions. Her efforts and compassion as a Hospice Nurse were highlighted in a Montgomery County (MD) Journal article in 1985.  She retired from active nursing in 1998 for health reasons.  

Sig balanced an active nursing career with family and church life.  She and her husband, Gary, raised three daughters.  Sig was an active member of Lutheran and Methodist churches wherever they lived. Sig loved to sing and passed that love to her children and community. She started her singing avocation in high school, continued at St Olaf College, and in church and community choirs throughout her life.  Sig was often a soloist and a member of small ensembles that offered special music.  Sig also enjoyed knitting, creating countless sweaters, both baby and adult, and passed that love to others, teaching her daughters and even medical fellows the art.  Sig and a fellow member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Bowie, MD started a Prayer Shawl Ministry; ten years later this group had prepared over 500 prayer shawls that were distributed by clergy, sent to friends and relatives, or donated to churches in disaster areas in America. 
Sig was a ‘people person’.  She loved to be around and interact with people which attracted her to the nursing profession.  Sig adored babies, not only her grandchildren but all babies – neighbor’s babies and friend’s babies; she even substituted as a ‘grandmother’ during delivery by a friend from New Zealand.  She loved to travel; she and Gary toured Canada and much of America especially when they were ‘snowbirds’ in Arizona.  Sig also accompanied Gary on several overseas business trips where they took time to tour the region and adjacent countries.     

After moving to the East coast in 1971, Sig and her family resided in West Laurel, MD.  In the early 1990’s, she and her husband designed and built their home in Southern Anne Arundel County, MD, where they resided for 25 years before moving to Annapolis.  

She is survived by her husband, Gary, of 58 years; daughters, Julie Beecher (Patrick Costigan) of Severna Park, MD, Jennifer Lastova (Mark) of Columbia MD, Jody Beecher (VJ Sahi) of Oakville, Ontario, Canada; grandchildren, Scott and Kathyrn Lastova, Mira and Ethan Sahi; sister Kristine Schoonenberg (Don) of Mequon, WI; brother-in-law Craig Beecher (Elizabeth) of Belgium, WI; sister-in-law Carla Baudais (Frederick) of Elkhorn, Wi; several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, William Jr. and her sister-in-Law, Diana LaTonders Pierce.

Celebration of Life Services will be held August 7, 2021, at 11:00 AM at St Martin’s Lutheran Church, 1120 Spa Rd, Annapolis, MD.  Interment at St Martin’s Lutheran Church Peace Garden will follow the service.   In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 <a href= https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/">Online Here</a> or to St Martin’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 1120 Spa Road, Annapolis, MD  21403 <a href="https://www.stmartinsannapolis.org/giving/">Online Here</a>

The family expresses its thanks and gratitude to the nurses and medical staff of Anne Arundel Medical Center, the caregivers of Hospice of the Chesapeake, and the medical support of the greater Annapolis community,
Sig’s Legend: “A Nurse is One who Opens the Eyes of a Newborn & gently Closes the Eyes of a Dying Man.  It is indeed a huge Blessing to be First and Last to Witness the Beginning and End of Life.”  Anon.   




Eugene J Siko, 87, of Gambrills MD passed away on 12 June 2021 due to congestive heart failure. Eugene was born on March 27, 1934 in St. Louis Missouri. He served in the Army in 1957, and was retired from Clarklift of San Jose where he was a rental manager.  He was an avid Dodgers baseball fan, even before they were in Los Angeles. His early life was devoted to his work, his wife Rosalie, raising his family and his passion for sports. Later in life, he loved traveling with Amelia and her sister-in-law Lynn and being surrounded with her loving family and all the children and grandchildren, both his and hers.
 
His wife of 40 years, Rosalie C Siko, predeceased him on July 25, 1997. In addition, his companion of 14 years, Amelia Musgrove of Virginia, predeceased him on Feb 16, 2017. He is survived by his three children, Elaine Cariacciolo of Modesto CA, Janelle Vreeland of Edgewater MD and Eric Siko of Seattle WA and his beloved grandsons Nikolas, Ryan and Justin Vreeland, all living in the Annapolis MD area.

Please take a moment to sign the family's online guestbook by visiting the link on this page.

Stephen Frank Vricella (Steve), passed away Friday, June 11, after a year-long battle with cancer.

Steve was born August 15, 1961 in Long Island, New York, the fourth of five children to Jerry and Esther Vricella.  The family moved to Maryland in 1964, where Steve attended Fort Foote Elementary and Oxon Hill Junior and Senior High Schools.  He also attended Prince George's Community College.

During his decades-long sales career, Steve was the recipient of numerous Salesman of the Year awards, as well as many bonus trips; Japan, Germany, and a cruise aboard the QEII were among his favorites.  He was able to fulfill his career goals by becoming a business owner, and later an independent sales representative.

His passions included coaching his children's sports teams, ping-pong, drumming, and cooking, especially making homemade pasta with the hand-operated machine his beloved Aunt Rose and Uncle Vincent gave him.  He cherished time spent with his large family and many friends, a good debate, and the sharing of ideas.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents Jerry and Esther, and his brother Paul.

Surviving family members include his children Nick and Stephanie (John), sister Dina (Andre), and brothers Rob and Gene (Jill), numerous nephews and nieces, Donna, and many other loving family members.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Steve's life on Wednesday, June 16 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, June 17 at 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 515 Loch Haven Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Capital Caring Health, 3180 Fairview Park Drive,  Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22042.

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

Roger Melvin Vales, 82, of Annapolis, MD passed away on 10 June 2021. Roger was born on 2 May 1939 in Rochester, Minnesota to the late Melvin and Hazel Vales. After graduating from the ROTC program at South Dakota State University, Roger joined the U.S. Air Force in 1961.  A distinguished and interesting career followed as a navigator in the Air Force, highlighted by a tour in Vietnam; flying dignitaries all over the world including Sec. State Henry Kissinger, the Apollo 17 Astronauts, Gov. Ronald Reagan, Sen. George Bush, and President Gerald Ford; and working as an intelligence officer in the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Roger continued to serve his country for another 15 years working for the Defense Intelligence Agency, even returning post retirement to support his country after 9/11. He served in many leadership positions at Davidsonville United Methodist Church, overseeing the addition of the Fellowship Hall and the CrossRoads Child Development Center. Roger enjoyed boating, golf, fishing, especially with his grandkids and traveling. 

In addition to his parents Roger was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Dennis. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Vonda; sons, Jeffrey and his wife Nicole from Charlottesville, VA, and Christopher and his wife Kerry from Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ; sisters, Joyce Wagner of Grinnell, IA, and Nancy Paczosa of Orland Park, IL; his beloved grandchildren, Thomas, Patrick, Benjamin, Lucas, and Audrey Vales. 

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Roger’s life on Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 6-8pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 18 at 10 am at Davidsonville United Methodist Church, 819 W. Central Ave, Davidsonville. Interment with military honors will follow at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation in Roger’s name may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at <a href="http://fightcf.cff.org/goto/TeamFeets2021">TeamFeets</a>.  

Helen Howard Kane, 65 of Edgewater and previously of Riva, MD passed away unexpectedly at her home on June 11, 2021. Helen was born on July 25, 1955 in Washington, DC to the late Robert and Jane Howard. She was retired from the State of MD Central Payroll Bureau as well as the Howard County Department of Finance. Helen enjoyed the experiences with her family and friends whether camping in their motor home or relaxing by her pool. Spending time with her grandchildren, and her lunch and shopping dates with her daughter will be held as cherished memories for all. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her son, Michael Howard Kane. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Michael; her daughter, Michelle Mitchell of Edgewater; sisters, Terri Estep of Riva, Dot Wood and Lisa Gaskins of Edgewater, and Tracy Howard of Odenton; grandchildren, Dylan and Chase Mitchell as well as Michael, Mason and Adriana Kane. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Helen's life with her family at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, June 17 from 5 to 8 pm. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 18 at 11 am at Chesapeake Christian Fellowship Church, 377 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD.  

Condolences may be left by using the memory wall tab on this page.

Mary Riley “Minnie” Scherff, 91, a resident of Annapolis, MD for twelve years and previously of Fenwick Island, DE, died on Friday, June 11 at the Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis.

Born on April 30, 1930 in Washington, DC to the late Lloyd and Mary Burrows Kuster, Minnie was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She was a homemaker and a great cook. Her family always came first and she loved to host them for dinners on holidays and birthdays. Minnie enjoyed gardening and was accomplished in embroidery, cross stitch and crochet. She bowled in a league for many years, loved to dance the jitterbug, was an avid Redskins season ticket holder and fan and enjoyed spending time at her beach house in Fenwick Island, DE.

Minnie was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, William Robert Riley and her husband of 13 years, Roger Scherff and her brother, Robert Kuster.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Kathleen Gibala of Denton, MD, Betty Anne (John) Huntley of St. Helena Island, SC and Sharon Riley (William) Jawish of Annapolis, MD; her stepdaughter, Alison (Alan) Eidsmore of Havre de Grace, MD; her siblings, George Kuster, Harold Wright and Barbara (Steve) McMahon; her grandchildren, William Riley Jawish, Kathleen Riley (John) Kluesner, Kathleen Gail (Rick) Easterling, Sharon Lynn (Tony) Donatelli, Molly Anne (Mustafa) Alrubiee and Ashley Eidsmore; her great-grandchildren, Carson, Colt, Liam, Riley, Sophia, and William.

Friends are invited to celebrate Minnie’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, June 24 from 10 am until her funeral service begins at 10:30 am. Entombment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Gardens in Rockville, MD.

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

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

Roger Allen Miller, 57, a resident of Chesapeake Beach, MD  died on Monday, June 7, 2021.  He was born on January 16, 1964  and raised in Forestville, MD.  He worked as a driver for Coca Cola as well as a computer technician for Sharp and Riso.  Roger was preceded in death by his father  Norman Robert Miller, his mother Leta Miller, and his brother Robert N. Miller. He is survived by his children, Justin R. Miller and Tyler C. Miller of Greenbelt, MD, his siblings Tamara A. Miller of Johns Creek, GA, Kimberly I. Matalik of Chesapeake Beach, MD, and Raymond A. Miller of East Windsor, NJ, and one niece, Megan Miller of Johns Creek, GA.  A private grave site ceremony with friends and family will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD 20735 on Monday, June 14, 2021 at 12 noon.

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




Jay Leonard Welch, 81, a resident of Harwood, MD for forty eight years and previously of Adelphi, MD, died on Monday, June 7 at his home. Born on July 5, 1939 in Washington, DC to the late John E. and Roma Lee Welch, Jay graduated from Northwestern High School and served a 5 year plumber’s apprenticeship. He became a plumber/ welder and was a member of Plumbers Local #5 for sixty-six years. Jay enjoyed fishing in Salmon River, NY and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, playing slots and going on Caribbean cruises. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Carlisle and son, John Anthony Welch. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Ann Welch; his son, Jack Leonard Welch of North Beach, MD; his grandchildren, Kevin Carlisle, Jr., Konnor, Kiera and Kiley Murphy and his great-grandchildren, Teagan, Isaac, Landon and Colton Jay; as well as numerous family members and friends in South Dakota. Friends are invited to celebrate Jay’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Sunday from 2 to 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

On Monday, June 7, 2021, Lina Privitera, age 91. passed away at Inova Fairfax Hospital. She was born January 27, 1930 in Italy to Saverio and Catarina Adamo. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husbands, Frank Privitera and Vincent Manzella. She is survived by her sons, Anthony (Kathleen) Privitera, Frank (Mary) Privitera and John (Marija) Privitera; her brother, Joseph (Silvana) Adamo; her grandchildren, Anthony, Frank, Jack, Billy, Natalia and Elena; her great-grandchildren, Alexis, Genevieve and Nicholas. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to Lina's Life Celebration on Monday, June 21, 2021 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7804 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD immediately following the funeral.

Noah Havey Blonder
The Marines and the world lost a larger-than-life figure when Private Noah Havey Blonder left this earth on June 5, 2021.
Noah entered the world with much fanfare at over 9 pounds on Leap Day, 2000. Always a fun and spirited child, he quickly became a fan of his siblings, his dog …  and his own dancing. 
As Noah grew, he made his family and friends proud with his accomplishments in lacrosse and hockey. He played for organizations such as Navy Youth Hockey, Howard Huskies, Team Maryland, Crofton, Zingos and the Mount Saint Joseph Gaels, his high school team. Noah loved Mount Saint Joe and the brother-friends he made there. After his first tour of the school, he put his hand on his heart, looked at his mom and said, “Have you ever known when something is just right? This is my school.” 
The bonds of friendship that Noah formed at MSJ were incredibly important to him. Noah was known not only as a hilarious jokester but also as a loyal encourager, a hard worker, and a genuine member of that MSJ brotherhood. Friends have said Noah was the person they could go to for anything, whether they needed some cheering up, a pep talk or just a listening ear. “Noah made me a better person just by being in my life,” one of his friends said, “and he embodied so many traits that I aspire to obtain.” He will always be remembered for his infectious smile. If you were on his team, he would always stand up for you! 
Noah enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2019 and graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island January 31, 2020 where he earned the honor of Platoon High PFT/CFT. His first duty was with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, North Carolina.  There he served as a machine gunner and driver for the Combined Anti-Armor Team. He most recently finished a deployment in Norway. 
Noah loved his family’s restaurant, Buddy’s Crabs and Ribs. As soon as he was old enough and whenever he had the time, he enjoyed working at the restaurant. He was known for regularly entertaining guests with elaborate stories that may or may not have been embellished - but no doubt enhanced the Buddy’s experience. He considered Buddy’s his second family. His quick-wittedness and his enthusiasm for life were obvious to all who knew him, and he could talk to just about anyone about almost anything. 
Noah is survived by his parents, Megan Moore and Kevin Blonder, as well as his siblings, Seth, Shayne, Brady, Taylor and Nathan; his grandparents, Rosemary Moore, Harvey and Mimi Blonder, Florence Smith and James and Marsha Clark; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, Marines, and friends, all of whom are already missing him terribly. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Timothy Havey Moore, whose middle name he carried.
 Friends are invited to celebrate Noah's life on Monday, June 14 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where his funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 15 at 12 noon. Interment will follow at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, MD. Following the interment, there will be a Celebration of Life Gathering and Noah Story Telling at Buddy’s Crabs and Ribs, 100 Main St, Annapolis, MD from 4 to 6pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Noah, to two veteran support organizations: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (taps.org) or the Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org).


Florence Maureen Thompson of Davidsonville passed away on Friday, June 4, 2021. Maureen was born on July 2, 1946 in Washington, DC to the late Michael and Adelaide Cahill. She was a graduate of Elizabeth Seaton High School in Bladensburg. Maureen was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, who loved to spend time at the beach, shop and cook Thanksgiving dinner. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. In addition to her parents, Maureen was preceded in death by her brother Michael F. Cahill. She is survived by her husband, Don Thompson; her sister, Patricia Kurak; her daughters, Michelle Thompson of West River, MD and Stephanie McFaden of Stevensville, MD; her grandchildren, Maria, Andrea, Alexander, Madeline and Quinn, whom she loved dearly. 

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Maureen's life on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 from 6 to 8pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, June 10 at 10:30 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD. Burial will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers a donation in Maureen's name to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at: KalasFuneralHomes.com

Clifford Pierre “Cliff” Coryell, 77, a resident of Edgewater, MD for 25 years, died on Friday, June 4 of natural causes.

Born on January 31, 1944 in Washington, DC to the late William H. and Muriel F. Coryell, Cliff served in the U.S. Coast Guard. After being discharged, he worked as a technician with the federal government for many years. Cliff was a member of the Moose Lodge and the American Legion. He enjoyed socializing and taking care of his fish pond, but mostly, he loved being with his family.

Cliff was preceded in death by his son, Alan Coryell, who died in December of 1992.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Susan Coryell; his daughter, Kristi Spicknall of Edgewater, MD and his grandchildren, Cody, Shane and Rilee Spicknall.

Please take a moment and leave a condolence for his family.



Arrangements for Rafael are private.

Please take a moment to sign the family's online guestbook by visiting the link on this page.

Jule Francis Kleinrichert of Leo-Cedarville passed away peacefully in his sleep at his temporary home in Edgewater, Maryland on June 2. Born April 7, 1935 on the family farm in Poe, IN to Bernadette Fenker and Alphonse Kleinrichert, Jule attended St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School-Hessen Cassel and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1953. He was a member of the Army Third Infantry stationed in Würzberg, Germany and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Jule was employed by Northern Indiana Public Service Company for over 30 years rising from ditch digger to Street Department Supervisor for the Northeast region. He later worked as a draft beer specialist for AC Beverage and was Fort Wayne area manager. Jule had a lifelong fascination with internal combustion engines of all types and competed in drag races until the demands of fatherhood intervened. He was always cheerful and kind, never forgot a joke he heard and will be remembered as an enthusiastic hard worker who loved socializing. Universally beloved, he will be sorely missed.  Surviving are his sister, Rosemary Sweet; Children, Michelle (Richard) Binzel of Lafayette, CO; Charles (Anita) Kleinrichert and Ann (Michael) Paquin of Edgewater, MD; Sheila (William) Polcsa of Cambridge, MA; Grandchildren, Steven (Emily) and Christine Binzel, Charles Jr. and Spencer Kleinrichert; Great grandchildren, Edward and Bethany Grace Binzel. He was married to Carole Fairfield Farr for 27 years. Later in life companion Marjory Hale, his sister, Rita Barrand and his brothers, Justin and Denis Kleinrichert, preceded Jule in death.  A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church (7215 St. Joe Rd., Ft. Wayne, IN) on Saturday, July 31 at 11:00am. An outdoor luncheon will follow from 12:30 - 4:00. For more information and to leave messages, a memorial website will be established at www.never-gone.com. Jule will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. 

 

On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, Rosita Bautista, age 68, passed away in Alexandria, VA. The beloved wife of Virgilio Bautista; mother of Geraldine Bautista, Sheila Bautista Costantino, Jane Bautista Olawoye and Elaine Bautista; grandmother of Joey Ong, Jr., Virgil Ong, Christian Olawoye and Rosie Olawoye. She is also survived by her siblings in the Philippines and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Rose's Life Celebration on Thursday, June 10, 2021 from 10 a.m. until the start of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD immediately following the funeral.  

Vicki Ann Ledbetter-Metcalf, 56, Annapolis, Maryland, passed away on June 1, 2021 at the Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC), after a courageous battle to overcome the tremendous damage done to her lungs by COVID19.  Vicki was the beloved daughter of Eva and Charles Ledbetter of Scott Depot, West Virginia and the wife of Hollis R. Metcalf of Annapolis, Maryland.

Born on February 12, 1965, into a career army family, Vicki attended public and private preK-12 schools located in California, North Carolina, Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, and West Virginia.  Vicki’s final three years were in Dunbar High School in Dunbar, West Virginia. Throughout those years, Vicki proved to be an extremely talented, dedicated, driven and gifted young lady. Over those preK-12 years, a few examples of Vicki’s extracurricular activities included being a Pop Warner Junior League cheerleader, youth model, member of several dance teams, girl scouts, flute player in her junior and senior high school bands and choruses as well as being selected for the WV All-State Band and Chorus, member of her high school show choir, member of the track team as a middle-distance runner who ran the mile, president of her high school Spanish Club, member of the debate team, church youth pianist, member of church choir, Habitat-for-Humanity volunteer, and West Virginia Girls State Supreme Court Justice (Chief Justice).   

Vicki worked hard to balance her academic life with her extracurricular activities, and she did so with grace.  As a member of the local Xinos and INROADS organizations, Vicki was provided with positive role models and mentors that encouraged her toward high academic, moral and social values. The result was Vicki was an “A” student who received several academic awards during her preK-12 school years to include her selection into her Junior and Senior High Schools’ National Honors Societies. Earning A’s in college courses during her high school years also led to her induction into the Junior College Mathematics Honor Society.  Additionally, Vicki finished first in three separate summer classes in pre-engineering and math programs at West Virginia Institute of Technology, Virginia Tech., and West Virginia University. A combination of her academic and extracurricular achievements resulted in her selection in Who’s Who Among American High School Students. 

Following high school, Vicki received a Hampton Presidential Scholarship and the C. H. James Scholarship to attend Hampton University.  As a student she was active in the Student Union Board, the Big Brother/Big Sister Program, the Gospel Choir, the Business Club, the Student Recruitment Team, and leadership positions in her freshman through senior class years.  Her accomplishments, personality, and leadership skills during her college years were highlighted by her election by her classmates to be President of her senior class; and her selection by the administration to be the student speaker at her graduation. In 1987, Vicki graduated with honors from Hampton with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance and was selected for inclusion in Who’s Who Among American College and University Students. 
   
From her junior high school years through her years in college, Vicki worked in part-time and summer employment jobs that taught her valuable life skills such as time management, responsibility, dependability, confidence, financial skills, and a strong work ethic.  Her employment included working as a baby-sitter, foster feline caregiver, fast food customer service representative, student college librarian assistant, college freshmen group mentor, college student business office assistant, and West Virginia State Supreme Court student administrative assistant. For Vicki, the experience she gained from these jobs allowed her to have an easy transition from an academic environment to the real-world working environment. 

After graduating, Vicki began her 34-year career with the federal government as a Real Estate Appraiser for the United States General Services Agency.  Her responsibilities included working with federal property that varied widely in type and value, and could include undeveloped land office buildings, warehouses, military holdings, and single- and multi-family residences. 

As a result of the 1990-91 recession, Vicki accepted a job as an Appraisal Policy Manager in a “new” agency,  The Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC).  Vicki loved her job, especially the traveling that, over a two-to-three-year period, took her to all the 50 States and U.S. Territories to oversee the implementation of ASC policy.  Additionally, one year, she honorably and successfully served as Interim Executive Director of the ASC. 

Vicki was one of those rare individuals who could do anything she set her mind to do.  Despite the challenges of her job, Vicki demonstrated her passion for learning by earning a Master’s degree in Business from Bowie State University.  Additionally, she was taking classes parttime toward a Ph.D. 

In 1991, Vicki met her soul mate, Hollis R. Metcalf.  Hollis recalled that “She had the prettiest eyes and the most beautiful smile that could light up your soul. If you were lucky enough to be present when she gazed into your face, the pure joy radiating from her would blind you.”  On October 10, 2010, Vicki’s and Hollis’ love for each other would lead to their marriage in St. Johns U.S. Virgin Islands.

Despite the amount of travel involved in her job, traveling was Vicki’s favorite hobby.  She loved exploring countries around the world with different cultures, governments, economies, customs, food and values than those of the United States.  Throughout her adult life, Vicki was blessed to travel to 4 continents, 14 countries, most of the Caribbean Islands, and the 50 states and all of the U.S. Territories. Vicki felt that through her travels she became a better person as a result of personally seeing more of the natural beauty of the world’s environment, developing a greater appreciation for the diversity within the world and gaining a more realistic perspective of what the world has to offer.

On June 1, 2021, Vicki departed her earthly vessel to be with the Lord. Welcoming Vicki at Heaven’s door were her grandparents, Dora Mae Ledbetter, and Elnora and Adolph Ford; her aunts and uncles Annie Mae and Ernest Watkins, Alveretta and J. C. Souire, Aunt Dorretha Green, Aunt Margorie Yokley, Uncle James Harris and cousin Jermaine Ledbetter; mother-in-law, Shirley Metcalf; and many, many other beloved departed family members. 

Those she leaves to cherish her memory include her parents, Eva and Charles Ledbetter of Scott Depot, West Virginia and her husband, Hollis R. Metcalf of Annapolis, Maryland who she loved and adored, they were her world. Additionally, she will be deeply missed by her treasured uncles, Fred (Joyce) Ledbetter of Muskogee, Oklahoma and Jim (Judy) Ford of Clarksburg, Tennessee; her precious aunt, Brenda Mae Ledbetter of Muskogee, Oklahoma; her loving, close “Oklahoma” cousins, Michelle Robinson, Frankye Johnson, Jerome Ledbetter, Steven Ledbetter, Lanell Meeks, Heidi Watson, and Demetria Walker; her amiable  stepdaughters, Chantelle Thomas, Tashara Metcalf and Zanesh Metcalf Woodland; her beloved nieces, Crystina Metcalf Smith, and her daughters Marie and kari; her extremely close, long-time friends, Vivian Banks, Markita Black, Ken Hawes, Lori Arnwine-Moore, Mark Watson, Sue Austin, and Daniel Jones; and her cherished, close co-workers Jenny Tidwell, Denise Graves, Neal Fenochietti, Kristi Klamet,, Lori Schuster, Claire Brooks, Alice Ritter, Ron Pepe’, and Jim Parks.  Finally, Vicki is survived by many, many, many other loving cousins, and close friends and co-workers that will never allow the memory of her unforgettable life to fade. 

At Vicki’s request, no funeral service will be held and based on Vicki’s wishes, she will be cremated.  The family plans to have a “Celebration of the Life of Vicki” during the month of August. In-lieu-of-flowers to honor her memory, please consider making a donation, no matter the size of the donation, to the Vicki Ledbetter-Metcalf Endowment Fund.  

Checks should be paid to the order of: “Hampton University” with “Vicki Ledbetter-Metcalf Endowment Fund” noted on the “For” line.  Mail checks to: Felicia Blow, Office of Development, Hampton University, 200 William R. Harvey Way, Suite 222, Hampton, VA 23668. Credit card donations may be made through the Hampton Business office by calling Ms. Blow at 757-727-5350. 

Condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall above.


Eleanor Elizabeth Krupinsky, a woman of deep love and devotion to her family, church, and friends went to her eternal life on May 31, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. This love and devotion enriched all who knew her. Ellie was born to the late Mary and Donald Kennedy on June 25, 1941, in Carbondale, PA, the second of three children. The family moved to Annapolis in 1951 and Ellie attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and continued to St. Mary’s High School.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Notre Dame University in Baltimore and did graduate studies at Loyola University. In 1964, Ellie married Joseph Krupinsky at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she was a lifelong parishioner and volunteer. In 1978, Ellie returned to teaching at St. Mary’s and taught in the same classroom where she was once a student. In 1987, Ellie transferred to the Anne Arundel County Public School system, teaching at Hillsmere and Eastport Elementary until her retirement in 2004. After retiring, she worked for several years with the Anne Arundel Community College Program for Senior Citizens and traveled with Joe. She also volunteered with the Catholic Daughters of the Americas supporting the spiritual, physical, emotional and financial needs of women in need.  Ellie is survived by her loving husband, Joe Krupinsky; her children, Christine (Tony) Bruno, Colleen, Kevin (Kelly) and Steven Krupinsky; her four grandchildren, Matthew and Johnathan Bruno, Elisabeth and Nathan Krupinsky and her siblings, Ann Jordan and Donald Kennedy. Friends are invited to celebrate Eleanor's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Tuesday, June 8 from 6 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD on Wednesday, June 9 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122 or the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, 10 West 71st Street, New York, NY 10023. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

Anthony Quagliarello passed way on Monday, May 31, 2021 at his home in Temple Hills, MD. 

Anthony is survived by his wife of Patty Quagliarello; his mother, Frances Anne; his siblings, Danelle (Ken) Chapman, Daniel (Judith) Quagliarello, Maria (Paul) Clark , David (Todd Jones) Quagliarello, Michelle (Daniel) Clewley  and Mark (Hadley) Quagliarello; his sister-in-laws, Barbara (Mario) Fresco and Dianne Rison and his 11 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel J. Quagliarello and his mother-in-law, Ann Rison. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Anthony's Life Celebration on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at St. Ignatius Catholic church, 2401 Brinkley Rd., Ft. Washington, MD 20744 from 10 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial starts at 11 a.m. Interment immediately following the Mass at Washington National Cemetery, 4101 Suitland Road, Suitland, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Capital Caring at https://www.capitalcaring.org/get-involved/donate/

Alejo James “Butch” Lopez, 74, a resident of Shady Side, MD for twenty-two years, died of cancer on May 31 at his residence. Born on September 26, 1946 in Stanford, CT, Butch worked as an electrician at the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) for many years. He enjoyed football, basketball and landscaping. Butch is survived by his wife of 52 years, Diane S. Lopez; his children Todd R. Lopez of Shady Side, MD and Gina M. Lopez of Annapolis, MD and his siblings, Donald Lopez, Helena Fineran and Carol Diaz. He was preceded in death by his brother, Anthony Lopez. Friends are invited to celebrate Butch’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Monday, June 7 at 11 am. Inurnment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD.

Susan Lynn "Susie" Hopkins, 57 of Shady Side, MD and previously of Greenbelt, MD passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. Susan was born on December 4, 1963 in Takoma Park, MD to Margaret and the late Russell J. Riley, Jr. She was a graduate of St. Mary's High School, Anne Arundel Community College, as well as The Katherine Gibbs Business School. For thirty years Susan has been employed in the IT department for Beveridge & Diamond, PC in Washington, DC. Susan loved being by and on the water, she enjoyed sailing and taking photographs.  You would always see Susan with her camera in hand and taking pictures of lighthouses, birds, boats, flowers, and her beloved pets Ula and Kyna.  Susan loved to travel some of her favorite places to visit is California, Massachusetts, Florida, Arizonia, Texas and anywhere the sun and fun took her.  Susan enjoyed being around people and sharing a good meal with them.  Susan loved good food, good wine, and good friends.  She had a marvelous Queso Dip which she would love to make and share, but not the recipe that is something she kept to herself.  Family was important to Susan, she loved spending time with her mother Margaret.  Susan has many pictures with her mother on vacation.  Although Susan never had any children, she loved spending time with them.  She helped take care of now grown Dan and Andy Jones.  As the boys were growing, she would attend their sporting events, school achievements, birthday parties and their acceptance into the service.  When Andy had his first child Susan was there too.  Bear is what she called him, and Bear called Susan Grandma.   

In addition to her mother, Susan is survived by her husband, Steven J. Hopkins of 35 years; her siblings, Timothy and Scott Riley both of Annapolis, Sharon Jewell of Parsonburg, MD and Christine Riley of Crofton, MD. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 from 3 pm until a service begins at 4pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the <a href="https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_dcm=58700006941054395&sc_cid=kwp&sc_cat=b&ds_rl=1285465&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2NyFBhDoARIsAMtHtZ6WdTDVo_jgoN6miSLlqPVD6lmfvvQ87onbovbqIcPVPsWqZKwNJ_MaAn1aEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">St. Judes Children's Hospital.</a>

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

Topic: Susan Hopkins' Memorial Service
Time: Jun 5, 2021 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97615106484?pwd=Vk1mSkd4VFY2cWhiL3NDcHNMajBadz09

Meeting ID: 976 1510 6484
Passcode: 128356



Celebration of Life of Anton Seutter von Loetzen Bennie

Tony Seutter is a U.S. citizen. Growing up in Oakton, Virginia. Tony attended Navy School in Fairfax, Virginia, Congressional School, Falls Church, Virginia, Oakton High School, Oakton, Virginia and Paul VI Parochial School, Fairfax, Virginia. Tony majored in Electronics engineering for four years in high school and graduated with a general business degree. Tony was a Boy Scout and remained a Scout throughout school until his graduation from high school.. Tony achieved the badge of Eagle Scout. Tony participated in all school athletic programs. He enjoyed weight training, wrestling, golf, and tennis. He was active after school with the Vienna Police Youth Group basketball and football teams. He won many trophies playing football as a quarterback from pee wee football throughout his high school senior year. Tony won other trophies in physical fitness activities. Tony as a member for more than 25 years participated with youth groups on youth swim and diving teams as well as tennis and golf youth teams at Army Navy Country Club in Virginia. Tony excelled in all gymnastics and sports and received a Black belt in Karate. He was an expert skier and skied throughout the east and west United States and in the mountains of Italy, Australia and Switzerland.

Upon Tony’s graduation from high school with a business degree, he was recruited by a professional Modeling Agency, “BOSS” after winning a large professional Modeling contest in Washington, D.C. Tony studied with his agency in New York and traveled with them as an international exchange student in Europe. He was selected to study in Milan, Italy as an international foreign exchange student. As a professional Model, Tony appeared in international magazines. Tony studied European culture as well as Modeling. He was given the opportunity to travel with this International foreign exchange program as well as study professional Modeling while living with a student exchange family in Milan. Upon his return to the United States, Tony continued his Career as an Actor and Model. He attended over a period of twelve years, five years full time, a Professional Theatre of Art Acting School in California, Howard Fine School of Acting and Speaking. The owners were the writers of the long running pilot series “The Odd Couple.” He worked with other Acting professionals such as Walter Matthau. Tony also studied and worked in Commercials in addition to studying and working as Professional Actor and Model in the Entertainment industry. Tony was featured in Men’s Fitness Magazines numerous times demonstrating various training techiques and workout routines. Tony was certified by the American Council on Exercise in 1997.

Tony was a certified Personal Fitness Trainer. Tony studied Personal Fitness Training in California and trained top celebrities.   He started weight training at age six. In the Virginia area, Tony studied and worked with Gold’s Gym as a Manager and Personal Trainer and with the Army Navy Country Club as a Fitness instructor and Personal Trainer.  He received writeups in their Newsletters about the excellent job he was doing helping individuals reach their fitness goal.  Tony had more than 12 years of training. He received his Personal Training certification in California and Maryland. Tony continued his training and study with self-study receiving another certificate for finance.


Tony utilized all of his communication and other professional business skills working as the Contract Administrator and Sales and Customer Service Manager for his Consulting company, Executive Professional Solutions, EPS, which he incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia April 12, 2005.  

Tony studied, trained and worked with several other businesses before starting EPS. Prior to working with his own business, Tony worked as a National Sales Manager and Customer Service Manager for another contracting company. Tony was responsible for all of their Sales as well as Customer Service. He started and built a new company for them. Upon the decision of that company to temporarily stop operating because of personal reasons; Tony started his own consulting company.  Later, Tony studied at Westwood College in Virginia. 

More recently, before his death, Tony received his sales license and certification as a Honda and Volkswagen customer service specialist.

Tony enjoyed his work as a Professional Model, Actor, Personal Fitness Trainer, Owner, Administrator and Supervisor for Contracts, General Management and Facilities Management, 

On Saturday, May 29, 2021, Anton Seutter von Loetzen of Alexandria, VA. passed away after suffering from a chronic heart condition. Anton was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Falls Church, VA and Mount Calvary Church in Alexandria, VA. Family and friends are invited to attend Anton’s Celebration of Life on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, from 10am to 12pm at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. A graveside service will be held after Anton's Life Celebration at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD at 12:30 p.m.

Anton’s family will be accepting flowers and cards for his viewing and burial. Please send communication and cards to Kalas Funeral Home. 


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Edward Cizewski, Jr.

Roger Miller

Jay Welch

Lina Privitera

Noah Blonder

Florence Thompson

Clifford Coryell

Rafael Mather

Jule Kleinrichert

Rosita Bautista

Vicki Ledbetter-Metcalf

Eleanor Krupinsky

Anthony Quagliarello

Alejo Lopez

Susan Hopkins

Anton von Loetzen