Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

James Robert Luber, “Robbie”, a 10-year resident of Galesville, MD, died on January 13, 2021 following a drowning accident.  Born July 6, 1963, in Washington, D.C., Robbie was employed as an electrician.  He enjoyed art, cars, and loved living on his boat.  Robbie was preceded in death by his mother, Jackie Rae (Reid) Luber.  He is survived by his father, Leroy “Happy” Luber of Churchton, MD; and a brother, Dennis Luber of Odenton, MD. A graveside service will held on Friday, January 22 at 1 pm at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 4111 Pennsylvania Ave., Suitland, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Galesville Fire Station, 4680 Muddy Creek Rd., Galesville, MD 20763.  Online guestbook available by visiting the link on this page.

On Wednesday, January 13, 2021 Alane passed away. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Arlane's Life Celebration on Friday, January 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD at 10 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 

A viewing for Randy is on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. from 6 to 9 p.m. The family requests that the guests pay their respects and only stay briefly to give other people a chance to pay their respects. The Funeral Service and Interment are private.

Honoria Soriano Miranda or “Nora” to those that know her, passed away on January 12, 2021, one day after her 82nd birthday. Nora was born in the Philippines, in the municipality of San Nicholas in the province of Pangasinan. She was the fourth of six children by her parents Severino Soriano (father) and Christina Framo Soriano (mother).

Her dream as a young woman was to go abroad to the United States to work as a nurse. As a graduate of Dagupan college with a degree in nursing, she made that dream come true when she was recruited by Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL in 1966.  Soon thereafter, she met her future husband, a young U.S. Navy sailor named David Miranda. They married that same year and went on to have three children - Barton, Lisa and Judy. During her husband’s stint in the Navy, they lived in several places like Tacoma, Washington and Long Beach, California and eventually settling down in Accokeek, Maryland.

Nora would go on to have a successful 30-year career working as a registered nurse at Columbia Hospital for women in Washington, DC. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family and ensure her kids could go to college.

When she wasn’t working, Nora loved gardening and caring for her houseplants. The vegetables she grew were so plentiful that she had so many people asking if they could buy some. Nora was also a remarkable cook. Her special Chicken Adobo was so good, it became her favorite weapon in bartering.  

Nora enjoyed singing, dancing and socializing. She was warm and welcoming to everyone she met and always took the opportunity for friendly conversation. She was a devout Christian– she spent time reading her bible and attended protestant services at Andrews AFB. Finally, she valued spending time with her two grandchildren Isabel and Christine, whom she extremely adored.

In addition to her parents, Nora was preceded in death by her sister, Apolinaria and her two brothers, Ernesto and Nelson.

Nora is survived by her husband of 54 years, David Miranda and her children Barton Miranda, Lisa Baker, and Judy Miranda; her grandchildren Isabel Burick and Christine Baker; and her sisters Teodora Lagmay and Ana Soriano.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Nora’s life on Sunday, January 24th at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Her viewing will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 4:30 p.m.  Nora will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.


William C. Wood “Chester”, 91, a resident of Annapolis and a lifelong resident of Prince George’s County, went to be with the Lord on January 12, 2021. Chester was born on May 27, 1929 in Silver Hill, MD to the late Thomas and Linda Wood. Farming was Chester’s passion in life as he worked with his brother’s on their family farm in Upper Marlboro, MD. He was a lifelong member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Temple Hills, MD and a member of the Farm Bureau. Chester devoted his life to his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Chester was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Wood, one daughter Linda Sue Wood and his 10 siblings; Paul, Thomas, John, Richard, Walter, Joseph Samuel, Mary Ellen and Mildred Wood, Viola McDonald and Pauline Hayden.

Chester is survived by his girlfriend Helen Smith; his daughter Sherri Lee(Tony), of Cumberland; two stepdaughters, Phyllis Policicchio (Jim) and Lisa Lephew (Neil); two sisters; Evelyn Larsen (Jim) and Rose Marie and the late Al Long; his grandchildren Alex Passarell (Katrina), Natalie Ellison (Joe), Jonathan Connor (Jen), and Jacqueline Segura (Juan);  his great-grandchildren Brendan and Brianna Passarell, Jason and Lily Ellison and Kinley and Kolton Connor; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Chester’s life on Friday, January 15 from 2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Please note the funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at our Oxon Hill location, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD. Interment will follow at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made by visiting the link on this page.

<b>**Please note the funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at our Oxon Hill location**</b>

Matthew Edward Overton was born in Los Angeles June 10, 1936.  During the war, his parents owned and operated a cattle ranch near Tehachapi, CA, where he learned how to hunt and operate a tractor, among other things.  After the war, his family moved back to Los Angeles until the family relocated to La Paz, in Baja, Mexico, in 1954.  Matthew would attend Black-Foxe Military Institute in Los Angeles, which included many notable alumni.  During the Christmas and summer breaks, he would drive the thousand miles from Los Angeles to La Paz, mostly on dirt roads, to visit his parents and sister.  Because of the time he spent in La Paz, he became fluent in Spanish, a skill which would serve him well during his many adventures driving the dirt roads of Baja.  He also became an avid sailor and skin diver.  

After graduating from Black-Foxe, he attended the University of Arizona where he completed his Associates Degree in English.  He was drafted into the Army and was honorably discharged after two years at the end of 1962.  During his time in the Army, he became a clerk typist and was a member of the “chairborn division” as he liked to call it.  His last year in the Army was spent in St. Louis where he would process all of the St. Louis Cardinal baseball players when they had to complete their two weeks of reserve duty.  He never missed an opportunity to tell anyone who would listen just how close America came to WWIII during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  

After his service in the Army, he returned to Los Angeles where he met his future wife from Denmark, Else.  During the 57 years they were married, they had a son and a daughter.  Matthew spent most of his professional career as an automobile and property claims specialist with various insurance companies in the Los Angeles area.  He loved nothing more than to go behind closed doors in a judge’s chamber and haggle over the value of a claim with a personal injury lawyer.  He lived for those moments and got to know several of the judges very well.  Even after he retired, he would be called in to help resolve highly complex insurance claims from time to time.  

After retiring, he and his wife traveled extensively, and he dedicated his time to his family, especially his grandchildren who affectionately called him “Far-Far” which is Danish for “Father’s Father.”  In 2009, Matthew and Else moved to Arnold, MD, where they became very involved in a community church, made many new friends, and did lots of local travel and road trips.  One of his favorite activities was to spend time reading books out loud to his wife.  He had a marvelous sense of humor and also had a passion for reloading and vintage firearms.  Matthew had an amazing command of the English vocabulary and instilled in both of his children the importance of keeping up to date on events, keeping an open mind, and maintaining a high standard of ethics.  He also had a passion for supporting young men who came from single parent families and loved serving as a surrogate father by getting them involved in various outdoor activities including camping trips to the Mojave Desert and Baja, Mexico.  

Matthew Edward Overton was a devoted husband, stalwart father, gentle grandfather, charismatic storyteller, and loyal friend to many. He was a man of (mostly) good and oftentimes sardonic humor, and a never-ending supply of sharp witticisms. He was a charming, charismatic gentleman with a great many adventures and unique stories to his name.  He was a man who lived for storytelling and harbored a great love of travel, crossword puzzles, and devotion to his family. He was, at times, a quiet, thoughtful, and tenderhearted soul who listened to those around him and offered his support.

Matthew is survived by his wife, two children and four grandchildren. Those who knew him will attest to the legacy he left behind.  

All services for Matthew are private.

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

Janet Poole Briggs, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Briggs. She is survived by her daughter, Sherri Washington, son, Gary Poole,  three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, three sisters and a host of other relatives and friends. A Private Family Home Going Service will be held at the Largo Community Church, 1701 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, MD 20721 on January 25, 2021 at 11:00 A.M.  Interment immediately following services at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1300 Bladensburg Rd., NE, Washington, DC. 



Anna Marie DiNapoli, 63, of Chesapeake Beach, MD, passed away on January 11, 2021. Anna was born to Antonietta DiNapoli and the late Angelo DiNapoli in Washington, DC, on July 14, 1957. She graduated from Crossland High School in 1975 and attended paralegal school. Anna worked her entire career in the legal field, retiring last year from Covington and Burling in Washington, DC. She enjoyed playing the accordion as a youth, including stage performances, and spending time with many friends, including neighbors, school classmates, and colleagues at Covington. She loved dogs and cats and enjoyed spending time in the garden. 

Anna is survived by her mother, Antonietta DiNapoli of Annapolis, MD; her brother Mark and his wife, Susan DiNapoli of Arlington, VA; and many cousins locally and internationally. Anna's life will be celebrated on Monday, January 18, 2021, from 2 – 4 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, January 19 at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 Bestgate Rd, Annapolis, MD. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude's Children's. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

To view the Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, please click <a href= "https://vimeo.co "/event/78413">HERE</a>

Ann Marie Vass of Owings, MD passed away on January 10, 2021. Ann Marie was born in Washington, DC to the late Robert and Lorraine Vass on October 31, 1968. Ann is survived by her two sons, Ryan Michael Patterson of Owings and Donald Robert Darnall of Lusby, MD; nine brothers and sisters, Robert Vass of Accokeek, MD, John Vass of Sacramento, CA, Michael Vass of Centreville, VA, Theresa Vass of Churchton, MD, Paul Vass and his wife Cynthia of Woodbine, MD, Catherine Vass of Tracys Landing, MD, Joseph Vass and his wife Maria of Fredericksburg, VA, Christopher Vass and his wife Tina of Chesapeake Beach, MD, and Margaret Conte and her husband Albert of Warrenton, VA; 24 nieces and nephews and 18 great nieces and nephews; as well as many close friends. 

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Ann Marie's life on Monday, January 18, 2021 from 5 to 7pm at the Kalas Funeral Homes and Crematory,  2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Condolences may be left by using the memory tab above.

A private graveside service will be held for Mr. Neeley at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville, MD.

                                                              Dolores J. O’Brien
                                                       August 20, 1929 to January 9, 2021


Dolores Joan (Cannon) O’Brien, 91, of Annapolis, died peacefully on the morning of January 9, 2021, at Anne Arundel Medical Center. 

Dolores was born on August 20, 1929, in Washington, D.C. A first-generation Irish American, she was the daughter of Patrick Cannon, a native of County Mayo, Ireland, and Lydia Augusta Cannon, of Baltimore, who died during World War II, when Dolores was 15;and the granddaughter of prominent Washington saloon keeper and distiller, Patrick Cannon, Sr. 
Dolores was a very proud native of Brookland, in NE Washington, DC, and a graduate of St Anthony’s High School, from which she maintained many lifelong friendships. 
In 1947, Dolores married the love of her life, Bobby O’Brien, who passed away in 1992, after 45 years of marriage. With Bobby, she shared a profound love of family, a deep Catholic faith, an enthusiasm for the Washington Football Team, and, amazingly, a birthday. 
After raising her four children, Dolores went to work for the Prince George’s County Early Childhood Programs, working under her dear friend, the late Judy Hoyer.

In 1994, Dolores settled happily in Heritage Harbor, Annapolis, where so many of her Brookland friends were her neighbors, including her beloved sisters-in-law, Helen O’Brien, Carol O’Brien and Rose O’Brien.
After her retirement, Dolores took to the stage. She loved to sing and had a voice that was rich and deep. Under the guidance of the impresario of Heritage Harbor, her sister-in-law Mary Ellen O’Brien, she performed prominent roles in numerous musicals, including Annie in “Miss Hannigan’s School for Girls” and Rizzo in a Grease parody called “Crisco,” all to great acclaim. Rehearsals and performances consumed the entire fall season, but it brought her great joy.

Dolores was an accomplished storyteller and even her story’s villains were always given their humanity. She really could see the good in people. Dolores loved to travel. She visited Ireland twice, Rome, and many beautiful places across America. She loved wine, chocolate, Irish Coffee and ice cream. And yet she was always very tiny. 

Dolores is survived by two daughters, Janet O’Brien Lynn of Mt Airy, MD, and Patricia O’Brien of Annapolis, and two sons, Tommy O’Brien of Pompano Beach, FL, and Jim O’Brien (Terri), of Oakland, CA; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and scores of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. To many of them, she was simply Dory. 
As well as her husband Bobby, she was preceded in death by a brother, Patrick Cannon of Rockville, sisters Ruth Dean of Mt Ranier, MD, and Sister Francis Augusta Cannon, OSB, of Elizabeth NJ, as well as her grandson, Kristopher Owens, of Mt. Airy.

There will be a viewing at Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD, on Sunday, January 17, 2021, from 2 to 5 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 18, 2021, at 10:30 a.m., at St John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road., Annapolis. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the funeral will also be livestreamed online at: http://vimeo.com/event/78413. The family is planning to have a memorial mass and celebration of Dolores’s life later in the summer. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth NJ, 800 N Broad Street, Elizabeth NJ 07208.




Irene E. Hyman, “Ma”, 95, a 40-year resident of Annapolis & Harwood, MD, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2021 at the Mandrin Inpatient Care Center in Harwood.

Ma was born on July 14, 1925 in Herndon, Virginia to the late Charles & Grace Burr. She worked in the clerical office for the Equitable Life Insurance Company.

She was a member of Riva Trace Baptist Church in Davidsonville and was an active member in Heritage Harbour. Her interests included spending time with her children and grandchildren, animals and reading her Bible.

In addition to her parents, Ma was preceded in death by her husbands’ John Nosko in 1964 and James Hyman, who passed away in 1978, one daughter, Joyce Nosko in 2018, and her siblings Russell and Ruth Burr.

She is survived by her daughter Betsy Kehr and her husband Earl of Annapolis, one brother, James Burr of Parksley, VA and one sister, Doris Maxfield of Annapolis, granddaughters; Sandy Sorensen and her husband Mike and Diane Enos and her husband Jim. Ma is also survived by five great-grandchildren; Diane Long, Tracy Long, Justin Harryman, Kristin Rivera Cruz and Christopher Enos, and three great-great-grandchildren; Caroline Harryman, Aracely Rodriguez and Mia Rivera Cruz.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ma’s life on Thursday, January 14, 2021 from 12pm until a funeral service will begin at 1 pm at Riva Trace Baptist Church, 475 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, 1815 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403 or online here at <a href="Https://www.aacspca.org">SPCA</a>


Claudia Rae Hall (nee Schultz), 91, "Nanny," a 10-year resident of Harwood, MD and previously of Annapolis, MD, died on Friday, January 8, 2021, following a five year battle with dementia.  Born June 24, 1929, in Annapolis, MD, to the late Robert A. and Ethel M. Schultz, she was a graduate of Annapolis Senior High School.  Claudia was employed in the medical field by various OB/GYN physicians in the Annapolis area.  She was a longtime member of Eastport Baptist Church and enjoyed crossword puzzles and crocheting.  Her greatest joy was being a terrific "Nanny" to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.  In addition to her parents, Claudia was preceded in death by her husband of 46-years, Russell Randall Hall, Sr.; a son-in-law, Alfred Graves; four siblings, Robert and William Schultz, Elsie Collins, and Delores Lavites; two grandchildren, Michael Hall, Jr., and Sandra Harris.  She is survived by Russell (Vicki) Randall Hall, Jr. of Chesapeake Beach, MD, Bonita "Bonnie" Graves of Greensboro, MD, Darryle (Dana) C. Hall of Tracys Landing, MD, and Michael D.(Cindy) Hall, Sr. of Harwood, MD; eight grandchildren, William J. Graves, Kristine R. Hall, Timothy R. Hall, Melissa H. Camden, Jennie L. Hall, Tammy Neenan, Marcia Toth, and Amy Bennett; three step grandchildren, John Blatney, Garret, and Katie Thomas; 27 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren. Services and interment for Claudia are private.  . 

Services and interment for Claudia are private.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122.  

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


Grayson Joseph Kitchen died on January 7, 2021. He was born the morning of March 23, 2020. His family knew that his birth would be special because of his heart issues but did not know that 2020 would bring additional struggles. After 3 major open-heart surgeries and countless other procedures, Grayson was released from the hospital in September of 2020 to live out the rest of his life in his family home surrounded by love. After 290 days, Grayson passed. He is survived by his parents, Isaac and Rachel; his sisters, Lillyann and Maggi; his Papaw, Lonnie (Jennifer) Montgomery; his Grandma, Marge Kitchen and many aunts, uncles and other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Cathy Montgomery and paternal grandfather, Ronald Kitchen. Isaac and Rachel would like to thank UMMC Children’s Hospital as well as Chesapeake kids, Hospice of the Chesapeake for their care of Grayson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Brett Boyer Foundation (thebrettboyerfoundation.org) to continue the battle against CHD (congenital heart defects) or the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122. A memorial service will be held in Ohio at a later date.

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

Services for Holly are being planned.  Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the link on this page.  

Clevie Morris was born on August 22, 1952, in Endicott Virginia,  the daughter of Ora and Grover Boyd. Clevie lost both her father and mother at the age of six. She was later adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Stencil Morris and fostered by Jane and John McClure. Clevie was an artist, a free spirit, and a strong independent woman. She has a Ph.D. in stubbornness and sass, she is loved by many. Clevie is survived by three daughters, Amy, Jennifer, and Rebecca Clark; seven grandchildren; and her dear friend, Leigh Woodling. Clevie is now at peace and has joined her parents and sisters Elaine McGuckian and Alberta Boyd having a party in Heaven. All services for Clevie are private.  Please take a moment to sign the family's online guestbook by visiting the link on this page.

Matthew Strohm Evans Jr. of Grasonville, Maryland, died of complications from COVID-19 at Anne Arundel Medical Center, January 6, 2021, just shy of his 79th birthday. 

Strohm, as he was known to everyone, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on January 23, 1942, to the Honorable Matthew Strohm Evans Sr. and Nancie Ray Evans. Strohm was raised at Rose Hill in Severna Park, Maryland, and he spent summers at Evans Hill in Sherwood Forest. He graduated in 1960 from Severn School, where he served as class president and was on the varsity lacrosse, football, and swimming teams. He was inducted into the Severn School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. 

 In 1960, he entered the United States Naval Academy (USNA), where he lettered in lacrosse. He was also a member of several national championship teams under legendary Coach Willis Bilderback. As a member of the USNA swim team, he set records in the butterfly stroke.

Immediately after graduation and commissioning in 1964 he attended flight school in Pensacola,  Florida, and was awarded his pilot wings in 1966 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was then stationed in Virginia Beach from 1966 to 1969, where he flew 2 tours of duty in Vietnam off of the USS Intrepid. In November 1969, after completing his Naval service, he returned home to Annapolis. 

In 1971 he joined the Maryland Air National Guard located at Martin State Airport where he flew the O-2, C-7 and C-130 Aircrafts. In addition to serving in the Vietnam War, Lt. Col. Evans was also on duty for Operation Just Cause (the invasion of Panama), and Operation Desert Storm. He retired in 1991 as the Chief of Command and Control for the 135th Tactical Airlift Group. During his years of service he was awarded, among other things, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Vietnam Air Gallantry Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. 
 
The same year he joined the Air National Guard, he began law school at the University of Baltimore, graduating in 1973. Following law school, Strohm clerked for the Honorable Walter H. Moorman, in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. He began a general practice of law in 1974 and worked through 1987 with several Annapolis law firms. In 1987, Strohm became the owner of United Title in Severna Park, a successful real estate settlement company, which still operates today. 

Strohm is survived by his wife Ronita and their 2 children Nila Bullock (Jake) and Andrew Evans. He is also survived by his children of his former wife Patricia Nalley, son Matthew Strohm Evans III (grandchildren Matthew, Bo, Peyton, and William) and daughter Meg Evans Hayden (grandchildren Ryder and Josie; as well as his sister Lucy Kay Weaver and his nephew David Weaver and niece Nancie David. Due to the pandemic, a private memorial will be observed with family; there will be a celebration of his life after restrictions have been lifted. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Strohm’s name to Severn School or the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation. Please sign the family guestbook at the link on this page.

HARVEY EDWARD HARRIS, SR. of Oxon Hill, MD passed on January 6, 2021. Harvey was born on November 15, 1948, the son of Henry E. Harris and Marguerite Coles Harris. He is survived by his mother Marguerite Harris, his wife of 49 years, JoAnn Harris, his son Harvey Harris, Jr., two grandchildren (Shaleia and Rasaan), a brother Winfred (Maria), one sister,Simoko Allen (Michael), and a special uncle Robert Coles. Harvey served in he U.S. Navy (Jan. 1967 - Oct. 1970). He joined the DCFD (Fire Department) Jan. 1973 and retired Dec. 1999.  Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, there will not be a memorial service held. A Celebration of Harvey's life will be held at a later date. 

Jeremiah 29:11
KJV

"For I know the thoughts that I think for you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

Bernardine Cook, 89, an 11-year resident of Annapolis, MD and previously of Largo, MD, died on January 5, 2021, in Annapolis, MD.  Born September 18, 1931, in Washington, DC, to the late Charles and Grace Gilroy. She worked for Tech Serv, Inc. of Beltsville, MD, Norco Pest Control of Bowie, MD and Prince George's County Schools.  Bernardine enjoyed watching HGTV, Wheel of Fortune, listening to Alan Jackson and playing solitaire on her laptop. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 72 years, Norman Cook.  Bernardine is survived by five children, Donald (Carmen) Cook of Naples, FL, Donna Cook of Silver Spring, MD, Barry (Debbie) Cook of Edgewater, MD, Norma Cook of Dunkirk, MD, and James (Kim) Cook of Murphy, NC; 16 grandchildren, Douglas, Christine, Allison, Faith, Michael, Pam, Tracy, Ashley, Eddie, Steph, Melissa, Jaime, Kerianne, Lora, Christi, and Kelsey; 23 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all services will be private. Online tributes and condolences may be made by using the link on this page.

Nicholas Charles "Nick" Finamore, 75, of Lothian, Maryland joined our Heavenly Father on January 5, 2021. Born on October 16, 1945 in Washington, D.C. to the late Charles and Angeline Finamore, Nick grew up on Kentucky Avenue in Southeast, DC and attended Saint John’s Military Academy. In 1961, Nick’s family moved to Prince George’s County and he joined the Allentown Road Volunteer Fire Department. After graduating in 1963 from Oxon Hill High School, Nick served in the US Army. He was a proud military veteran and was assigned to various international posts, including South Korea. Nick earned the Presidential Meritorious Service Award and after being honorably discharged as a US Army Sergeant, he pursued his career as a fireman. He was hired by the Prince George’s County Fire Department in 1966 and served in numerous leadership roles throughout his nearly 53 year career. He retired as Deputy Fire Chief of Operations in 1988 but continued his fire department career as the Chief of the Allentown Road Volunteer Fire Department and the Volunteer Operations Commander for the Prince George’s County Fire Department, where he remained active until his untimely passing. Nick earned numerous honors and awards for his heroic actions, including various Unit Citation awards and the highest honor for bravery, the PGFD Gold Medal of Valor. Chief Finamore was considered a pioneer in the Prince George’s County Fire Department, a true leader and the epitome of the perfect firefighter. He was respected by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. There was never a shortage of stories about Chief Finamore and his passion for the Prince George’s County Fire Department. Nick is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary Esther Conte Finamore; his children, Charles (Valkyrie) Finamore , Angela (Ed) Dentz and Nicholas (Chelsea) Finamore; his grandchildren, who called him “Poppy”, Brody Finamore, Sophia, Eddie and Nicholas Dentz and Paul Finamore; his siblings, Charles (Pam) Finamore, Mary (Allen) Anderson, Patricia (Tony) McClure and Barbara (Kevin) Thompson; his loving stepfather of fifty-eight years, Thomas “Bert” Norris and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Prince George’s County Professional Firefighters Charitable Foundation, supporting the Colea Fund and the Burn Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall tab on this page.

John (Jack) Lawrence Fraber passed away suddenly on January 5, 2021.  He is survived by his daughter/best friend Christina Fraber of Greenbelt, MD, his sister Geraldine Tyler and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his brothers William Patrick Fraber, Jr. and Daniel James Fraber and his sisters Patricia Ann Pearson and Agnes Maureen Park.  

John was born in Washington, D.C. on March 13, 1946 to Catherine Grace Whelan and William Patrick Fraber.  He excelled in sports growing up in Brookland and playing in Turkey Thicket.  He then went on to serve as a medic and paratrooper in Vietnam where he saved many lives.  John was extremely proud of his service to his country as a member of the 82nd and 173rd Airborne Divisions and he never lost those heroic qualities.  He was always willing to lend a hand and offer kindness and humor in any situation.  

Jack Fraber was a charming man who could make friends with anybody in an instant.  He lived in Greenbelt, MD for many years where he made many friends while working as an elevatorman and raising his daughter.   He worked hard installing and repairing elevators for many years as a member of Local #10 Union.  Once retired, he most enjoyed hanging out with his daughter and their cat Snowy, watching his beloved local football and baseball teams and John Wayne movies, sitting on the balcony enjoying nature and feeding the squirrels, reading the Sunday newspaper while drinking his coffee and socializing at the American Legion in Lanham, MD.  

Jack was an old fashioned gentleman in a world where that is exceedingly rare. His larger than life presence, deep voice, twinkling blue eyes and quick wit will be unbelievably missed by all that knew and loved him.  John will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery (where he always dreamed of spending his well earned eternal rest) at a later date.

Please sign the guestbook for the family at the link on this page.

Mary Francis Becker (née Wheeler) passed away on January 4, 2021 in Annapolis, MD at the age of 88. She was born March 11, 1932 in Baltimore, MD, daughter of the late Mary Noto and John Wheeler. Mary was the beloved wife of the late Phillip R.Becker Sr; devoted mother of Phillip R. Becker, Jr. and Stephanie J. Becker 
and loving grandmother to Tina H. Becker. She was sister to Catherine, Virginia, Raymond and Vincent. She is also survived by many nieces & nephews. A private funeral service and interment for family is planned. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at the link on this page.

Ronald Thomas Faulkner, 82, passed away peacefully, at his home, surrounded by family on Sunday, January 3, 2021. He was a resident of Annapolis, MD for twenty-five years and previously of Ft. Washington, MD. He was born on December 18, 1938 in Providence, RI, the son of the late Robert and Dorothy Faulkner. Ron served in the US Navy as a Gunner’s Mate on the USS Abbott. He began working as a baggage handler at Alleghany Airlines, now US Airways, and retired as a Captain (piloting the BAC 1-11 and DC-9) in 1993 after 28 years.   Upon retiring, he was a businessman, owning sixteen childcare centers around Maryland with the support of long-time friend, Linda Brooks. The smiling faces of children fueled his love of the business. Ron was a mentor and a friend to many. 
 
Once retired from his childcare business, Ron was devoted to his grandchildren near and far, becoming a fixture on every sideline of their sporting events in rain, snow or blazing sun. He was an incredibly proud grandpa of each of them as they grew into young adults.  Ron was the life of the party, hosting years of Parade of Lights get-togethers.  He lived life to the absolute fullest and was a regular in the local establishments and walking around Eastport and downtown Annapolis. He enjoyed bicycling, boating, traveling with friends, the Nationals and the Washington Redskins. His presence was always near.  It's such a profound loss to those who knew and loved him. Ron left a void and a lasting legacy for each of us to carry on.
  
He is survived by his children, Ronald Lee (Dawn) of Bluffton, SC, Thomas Alan (Danielle) of Annapolis, MD, Julie Ann of Bradenton, FL and Tammy Ellen (Andy) of Smithfield, VA; his sister, Elaine Gray of Wellesley MA; his grandchildren, Bobby, Gavin, Melissa, Grace and Emma Faulkner, Marissa Parker and Christine Faulkner-Roth and 4 great-grandchildren. Ron is predeceased by his brother Robert Faulkner and his sister Dorothy Mason. A private family memorial service is planned. 

Memories and condolences may be shared online using the Memory Wall tab above.


On Sunday, January 3, 2021 Mark O. Gaines passed away in Washington, DC. He is survived by his mother Phyllis Gaines, his sister Rosalind Gaines, and his brother Gomez Gaines.

Relatives and friends are invited to Mark's Life Celebration on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745 from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Interment Heritage Memorial Cemetery, Waldorf, MD. 

Obituaries

James Luber

Arlane Samonte

Randy Mann

Honoria Miranda

William Wood

Matthew Overton

Janet Briggs

Anna DiNapoli

Ann Marie Chialastri

Bobby Neeley

Dolores O'Brien

Irene Hyman

Claudia Hall

Grayson Kitchen

Helen Dodge

Clevie Morris

Matthew Evans

Harvey Harris, Sr.

Bernardine Cook

Nicholas Finamore

John Fraber

Mary Becker

Ronald Faulkner

Mark Gaines