Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Peter Alexander Witkowski, 67, a two year resident of Edgewater, MD and previously of Crofton, MD for 18 years, died at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis on Thursday, December 19 due to a heart attack. Born on March 21, 1952 in Hammersmith, London to the late Alexander and Jean Witkowski, Peter earned a bachelor of science degree in business and public administration from the University of Maryland. He worked as a general manager with Clean Edge and the Fitch Co.  Peter enjoyed baseball, cars, history and being with his family. He was the beloved husband of 30 years of Lisa Witkowski; father of Alexander Witkowski of Edgewater, MD and Emma (Ryan Crim) Witkowski of Virginia Beach, VA; brother of John (Theresa) Witkowski of Sykesville, MD and Elizabeth Witkowski of Falls Church, VA; brother-in-law of Linda Keppler, Laura and Jeff Gilmartin, Buddy and Francie Sekely and Laverne and Buddy Zimmer; uncle of Adrianne Witkowski, Diana (Justin) Sherrill, Jenna (Sean) Reily, Sarah Zimmer, Carlie (Matt) Wesche, Drew Sekely and Brad (Kristin) Keppler. Memorial service will be held at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Friday, December 27 at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Hubert Reginald Taylor went to meet our heavenly father December 2019 Hubert was born March 22, 1946 in Alexandria Virginia to the late William Howard, Sr. and Christine Edith Taylor.    He was baptized at a young age, in Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant Virginia under the pastor, the late Reverend Milton Sheppard.  He attended public schools in Fairfax, Virginia.  After school he was drafted into the U.S. Army.  Hubert served two years in Germany, while there he took a course in electricity and Communications.

Hubert was a Truck Driver for two companies, Crown Supply and Daycon for more than forty years.  Listening to music, watching T.V, talking on the phone and working around his house is how he relaxed himself after retiring from Daycon. Hubert was a caring, generous, kind-hearted person.  He was always willing to help family, neighbors and friends.  Surviving to cherish his memories is one daughter Genetta Jones, two granddaughters, DiJetta Jones and Tiyanna Jones, one great-grandson Tyler Jones; two sisters, Laverne Farmer and Deborah Parker, one brother-in-law, John Farmer, Jr, five nieces, Janelle Parker, Minister LaJeune Farmer, Theresa Bugg(Michael Bugg), Angela Liles(Tyrone Liles) and Sonia Love(Garland Love), and a host of loving cousins and other family members and friends.

One deceased brother, William Howard Taylor, Jr.


God saw the road was getting rough, the hills too hard to climb; and whispered, “Peace be thine.”  You slipped away so quietly without telling us goodbye but, with God’s help, we’ll meet again in our home up in the sky.

The Family


Romeo Ramirez, son of Conrado Ramirez of Bulacan and Serafina Cudal of Guimba, Nueva Ecija was born on October 1, 1938. 

He was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in October 2019. He was undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments for three and a half weeks. On the morning of December 18, 2019, he was able to say goodbye to his wife Roselina before she left for work. A home health nurse arrived and found that he had died peacefully in his sleep, on the day of his mother’s birth. 

Romeo Ramirez grew up in the biggest house, on a corner lot in the center of Guimba, Nueva Ecija. Everyone in town knew it as the Ramirez house, the house with a tower -- three stories high -- from which you could see the municipal office building where his grandfather served as Mayor and the clay tennis courts where Romeo spent most of his youth. 

Romeo loved to play tennis, often skipping classes at the Philippine College of Commerce, now called the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. When he wasn’t on the clay court, he attended enough classes to meet his first wife, Angelita Valderrama. Together they raised four children, Roehl, Cristina, Corina and Rayner. 

Romeo Ramirez immigrated to the U.S. in 1980 with his two children, two years after his wife, Angelita moved to New York City. Romeo loved “The Big Apple” as he liked to call it and the family settled in a small apartment in front of the United Nations on Tudor City Place. He found work as a bookkeeper at a law firm a few blocks away, across the street from the New York Public Library. Like many immigrants, he got a second job at a liquor store where he developed a palate for wine, in addition to the beer and scotch for which he also had a taste. 

Romeo loved to cook and entertain at the family’s tiny apartment, feeding as many guests as he could on special occasions or just a regular Saturday night. The entertaining slowed down when his first wife, Angelita, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Romeo lovingly cared for his wife during her illness in the Big Apple and then in Fort Washington, MD where he was the Treasurer of the Filipino-American Multicultural Center. 

True to his name, Romeo found love again in Roselina Ramirez who he met in Fort Washington, Maryland and married in 2008. Romeo and Rose whom he called HB (short for HoneyBee) enjoyed travelling around the U.S. and visiting the Philippines. 

Romeo and Rose traveled to Manila in 2014 and then again in 20016 where they celebrated a family-reunion Christmas with his sister Natividad Taningco’s family, with whom he lived for a couple of years and where the grandkids called him “the cool lolo.”  It was the last time he reunited with sister Naty, whom he loved so dearly. (p.s. Tom - thank you for this)

One of the highlights of his last trip to the Philippines in 2016 was walking his son, Rolex down the aisle for his wedding/vow renewals with Cynthia. He didn’t like walking long distances but he did a week’s worth of walking at this wedding. 

In his later years, Romeo enjoyed watching Jeopardy, sports and ESPN, but the Wimbledon Tennis Championship was his favorite event. The grass courts at Wimbledon were not his favorite turf, of course, but he will soon return to his home turf of clay and rest one last time. 


Romeo is survived by his second wife Roselina Ramirez, to whom he was grateful for lovingly caring for him during his last weeks; Rolex and Cynthia, their daughters, Julianne, Michelle and Sam; daughter Corina Ramirez and son-in-law Tom Sutton and their daughter Elle Sutton; son Rayner Ramirez and daughter-in-law Amber Payne and their children Kaya Ramirez, Zea Angelita Ramirez and Ruby Mylas Ramirez-Payne; step daughter Tonirose Alipio, her husband John Alipio, their children, Amelia and Oliver who always looked for Lolo Romy, and stepson Erik Requieron. 

SCHEDULE 

DECEMBER 21, 2019   
11AM - 12 NOON MEMORIAL MASS 
Saint Columba Church 
7804 Livingston Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

December 21, 2019
3pm - 7 pm VIEWING 
Kalas Funeral Home 
6160 Oxon Hill Road 
Oxon, Hill, MD 20745


December 22, 2019
2pm - 4pm   CELEBRATION OF LIFE 
Filipino-American Multicultural Center 
7500 Livingston Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

December 23, 2019 
10am BURIAL/ENTOMBMENT 
ResurrectionCemetary 
8000 Woodyard Road 
Clinton, MD 20735 


Tito

Senyong, (arsenio 

Auntie Luding 

Rosing 

Tito Momoy 

Tito Marc 

Tito Sonny 

Tita Naty 

Romeo 

Tito Sunny. 

For a quiet person, he had a lot of friends 

He got a part time job at a liquor store 

Tennis, Red wine 

SUNDAY   

2-5 PM. 
FILIPINO AMERICAN MULTICULTURAL CENTER 
7500 LIVINGSTON ROAD 
OXON HILL, MD 20745

Patricia "Pat" Anne Brown, 73, of Springfield, VA and previously of Churchton, MD passed away on December 17, 2019. Pat was born on August 13, 1946 to the late James and Helen Collins in Washington, DC. She was raised in Clinton with her two brothers and was a graduate of Surrattsville High School. Pat was an administrative assistant with Prince George's County Board of Education and The Office of Management and Budget in Prince George's County. Her real life's work was helping others. Pat volunteered many hours with the USO, the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, and delivered for Meals on Wheels.

In addition to her parents Pat was preceded in death by her brother, Mike Collins. 

She is survived by her children, John Brown of Churchton, and Debbie Brown of Odenton; grandchildren, Sarah and Evan  Brown; a brother, Steve Collins of Fredericksburg, VA; and her life partner, Larry Shupe. Friends are invited to celebrate Pat's life on Saturday, December 28, 2019 from 2 -4 pm and 6 - 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. 

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


 

Dorothy Mae Lee Etta Stinson Bankhead, 95 years old, died Monday, December 16, 2019 at Capital Caring Hospice Care, peacefully in her sleep. Dottie loved her home in Fort Washington, Maryland and enjoyed her final days in the care of Sunrise Senior Living in Mount Vernon, Alexandria, Virginia. 
She leaves behind her granddaughter Habeebah Qaasim Mazyck, grandsons Mansur Qaasim, Bashir Qaasim, Tariq Qaasim, six great grandchildren, brother Richard Stinson, and a host of caring nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Woodrow Warren Bankhead, her son Woodrow (Warren Qaasim) Bankhead, Jr., parents and siblings.

Dorothy was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on February 22, 1924 to Annie Colbert and William Stinson. She was the third youngest of at least ten children. She moved to Washington, DC in the early 1940’s with her sister Annie Mae Stinson Goins to pursue a career within the U.S. Federal Government. Dottie was a Procurement Analyst for the U.S. Navy and rose to the ranking of GS-13.  Dottie retired at the age of fifty and pursued a career in real estate and completed a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland. 

Dottie stayed active in her community through Fort Washington Christian Church and Fort Washington Baptist Church.  She loved her community and enjoyed reading the bible, listening to gospel music, learning, intellectual discussions, competitive games of Bridge, shopping, and cooking. 

Long known for her positive outlook on life, encouraging and sassy personality, Dottie will be missed dearly by her family, her close friends, and her community.

Frances H. Czarnecki, age 94, passed away on December 16, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was known to her friends as ‘Fran’ and to her family as ‘Frannie Baby’ and ‘GGMa’. Born February 2, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Walter and Mary Genius, Frances was a homemaker for most of her life who loved to entertain family and friends. She and her late husband of 59 years, Stanley, relocated to Florida after retirement and then moved to Annapolis several years later to be closer to her family.  While living in Florida, she loved to create painted ceramic objects, especially Christmas decorations, which are lovingly displayed by family and friends. Frances is survived by her three children, Elaine Ralph and her husband, Roger, Judy Tolle and her husband, Mike and Alan Czarnecki and his wife, Nancy and her seven grandchildren, Kim Loock and husband, Russell, Ed Scheideman, Jessica Inge and her husband, Jason, Amanda Lane, Collin and Alison Czarnecki and Alex Ralph and wife, Lizzie Hutton. She was also blessed with several great grandchildren, Megan and Kaitlin Loock, Jack and Cole Scheideman, Ryder and Oakley Inge and Max and Charlie Ralph. In addition to her parents and husband, Frances was preceded in death by her brother, Chuck Genius and sisters, Mary Mazur and Theresa Curtis. Friends are invited to celebrate Fran's life on Friday, December 20 from 5 to 7 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where her funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 21 at 11 am. Entombment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, ATTN: Development, 875 N. Randolph St., Ste 225, Arlington, VA 22203. Condolence may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.


                                                  Most of all the other beautiful 
                                                  things in life come by twos and
                                                  threes, by dozens and hundreds. 

                                                  Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets,
                                                  rainbows, brothers and sisters,
                                                  aunts and cousins, comrades and
                                                  friends--

                                                  But only one mother in the whole
                                                  world. 	
                                     
                                                  ~Kate Douglas Wiggin 
 

Robert T. "Bob" Svolos, 86, of Edgewater and previously of Annapolis passed away on December 16, 2019 at his home.  Bob was born on July 7, 1933 in Annapolis to the late Theodore and Wilma Svolos. He was a graduate of Annapolis High School and served in the U.S. Army. Bob spent forty years working as a boat mechanic for Gates Marina in Deale, and during his time away from the marina he enjoyed duck pin bowling, the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, as well as most other sports. In addition to his parents Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy who died in 2016, and his brother, Bill Carter. He is survived by his two sons, Bill Svolos of Riva and Teddy Svolos of Edgewater. He also has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  All services are private. 

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

Joseph Angelo Danna, 74, died on Monday, December 16 after a long battle with mantle cell lymphoma. Born on January 25, 1945 in Washington, DC to the late Philip and Anna Walli Danna, Joe graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1965. He owned and operated Danna and Sons, a home construction business, for most of his life. In his spare time, Joe enjoyed golfing, crabbing and watching the Redskins. He is survived by his sons, Joseph A. Danna, Jr and wife, Lisa of Gambrills, MD and Jay Danna of Edgewater, MD; his grandsons, Shawn and wife, Cheray and Joseph A. Danna, III; his former wife, Jaclyn Danna; four great-grandchildren, Kylah, Hudson, Gryffin and Callie; a nephew, Frank Danna of Davidsonville and a niece, Julie Blucher of Laurel.  Joe was preceded in death by  brothers, Philip J. and Frank S. Danna. Friends are invited to celebrate Joe's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD on Friday, December 20 at 11 am. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Davidsonville, MD.  Contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Hospice of the Chesapeake. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Theron "Honey" Johnson of Edgewater passed away on December 14, 2019. Theron was born in Arlington, VA on August 24, 1929 to the late Robert and Irene Johnson.  He was retired from the Naval Research Lab where he worked as an equipment specialist. Early in his career Theron also worked as a railroad inspector for the Richmond, Fredericksburg, Potomac Railroad, as well as for Giant Food in the late 1940's. Theron was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves where you obtained the rank of Sergeant First Class. Honey was a past member of the First Baptist Church of Edgewater as well as Friendship Community Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. In addition to his parents Theron was preceded in death by his wife Betty Ellen in 2006; and his four siblings. He is survived by his children, Robert (Kathy) Johnson of Edgewater, J.D. (Carolyn) Johnson of Gambrills, Chris (Rose) Johnson of Havelock, NC and Mike (Rebecca) Johnson of Riva; ten grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to celebrate Honey's life on Thursday, December 19, 2019 from 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where a funeral service will be held on Friday, December 20 at 12 pm. Interment to follow at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville, MD. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gideons International, The Gideons International Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251. On line condolences may be made by clicking on the memory tab on this page.

Edward “Puddy” Scanlon, 83, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2019, at The Mandarin House, Hospice of the Chesapeake.  Edward was born on November 10, 1936, in Washington, D.C. to Edward Ignatius and Mary Salb Scanlon.  He grew up in D.C. just blocks from the United States Capital with his brother (John Scanlon) and three sisters (Marie Grace, Suzanne Hawley, and Melissa Hebble).  Edward married June Andrea Reed (deceased October 2011) on May 18, 1957, at St. Ambrose Church in Cheverly, Maryland.  He is survived by his two children, Michael Scanlon, and Elizabeth Salvatore.  Michael and Shirl Scanlon are the parents of April Scanlon Gaches (husband, Steven Gaches), Edward Scanlon II, and Kelsey Scanlon.  April and Steven Gaches are the parents of Amelia June Gaches, great-grandchild to Edward Scanlon.  Elizabeth and Ricky Salvatore are the parents of Anthony and Laura Salvatore.

Ed served as a Commanding Officer in the United States Marine Corps and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army in 1996.  While serving for the United States Army at the Pentagon, he worked on a team helping families who were relocated due to Base Realignment and Closure.  In addition to his service to the United States military, he had a successful career in real estate.

Ed, the man who never met a stranger and had a joke for every occasion, has found eternal peach in Heaven beside his wife, June.  

Semper Fidelis.

Friends are invited to celebrate Edward's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd. Edgewater, MD on Sunday, December 15 from 2 to 5 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD on Monday, December 16 at 10:30 am. Interment Ft. Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, MD at 2 pm. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Friends are family invited to a graveside service at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD at 11 am on December 17, 2019. 

Barbara J. Taylor, 91, of Annapolis passed away at her home on December 11, 2019 with her beloved husband "Bunky" at her side. She was born on April 17, 1928 in Milford, DE to the late Leila and Roy Judy, Sr. After graduating from Bridgewater College she moved to Annapolis and started a career as a social worker at Crownsville State Hospital. On August 28, 1952 she married her lifelong sweetheart, Lemuel Taylor, IV. Barbara switched careers  and started working with the Anne Arundel County Library System as a Librarian, who drove the Book Mobile from 1961-1967 and again from 1974 until the program ended. Tater, as she was called by her co-workers remained at the library until her retirement in 1995. She had a passion for helping others and was always there for a friend in need. Barbara relished the fond memories of serving the kids in Anne Arundel County during those years.  She would spend the next 20 years volunteering at the food pantry of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Edgewater, where she was an active member of the church. A faithful and humble servant of our Lord her entire life, Barbara was always putting the needs of others before her own. Her work on earth was done, God called her home. Her family and friends were blessed to have her in their lives. The love and kindness she so freely gave will live on in their hearts forever and she will be forever missed. Barbara is survived by her two children, Lem (Jen) Taylor, V of Crownsville, and Terry (Tom) Gunther of Upper Marlboro, MD; six grandchildren, Kenny Taylor VI, Brandon Mayhew, Kristen Mayhew, Judy DuPlaee, Michelle Russom and Sarah Taylor; eleven great grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; and a brother, Roy Judy, Jr of Grenwood, DE. A memorial gathering will be held on Tuesday, Dec 17 from 4 to 7 pm, with a brief prayer service beginning at 5:30 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Pam's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Sunday, December 15 from 1 pm until her funeral service begins at 4 pm. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Eleanor Estelle Burton, “Nana”, “Jim”, died on December 10, 2019, at Genesis HealthCare in Waldorf. She was 99 years old.

Born August 18, 1920 in Camp Springs, she was the daughter of John Henry Barrett and Laura Elizabeth Biggs Barrett. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard “Dick” Burton; her daughter Barbara Murphy; her son Richard “Ricky” Burton; and her sisters Mildred Burton and Faye Greer.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Pamela and her husband Randal Smith Sr.; Richard “Alan” Burton; Steven Murphy and his wife Karen; Melinda and her husband Justin Hagler; her great-grandchildren Randal Smith Jr. and his wife Ellen; Richard Smith; Elizabeth Burton; Alexis, Kaitlyn and Hannah Hagler; Andrew and Cameron Murphy; and 1 great-great granddaughter.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, December 16, 2019 from 2-4pm & 6-8pm at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, P.A., 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 11 am. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, MD.

Alejandro Santos Bravo, Jr.  (MS1 Retired), lovingly known as “Andy”, passed away on December 9, 2019 from a lengthy illness in Washington, D.C. He is survived by his wife of many years, Concepcion Bravo. 
On August 21, 1938, Andy was born in the Philippines to the late Alejandro and Christy Bravo. Andy was recruited by the U.S. Navy on December 17, 1957, while enrolled as a Freshman at the FEATI University in Sangley Point, Cavite City, Philippines. 

Andy served in various Shore & Sea duty assignments for 20 years. He was assigned to various locations around the world including the Mediterranean Sea, Cuba, and Vietnam. While stationed at the Naval Air Facility in Washington, D.C., Andy was commended for his accomplishments including winning the title “Sailor/Marine of the Month”. He was selected by the Board of Senior Navy & Marine Corps Non-Commissioned Officers who judged Andy’s behavior, military appearance, professional ability, and leadership. 
After his retirement from the U.S. Navy, Andy enrolled at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering. After graduation, he worked at the Naval Surface Warfare as an electronics engineer. 

Andy belonged to many local organizations including VFW Post # 5471, where he eventually held the title of Quartermaster for 13 years.  He was awarded several certificates from the VFW for his outstanding performance in volunteering services promoting the aims and ideals of the VFW.  Likewise, his dedication and outstanding performance with the Fleet Reserve Association was equally commendable, most specially during his 2-year term as President of FRA Branch 4.

Friends are invited to celebrate Andy’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD on Sunday, December 15 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7804 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD on Monday, December 16 at 10:00 am. Interment with military honors will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. 




Pauline J. Cockrell, 78, a resident of Annapolis, passed away on Monday, December 9, 2019 at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Pauline was born on June 20, 1941 in Great Britain to the late George Frederick Robert and Joan Ward. 

In addition to her parents, Pauline was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold L. Cockrell and her brother George Leslie Ward.

She is survived by her children; Leslie G. Cockrell and his wife Kelly, Russell W. Cockrell and his wife Jacquelyn and Paula Naughton and her husband Paul and her siblings, Michael Ward and Kathleen Rose Cole, her grandchildren; Christopher Cockrell, Donnie Reightler, Michelle Brown, Jenna Cockrell and Haili Brave-Mason and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her longtime best friend Cherry.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Pauline’s life on Monday, December 16, 2019 from 11:30 am until a memorial service begins at 12:30 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. A private interment will be held at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Staff at Anne Arundel Medical Center and Medstar Cardiology Associates, for the care and support they provided for Pauline and her family during her stay there.



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

Daniele Helene Henriette Boke, 73, of Upper Marlboro, MD, passed away on Sunday, December 8 at 10:55am

Daniele was born on June 10, 1946 in the house of her parents, Henri and Lucienne Husson in Rachecourt sur Marne, France. She was the first of 5 children. After graduating college, she worked at a manufacturer in Massey until she married Franklin Branson, an American serving in the military, in 1965.

Shortly after they got married, they moved to the United States. In November 1965, Daniele gave birth to her first child, Sophia, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. While they were in Germany, she gave birth to her second child, George “Joe”, in February 1968. Daniele and Franklin separated in 1969.

After getting separated, Daniele remained in the United States, eventually landing a job at American Security Bank in Washington, DC. She worked at the bank until she retired.

On a blind date, Daniele met the love of her life - Bruce Boke. In 1995, they got married and moved to Upper Marlboro.

Her passions were gardening, reading cross-stitching, decorating her home and traveling. Every year, Daniele traveled back to France, where she still had a house, to visit her family.

On Mother’s Day in 2017, Daniele was told she had pancreatic cancer. In March 2018, she had a successful surgery to remove part of her pancreas. Unfortunately, in January 2019, the cancer had returned.

Daniele is survived by her husband, Bruce Boke; her 2 children, Sophia Branson (and her husband, Jack) and Joe Branson (and his wife, Kelly); her 4 grandchildren, Ashton Branson, Brandon Espinoza, Vanessa Espinoza and Weston White; her 4 brothers and sisters – Hubert Husson, Yves Husson, Philippe Husson and Sylvie Husson; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to celebrate Daniel's life on Thursday, December 12, 2019 from 11 to 1 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 13 at 1:00 pm at Parklawn Memorial Gardens, 12800 Veirs Mill Rd, Rockville, MD. On line condolences may be made by using the memory tab on this page.

Dr. Valentin Novikov, (LTC Retired) passed away on 07 December 2019 from cancer related complications. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sheila Raso Novikov; son, John Raso and wife Rebecca (Michael and William); daughter Angel Novikov-Jank and her husband Wolfgang Jank (Isabella and Alexander); daughter Marisa Wardell and her husband Levi (John Paul); and daughter Natasha Novikov. 

Two days before his death, he completed a lifetime goal and earned his Doctorate in Philosophy in Organizational Leadership from Regent University.  Those that knew him best loved him for his work ethic, determination, positive attitude and good heart. He lived his life in pursuit of achieving his dreams, taking care of his wife and family, and getting the job done. He was a good man who believed in his country, believed in hard work, and was willing to lead by example in all phases of his life. 
Dr. Novikov has been serving as the Joint Project Lead for Radiological and Nuclear Defense at the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland for the past 16 months after serving as the Deputy Joint Project Manager for Radiological and Nuclear Defense for 2 years.  His previous assignments included the JPEO-CBD’s Chief of Strategic Initiatives and Deputy Program Manager for JPEO Support Services. 

Dr. Novikov retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army in 2006 while serving as the Director for Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Combat Developments for the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.  Dr. Novikov’s other assignments during his 25 year Army career included: 3rd Chemical Brigade Executive Officer; 4th Infantry Division Chemical Officer in Tikrit, Iraq; 2nd Infantry Division Chemical Officer at Camp Red Cloud, Republic of Korea; Conventional Forces Analyst for Joint Staff; 4th Forward Support Battalion S3; 2nd  Armored Division Assistant Chemical Officer; West Point Prep School Mathematics Instructor; 84th Chemical Battalion S3; Headquarters Company Commander at Johnston Island; 71st Chemical Company Executive Officer; and Chemical Officer for what was a nuclear capable 25th Division Artillery and 1-8th Field Artillery Battalion. After reaching the rank of Specialist Five with the Air Defense Artillery, and subsequent completion of Officer Candidate School as the Distinguished Academic Graduate at Fort Benning, Georgia, Dr. Novikov was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Chemical Corps.  

He held a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University, a dual Master’s of Science degree in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Masters of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. His last academic achievement was earning a Doctorate in Philosophy in Organizational Leadership from Regent University.

Friends are invited to celebrate Dr. Novikov's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, December 12 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD on Friday, December 13 at 10:30 am. Interment, with full military honors, will take place at a later date. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Angela “Tootsie” Colabucci passed away at the age of 84 on Thursday, December 5, 2019. She was the beloved wife of 64 years of Lawrence Colabucci; mother of Brian (Mary Marshall), Kevin (Patricia) and Patrick (Rin) Colabucci, Lauren (Ricky) Chambers, Lesley (Barb Smentek) Colabucci and the late Michael Colabucci. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Tootsie was known for her love of family and spiritual devotion. She found great joy in spending time with family. She was known for her sweet smile, open arms, and kind heart. She never missed a birthday, laughed easily, and loved church. Friends are invited to celebrate Tootsie's life at the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 11700 Duley Station Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD on Tuesday, December 10 from 9:30 am until Mass of Christian Burial begins at 11 am. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Little Sisters of the Poor. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

Jerry Dennis Turk, 74, a long time resident of Mayo, MD passed away on Thursday, December 5 after a lengthy illness. Born on March 20, 1945 in Washington, DC  to the late Donald and Nellie Turk, Jerry served in the U.S. Air Force during the Viet Nam War. He worked for many years with Verizon, eventually retiring as a Supervisor. Jerry was a true gentleman and was very much loved by his family, friends and all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Deborah Mahoney Turk; his children, Evan (Megan) Turk and Laura Turk Ryan; his siblings, Norma, Scott (Robin) and Donald Turk, Jr., six grandchildren and a great-grandchild. A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Lung Association (lung.org). Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall link on this page.

On Wednesday, December 4, 2019; the beloved husband of the late Ruth Jenkins Galloway; father of John (Barbara) Galloway and the late James Galloway; brother of Lawrence Galloway and Bertha Newman; grandfather of Chantanya Lewis. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Jerry's Life Celebration on Friday, December 13, 2019 from 3 p.m. until time of service at 4 p.m.at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment with Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.

Please arrive at the Administration Building by 8:15 a.m. with your own transportation.

Frances McDonald,  100, of Crofton, MD passed away on Wednesday,  December 4, 2019 in Annapolis, MD.  Born in Nanticoke, PA  on September 14, 1919 to the late Anthony and Julia Margelewicz, she was a homemaker and beloved Army wife for over 22 years. Frances was a devoted Catholic and was a longtime member of St. Columba Catholic Church in Oxon Hill, MD.  She enjoyed gardening, travelling in her motor home, square dancing, sewing, baking, swimming into her 80's, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Earl McDonald; a daughter, Susan Pettibone; and five siblings.  She is survived by three children, Donna (Frank) Hall of Henderson, NV, Andrew (Cindy) McDonald of Annandale, VA, and Maria (Jim) Kuhns of Crofton, MD; a son-in-law, Russell Pettibone; 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Our Lady of the Fields Catholic Church, 1070 Cecil Ave., Millersville, MD on Monday, December 9 at 10 am.  Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.  Memorial donations may be made to the Military Order Of The Purple Heart,  5413 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. An online guestbook is available by visiting the link on this page.

Obituaries

Peter Witkowski

Hubert Taylor

Romeo Ramirez

Patricia Brown

Dorothy Bankhead

Frances Czarnecki

Robert Svolos

Joseph Danna

Theron Johnson

AnnaMarie Humphrey

Edward Scanlon

Hernani Dueno

Barbara Taylor

Pam Bush

Eleanor Burton

Alejandro Bravo, Jr.

Pauline Cockrell

Daniele Boke

Daniel Hopkinson

Dr. Valentin Novikov, (LTC Retired)

Angela Colabucci

Jerry Turk

Jerry Galloway

Frances McDonald