Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Grace E. Owen, 81, a resident of Annapolis, MD for 60 years died on Friday, June 7, 2019 at her home after a five year struggle with cancer. Born on April 6, 1938 in Baltimore, MD to the late Charles and Estelle Beatty, Grace worked for the State of Maryland Forest and Parks  from 1956 to 1960. Most of her working career was spent at the U.S. Naval Academy where she was an office manager from 1968 until retiring in 1998. She worked part time for the Anne Arundel County School System from 1998 to 2001. Grace was a member of Weems Creek Baptist Church in Annapolis and she enjoyed knitting  and gardening. She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, James R. Owen, Jr. who died in 1995. She is survived by her sons, Douglas and Charles Owen, both of Annapolis, MD; her sisters, Iris Rodgers of Deale, MD, Patsy Pate of Arkansas and Eunice Swinburn of Virginia and her grandsons, Nicholas and Michael Owen. Friends are invited to celebrate Grace's life on Friday, June 14 from 12 noon until her funeral service begins at 1 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Annapolis. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 7500 Greenway Center Dr., Ste. 300, Greenbelt, MD 20770. Condolences may be made by clicking the Memory Wall link on this page.

Ronald "Ron" Christian, 68, of Davidsonville, MD passed away peacefully at his home on June 5, 2019 after a lengthy illness.  Ron was born February 10, 1951 to the late Joseph and Regina Christian in Philadelphia, PA. He was a retired computer technician who previously served in the U.S. Army. 

Ron is survived by his wife of over 42 years, Ramona Christian; three sons, Msg Daniel (Melissa) Christian of Wellington, CO, Anthony (Sierra) Christian of Bunker Hill, WV, and SFC William (Nina) Christian of Fayetteville, NC; six grandchildren, Alexia, Maddux, Olivia, Addison, Emelie, and Liam; his sister, Marlene(Michael) Fraioli of Riva, MD. Service and interment will take place with military honors  at Arlington National Cemetery  at a later date. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517. 

Condolences and tributes may be left by clicking on the memory tab on this page.  

Friends are invited to celebrate Andres life on Saturday, June 15, 2019 from 6 to 9 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. Condolences may be left by clicking the memory tab on this page.

Stephen John Little, a resident of Annapolis, MD and formerly of the San Francisco Bay area, died on Wednesday, June 5 at his home. Born on January 21, 1981, in Weymouth, MA to the late Kathleen E. and John A. Little, Jr., Stephen grew up in Lakeville, MA. He earned a BS degree in Business Administration and Management from Babson College and was the founder and CEO of Little Jakel Development, LLC. Stephen was a parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Annapolis and he enjoyed skiing, sailing, cooking, anything New England Patriots and just spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 5 1/2 years, Alison Little; his son, Greyson Little; his siblings, James (Julie) Little and Karen (Dan) and his nephews, James Little, Aidan, and Colin Barrett.  Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, June 10 at 9 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to assist with the funeral expenses at gf.me/u/tapz66. Condolences may be made by clicking the Memory Wall link on this page.

Carol Eloise (Hummel) Tippett Ways, age 75, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at her home in Fort Washington, MD.  She was born on July 9, 1943 in Grantsville, MD. Her parents, Harry W. Hummel and Rhoda R. (Shumaker) Hummel of Grantsville, MD predeceased her, as did her sister, Doris L. (Hummel) Cleveland of Bridgeport, WV.

Carol is survived by her husband, Franklin L. Ways, also of Fort Washington, MD. Carol was the widow of Louis M. Tippett, who passed away in 2002. 

Carol is survived also by her stepdaughter, Vickie (Tippett) Brosky and husband, Andy and son Cade, all of Hughesville MD; and stepson, Gary Tippett and wife, Jill and children Casey and Jacqueline, all of Leonardtown MD.  Carol’s immediate family includes her sister, Rita H. Crowe of Lonaconing, MD; and brothers, John W. Hummel and wife Judy of Urbana, IL and Duane W. Hummel and companion Gayle Broadwater of Grantsville, MD. Carol had many cousins, nieces and nephews and counted as most special her first nephew, Dean R. Otto and wife, Jennifer of Wheeling, WV.

She was a graduate of Northern Garrett County High School. She retired from her career as a Civil Servant in support of Navy operations, having worked at both the Patuxent Naval Base in Patuxent, MD and in Crystal City, VA in support of Pentagon operations.

Carol remained lively and active until the last two years of her life when she struggled with the aftermath of oral cancer. She will always be remembered for her sense of humor, kindness and love of family and cats.

Arrangements for Carol are as follows: A viewing will take place on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at 11 am until time of Service at 12 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment will follow at the St. Mary’s Trinity Episcopal Cemetery, 47477 Trinity Church Road, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686. A repast is scheduled at St. Mary’s Trinity Episcopal Church following the internment.


Katherine M. King of Temple Hills, Md. passed away on June 4, 2019. Mrs. King was born in Washington DC to Raymond and Kathryn King. She was a homemaker who was also the neighborhood mother every where she lived as she followed her career Air Force husband around the world. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Charles E. King Sr., and sons James and Charles Jr. She is survived by her daughter Donna King (Joi), sons David (Lois) and Scott (Gina), daughter-in-law Debbie King, brother John(Dottie) King and sister Lois Darmohray, seven granddaughters, five grandsons, seven great -granddaughters and 5 great-grandsons.

All services are private. Condolences may be left by using the memory wall link on this page.

William J. "Bill" Vita, 88, a resident of Annapolis, MD, passed away on Monday, June 3 at his home after a long struggle with a rare form of leukemia. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dolores "Dee" Vita; his children, Joseph (Phyllis) Vita, Maria and Theresa; his siblings, Frank (Sue) and Joseph (Debbie) Vita and Cathy (Vaughan) Sawdon; his seven grandchildren, Nicholas, Frank, Aloysius, Mary, Joey, Kristina and Sierra; his great-granddaughter, Eliana and his nieces and nephews ,who he dearly loved. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Joan and his sister, Margaret "Margie" (Thomas) McKnight. Born on July 16, 1930, in Washington, DC to the late William and Mary Agnes Vita, Bill graduated from St. Peter's Elementary School and St. Paul's Academy where he played baseball and basketball. He also played baseball and football with the Police Boys Club. After much persistence, Bill was offered the job of ball boy for the Washington Senators Baseball team from 1945 to 1947- a dream come true. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and after being honorably discharged in 1955, he worked for C&P Telephone Co. for ten years. Bill met Dolores at a Knights of Columbus dance and they hit it off immediately. They shared their Catholic faith and enjoyed dancing. They were richly blessed, greatly challenged and have been surrounded by many friends over the years. Bill’s father took him to his first Redskin football game in 1941 and he loved it. He would go and see them play every chance he could. Then in 1962 Dolores, his naïve wife gave him season tickets that made him a lifelong Redskin fan. He often took his children to the games making them avid fans as well. Bill’s friend, Jack Healey became known as the official cook for all the tailgate parties they enjoyed. All of us continued to watch the games with him, including this year. Theresa and Maria recently took him to the Nationals Park, where Bill saw pictures of some of the games that he worked and a matching stadium chair he had from the old Griffith Stadium given to him by his brother, Frank. Bill played softball at the Knights of Columbus in College Park for over 25 years. He coached CYO Baseball and Basketball at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Riverdale and was also the Athletic Director for several years. He really enjoyed playing sports and coaching.  He passed on his love of sports to all of his children, sometimes coaching them and always attending their games. Some of the boys he coached and later played with at the Knights stayed in touch with him over the years, much to his pride and joy. In 1966 his brother-in-law, Fr. Aloysius Schwartz, a Missionary priest working in Korea offered Bill the position of Executive Director of his fundraising office. Bill took a leap of faith, left his job, and worked for Korean Relief for 31 years. After his first visit to Korea in 1969, Bill was so impressed he wanted to share stories about Fr. Al’s amazing programs. He put together a packet of information about Fr. Al’s work with the orphans who were destitute and sick following the devastation of the Korean War. Fr. Al founded the Sisters of Mary and the Brothers of Christ to assist him with the orphans and handicapped. Bill Willoughby, the Religious Editor of the Washington Star picked up his story.  In his first article, the headline read, “Washington’s Saint in the Making". He wrote ten articles about Fr. Al from 1977 to 1984. One of his articles attracted President Ronald Reagan who in turn wrote several letters to Fr. Al praising his work. Bill also connected with Rep. Steny Hoyer who in turn nominated Fr. Al for the Nobel Peace Prize. Bill quickly assumed the role of Fr. Al’s Public Relations Man. The work expanded to the Philippines and then Mexico just before Fr. Al died of ALS in 1992. Bill always said he was blessed to have the opportunity to work with Fr. Al and Fr. Al was grateful to have Bill’s dedication. The family wants to thank the Hospice of the Chesapeake team, especially Nurse Kristina Marquez and all the aides who lovingly cared for Bill in every way. Friends are invited to celebrate Bill's life on Monday, June 10 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, June 11 at 9 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD followed by a reception in Seelos Hall. Interment will follow at Ft. Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122 or online at https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/. 

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

On Sunday, June 2, 2019; the beloved husband of Salustiana M. Soriano. He is survived by his children and grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.  

Relatives and friends are invited to Soriano's Life Celebration on Sunday, June 9. 2019 from 2 to 9 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, June 10, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic, 7800 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment Stonewall Memory Garden, Manassas, VA at 12:30 p.m.

Edward Augustine O'Brien, 82, of Chesapeake Beach, MD, died peacefully at the Mandrin Chesapeake Inpatient Care Center in Harwood, MD, in the presence of his beloved partner, Diane Martin on Saturday,  June 1, 2019, of cancer. A charter fishing captain, a life-long advocate for the Chesapeake Bay, a Marine who served his country with distinction, father of five, grandfather of nine, and great-grandfather of ten, he will be forever missed.

In March of this year, Gov. Larry Hogan bestowed the highest honor to Captain O’Brien by naming him  “Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay” for committing “his time and talents to improving the management of our natural resources and preserving our state’s fishing heritage and the charter boat industry for over 40 years.”

It was a recognition characteristic of Ed’s lifelong service to his country, his family, and community. After graduating from Loyola High School in  Baltimore, Ed began his young life in the Marines in 1954 and was discharged as Sergeant in 1957 with honor. He advanced our country’s security while working at McDonnell Aircraft as part of the Project Mercury Team.  While with Martin Marietta, then Universal Match Corporation and as an officer of LaBarge Company, he continued to work with U.S. government agencies and Congress to enhance national security efforts. He also served as a Director of Control Video Corporation, the precursor to AOL. 

In 1973 he started his charter fishing business with Semper Fidelis I on the Magothy River, Semper Fidelis II out of Solomon’s Island, and Semper Fidelis II and III from Chesapeake Beach with his son Captain John O’Brien, until 2017. This is where he found pleasure, peace, and some of life’s deepest meaning while watching sunshine glisten off the backs of striped bass breaking water in the early morning light on the Chesapeake.  

In efforts to improve the health of the Bay and to preserve its fishing heritage, Ed hosted Governors, Congresspersons, members of the Maryland General Assembly, and President George W. Bush on the Semper Fidelis. He worked closely with the Coast Guard and received its highest civilian honor, the Meritorious Public Services Award.  Since 1995, Ed served as Vice President of the National Charter Boat Association.

Ed was predeceased by a son, John Patrick O’Brien of Severna Park, MD;  a brother Thomas Charles O’Brien of St. Louis, MO; a grandson, Sean Patrick O'Brien; and his parents, Edward O’Brien Sr. and Julia Silcott O’Brien of St. Louis, MO. 

A devoted and loyal father, son, and brother,  Ed is survived by his beloved partner of 25 years, Diane Martin; sons, Edward James O’Brien of Annapolis and Christopher Edward (Christie) O’Brien of Columbia, MD, daughters, Julie O’Brien (Steve) Scheide of Arnold, and Meg O’Brien (Brian) Barrett of Columbia, MD; brothers Joseph Patrick O’Brien of Wichita, KS and Michael James O’Brien of St. Louis, MO; and daughter-in-law, Suzanne Reese O'Brien. Ed was the anchor of an extended family; he loved and is beloved by nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, four nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins and in-laws.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Edward's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Tuesday, June 4, from 6 to 9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Andrew by the Bay Catholic Church, 701 College Pkwy., Annapolis, MD on Wednesday, June 5 at 10 am. Interment will immediately follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122. Online condolences may be made at KalasFuneralHomes.com

"O God, thy sea is so great and my boat is so small." 


Celebration of Libby 

Date/Time:  Wednesday, June 12, 6pm for  6:15pm start
Location/Date/Time: Davidsonville Park, 3042 Patuxent River Rd, Davidsonville, MD 21035

What to Wear: Converse shoes with DAA, UMD, Ravens, DES, CMS, South River gear.  Failing that wear Red!

What to Bring: Bring Your own Blanket and picnic if you wish.  Chairs are discouraged, but will be accommodated for those in need.  Please remember this is a county park and county drinking rules apply.  However for those who desire, Libby's favorite color was red and I am sure she would smile at a sea of Red Solo cups.

Donations: In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to the following:

DefeatDIPG - https://www.defeatdipg.org/libby-goodwin

Zaching Against Cancer - https://www.zachingagainstcancer.org/donate-today/
Donations will be accepted at Celebration.

Memory Board: There will be a memory board set up at the pavilion. Please use this board to pin pictures of Libby (with a written note on the back) or pin written notes with special memories with Libby. The Goodwins will collect the pictures and notes as a keepsake.  Please keep this for stories, and not for outpouring of love and loss. If you are unable to attend Libby's celebration but would like to send a note or photos, please send to laceemupforlibby@gmail.com.
Points of Note: Parking may be tight so please ride share if you can, and leave plenty of time.  Families are more than welcome but remind people to think about the meaning of the occasion when bringing young children.

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

Myrna Arlene Souther Cottle, 87, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2019. Born on February 10, 1932 in Groton, MA to the late Lovell Porter and Ida Mae Souther, Myrna was the third of four daughters. She loved her church, her local senior center and the friendships she maintained over the years; from the days of Jerry’s Belvedere, when she lived in Baltimore City, to her friends in Edgewater. Myrna was an avid reader, knitter and crafter who liked to keep her hands busy. She also had a passion for lacrosse, a game she grew to love from watching her son play. Myrna was preceded in death by her husband,  David Kenneth Cottle, Sr. She is survived by her three children, David K. Cottle, Jr. of Annapolis, MD, Donna (Gregory) Everhart of Parkville, MD and Jennifer (Eric) LaMade of Ocean Pines, MD and the joys of her life, her three grandchildren, Taylor, Tory, and Sean Cottle and their mother, Lynn Cottle. Friends are invited to celebrate Myrna's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Tuesday, June 4 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Memorial service will be held at Mayo United Methodist Church, 1005 Old Turkey Point Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037 on Wednesday, June 5 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mayo United Methodist Church to fund the many projects Myrna loved. Condolences may be made by clicking the Memory Wall link on this page.

Judith Ann Pagliaro Miller of Dunkirk, MD passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 30, 2019. Born on March 15, 1944 in Washington, DC to the late Joseph Francis and Marie Eva Bellosi Pagliaro, Judy attended St. Francis Xavier grade school and Immaculate Conception High School, both in Washington, DC. 
She spent most of her professional career as an accountant and bookkeeper working closely with her husband and her brothers. Judy was a devoted sister, aunt and godmother. She was a kind and loving aunt to all her nieces and nephews, spending a great amount of time over the years taking care of them and helping them grow into productive, positive adults. Judy also loved animals and was especially fond of dogs, especially her Miniature Schnauzers, Mulligan, Corey Ann and Lucy Lou. We are sure that they are happy to be together in heaven. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, John C. Miller and her brother, John C. Pagliaro. She is survived by her three brothers, Joseph F. Pagliaro of Huntingtown, MD, Carl L. Pagliaro of Annapolis, MD and Leonard S. Pagliaro of Bowie, MD  and her two sisters, Rosemarie Presley of Columbia, MD and Mary Jane Palmigiano of Dunkirk, MD and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Graveside service will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, June 15 at Southern Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Dunkirk, MD, followed by a celebration of life. Online tributes and condolences can be made by using the link on this page.  

Dorothy Martin, "Mema", "Dot", an 18-year resident of Edgewater, MD and previously of New Carrollton, MD, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, May 30, 2019. She was 91.

Born January 25, 1928, in Boston, MA, to the late John Finnity and Edith Marsden, she was employed as a Sales/Catering Manager at the Sheraton in New Carrollton, MD, Assistant to the Vice President of Raleigh's, and Travel Agent.   Dorothy was a longtime volunteer at Columbia Hospital in Washington, DC, Washington National Airport, and St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown, MD.  She was a member of the National Council for Geocosmic Research and was known for her Astrology knowledge and gave a lecture about it during a cruise.  Her hobbies included astrology, painting, writing, travel, and spending time with her family. 

She was preceded in death by her son, Patrick Martin; two grandchildren, Wayne Thompson and Michael Thompson; and two great-grandbabies, Timmy Sydnor  & Jack Foster.

She is survived by her children, Sandra (Charles) Buffalano of Kensington, MD, Alan Martin of Pompano Beach, Fl, Teresa (Mike) Mautino of Crofton, MD, Michelle (Dave) Hudgins of Finksburg, MD, Colin (Cathy) Martin of Chester, MD, Colleen (Rick) Cassidy of Edgewater, MD, Tammy (Jack) Thompson of Edgewater, MD, Dwayne Martin of Holiday, FL, and Darla (Tim) Sydnor of Mechanicsville, MD; 17 grandchildren, Kelley Stone, Nicole Buffalano, Carla Foster, Emma Hudgins, Sarah Cassidy, Lauren Thompson, Bradley Martin, Nicholas Mautino, Kenny Mautino, Devin Hudgins, Brian Curtis, Ricky Cassidy, Jesse Cassidy, Christian Thompson, Chris Major, Raymond Sydnor, and Shane Sydnor; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends may call at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, June 5, from 5 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD on Thursday, June 6, at 11:00 am. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122.

Online guestbook available by visiting the link on this page.

Juanito Bautista, 59, of Ft. Washington, MD passed away on May 28, 2019.  Born in the Philippines on March 12, 1960 to the late Juan Bautista and Medalla Paras. Immigrated to the United States in the early 80’s and was a dedicated and hardworking employee of the Willard Hotel.  After his departure from the hotel, he dedicated himself to taking care of his mother and brother until they passed away.  He resumed his mother’s passion for vegetable gardening and happily shared his harvests amongst family and friends.  

Juanito is survived by his siblings; Delita Factor (deceased), Lydia Bautista (deceased), Remedios Bautista (deceased), Marcelo Bautista, Ella Gonzales, Jose Bautista (deceased), Felipe Bautista, Anacleto Bautista, and Nieves Dela Paz.

Viewings will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 from 5 to 9 pm and Wednesday, June 5, 2019 from 5 to 9 pm at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY. 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 10:30 am at St. Columba Catholic Church. 7804 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s of Piscataway Church Cemetery. 13401 Piscataway Road, Clinton, MD 20735.



Spencer Andrew Kozik, “Spence”, a lifelong resident of Churchton, MD, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2019, at his home.

Spence was born on March 4, 1987, in Annapolis, MD to Joseph and Cam Kozik. He was a graduate of South River High School and attended the Culinary Institute of Charleston in South Carolina. Spence worked as a carpenter and was a member of Christ Episcopal Church. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and spending time with his family, especially his sons.

Spence is survived by his fiancé, Lauren Voss; his sons, Mason Andrew and KashMiller Kozik, all of Glen Burnie; his parents; Joseph and Cam Miller Kozik of Churchton; one sister, Heather Buhaj of Churchton. He is also survived by his nieces; Breeanna and Lily Anna Buhaj and nephews Jacob and Hayden Buhaj, all of Churchton.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Spence’s life on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at 11 am at Christ Episcopal Church, 220 Owensville Rd., West River, MD 20778. A reception will follow in the church hall.

Please take a moment and leave a thought or condolence for Spencer's family by using the link on this page.

Laura Ann Mercanti passed away peacefully on Friday, May 24, 2019, at Morningside House of Ellicott City.  Laura will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her two sons, Gus Edward and Edmund Paul Mercanti, two granddaughters, Jessica Estrogano and Rebecca Skerry, great-granddaughter, Hannah Estrogano, and numerous loving nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Laura was born September 1, 1931 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the youngest of nine children born to Anne (Ane) Knudsen Nielsen and Emmanuel K. A. Nielsen.  Her parents were born in Denmark and immigrated to the United States prior to World  War I – they met on a ship bound for America.Family was the foundation of her life, beginning with her childhood in southern Minnesota and her poignant memories of a close knit family growing up on a farm in near Albert Lea during the Depression and war years.  Her family was generous and sharing, and her parents would bring the less fortunate, even whole families, into their home for long periods of time.  She married Dr. Enrico P. Mercanti in 1950. A forty year resident of the Downs on the Severn in Annapolis, Laura served as Welcome Hostess and as Secretary to the Board of Directors of the Downs.  She served as President and as chairman of several committees of the Severn Town Club, a local civic and charitable organization.  She was selected as the Outstanding Leader for the State in 1988 by the Maryland Federation of Women’s Clubs.  An honor graduate of Prince George’s Community College specializing in Speech Communications, she continued her education at the University of Maryland. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Enrico P. Mercanti, granddaughter Nicole Benning Mercanti, three sisters, Mona Johnson, Una Arnbal and Betty Porter, five brothers, George, Adolf, Earl, Reginald and Arnold (Barney), and one half-brother, Jens Peter Nielsen. Friends are invited to celebrate Laura's life on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 11:30 am until her service begins at 1 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. Interment to follow at Maryland's Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville. Lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA in recognition of her love for her beloved poodles over the years, the American Heart Association, or the charity of choice. Condolences may be given under the memories and tribute tab.

Lois J. Costanza, age 86, of Maryville, TN and formerly of Forestville, MD for more than forty years, died of cancer on Thursday, May 23, 2019 in Millersville, MD.  She was born in Washington, DC to the late Otis D. & Pauline McCauley Scott. Lois and her late husband of 60 years, Salvatore J. Costanza, raised their family in Forestville, MD, where she drove her girls and their friends to the pool and sporting events on a daily basis. She gave them “vocabulary lessons” along the way. After moving to Maryville with her beloved husband in 1994, she became an avid hiker and spent as much time as possible with dear friends on the trails of her beloved Great Smoky Mountains, trekking to her favorite waterfalls, naming all the wildflowers, and occasionally encountering black bears. The summit of Mt. LeConte was a favorite destination. Lois was known for her fierce independence, her impeccable housekeeping, keeping her Royal Oaks neighborhood free of trash, and her kind words to everyone she encountered—traits she maintained until her last day. She is survived by her 3 daughters; Teresa (Dan) Nolet of Taichung, Taiwan, Susan Kircher of Davidsonville, MD and Jean (Brian) Miller of Bowie, MD; her 6 grandchildren, Catherine Nolet, Andrea Nolet Martin, Bill V and Jodi Kircher, Chrysteena and Colin Miller; and 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Maurice E. and Otis D. Scott, Jr. In keeping with her wishes, no services are scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either Friends of the Smokies, P.O. Box 1660 Kodak, TN 37764 https://friendsofthesmokies.org/donate/?t=panel2-3 or Appalachian Bear Rescue, P.O. Box 364 Townsend, TN 37882 https://appalachianbearrescue.org/.  Condolences may be made by clicking the Memory Wall link on this page.

Paul B. Flynn of Glen Burnie and formerly of St. Mary’s County, MD passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2019.  He was 64 years old.  
Paul was born January 27, 1955 in San Francisco, CA. He graduated from Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, MD and went on to St. Mary’s College of Maryland in St. Mary’s City where he received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biology. He would later earn a Master’s of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration.  Paul worked as a Registered Respiratory Care Therapist for 30 plus years. 
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Debra L. Flynn; a daughter, Kelly Protch (Nicholas) of Glen Burnie, MD; a brother, Kevin A. Flynn (Karen) of Myrtle Beach, SC; two sisters, Julia Hamilton (Mark) of Westminster, MD, and Marie Flynn and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved granddaughters, Emerson and Addilyn Protch. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Raymond Flynn and Irene Antoinette Flynn.  
Friends are invited to celebrate Paul's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, May 29 from 11 am until his funeral service begins at 12 noon.  Burial will be private. 
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation. 
Condolences may be made by clicking the Memory Wall link on this page.


James "Jim" F. Rogan, 85, a 24-year resident of the Heritage Harbour Community in Annapolis, MD, and previously of Bowie, MD, died on May 21, 2019, at BridgePoint Hospital in Washington, DC.

Born August 22, 1933, in Brooklyn, NY, to the late James F. and Mary Grace Rogan, Jim graduated from the University of Scranton and the Naval War College.  He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953-56.  He worked for the National Security Agency, retiring as Comptroller.  Jim was a longtime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Annapolis, MD and the Phoenix Society.  He enjoyed golf, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Helene C. Rogan; three children, Richard Rogan of Waldorf, MD, Lauren Whipple of Edgewater, MD, and James M. Rogan of Glen Burnie, MD; a sister, Kathleen Rorick of Las Vegas, NV; nine grandchildren, James M. Whipple, Christina Whipple, Andrew Rogan, Jessica Headley, Joseph Pecosh, Sara Rogan, Nicholas Pecosh, Melissa Haskin, and Katelyn Boodoo; and four great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to celebrate Jim's Life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Tuesday, May 28 from 5 to 8 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 515 Loch Haven Road, Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, May 29 at 9:30 am.  Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville.  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 clicking the Memory Wall link on this page.

Obituaries

Grace Owen

Ronald Christian

Andres Flores Garcia

Stephen Little

CAROL HUMMEL TIPPETT WAYS

Katherine King

Roy Burton

William Vita, Jr.

Juanito Soriano

Carmelita Canlas

Edward O'Brien

Pastora Carino

Elizabeth Goodwin

Myrna Cottle

Judith Miller

Dorothy Martin

Juanito Bautista

Philip Alvarado

Spencer Kozik

Laura Mercanti

Lois Costanza

Paul Flynn

James Rogan

Pauline Ramiscal