Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

She was a woman regal, royal and rare, with non-negotiable dignity.” ~ Anonymous

Emma “Louise” Gregory, a longtime Anne Arundel County resident whose talent and passion for homemaking and hostessing turned gatherings large and small with family and friends into splendid and memorable affairs, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2020, from complications of Covid-19 at the age of 90.

Known by her middle name, Louise was born on February 23, 1930, in High Point, NC, to Isabell (nee Talley) and Charles A. McDonnell, who became successful business owners in their hometown of Cheraw, SC. Louise was the second of three children, and from a young age demonstrated the creativity, flair and style that would become her hallmark.

She was educated at Coulter Memorial Academy, established in 1881 by the Presbyterian Church USA as the first school in Chesterfield County to serve African American children, and went on to graduate from Harbison Junior College in Irmo, SC.

Louise, along with her older brother, Sonny, and younger sister, Henrietta, grew up helping in the family businesses, first in her father’s dry cleaning and tailoring business and then in her mother’s homestyle restaurant.

After Harbison, she moved to Washington, DC, to live with an aunt and study to be a dental hygienist, after which she worked for many years in the practice of prominent Washingtonian and African American dentist Dr. Alphonso Overstreet. For more than 20 years, she worked as a supervisor of proofreading in the Department of Legislative Services for the Maryland General Assembly, from which she retired.

It was in Washington that she met the love of her life and husband of 58 years, Harry Jackson Gregory. The doting couple married on June 27, 1957, delighting friends who often joked about Harry being a confirmed bachelor until he met Louise. They were blessed with a daughter, Tylade Elizabeth, and built a life that focused on family and country and coastal living. Together, they raised bulldogs, remodeled a beach house, and designed and built their dream home amid the sprawling horse farms of Anne Arundel County. Louise was a proud and active parent at equestrian competitions with her daughter, a champion dressage rider, and sponsored cadets at the U.S. Naval Academy for several years.

A fashion plate and clothes lover, Louise was an extraordinary seamstress and impeccable dresser who was ahead of her time, making most of her clothing until she began working for the Maryland General Assembly. Her wardrobe and accessories were always striking and defied convention, and she could construct head-turning garments the night before the next day’s outing -- be it to the office or a special ocassion.

She prized being polished, elegant and stylish in all that she did, including interior decorating, gardening, and luncheons or holiday dinners for family and friends. Louise was a consummate chef, baker and hostess, and her summer afternoon lawn parties at her Davidsonville home were not be to missed. 

Louise is survived by her daughter, Tylade Kolasa, and son-in-law, Daniel Kolasa, three grandchildren, William, Sierra and Kendall; a sister, Henrietta Motley and her husband, Charles Motley, a sister-in-law and a host of loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband.

Due to COVID-19, no gathering will be held at this time. The family wishes for everyone to enjoy and share fond memories by signing the online guestbook or sending condolences to the family at the address below. She will be interred with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery later this year.

<center>Condolences can be sent to:
<div>Tylade and Dan Kolasa,
19400A Gunpowder Road,
Millers, MD 21102</div>

<p style="text-align:left;">In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1850 York Road, Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093 (<a href="https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1">www.alz.org</a>)</p>

Regina Agnes Umberger, 86, died peacefully December 28, 2020, at her residence in Riva, MD. She was born December 11, 1934, in Exeter, PA., to the late Eugene Romanosky and Mary (Vacula) Romanosky.  

Regina graduated from Exeter High School, Class of 1951, and then attended a nursing program at Pittston, PA Hospital.  In 1953, Regina married Dr. Francis Kopack, and together they had three children, David Kopack, Laura (Kopack) O’Liddy, and Alan Kopack.  In 1974, Regina married Robert Umberger and enjoyed many happy years together until his death in 2019. Regina enjoyed spending time with her extended family, reading, and traveling to South Carolina and Florida in the winter months.  She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Edgewater, MD.

In addition to her parents, Regina was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Robert Umberger; her former husband, Dr. Francis Kopack of Annapolis; and a brother, Mark Masley of Pittsburgh, PA.

She is survived by her children, David Kopack, Laura Kopack O’Liddy, and Alan Kopack; her step-children, Susan Richards and Kent Umberger; four siblings, Edward Romanosky, John Masley, Paul Masley, and Mary Ellen Erwin; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private.   

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 (please note name of loved one in memo line) or online by clicking <a href="https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/">HERE</a>

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab at the top of this page.  


A celebration of Jaime's life will be held at a later date. Condolences and tributes can be left by using the memory tab.

Relatives and friends are invited to Allyson's Life Celebration on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 from 10 a.m. until time of services at 12 noon at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD. The funeral service starting at noon is private. Interment Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Suitland, MD.

All services for Virginia will be private. Please take a moment and leave a condolence by using the tab on this page.

John “Jack” F. Tominovich 83, of Centerville, MD and previously of Bowie, MD, passed away on December 26, 2020 after a brief illness.
Jack, the fourth of five siblings, was born in Kulpmont, PA on July 15, 1937 to the late Joseph and Mary Tominovich. After graduating from Kulpmont High School, Jack moved to Washington, DC where he worked for the Potomac Electric Power Company for 30 years. While there, he reunited with childhood friend, Patricia Arlene Ponto, also of Kulpmont, whom he married and they shared 62 wonderful years together. 
Jack had many passions, but none more important than husband, father and grandfather. He had an extraordinary sense of humor, a kind heart and was a joy to be around.  He was a “Jack of all trades” and there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. Jack enjoyed cooking, painting, gardening, and traveling but most of all, spending time with his family, especially his three grandsons of whom he was immensely proud. 
In addition to his wife, Patricia A. Tominovich, Jack is survived by his son, Scott (Kathryn) Tominovich; his grandsons, Luke, Will and Ben; his younger brother, Dan (Rose) Tominovich and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three of his siblings, Mary, Anna and Joseph.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, December 31 at 12:00 PM at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 303 Chesterfield Avenue, Centerville, MD 21617. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in memory of Jack, to Kennedy Kreiger Institute Foundation, c/o Jen Doyle, 707 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD  21205 (kennedykrieger.org/tributes).
Due to COVID 19 restrictions, in-person indoor attendance will be limited. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Catherine Marie (Abell) Angell of Cordova, MD, unexpectedly passed away on December 26, 2020. Cathy, as she was known by family and friends, was born on October 20, 1948 to Charles I. Abell, Sr. and Virginia A. (Dix) Abell in Washington, DC.  She was predeceased by a brother, Charles, Jr., her father and a grandson, Ethan.  Cathy grew up in Washington, D.C. and graduated in 1966 from La Reine High School in Suitland, MD.  She later attended and graduated in 1988 from Fleet Business School.

Cathy was a loving mother to her three sons, Scott Angell of Crofton, MD,  Brian Angell (Jennifer) of Selbyville, DE, and Brandon Angell (Susan) of Cordova, MD.  In addition to her sons, she is survived by seven grandchildren: Erica, Paige, Alex, Maxwell, Nicholas, Noah, and Liliana and one great-grandson, Grayson who brought her nothing but joy.  Cathy is also survived by her mother, Virginia Abell, two brothers, Charles Abell, Sr. (Marla), Jeffrey Abell, Sr. (Colleen) and a sister, Bonnie Wells (Richard), all of Edgewater, MD, along with several nieces and nephews.

Cathy worked for Suburban Propane in Centreville and then Easton, MD in Customer Service for nearly 25 years. After her retirement, she was able to spend quality time with her grandchildren and mother.

Her favorite things to do were spending time with her family during the Holiday Season and bringing her signature dish, watching wildlife at her home, vacationing with her family and playing cards. Cathy also enjoyed making various crafts over the years.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private burial will be held at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD.

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

Charles Patrick “Pat” Springmann, age 75, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away at his home in December 25, 2020. Pat was born in Cheverly, MD on February 1, 1945 and moved from Crofton, MD to Vero Beach in 2016. A veteran of the United States Army, Pat served in the Army Color Guard, as a Paratrooper, and was appointed to serve as a Sentinel in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Pat was a broker of Pat Springmann Realty in Vero Beach and an associate broker of Q Williams Realty in Bowie, MD. He was a member of St Helens Catholic Church. As an usher with the church, Pat had a willingness to help others and serve the Lord. Pat was also a Past Grand Knight of the Catholic fraternal organization, Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his wife, Candace Springmann; daughter, Dawn Heflin and son-in-law, Teddy Heflin;  and grandsons, Brandon Carrier and Justin Carrier, all of Vero Beach. Pat was predeceased by his parents, Frances and Jesse Springmann and his sisters Martha Leizear and Mary Vernon; also, his brother Donald Springmann passed away shortly after Pat on January 2, 2021. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 13, at 10 am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Queenstown, MD.  Online guestbook available by visiting the link on this page.

David William Frye, 79 of Annapolis, MD, passed away peacefully at home with his wife and two daughters by his side on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was born May 23, 1941, in Washington, D.C., to the late Kermit L. Frye, Sr. and Helen Durden Frye. 

 
David grew up in Rogers Heights, MD, and graduated from Bladensburg Senior High School in 1959.  He maintained lifelong friendships from high school. He developed a passion for cars, trains, and boats at a young age. He enjoyed boating with his family and friends, including weekend trips to St. Michaels and other locations around the Chesapeake Bay.

 David worked at the Safeway Distribution Center for most of his career as the grocery warehouse manager. He retired in 2001 after 40 years of service. After retirement, he went to Starbucks every morning where he discussed current events with a wonderful group that became part of the family.

 He had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. Retiring young allowed him to build a strong relationship with each of them. His grandchildren have fond memories of him always being an active part of their lives. He was patient, kind, and often shared his wisdom. He knew their friends, parents, and coaches. David had a deep bond with his grandsons, who called him Grandpa. He was lovingly known as Pop-Pop to his young granddaughters. When they saw him, they would light up. He completely adored them.

 In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Kermit L. Frye, Jr.

 He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Marjorie C. Frye; two daughters, Michelle R. (Bruce) Overbay, Lori L. (Curtis) Breit; and four grandchildren, Bruce (Nicole) Overbay, Jr., David Overbay, Harper Breit, and Adley Breit. 

Due to COVID 19 concerns, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

William (Bill) Adams, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away on December 23rd due to COVID-19.  Bill was married to his wife of 67 years, Barbara, who passed away earlier this year.  He is survived by his children, Elizabeth (John) McClanahan, Julia (Dave) Zimmerman, William (Woody) Jr. (Sarah) Adams and Barbara (Peter) Cacopardo.  Bill is also survived by his four grandchildren, Kayti McClanahan, Molly McClanahan, Andrew Adams, Brian Adams, great grandson, Rowan and Lucy, his beloved black lab.
Bill was born in Cumberland, MD, and later moved to Baltimore where he spent his childhood.  He attended the McDonogh School and continued his education by attending classes at University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins and Texas A&M.  After graduation from McDonogh School, he moved to the Washington DC area to start his career working for Black & Decker then onto construction drilling specialty sales.  Around this time he invented various models of patented portable medical compressors, which were inspired to aid a friend battling a health condition.  In 1974, Bill and his family moved to the Davidsonville area and for the past 31 years resided in West River, MD.   Bill changed careers to the marine industry, and owned a yacht brokerage house and charter fleet management company for over 30 years.  He was a member of the Yacht Broker Association of America (YBBA) and served as the regional coordinator for American Scandinavian Student Exchange (ASSE) program, matching eligible exchange students to their host families.  His interests were many and included fishing, boating, traveling, gardening and was known for being a jack of all trades.  There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix, and if he found a subject that interested him, he would research it to learn as much as he could. 
Throughout Bill’s life he had many lifelong friendships around the world.  He was known for his kind heart and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
For the safety of family and friends, and due to pandemic restrictions, a funeral service for Bill and Barbara will be held at a later date. Family and friends are invited to sign the guestbook for the family at the link on the page.

Carolyn Polglase, 88, a 22-year resident of Annapolis and Edgewater and formerly of New Jersey, passed away on December 23, 2020 at the Anne Arundel Medical Center.  Born on January 24, 1932 in Mount Vernon, NY to the late Reece and Kathrine Honeycutt, Carolyn earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Wagner College in Staten Island, NY.  After marrying and raising her four children, Carolyn returned to school to obtain a degree in nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ. In retirement, she volunteered at the Anne Arundel Medical Center. Carolyn was a member of All Hallows Parish in Davidsonville, where she participated in several knitting and quilting groups that create hats, lap quilts and other items for local organizations, including the hospital. In addition to knitting and sewing, she also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, cooking and working in the yard.  

Carolyn is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Rev. Kenneth Polglase; three sons, Christopher (Mary Margaret) of Frederick, MD, Geoffrey (Paula) of Harrisonburg, VA, and Andrew (Carolyn) of Long Valley, NJ; and one daughter, Donna (Stephen) Haselton of Glenn Dale, MD.  Carolyn is also survived by seven grandsons, Zachary, Benjamin, Samuel, Timothy and Matthew Polglase, and David and Stephen Haselton; and one granddaughter, Hannah (Colin Pinkham) Polglase.    

A service will be scheduled once we are all able to gather again without social distancing restrictions.

Family and friends may leave a condolence at the link on this page.

On Monday, December 21, 2020, Patricia Van Wie passed away surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Francis Van Wie; mother of Susan Thur, David, John and Wayne VanWie, Michelle Burgee and Janet Lewis; daughter of the late John and Alice Lehman; sister of the late Carole Doerk; also survived by 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  A celebration of Patricia’s life will be held at a later date. A private Mass of Christian Burial and interment will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, West River, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.  Online condolences may be made by visiting the link on this page.

Catherine Lee Tornabene, 71, a resident of Harwood, MD passed away in Baltimore, MD from COVID-19. 

She was born on September 16, 1949 in Calvert County, MD to the late Charles “Harry” and MaryAnne McPherson. She was a graduate of Bowie State University, where she earned her BS degree in Biology.

Catherine was a homemaker whose interests included gardening, reading, caring for animals and painting. She was a member of Holy Family and St. Dominic's Catholic Churches and multiple school PTAs.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Hugh Tornabene, and two siblings; William and Elaine.

She is survived by her four children; Laurence, David, Michael and Valerie, her siblings; Charles, Matthew, Margaret, and Rebecca.

There will be a brief graveside service on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 11am. Family and friends are invited to attend virtually; the service will be live streamed by the family through Facebook. A Memorial Mass will be offered on September 16, 2021 at 11am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Melwood, 5606 Dower House Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Online condolences may be made at KalasFuneralHomes.com.



Paul D. Johnson, Jr., "Dave", 59, a resident of Severn, MD for two years and previously of Edgewater, MD, died Sunday, December 20 at Baltimore Washington Medical Center due to complications from a stroke he suffered three years ago. Born on June 12, 1961 in Washington, DC to the late Carol and Paul D. Johnson, Sr., Dave owned and operated his lawn service company. He loved his work, music and spending time with his grandchildren. Dave is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kathleen Johnson; his children, Michael (Katie) Johnson and Michelle (Dan) Heroux, both of Lothian, MD; his grandchildren, Savannah Myers, Bryson Sears and Alex and Addison Heroux; his brother, Rick Johnson of Severn, MD and many loved nieces and nephews. Dave was also the brother of the late Patty Howard and Tony Johnson. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of Dave's life will be held at a later date.

Please leave a condolence for Mr. Johnson's family at the link on this page.

Miss. Betty Belton departed this life on Dec. 20, 2020.  She was gently escorted to her heavenly resting place.
Betty was born on June 28, 1943 to the late Eli and Malinda Dale Belton. She was the oldest of four children born to this union; two brothers: Eli Jr. and John Alvin (both deceased) and one sister, Pauline Renee.
She was born and reared in Washington, DC. She was educated in the DC public school system, graduating from Dunbar High School, NW DC.  She also attended George Washington University nursing program where graduated as a Licensed Nurse Practitioner. She loved and enjoyed working in the medical profession.
She grew up in the Apostolic/Pentecostal church community. She grew up in the Way of Cross Church of Christ under the leadership of the late Henry C. Brooks.  She later moved her membership to the Holy Temple Church of Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop Joseph Weathers. She later served at the Victory Pentecostal Church assisting her Stepfather and her Mother (both deceased), and Pastor Duval and Sis. Helen Baker in the mission there. Her last fellowship was at New Jerusalem Church in Laurel, Maryland. Under the leadership of Pastor Joseph and First Lady Amy Jackson.  In all of her fellowships, she sang in many choirs, served as junior and senior missionary, served as events planner. She planned trips to California and Hawaii as well as many bus excursions.  She was a missionary to Haiti.  Betty never faltered in her commitment to Jesus Christ.  This was this was the one constant in her life. Jesus was front and center.  One of her favorite live-by scriptures that she quoted often was  ‘I am steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord my work is not in vain.” She often said I shall never be moved from him.  
She worked at GW Hospital for many years.  She resigned in the 1980’s to assist her mom in caring for Pauline, who had a paralyzing stroke. She was later stricken with a stroke.  In spite of all this, her attitude never changed. She was always the social butterfly, never complaining, never negative. She always included and embraced everyone that she met.  Even though she had a physical disability, her service to God never ended.  
•	During the early days of tele-conferencing, she organized a mentor program for failing students, praying with them and insisting them in their homework preparation.  She always held children and the under privileged close to her heart.  She mentored a female student who was totally failing, but through Betty’s mentoring program she graduated with honors from her class.  
•	She always planned dinners to give people a break most times paying for all that could not afford to pay. 

She was a member of morning call ministries, from its inception until her death. 
She enjoyed going to the Maryland Senior picnic day each year. She was a member of the Maryland Senior Club in Camp Springs, MD.  She was involved with Independence Now, an organization that reached out to People with Disabilities in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. She  joined many support groups at Southern Maryland Hospital in order to provide assistance for hurting people.  This list could go on and on.
Betty loved life and she loved to laugh!  No down time for her.  She was kind, compassionate, patient, loved people and always wanted to make life brighter for all.
Memories will be cherished by her sister Pauline Renee Belton, two nephews, Josh and Eric Belton, two nieces, Gabrielle and Jayla Belton, special God sister, Helen Lewis, Sister in Law, Stephanie Belton.  Her God children: Hoyt P. Glover, Veronica Glover.  Many God sisters and God brothers; Inita Redd, Willie Robinson, Carmenta Hayes, Rhonda Richmond, James Bonnette, Linda Bonnette,  Elizabeth Miller, Cynthia Baltimore; a host of cousins and family members: the Dales, the Belton’s, the Bradley’s, the Walton’s the Fennell’s and a host of church families and friends.  

If Betty could speak today, she will compel us with one her famous sayings, “Reach out and touch-if nobody reaches, nobody gets touched.  Touch someone with your life-be that living epistle.”  Betty touched many people with her life.
Question: So what now?  
Answer:    We persevere, we endure, we fight, and hold out until the end because we expect the promise of 1 Corinthians 15: 51-58-
•	A mystery not all sleep, but all changed,
•	Corruption now, then incorruption,
•	Mortal now, then immortality,
•	Death swallowed up, 
•	Therefore, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, your labor in the Lord is not in vain.


A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, January 14 from 11 a.m. until the start of the memorial service at 11:30 a.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. 

Michael "Mike" Strange, 54, of Davidsonville, MD, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 19th, after a gallant fight with COVID and pneumonia. Born on April 14th, 1966, to Harold and Mary Clare Strange, Mike touched countless lives with his infectious, squinty smile and his kind, loving eyes.

He developed lifelong friendships with his classmates, teammates, and neighbors in Bowie. He participated in football, baseball, and the high school band. He went on to marry his best friend and high school sweetheart, Carole Ann. They settled in Davidsonville, devoting their lives to raising four precious boys.

Mike graduated from Bowie High School in 1984 and attended University of Maryland. He dedicated 29 years to the paper industry, 22 spent cultivating deep relationships with each of his customers at Lindenmeyr Monroe. Mike’s life was people-centric; his quiet acts of kindness were present in the office, on the youth football field, and sprinkled amongst his family and friends. His Irish Catholic faith anchored his involvement in Holy Family Catholic Parish and countless community philanthropic efforts.  He was the first to contribute to any cause and he always had the answer others couldn’t seem to find.

Mike spent his days cruising along the South River with family and friends, smoking his world-famous wings, taking his boys to the Ravens games and listening to his favorite rock groups, Rush and U2. He was always in search of the best barbeque, IPA’s, and the next adventure. He enjoyed playing the weekly lottery, golfing, traveling, and celebrating life’s greatest moments with a drink or cigar. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Carole Ann; sons Michael (Michelle), Connor, Brendan, Colby Strange; father Harold Strange; sister Missy Carrier (Joe); father-in-law William "Bill" Rodgers; brother-in-law William "Billy" Rodgers (Jen); sister-in-law Cathy Tade (Mark); nephews Jojo (Kerry Ann), Mikey and Johnny; nieces Jennifer (Martin), Amanda (Gary), Lily, Valentina, and Camila; great-nieces Molly, Gracie, and Jordan; great-nephew Cameron.

He was preceded in death by mother Mary Clare Strange; and grandparents Donna and Harold Strange.

A celebration of life will take place Saturday, December 26th. Due to COVID restrictions, the Mass will be limited to family. The mass will be live-streamed via the Holy Family Church Website: <a href="https://www.holyfamilychurch.com/live-stream.html">https://www.holyfamilychurch.com/live-stream.html</a>. There will be a viewing available to the public from 10am-12pm. Please bear with us as COVID guidelines will be in place.

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

Dr. Joseph B. Aviles, Jr., 93, of Ft. Washington, MD passed away on December 18, 2020. Born on August 21, 1927 in Atlantic City, NJ to the late Joseph B. Aviles, Sr., and Florence Powell. As the son of a Coast Guard Officer, he lived in many places.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Helen. His son, Joseph III and his wife Wilda. His daughter Karen, and her husband Tom Rauner. Grandchildren, Nikolay (deceased), Joseph IV, Vlada and James.

After serving in the Army in Okinawa, he pursued his studies in Nuclear Physics. He obtained a BS at Rutgers, his Master’s at the University of New Hampshire and his PhD from John Hopkins.

Dr. Aviles retired from NRL as a Research Nuclear Physicist and Senior Staff Scientist. After retiring he became Chief Scientist at Urie Systems, as well as a consultant for many other companies and with scientists at various universities.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be restricted to immediate family. A Celebration of his Life will
be held as soon as Pandemic conditions safely permit.

Frances Ann Gearheart, “Fran”, 65, a 13-year resident of York, PA and previously of Lothian, MD, passed away on December 17, 2020 in York, PA.

Fran was born on July 17, 1955 in Queens, NY to Joseph and Mary Gnoffo. Fran worked as a substance abuse counselor at the Jessup MD Mens Correctional Institute and Hope House treatment center in Crownsville, MD. Her interests included riding motorcycles and drag racing.

She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Robert Gearheart, her five sons; Jack Booz of Knoxville, TN, Joey Booz of Laurel, MD, Justin Booz of Tampa, FL, Jason Booze of MD Eastern Shore and Jeff Booz of Elkridge, MD, her parents Joseph and Mary Gnoffo, and one sister, Nancy Calvin of Vale, NC. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren; Cameron, Kendall. Mason, Giovanni, Kimberly, Jack, III, Isiah, Theresa, Justin, Anthony, Kayla, Nicholos and Jake and 3 great-grandchildren, and one on the way.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Fran's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomon's Island Road, Edgewater, MD, on Sunday, December 27 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, where her funeral service will be held on Monday, December 28 at 11am.  Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens .Please take a moment to sign Fran's online guestbook.


















Jason "Jay" Michael Leidner, 35, of Annapolis, MD, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 17, 2020. Jay was born in Missouri on April 19, 1985 to Gordon and Jean Leidner. He was a graduate of the University of Maryland University College with a degree in Computer Information Technology. Jay worked for ARINC, The Hammers Company, Fedsoft, Inc. and most recently Amazon Web Services (AWS). He was a member of Downtown Hope Church in Annapolis where Jay's faith along with his family, friends and career formed his foundation. Jay was a devoted husband and is survived by his wife of 15 years, Sarah Renee Leidner; his children, Naomi Grace (11), Noah Michael (8), Nathaniel "Nate" Jason (5) and Nora Faith Leidner (3); his brothers, Daniel (Melony) Leidner of Crofton, MD and Michael (Caitlin) Leidner of Valrico, FL. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 29 at 1 pm at Lakemont Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 900 W. Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD. An in-person Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 5:00pm at Covenant Life Church, 7501 Muncaster Mill Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.  A livestream will be made available to those who cannot attend at <a href="https://downtownhope.org/">downtownhope.org</a>. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions may be made to the Downtown Hope Church, 255 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 to support “Love Annapolis”, their ministry to neighborhoods, families and individuals in need. 

Online condolence may be made by visiting the link on this page.

On Thursday, December 17, 2020; the beloved husband of Patricia Ferguson; father of Dwight A. Fergsuon, Jr., Myra D. Hart and the late Derrick Anthony Ferguson. He is also survived by six grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to Dwight's visitation on Monday, December 28, 2020 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. The service and interment are private. 

SIDNEY HENRY HICKMAN (Age 62)
”STARR”
MSG US ARMY (Ret.)

On Thursday, December 17, 2020 of El Paso, Texas for 36 years, formerly of Oxon Hill, MD. Graduate of Potomac High School 1977 and Park University 2006. Master Sergeant (MSG) U.S. Army Retired served 24 Years, Air Defense Artillery branch in Germany and the Gulf War (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia). For his efforts throughout his career, he was awarded: Meritorious Service Medal (3), Commendation Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal (2), Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. Devout member of Washington Redskins Fan Club and West Point Parents Club in El Paso. Known as Starr, he loved home improvement projects, traveling, his two poodles, his family and country. He is survived by his wife, Ratna Hickman of 11 Years; mother, Margaret Ann Hickman, sons: MAJ Marcel Hickman, CPT Maurice Hickman; grandchildren Gaby and Sebastian Hickman; siblings: Jeffrey and Terry Hickman, Vicki Morgan, Kathy Coleman, Heidi Rivas, Carmen Douglas, Shaun and Nicole Blakely.

Friends are invited to Starr’s Celebration of Life on Friday, January 15, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745 where his service will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 11 a.m. For online streaming of services, contact Kalas Funeral Home.


Obituaries

Louise Gregory

Regina Umberger

Jaime Negron

Allyson Gentry

Virginia Crowell

John Tominovich

Catherine Angell

Charles Springmann

Edwin Rivera - Juarez

Donna Bernales

David Frye

William Adams

Carolyn Polglase

Patricia Van Wie

Catherine Tornabene

Konstantinos Roros

Paul Johnson

Betty Belton

Michael Strange

Dr. Joseph Aviles

Fran Gearheart

Jason Leidner

Dwight Ferguson

Sidney Hickman