Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Mary Anne Milton, 72, a 10-year resident of Henderson, MD and previously of Edgewater, MD for 35 years, passed away on February 24, 2020 from heart failure.  Born on December 14, 1947 in Washington, DC to the late David and Evelyn Parker, Mary Anne graduated from DuVal High School in 1966.  She worked for the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission for more than 30 years, retiring in 2010.  
Mary Anne loved to sew and quilt.  Making blankets and quilts for everyone she loved was truly a passion for her.  She and her husband, Gene, enjoyed attending car shows.  After Gene’s passing, Mary Anne continued to attend shows when her health allowed; she loved showing off the ’68 El Camino she and Gene purchased together.  Spending time with family was very important to Mary Anne, especially having fun with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She also loved to bake and cook; Sunday dinners were special to her.
Mary Anne was preceded in death by her loving husband of 44 years, Eugene Andrew “Gene” Milton, Sr. who died in 2013; her sister, Evelyn “Pat” Parker; and three brothers, Clyde, Charles and Harold “Gumps” Parker.  She is survived by her son, Eugene Andrew “Andy” Milton, Jr. of Henderson, MD; her daughter, Katherine M. “Kathy” Kite and her husband, Kelly of Owings, MD; two grandsons, Patrick Milton and Justin Kite; two granddaughters, Michaela Kite and Gabrielle Milton; two great-granddaughters; one brother and her daughter-in-law, Lisa Milton.
Friends are invited to celebrate Mary Anne’s life with her family at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater on Wednesday, March 4 from 2 to 4pm and from 6pm until her memorial service begins at 7pm.  Burial will be private.  
Condolences may be offered by using the Memory Wall link above.

On Saturday, February 22, 2020; the devoted wife of Samuel Diamante; the beloved mother of Vincent (Valerie) and Catherine Diamante; the loving sister of four siblings and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Julieta was an avid church member of St. Columba Catholic Church.  She was a member of the St. Columba Parish Council and Fil-Ministry. 

Family and friends are invited to Julieta's Celebration of Life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill MD on Thursday, February 27, 2020 and Friday, February 28, 2020 from 4 to 8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 10 AM at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7804 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment St. Mary's Piscataway Catholic Church Cemetery, 13401 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD. 

George William McGeeney, 59, an 8-year resident of Atlanta, GA, died on February 21, 2020, in Baltimore, MD of heart failure.  Born July 18, 1960, in Los Angeles, CA, he graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a degree in Economics where he was a star lacrosse player, helping the school win the 1980 NCAA Division II championship.  In 1982 he was a Division I First Team All-American and was awarded the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association's Schmeisser Award, which is given to the nation's top defenseman. After graduation, he helped lead the U.S. national team to world championships in 1986 and 1990 and played professional lacrosse for the Baltimore Thunder. He is a member of the UMBC Athletic Hall of Fame and was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2002. George was employed at various companies throughout his career including Pepsico for over 12 years, ARC-Denver for six years, CSC/Air-Serv for over seven years, and most recently his dream job as the Chief Operating Officer for U.S. Lacrosse.  He was a member of Buckhead Church in Atlanta, GA.  George is survived by his wife, Astrid McGeeney, and their daughter Mia Sophia McGeeney of Atlanta, GA , his first wife Patrice McGeeney and their two children, Kailey Logan McGeeney of Birmingham, AL, and Hunter William McGeeney of Arlington, Virginia; and four siblings, Mike McGeeney of Annapolis, MD, John McGeeney of Loveland, OH, Timothy McGeeney of Pennington, NJ, and Connie Baker of Florida; three sisters-in-law, Michelle, Kristin, Diane, and Andreina; and three brothers-in-law, James Baker, Otto Seijas, and Ricardo Seijas. Family and friends are invited to the visitation on Thursday, February 27, 2020, from 10:00 am until his funeral service begins at 12:00 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037  

 In lieu of flowers donations can be made in George’s memory to US Lacrosse, 2 Loveton Circle, Sparks, MD 21152 or on-line at https://give.uslacrosse.org/give/263260/#!/donation/checkout 

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

Private visitation will be held on Monday, March 2 from 4 to 7 and 8 to 9 pm and on Tuesday, March 3 from 9 to 11 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 pm all at the United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, MD. Interment will follow in the United States Naval Academy Cemetery. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Jean Helen Mobley, 87, of Edgewater, MD passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 due to complications from COPD. Jean was born on November 2, 1932 in Jersey City, NJ to the late Chalmers and Regina Archer.  In 1954, she graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science degree. Jean was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Annapolis, MD. She enjoyed reading, relaxing at the beach and spending time with her family. 

Jean is survived by her husband, of 65 years, Arthur Scott Mobley, Sr.; her son and his wife, Capt. Arthur Scott and Monique Mobley of Waunakee, WI, daughter, Janet Larsen of Woodbridge, VA, daughter and her husband, Sharon and Tony Warner of Ellicott City, MD and daughter and her husband, Susan and Dave Paolatto of Sherborn, MA; her brother and his wife, Wallace and Joyce Archer of Scituate, MA; and grandchildren: Sean Mobley of Seattle, WA, Lauren Mobley, of Madison, WI, Meghan Warner of Baltimore, MD and Joe, Matt and Kate Paolatto all of Sherborn, MA. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Jean's life on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater from  1 pm until her funeral service begins at 2 pm. Inurnment will take place on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 10 am at the USNA Columbarium, Annapolis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave., Suite 1100N, Bethesda, MD 20814.

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

Kenneth “Ken” Dobson Miller, Jr., age 70, a 17-year resident of West River and previously of Darnestown, Annapolis and Davidsonville, MD, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020. Born on July 6, 1949, in Washington, DC to the late Mary Ann McLoughlin and Kenneth Dobson Miller, Sr., Ken graduated from St. Martin’s Elementary School in Gaithersburg, Harker Preparatory School in Potomac, MD and attended Boston University where he played division one soccer. Ken loved his work and enjoyed a successful well-respected career as a Telecommunications Engineer at: The Capital Centre, Capital Video, The Discovery Channel, CEI (Communication Engineering, Inc) and the Washington Redskins.  He was a member of SMPTE, The Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers.  In his spare time, Ken enjoyed traveling, working on his lawn and garden, coaching soccer and, most of all, spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Martin Ross Miller.  He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Dawn Haney Miller: three sons: Kenneth Dobson Miller III of Frederick, MD, Ryan Haney (Ashley Marie) Miller of Owings, MD and Paul Clayton (Ashley Dawn) Miller of Crofton, MD four sisters: Kathleen Green of Sioux City, IA, Rosemary (Kenneth) Katschke of Chicago IL, Carolyn (George) Counnas of Thousand Oaks, CA and Lenore (Arnie) Butay of Tulsa, OK, one brother, Clayton (Carol) Miller of Annapolis, MD and two sisters-in-law, April (Steve) Eisel of Laurel, DE and Wynne McKenna, three grandsons: Braeden, Devin and Mason Miller and one granddaughter on the way, Rowan Miller. Friends are invited to celebrate Ken’s life with his family on Sunday, February 23, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Davidsonville United Methodist Church, 819 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD. Burial will be private. Online condolences and tributes may be offered by visiting the link on this page.

Lorene Southwick, “Grandma”, a 63-year resident of Edgewater, MD and previously of Hyattsville, MD, died on Sunday, February 16, 2020, at her home.  She was 81. Born April 10, 1938, in Washington, DC, she was a homemaker for most of her life.  Lorene was a longtime member of the Ladies Auxillary of Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department.  She enjoyed camping, gardening, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. Lorene was preceded in death by a son, Timmy Southwick; and a sister, Margret Regan.  She is survived by her husband of 63-years, Tommy Southwick; two children, Billy (Lori) Southwick of Harwood, MD and Patty Guy of Edgewater, MD; three sisters, Barbara Sullivan, Carolyn Klakring, and Marilyn Wagner; seven grandchildren, Danny and Bobby Guy, Heather Kautz, Michael, Brittany, Haley, and Chase Southwick; and seven great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to celebrate Lorene’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, February 20 from 1:00 pm until her memorial service begins at 3 pm.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department, 529 Londontown Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037, Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122, or SPCA of Anne Arundel County, 1815 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis, MD 21403. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

On Sunday, February 16, 2020; the beloved husband of Joyce E. Moore; father of LeCount Anthony Moore, Jr., Shawn Moore and Donnell Moore. He is also survived by his grandchildren and many other relatives and friends

Relatives and friends are invited to Mr. Moore's Life Celebration at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, VA. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Mrs. Clarke's  Life Celebration at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD on Monday, February 24, 2020 from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Interment Fort Lincoln Cemetery immediately following the service. 

Rodolfo Ramirez Jr., 77, died unexpectedly on February 15, 2020, at Anne Arundel Medical Center. He was born in Laredo, TX on December 23, 1942, son of Rodolfo Ramirez Sr. & Flora Martinez Ramirez.  

Rudy was a graduate of St. Mary's University in San Antonio TX and completed a successful law enforcement career working for the Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs & Border Protection, State Department and American Airlines Corporate Security.  

In addition to his parents, Rudy was preceded in death by his brother, Armando. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Minnie C. Ramirez, his sons; Rodolfo Ramirez III of Silver Spring MD and Arturo Rene Ramirez of Berlin, MD, daughter-in-law Stacy and five grandchildren; Charles, Solana, Emily, Ryan, and Ariana. He is also survived by his two sisters, Graciela Ramirez Duncan & Alice Ramirez both of San Antonio, TX and several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rudy’s Life on Tuesday, February 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A visitation will also be held on Thursday, February 27 from 8 am until 11:45 am at Porter Loring Mortuary North, San Antonio, TX. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12:30 pm at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in San Antonio, TX.

Those who wish to remember Rudy in a special way, may make gifts in his memory to a charity of their choice. 


On February 15, 2020 Lois Allison Alexander of Fort Washington, Maryland passed away surrounded by her loving family.  Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Alice Allison, Donald W. Alexander and her granddaughter, Alyssa Rae Alexander. 

Lois is survived by her sister, Virginia Ingling.  She is also survived by her four children: William Alexander (Valerie), Mark Alexander (Tien), David Alexander (Jo Anne) and Amy Alexander Groat (John). She has eight grandchildren, Tamara (Jay), Christopher (Lauren), Ann-Marie (Shawn), Collin (Sydney), Stephen, Koty, Trinity and Grant. She has six great-grandchildren, Laila, Caden, Chloe, Ava, Ellie Mae, Fischer and many other extended family members whom she loved dearly.

Lois was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 24,1925. She graduated high school in Terrace Park, Ohio in 1943.  Lois attended the University of Michigan where she received her bachelor’s degree in 1947 and her master’s degree in economics in 1949. She went on to teach economics at Wooster College (Ohio) and Hood College (Maryland). Lois received her doctorate in law from Georgetown University in 1973.  

Lois began her career with the federal government where she remained for thirty-six years. During her career she worked for Health Education and Welfare, The Federal Trade Commission, The Social Security Administration and the United States’ Senate.  She was the senior analyst responsible for creating the original privacy act in 1974.  Lois was sworn-in to the United States Supreme Court in 1996.   

Lois was a member of St. John’s Broad Creek Episcopal Church in Ft. Washington, MD for over fifty-years.  She served as Jr. Warden, Sr. Warden, on the vestry and in the choir.  She belonged to many clubs and organizations including The Maryland Choral Society and the Ft. Washington Community Chorus, The Red Hat Society, (SOME) So Others Might Eat, and The Ft. Washington Food Pantry.  She was a voracious reader, loved music and volunteered teaching reading skills at local elementary schools.  Lois enjoyed traveling, great food, her beloved pets and most of all spending time with her family.  

Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Johns Broad Creek Episcopal Church or the Ft. Washington Food Pantry (9801 Livingston Rd Ft. Washington, MD 20744). 

Relatives and friends are invited to Mrs. Alexander's Life Celebration at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD on Friday, February 21, 2020 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church Broad Creek, 9801 Livingston Rd., Ft. Washington, MD 20744 on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 3 p.m. Interment church cemetery immediately following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church Broad Creek,stjohnsbroadcreek.org or Ft. Washington Food Pantry, fortwashingtonfoodpantry.net


Norma Flores San Pedro, 80, of Hyattsville, MD, formely of Oxon Hill, MD passed away on February 14, 2020. Born on July 2, 1939 to the late Narciso Flores and Gregoria Pernito in Pasay City, Manila, Philippines. Norma was married to her late Husband, Juan San Pedro for 40 years until his death in 2005. Norma was a lifelong housewife, who enjoyed watching TV, especially GMA and TFC. Grocery shopping, singing, and dancing. Norma and her late husband had immigrated to the United States in 1999. 
She is predeceased also by her late siblings, Nelita Flores Agcaoili and Narcisco Flores, Jr. Norma is survived by her Daughter, Anna Christina, John Eric (Ma Cristina), and Angelo Roy (Ma Criselda). Grandchildren, Aria Renee, Angelo Paulo Craig, Gian Paolo, Rojuanda Norelle, , and Krishna Juachim.


On Friday, February 14, 2020, James "Jim" Britton passed away at his home in Annapolis, MD. Jim was born on April 12, 1945, in Annapolis to the late James and Marguerite Britton.  He worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a postal carrier before ultimately working as a postal clerk. Jim was a Christian Troubadour writing and playing songs on his guitar for Jesus. He was a devoted member of Chesapeake Christian Fellowship Church.  In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his son, Aaron Scott Britton and three siblings, Robert and Charles Britton and Sharon Grice. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Dottie Britton; two children, Lisa Marie Bowers of Annapolis and Brian Douglas Britton of Florida; two siblings, Keith Britton of West Virginia and Linda Goehring of Glen Burnie, MD; a son-in-law, George Bowers; a daughter-in-law, Kathleen Britton; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 21 at 11 am at Chesapeake Christian Fellowship Church, 377 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD 21035. In lieu of flowers, a donation in honor of Jim may be made to: Chesapeake Christian Fellowship at the address above. Condolences may be made by clicking on the memory tab on this page. 

Frances Day Denton, “Fran, Frannie, Neena”, a 50-year resident of Edgewater/Deale, MD, died on February 13, 2020 at the Mandrin Inpatient Care Center in Harwood, MD.  Born June 20, 1955 in Washington, DC, she graduated from Southern High School.  Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Linwood Denton; her parents, Guy Paul Day and Marie Day Ridgley; and her stepfather, James Robert Ridgely.  

She is survived by three sons, Brian, Jason, and Steven Denton; five siblings, Paul Day, James Ridgley, Helen Lewis, Nancy Kirby, and Janet Eubanks; six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.  

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122.  

On line condolences may be made by clicking on the memory tab on this page. 


On Wednesday, February 12, 2020; the beloved wife of the late Florido S. Pe. She is also survived by her six children and grandchildren. 


Relatives and friends are invited to Marcie's Life Celebration at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be offered at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 2401 Brinkley Rd., Ft. Washington,  MD on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 12 p.m. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD 20735 at 1:30 p.m. following the funeral liturgy. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Ignatius Catholic Church. 

Bobby Lanier Rhodes "Bob", age 90, a resident of Edgewater, MD for 55 years died on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at his home after a brief illness. Born on  November 22,1929  at his family farm in Wendell, NC, Wake County to the late Elmer Vance and Annie Bell Honeycutt Rhodes, Bob was drafted into the Army in 1956 and proudly served his country as an ACS Engineer until being honorably discharged in 1958. He owned and operated the barber shop in the Officers Athletic Club in the Pentagon for over 40 years as well as owned and maintained many rental properties with his wife, Glenda and family. Bob took on the  responsibility of maintaining the beautiful waterfront beaches of Loch Haven, his community, for many years and was rewarded with a lifetime honorary membership to the Loch Haven Civic Association in recognition of the dedicated service that he and his wife provided.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #226 where he enjoyed attending special events and eating dinner and breakfast with friends and family. He loved spending time with his family and many, many friends.  He mentored numerous young people into growing up to become hard working, caring adults.  His hobbies included boating, water and snow skiing, traveling, eating crabs, drinking beer with friends and family and he enjoyed visiting his family owned vacation property in Lake Gaston, NC. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Glenda Lindsey Rhodes; his sisters, Mary Lee Rhodes Craft, Myrtle Perry, Decima Miller and Della Horton and his brothers, Billy, Drexel, Landis, E. V., Julian and Wilbur Rhodes. He is survived by his two daughters, Hope Lindsey  (Paul) Noone and Faith Rhodes (Dan) Bushee; four granddaughters, Kristin Lindsey and Emily Nicole Noone, Olivia Marie and Leila Grace Bushee all of Edgewater; his sister, Annie Ruth Blinson of Yorktown, VA and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Friends are invited to celebrate Bob's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Sunday, February 16 from 11 am until his funeral service begins at 1 pm. Interment, with military honors, will be at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD on Monday, February 17 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Legion Post #226, 830 E. Central Ave., Edgewater, MD 21037 or the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Captain Kevin William McCook, United States Navy, slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God on Tuesday, 11 February 2020. He is survived by Linda Irons McCook, his wife of 37 years, his sons Christopher (USNA ’07) and Brendan (Yale ’10), and their wives, Laura and Jen. He was the fourth of six children of Dr. & Mrs. T. Joseph McCook from Springfield and Marstons Mills, Massachusetts. His death follows a long career in the United States Navy and a shorter career in the information technology industry. 

He graduated from Classical High School in Springfield, Massachusetts with Varsity letters in swimming and crew, and subsequently accepted a Congressional nomination to the United States Naval Academy, where he reported on 28 June 1962. Following a serious eye injury incurred during a LASER research project, he graduated from the Naval Academy in 1966 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and accepted a commission into the United States Navy Supply Corps.

Captain McCook’s 27 years of Navy service included a 19-month in-country tour assigned to the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV). He returned to the United States in December 1968 having earned the Bronze Star Medal, a Joint Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Combat Action Ribbon, and four unit citations.

He next reported to Navy Supply School in Athens, Georgia teaching supply management to active duty Ensigns, reservists, and foreign officers.  He then moved on to Michigan State University to complete a 2-year MBA in 1 year before reporting to USS WICHITA (AOR-1) as supply officer.

He completed two more combat deployments on WICHITA before reporting to Naval Station Norfolk as the Supply Operation Officer for the Industrial Naval Air Station. He was then admitted to Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia for the Junior Course in Military Education.

Following Armed Forces Staff College, he spent the next two years as the Executive Officer of the Navy Cargo Handling and Port Group where he was responsible for deploying cargo teams worldwide. He then spent the next three years at Naval Supply Center Norfolk and while living in Virginia Beach as a Navy Commander, he met and later married the love of his life, Linda Irons McCook and their 37-year adventure began.

Upon completion of his tour at Naval Supply Center Norfolk, he reported with Linda as his new bride to Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island where he simultaneously completed a second Master’s Degree in Foreign Policy at Salve Regina University. Adhering to the old Navy tradition that paybacks are hell, he then reported to the Naval Supply Systems Command in Washington, DC as the Navy Inventory Accuracy Crisis Manager.

He emerged from this tour having been selected for promotion and reported as the Force Supply Officer for Commander Fleet Air Mediterranean in May 1985. During this tour, both Kevin and Linda completed off-duty Masters Degrees in Education and Professional Development through Boston University.

He returned to Washington DC in August 1988 with Linda and their two new sons to lead Special Projects including the Navy Supply 2010 Study before being selected for Major Command as the Commanding Officer of Naval Supply Center Puget Sound – responsible for supporting Aviation, Surface, and Submarine activities in the Pacific Northwest. He was then also nominated as a Deputy Commander at Naval Supply System Command and spent the last six months of his command tour simultaneously filling the billets in Washington DC and Puget Sound, thus filling two flag officer billets at the same time.

He retired from the Navy on 1 December 1993 with the Bronze Star Medal, the Legion of Merit (3), the Meritorious Service Medal (2), the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Combat "V", Navy Commendation Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and a number of campaign and unit awards. Following his military retirement, he commenced a second career in the information technology industry where he spent 14 years as an IT Executive in Business Development and Sales.

During retirement, Kevin and Linda resided at their home in Vienna, Virginia and added a “beach house” on Selby Bay in Edgewater, Maryland. He was first struck by prostate cancer in 2003, and while continuing treatments and monitoring, he and Linda spent the next 16 years living life to the fullest while traveling extensively within the US and abroad.  His pace only slowed when a more vicious cancer evolved as small-cell carcinoma of the bladder in 2019. Both cancers would ultimately be attributable to combat exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam many years earlier, but despite the awful nature of the disease, his indomitable spirit – and his love for family, friends, and life – continued unabated.

Captain Kevin McCook will be laid to rest at the United States Naval Academy columbarium with a memorial service at 1400 on Saint Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, 17 March 2020 at the Naval Academy Chapel. An Irish wake will follow at the Naval Academy Club with a robust “Celebration of Life.” To ensure that there is sufficient cheer on-hand for all to enjoy, the family requests the favor of an RSVP to  <a href="mailto: Kevin.McCook.Memorial@gmail.com" style="color:blue">Kevin.McCook.Memorial@gmail.com</a> by Monday, 9 March for those who plan to attend the wake.

For those interested in sharing stories about Kevin’s life, or sharing pictures, the family requests that they be e-mailed to <a href="mailto: Kevin.McCook.Memorial@gmail.com" style="color:blue">Kevin.McCook.Memorial@gmail.com</a> (Word or PDF files preferred) so that they can be compiled into a remembrance book.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Navy Supply Corps Foundation Scholarship Fund at
<a href="http://bit.ly/NSCFSF-McCook" style="color:blue">http://bit.ly/NSCFSF-McCook</a> (note “In memory of Kevin McCook” in the donation info box)
or by mail to: 
Navy Supply Corps Foundation
2061 Experiment Station Road
Suite 301, PMB 423
Watkinsville, GA 30677
(note “In memory of Kevin McCook” on check)
 

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

Sherod Monroe Cooper, Jr. passed away on February 11, 2020 at home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Norristown, PA on January 28, 1927. He was married to Janet Cooper (nee Williams) on June 27, 1953. 
He joined the Merchant Marines in 1945 and served in the US Army from 1946-47. He received his PhD in English from the University of Pennsylvania in 1962 and taught at the University of Maryland from 1957 to 1989. After retiring, he volunteered with Project Liberty Ship, restoring the John W. Brown and he wrote Liberty Ship: The Voyages of the John W. Brown 1942 – 1946, published by the Naval Institute Press in 1997. He also published The Sonnets of Astrophel and Stella in 1963.

Sherod was preceded in death by his son, Sherod M. Cooper, III. He is survived by his wife Janet; brother, Everett (Karen) Cooper; sons, Stephen (Una) and David (Renee) Cooper; daughter, Elizabeth (Kendall) Judy; daughter-in-law, Debra Cooper; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; cousins, Ken and Roger Morley, and nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at the Heritage Harbour Lodge, 959 River Strand Loop, Annapolis, MD on Saturday, February 22 from 3 to 6 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Project Liberty Ship, Inc. PO Box 25846 Highlandtown Station, Baltimore, MD 21224. 


Preston J. Cantler, 90, a resident of Edgewater, MD for 52 years, passed away on February 10, 2020 at his home. Born on December 23, 1929 in Annapolis, MD to the late Preston and Frances Cantler, Preston served in the U.S. Army for 22 years where he spent part of his military career in Korea. He loved gardening, boating, fishing and crabbing on the South River and he enjoyed telling stories and joking around with his family and friends. In addition to his parents, Preston was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn Cantler; his brother Francis Cantler and his daughter in law, Alice Cantler. He is survived  by his children, Preston Cantler, Jr. of Ledyard, CT, Pat (Jesse) Miller and Jacqueline Avery all of Edgewater, MD; his sisters, Marion Swindell of Goldsboro, MD and Gael Dobbins of Radford, VA; his grandchildren, Michael Stowe, Dana (Dana) Miller, Lisa and Preston Cantler, III and three great-grandchildren. Preston will be laid to rest at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Rd., Crownsville, MD on Tuesday, February 18 at 2:30 pm. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Brent Herrell Thorne, 72, a 17-year resident of Edgewater, MD and previously of Falls Church, VA, passed away on February 9, 2020.  Born on September 18, 1947 in Washington, DC to the late Tunis and Mildred Thorne, Brent earned an Associate of Science degree from Ferrum College and Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970 from Randolph Macon College.  He enjoyed a 32-year career in Management with Bailey Banks and Biddle Jewelers in MD, VA, CA and IL.  Brent was a member of the American Cut Glass Association and had a passion for antiques, Maryland crabs and, most of all, spending time with his six grandsons.

Brent is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Penny Woodal Thorne; his son and daughter-in-law, Brandon and Allison Thorne of Midlothian, VA and their children, Brogan, Cole and Declan; his daughter and son-in-law, Amy Thorne Richardson and Kevin Richardson of Davidsonville, MD and their children Kyle, Luke and Beau; a brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Ann Thorne of Roanoke, VA; and his nephew and wife, William and Carol Thorne of Salem, VA.

Friends are invited to celebrate Brent’s life with his family on Saturday, February 15 from 9:30 a.m. until his service begins at 12:00 p.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.  Interment at Oakwood Cemetery, Falls Church, VA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association. 

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

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Stephen Michael "Mike" Mattero, 75, of Deale passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2020. Mike was born on December 20, 1944 in Washington, DC to the late Jeannette and Fulvio Mattero. He worked for the Smithsonian
Institute at the National Zoo as a mechanic. Mike was a member of Calvary Community Church in Riva and loved to spend time with his family camping in the mountains or at the beach. 

Mike is survived by his three sons, Kevin Joseph Mattero and his wife, Angie of Deale, Jeffery Anthony Mattero and girlfriend, Nicki Woodard of Edgewater and Michael Stephen Mattero and his wife, Chrissy of Arnoldsburg, WV; siblings, Richard Mattero of Germantown, William Mattero of Silver Spring, Nancy Weedon of Culpepper, VA and Jeannie Long of Spotsylvania, VA; grandchildren, Dominic Mattero of Deale, Antonio Mattero of Arnoldburg, WV, Amber Lynn Asmussen of West River, Alyssa Marie Mattero of West River and Ashley Lynn Mattero of Edgewater; two great-grandchildren, Hailey and Brantley; and his previous wife, Jamilee Mattero. 

A celebration of Mike's life will be held on Friday, February 14, 2020 at 11 am, at Calvary Community Church, 3272 Riva Road, Riva, MD. 



Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, MD where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, February 14 at 1 pm. Interment will follow in the United States Naval Academy Cemetery. Please leave condolences by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Warren W. Schultz, 78, a resident of Edgewater, MD for more than 40 years, died peacefully on Friday, February 7 at his residence. He was born on September 3, 1941 in Emporia, KS to the late Walter and Mary Schultz. 

Warren received both his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology, with a minor in Physics, and his Masters of Science (MS) in Microbiology from Kansas State at Emporia, KS. He received his Doctor of Science (ScD) in Pathobiology from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD.

Warren served in the US Navy for 30 years, retiring at the rank of Captain. As a Naval Officer, he worked in the Chemistry Division as the Program Manager for Navy Biotechnology and Environmental Quality Research and Development (1986-1996). Other leadership roles he held during his career include: Head, Pathobiology Division, Microbiology Department, Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda, MD (1972-1978); Associate Chairman, Chemistry Department, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD (1978-1982); Head, Molecular Biology Group, Office of Naval Research, Arlington, VA (1982-1986); Division Manager, MACTEC, Inc. and MACTEC-SBP LLC Division Manager, White Plains, NY (1996-1999); General Manager, Environmental Remediation Technologies, Inc., Annapolis, MD (1999-2001). 

Warren served 18 years as the Associate Superintendent of the NRL Chemistry Division (2001-2019), during which time he twice served as the Acting Superintendent.  In recent years he has been the Program Developer and Program Manager of the Submarine Launched, Long Endurance eXperimental Fuel Cell (XFC) unmanned aerial system (UAS).  After his retirement in 2019 he continued to serve in these roles as a volunteer emeritus.

Throughout his career, his science and technology development achievements have been recognized with five medals, including the Navy Meritorious Service Medal and Legion of Merit.  While at NRL he received the Berman Award, the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award and the Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers for the Year 2014 award from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (RDA) for successfully demonstrating the Navy's first submerged submarine launched UAS.

In his personal life Warren spent 40 years creating a beautiful waterfront home with his wife, Donna.  Boating on the Chesapeake and its tributaries was his passion and while he was dedicated to his country and career, it was spending time with family and friends that he cherished the most. He was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many people. He was blessed with six grandchildren whom he adored.

Warren was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Schultz; nephew, Jeffrey Short; grandnephew, Lucas Short; and brother-in-law, Bill Giblin. Warren is survived by his wife of 40 years, Donna Brandt; his daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and John Leebel; his daughter Kristin Schultz and Todd Droegemeyer; his daughter-in-law, Susan Schultz; his sister, Mary Ann Short; his grandchildren, Else and Adelle Leebel and Madelyn, Avery, Sadie and Quinn Schultz; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews all of whom he dearly loved.  


Friends are invited to celebrate Warren's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD on Saturday, February 15 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation (takeabreakfromcancer.org).

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

Joseph L. Shields, “Joe”, 65, a resident of Churchton, MD, died February 7, 2020 at his home. He was born on August 27, 1954 in Massachusetts to the late Francis and Leona Shields. Joe served his country proudly in the US Army for 22 years. He enjoyed cooking and reading.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Daisy Alzosa, his children; Josef, Zen, Zairene and Justine, all of Churchton, MD.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joe’s life on Wednesday, February 19 from 10am until his funeral service begins at 11 am at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment will follow at 1 pm at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD.

Please take a moment and leave Joe's family a condolence by using the Memory Wall link on this page

Obituaries

Mary Anne Milton

Julieta Diamante

George McGeeney

David Forney, III

Jean Mobley

Kenneth Miller

Lorene Southwick

LeCount Moore

Mildred Clark

Rodolfo Ramirez

Lois Alexander

Norma San Pedro

James Britton

Frances Denton

Marcela Pe

Bobby Rhodes

Kevin McCook

Sherod Cooper

Preston Cantler

Brent Thorne

Stephen Mattero

Duke Carrillo

Warren Schultz

Joseph L. Shields