Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

On Tuesday, April 6, 2021, Marion Cieplak, Jr., age 68, of North Potomac, MD passed away in Middle River, MD.

Beloved husband of Lilly Cieplak; father of Christina Cieplak and Marion "Alex" Cieplak III; brother of Valeria Skarbek, Stanley (Rusty) Cieplak, John Cieplak, Mary Alice Cieplak, Dr. Patrick (Karen) Cieplak, Leon Cieplak and Bernard (Lisa) Cieplak; brother-in-law of Alexander Momchilovich; beloved son of the late  Marion B. and Marie Viola Cieplak, Sr. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Marion's Life Celebration at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Piscataway (Main Church), 13401 Piscataway Rd., Clinton, MD 20735 on Thursday, April 15, 2021 from 11 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial starts at 12 noon. Interment immediately following the mass in the church cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Marion "Alex" Cieplax III, 8004 Bellefonte Lane, Clinton, MD 20735

All services are private. Condolences may be left by using the condolence tab on this page.

Richard Di Pietro, 68, a 16-year resident of Olney and previously of Silver Spring and Edgewater, MD, passed away at his home on April 3, 2021 following a 4-year battle with cancer.  Born on July 8, 1952 in Hyattsville, MD to the late Enrico J. and Mary Frances Di Pietro, Richard graduated from Southern High School and attended Anne Arundel Community College, where he excelled athletically.  He was the owner of Association Management, a home improvement company that specialized in roofing. Association Management would proudly serve the DMV for over 30 years, providing jobs for hundreds of individuals while regularly receiving accolades and being named as Washingtonian’s best roofing company.

With a bigger-than-life personality, Richard filled every room he entered.  He was an avid golfer, winning several awards including first place in the 1991 World Amateur Handicap Championship.  He also enjoyed a good game of chess, playing poker and visiting Las Vegas casinos.  One of his greatest pastimes was horseracing. His passion for horseracing can be traced back to the pages of Sports Illustrated where Richard can be seen on the rail at Pimlico Racetrack as legendary Secretariat won the second leg of the Triple Crown. He loved betting on horses and held the largest, single winning ticket in the history of Maryland horseracing. But that wasn’t his greatest racetrack win; it was meeting his wife, Jennifer, at the Laurel Racetrack.  They were introduced by her father, Jimmy Leonard.  Richard tucked a winning ticket under Jennifer’s dinner plate and that was the beginning of the romance. As much as Richard enjoyed all these interests, his greatest passion was his family and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his wife of 26 years, Jennifer Di Pietro; five children, Richard A. Di Pietro, Rachel (Jay) Zelaya, Dominic R. (Samantha) Di Pietro, Richard Di Pietro II (fiancée, Renata) and Jennifer N. (Khalid) Di Pietro. He is also survived by three grandsons, Maddox, Aiden and Ragni and was looking forward to the birth of his granddaughter later this year.

Friends are invited to celebrate Richard’s life with his family from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 11 at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD.  Mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 12 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD, with a luncheon to follow at Adam’s Grille & Taphouse in Edgewater, MD. Richard was dedicated to children excelling in life through sports. 

For those unable to attend the visitation, it can be viewed through the Zoom information below (Please remember to keep your microphones on mute):

<a href="https://zoom.us/j/95839453281?pwd=a3RGU2JadnZnVnQ1RkdhbFF2YkJRZz09">The Visitation of Richard DiPietro</a>

Meeting ID: 958 3945 3281
Passcode: 120769


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to <a href="https://secure.givelively.org/donate/wrestling-to-beat-the-streets-dc">Wrestling to Beat The Streets DC</a>

Evelyn Koutsos Ross “Lol” or “Lolly”, 79, a resident of Manassas, VA for thirty-six years, died on Friday, April 2 in Annapolis, MD. Lol’ was born on November 9, 1941 in Washington, DC to the late James John and Angelina Cokinos Koutsos.  Lol’ grew up in DC and early in her childhood moved to Silver Spring, MD. She graduated from Northwood High School in 1959.  She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Maryland.  She graduated with Honors, Summa Cum Laude. Lol’ started her teaching career with Montgomery County Public Schools. Lol’s life took her to Chalfont, PA with her husband Phil, whom she married in 1963.  While residing in Pennsylvania from 1973 to 1984 she worked in sales for Comcast cable.   She obtained her real estate license and sold homes for Eichley and Moffley.  Lol’ worked with the Professional Standards Review Organization, a branch of HEW- Health Education and Welfare. Lol‘ was a former member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral.   She loved painting with watercolors. She had several art showings in Pennsylvania where she sold many of her paintings. Lol’ enjoyed nature and beautiful colors.  She was a member of MENSA.  She enjoyed photography, swimming at the pool, walking, and playing canasta and scrabble with her family.  She was very involved in the Northwood Class of 1959 Reunion Committee and enjoyed attending the Reunions.  She loved her family deeply and would do anything for anyone. Lol’ was preceded in death by her husband, Philip “Phil” Ross and her brothers, John and George Koutsos. She is survived by her children,  Angelle “Angie” (Randy) Gambrill and James “Jim” Ross all of Crofton, MD; her brothers, Daniel Koutsos of Halifax, VA and Pete Koutsos (Cindy) of Brookeville, MD; her grandchildren, Kailee Eve Knight, Kyle and Ashley Heffner, and Ryan and Reanna Gambrill, two great-grandchildren (lovingly knew her as Yia-Yia) and many nieces and nephews (lovingly knew her as Aunt Lolly). Friends are invited to celebrate Lol’s life on Monday, April 12 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at The Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons island Rd., Edgewater, MD where her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 13 at 10 am. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page. 

On Tuesday, March 30, 2021; the beloved wife of the late Albert Courtney, Sr.; mother of Albert Wesley (Melinda) Courtney, Jr., Glenn Edward Courtney and Sandy (Lewis) Dillon and the late Karen Fay Courtney; sister of Gail Powell; grandmother of Kelly, Shannon, Amy, Tae, Craig and Kyle. She is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Fay's Celebration of Life at the Oxon Hill Baptist Church, 6633 Saint Barnabas Rd Oxon Hill, MD 20745 on Friday, April 9, 2021 from 2 p.m. until the start of the funeral service at 3 p.m. Interment Ft. Lincoln Cemetery private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s National Capital Area Chapter, 3601 Eisenhower Ave #450, Alexandria, VA 22304

Bennie Bert Hooks. Jr, went home on Thursday, April 1st, 2021.

Bennie was born into a military family, on Fort Eustis Army Base in New Port News, VA . Dad was an engineer in the U.S. Army for 35 years thru WW II, Korea, and Vietnam.

After traveling around the world, with his only sibling, Mona Lisa and his parents, Mary Elizabeth, and Bennie B, Sr. (Maj.) They decided to live in Maryland.

Shortly after graduating from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in graphic arts. Bennie got his dream job with NOAA, making maps an charting weather for our men and women defending old glory around the world, as well as the National weather stations.

Bennie loved dancing, disco, doing lawns in the neighborhood ,gardening, shoveling snow for the neighborhood,  art work of all kinds, his family, his parents, His GOD.

In 2005, Bennie had to stand down from NOAA, because of the onset of Multiple Sclerosis. Short term memory lapse is the first attack. In time the neurological system gets attacked by the perfect system that keeps us healthy, our immune system. M.S. is a genetic disease of our autoimmune defense.

Bennie continued to work at Macy's, dance, drive,  enjoy his family, give care to our Mother during her battle of Ovarian cancer.

He lived his life to the fullest. Still loved his family, still partied. When he could no longer drive, or work, he used Metro Access to get where he needed to go.

Bennie is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Hooks; four children: Maria, Tracey, Bennie III, and Stephen; a loving mother in law, Mrs. Tilda Rogers and his sister, Mona L. Hooks; seven grandchildren,  along with loving neighbors, and friends who loved his sweet nature.


Relatives and friends are invited to Bennie's Life Celebration at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD on Monday, April 12, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. until the start of the service at 11:30 a.m. Interment Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Rd, Triangle, VA 22172.

Jason Emory Moreland passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2021. Born on September 27, 1972 in Washington, DC to Mary Frances “Frannie” Bauer Fletcher and the late James Emory Moreland, Jr., Jason was raised in Calvert County and graduated from Calvert High School. He went into the Ironworkers Local 5 apprentice program and has worked in that Local for the last 27 years. He was a devoted son and father and he will be missed by his family and the many friends he has made throughout his life. Jason is survived by his mother, Frannie (Norman Fletcher, Jr.); his daughter, Elyssa Anne Clark and his aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends are invited to celebrate Jason’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, April 8 from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 pm, with a brief prayer service being held 7:30p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 8816 Chesapeake Ave., North Beach, MD on Friday, April 9 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity in Jason’s name. 
Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

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John R. James, Sr., 99, a resident of Davidsonville, MD and formerly of College Park, MD for fifty years, died on Wednesday, March 31 at home. Born on July 26, 1921 in Jessup, PA to the late Benjamin and Mary Elizabeth James, John was a Corporal in the US Army during World War II. He was a D-Day survivor and served with the 3704th Quartermaster Truck Company attached to the 471st Quartermaster Battalion. After being honorably discharged from the service, he worked as a supervisor/ superintendent in road construction. John was a member of the College Park VFW and the Chesapeake Beach American Legion. In his spare time he liked to read, do puzzles and help at the farmers market. He is survived by his wife of more than 74 years, Frances R. James; his children, John R. James, Jr. of College Park, MD, Francis B. James of Carbondale, PA, Wayne M. James of Berlin, MD, Barbara A. Davis of Davidsonville, MD and Jennifer J. Diatz of Frederick, MD; his brother, Edward James of Blakely, PA; his grandchildren, Christopher, Robert and John James, Raymond Davis, IV, David and Kathleen Diatz, Shelly Griffith, Jennifer Hudson and Annie Zelechowski and 14 great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to celebrate John's life on Wednesday, April 7 from 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where his funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 8 at 12:30 pm. Interment is at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

All arrangements and services for Mrs. Smith are private.  Please take a moment to sign the family's online guestbook by visiting the link on this page.

June Lucille Schaffner, “June Bug”, a resident of Stevensville, MD for over 20 years and previously of Annapolis, MD, died on March 31, 2021 in Arnold, MD following 14-year battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born June 8, 1943 in Annapolis, MD to the late David Merrill and Norma Hartge, June graduated from Annapolis High School.  She enjoyed anything art-related, such as stained glass, crafts, and painting, so much so that June made a career as a stained glass artist and opened her own shop.  She also enjoyed motorcycles and specially spending time with her family.

June is survived by her husband of 50 years, Vernon “Reds” Schaffner; five children, David (Mary) Picco of Bowie, MD, Michelle Picco of Stevensville, MD, Ronald (Jodi Ongert) Picco of Annapolis, MD, Danielle Picco of Ridgely, MD, and Dorene (Robbie) Purnell of Annapolis, MD; a brother, Tom Parran of St. Leonard, MD; 12 grandchildren, Robbie, Anthony, Jackson, Natalie, Nick, Adrian, and Joseph Picco, Nichole Manasala, Josh, Bryan, and Donny Turner, and Kenny Purnell; and ten great-grandchildren.

A celebration of June’s life will be held on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at 2 pm at the Cape St. Claire ClubHouse.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Parkinson’s Disease Association: Hope in Progress <a href="https://www.apdaparkinson.org/0000d4l/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CjwKCAjwx6WDBhBQEiwA_dP8rSYKP-80HB21s1yvoB5O0wgIQRlox0l2CgTQsBkuvUv09GTPDSDtfRoCqPMQAvD_BwE"> Click Here</a>


Surrounded by her family, Carolyn Gronlund Waesche, 82, of Annapolis, MD, went home to be with the Lord, on March 30, 2021, ending her courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. Born on January 17, 1939 in Washington, DC to the late Gustav and Margaret Gronlund, Carolyn attended high school in Suitland, MD, where she grew up. She married her high school sweetheart, Earl M. Waesche, on February 28, 1959.  They were married for 62 years and were godparents to their nephew, Thomas C. Waesche and niece, Elizabeth Waesche Garner. Carolyn worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the United States Census Bureau.  Carolyn and Earl lived in Clinton, MD, before moving to Annapolis, MD in 1993.  Carolyn was a member of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Annapolis, MD. Carolyn enjoyed sewing as well as traveling and boating with Earl.  They traveled all over the world but her favorite place to visit was Cancun, Mexico. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 10 at 12:30pm at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 1120 Spa Road, Annapolis, MD, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Dave Oravec. It was Carolyn’s wishes to be cremated and after the service she will be interred in to the columbarium at St. Martin’s.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children (lovetotherescue.org). Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

George Gordon Liddy, husband of the late Frances Purcell Liddy, entered eternal life on March 30, 2021.  He was predeceased by Frances, his father Sylvester J. Liddy, R.V.O., K.N.O., his mother Maria  Abbaticchio Liddy of West Caldwell, NJ. He is survived his sister Margaret McDermott of Short Hills, NJ, his five children Alexandra Liddy Bourne of Alexandria, VA, Grace Alfarata Liddy of Fort Washington, MD, James Gordon Liddy of Virginia Beach, VA, Thomas Purcell Liddy of Scottsdale, AZ and Raymond Joseph Liddy of Coronado, CA, twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren. 


Gordon was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Hoboken and West Caldwell, NJ.  He attended St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in nearby Newark and earned a BA at Fordham University, graduating in 1952.  After serving two years as an artillery officer in the U.S. Army, he returned to Fordham to study Law.  He graduated as a member of the Fordham Law Review in 1957.

 
In September of 1957, he was sworn in as a Special Agent of the F.B.I. In November, Gordon and Frances married in St. Mary’s Church in Poughkeepsie, NY. Gordon served under J. Edgar Hoover and, at age 29, became the youngest Special Agent in Charge in the history of the Bureau. As Gordon and Frances’ family grew, he left the F.B.I. to practice law in Manhattan. It was not long before the urge for government service took him to Dutchess County, NY as a prosecutor. In 1966, he arrested Timothy Leary, the famed “counter-culture” guru (the two later became friends.)


Gordon ran for Congress in 1968, lost a very close primary, but drew the attention of House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford, who recommended him to the Nixon campaign.  Nixon’s victory brought Gordon and Frances to Washington, D.C. He served as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury and later as a White House Aide.  In November, 1971, the White House Counsel asked Liddy to design and run an intelligence operation for the 1972 Re-election campaign. To do so, Liddy would have to leave the government. He took a position at the Committee to Re-Elect the President . . . the result was what has come to be known as “Watergate.”  Gordon refused to cooperate with prosecutors. . He remained silent throughout the investigations and many trials, infuriating the prosecutors and Judge Sirica.  They all thought they could make him talk by sentencing him to a total of 21 ½ years in prison.  He laughed at them.  In 1977, President Jimmy Carter ended the stand-off by ordering clemency, commuting Liddy’s sentence.  In September, he was reunited with his family. Gordon had no regrets and took responsibility for his own actions.  


Unsure of his professional future, he was surprised, and blessed, to learn how many Americans admired his strength and determination to live by his principles, even as many disagreed with him. For the next 32 years, Gordon was omnipresent in America' political and cultural conversation.  His autobiography was the bestselling book in the world in 1980.  As an author and lecturer he relished the opportunity to share his experiences and ideas with America’s college students.


Gordon had the greatest respect for the men and women who choose to serve in America’s armed forces and insisted that his public speaking contract had a clause, when he was asked to speak at West Point, The Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, or the Coast Guard Academy there would be no fee; he paid the agency fee out of his own pocket. In the 1990’s he launched a nationally syndicated radio show, providing him with the privilege of sharing ideas, stories and lessons with Americans for an additional 21 years on over 300 radio stations.  As an author, lecturer, actor and radio talk show host, he again served his country, made a handsome living and had a lot of fun, often “agreeing to disagree”.  For that opportunity, he was deeply grateful to the People of the greatest country on earth, the United States of America.  


Family and friends are invited to Gordon’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, April 6 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD.  Another viewing will be held April 8, from 4 to 7pm at the Darrow Funeral Home, 39 South Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, NY and Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on April 9 at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church at 231 Church Street in Poughkeepsie.  Burial service to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 147 Salt Point Road, Poughkeespie, NY.  COVID protocols will be followed at all venues. 


Gwynne D. Davis passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 28, 2021 after a brief illness.  He was a life long resident of Oxon Hill, MD until five years ago when he moved to Crownsville, MD.  

Gwynne was born to Percy and Margaret Davis on August 27, 1931 in Washington, DC.  He was the youngest of ten children.  

He is survived by his daughter, Karen and her husband Bob, his daughter Terri and her husband Mark, his sister, Vivian, and grandchildren Scott, Chris, Amber, Mark, Brad, and Zacerry.  He is also survived by 9 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Norine, and granddaughter, Laci. He is survived by many other nieces and nephews and friends.

Gwynne was proud of his time in the Marine Corp after graduating from Anacostia High School.  After the Marines, he worked at the Clothes Mart clothing store in Marlow Heights, MD.  He then joined the US Postal Service as a letter carrier-a job he loved until an injury forced him to retire.  Gwynne was also a member of the Anacostia Masonic Lodge.

Gwynne loved the Washington Redskins, the Washington Nationals and watching Nascar races.  He loved spending time with family especially during the holidays.  He loved camping and spending summers with family in Myrtle Beach.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southern Crossing at southerncrossingmd.org. or to Mid Atlantic Community Church, 2485 Davidsonville Road, Gambrills, MD  20154.

Graveside service and interment will be held at Washington National Cemetery, 4101 Suitland Rd., Suitland, MD on Saturday, April 3 at 12 Noon. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall tab on this page.

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

CPO James E. Ercole, USN(Ret.) passed away on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at his residence. He was born on December 18, 1935 to the late Victor and Sara Ercole in Youngstown, OH. After graduating high school Jim enlisted in the US Navy. He retired from the Navy in 1974 and then went to work for the US Postal Service. He retired in 1994. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Jane Dimauro and his grandsons, Preston and Frankie. He is survived by his wife, Kathe Ercole, his children, Patricia Ercole, Christine (Benjamin) Coates and James (LaToya) Ercole, his grandchildren, Weston, Parker, Jenny, Anthony, Mary and David. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Jim's Life Celebration on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Independent Baptist Church, 9255 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD 20735 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. Interment immediately following the service at Maryland Veteran's Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

The Rev. Kenneth Alexis Polglase, 89, most recently of Heritage Harbour, Annapolis died March 26, 2021. He was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY on September 10, 1931, and graduated from Wagner College, Staten Island, NY in 1953 and from The General Theological Seminary, New York City in 1956. He was ordained an Episcopal Priest in 1957 and began his forty-year active ministry as an assistant at two churches on Long Island, NY. Fr. Polglase then moved to northern New Jersey where he was Rector of St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Maywood for four years and then Rector of Church of the Epiphany (now Trinity Episcopal Church), Allendale, NJ for twenty years. During this time, he earned a Master’s Degree in Family Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ. In 1984 the family relocated to Long Valley, NJ and Fr. Polglase cut back to part-time ministry. Fr. Polglase and his wife, Carolyn, relocated to Maryland in 1998 where he continued to do part-time supply ministry until health problems made that no longer possible. Fr. Polglase enjoyed caring for his tropical and Koi fish, refinishing old furniture, crabbing, and photography.

In addition to his parents, Alexis Talmadge Polglase and Hazel Ruth Griesemer Polglase, Fr. Polglase was predeceased by his loving wife of sixty-seven years, Carolyn Honeycutt Polglase, and his brother, Donald Lloyd Polglase. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Donna and Stephen (Randy) Haselton of Glenn Dale, MD; Christopher and Mary Margaret Polglase of Frederick, MD; Geoffrey and Paula Polglase of Harrisonburg, VA; and Andrew and Carolyn (Carrie) Polglase of Long Valley, NJ; plus grandchildren Hannah Polglase and Colin Pinkham, David and Stephen Haselton, and Timothy, Zachary, Matthew, Benjamin, and Samuel Polglase. 

Arrangements for a joint service celebrating the lives of both Fr. Polglase and Carolyn Polglase will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Fr. Polglase's name to The General Theological Seminary or Hospice of the Chesapeake.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab above.

Nancy Ann Garner Horkan of Odenton, MD, passed away in her home on March 26, 2021 at the age of 70. She was raised in Forest Heights, MD with her four siblings and attended high school at the Immaculate Conception Academy in Washington, DC. She then graduated from the University of Maryland and pursued a career in the Federal Government, working with the Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice.  She was admired and respected by her colleagues and received many awards throughout her career. She retired after 43 years of service.
Nancy and her husband, Tim, married in 1980 and moved to Harwood, MD where they raised their two children, Allison and Michael, and lived there for 37 years. They attended St. James Episcopal Parish in Lothian and became an integral part of the church family. Nancy was an ardent supporter of the St. James youth program and enjoyed singing in the choir, serving as Senior Warden, and participating in numerous committees. She was also active in the Maryland Episcopal Cursillo and served on the Episcopal Diocesan Council. She was truly devoted to the church and was known for always having the perfect prayer or blessing for any occasion.
Nancy’s warm, loving nature could connect with anyone instantly and make them feel welcome. She was the life of the party, and nothing brought her more joy than singing and dancing to old songs with loved ones. She treasured her family and friends and loved hosting and baking for family gatherings, spending summer family vacations in Rehoboth Beach, seeing Broadway musicals and concerts with her sisters, participating in her book club and Bible study group, and spending time with her children. She was overjoyed to become a grandmother in 2019 and cherished her time with her precious granddaughter, Livie. She touched so many peoples’ lives and her positive spirit made everyone feel better just by being around her.
Nancy is survived by her husband of 41 years, Tim Horkan, daughter Allison Rowsome (Rob, granddaughter Olivia), son Michael Horkan, siblings Jimmy Garner (Colleen), Kathy McGowan, Patty Garner, and Bob Garner, as well as countless family members and friends who love her dearly. 
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Nancy’s life on Thursday, April 1 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. A Memorial Service will be held outdoors on Monday, April 5 at 11 am at St. James Episcopal Parish, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, MD 20711.  Please bring your own chair. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to St. James Parish will be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at KalasFuneralHomes.com.



Nancie Roop Kennedy, 81, a resident of Annapolis for more than 25 years and formerly of Rochester, NY, died unexpectedly, but peacefully, on March 25 at her home in Annapolis.

Born July 24, 1939, in Christiansburg, VA, the daughter of the late Vivian Inez Graybeal and Ralph Goodwin Roop, Mrs. Kennedy graduated from Randolph-Macon Women’s College in 1963 with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. A consummate performer and artist, she sang professionally for nearly 5 decades in operas, musical theater, and stage shows with the London Symphony Orchestra Chorus, ArtPark in upstate New York, Opera Theater of Rochester, and many other arts groups in the U.S. and Europe. 

In 1979 she received her master’s degree in Performance & Literature from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Her immense love of classical music led her to become a voice teacher at the Eastman School of Music’s Community School, Peabody Preparatory in Baltimore, and at Peabody’s Annapolis campus at Maryland Hall. After her teaching days, she enjoyed sharing her immense knowledge about opera and the performing arts with fellow patrons at pre-concert lectures to provide insight and context for each upcoming performance.

She sang as both a featured solo artist and lead choral soprano on multiple recordings with the LSO Chorus and while at the Eastman School of Music. Her passion for turn of the century musical repertoire led her to perform with fellow Eastman faculty member, pianist Howard Spindler, as “Kennedy & Spindler” across the country for nearly 20 years and release a series of popular recordings of period Americana music.

Nancie met her late husband, Duncan C. Kennedy III, while at Randolph-Macon in Lynchburg, VA and they were married in 1963. They moved to London in 1969 while Duncan was working for General Electric, before returning to the U.S. in 1975 to Rochester, NY. The couple then moved to Annapolis in 1995. Both were members of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Annapolis and the Downtown United Presbyterian Church in Rochester. 

Mrs. Kennedy was an ardent supporter of the arts and many community organizations including Annapolis Opera Company, Annapolis Shakespeare Company, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis Horticultural Society, Unity Gardens, and many local women’s groups. An avid gardener, she took great pleasure is cultivating each season’s blossoms and blooms to the delight of her neighbors. A proud resident of Rugby Hall and then Heritage Harbor, Mrs. Kennedy took many local initiatives to heart and supported her community with great energy and commitment.

Surviving are her two sons; Duncan C. Kennedy IV of Greenville, SC and Scott C. Kennedy of San Diego, CA; sister Patterson Roop Webster of North Hatley, Quebec, Canada; and granddaughter McKayla, who is happily continuing in the footsteps of Mrs. Kennedy as an aspiring singer and musical theater performer.

Due to the difficulties of travel and various restrictions in place during the pandemic, the family will be holding a virtual memorial service and online celebration of life. Mrs. Kennedy will join her husband at the Columbarium at First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, VA where they started dating while singing in the choir together.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Annapolis Opera Company (www.annapolisopera.org) or the cultural arts organization of your choice within your own community. SUPPORT THE ARTS!!!

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

The Annapolis Fire Department regretfully shares the news of the passing of Retired Captain Leonard A. Clark, Jr. on Thursday, March 25, 2021.

Captain Clark was hired as a firefighter with the Annapolis Fire Department in 1966.  He worked his way up through the ranks to Captain, receiving accolades from citizens, assisting as the Emergency Medical Officer and Public Information Officer, serving as the Chairperson on the EMS Subcommittee of the FIre Chiefs Council and the Officer in Charge of the Honor Guard for 14 of the 18 years he was a member.  He retired on December 1, 2006 after 40 years of career service to the AFD and City of Annapolis.

His brothers, Battalion Chief C. Richard Clark, who predeceased him, was retired from the Annapolis Fire Department and Captain Thomas Clark is retired from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. 

Retired AFD Captain Robert J. Daywalt is the liaison for the family.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Leonard's life on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 from 10 am until his service begins at 11 am at the  Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.

Interment to follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville 

Please keep Captain Clark's family and friends in your thoughts at this difficult time.

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

Obituaries

Marion Cieplak

Marjorie McDermott

Richard Di Pietro

Evelyn "Lol" Koutsos Ross

Fay Courtney

Bennie Hooks

Jason Moreland

Hilaria Cobero

Joan Schaeffer

Jean Washington

John James, Sr.

Pamela Smith

June Schaffner

Carolyn Waesche

George Liddy

William Isom

Ola Baum

Gwynne Davis

Lorelei Derian

James Ercole

Kenneth Polglase

Nancy Horkan

Nancie Kennedy

Leonard Clark