Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

James Patrick Vines of Edgewater, MD passed away on April 3, 2017 at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, MD.  All services will be private.  Condolences and tributes may be offered using the link in the left column of this page.


Donald Edward Wootten, “Don”, 72, of Harwood and previously of Annapolis, MD, passed away on April 2, 2017 after having been diagnosed with leukemia only 5 months earlier.  Born on August 23, 1944 in Annapolis to Clarence and Helen Wootten, Don was a U.S. Air Force veteran and spent his civilian career serving the Federal government as a Disaster Relief Specialist.  
	Don is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Mary Wootten; daughter, Angela Tyree; sister, Donna Lee Blanchard and granddaugther, Cameron Smith.
	Friends are invited to celebrate Don’s life with his family on Thursday, April 6, from 3 p.m. until his funeral service begins at 5 p.m. at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.  Interment at 10:45 a.m. on Friday, April 7 at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 100 Painters Mill Road, Suite 800, Owings Mills, MD 21117.  
        Online condolences and tributes may be offered using the link in the left column of this page.
  


Bradley George Sulima, 57, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 2, due to complications following surgery in Annapolis, MD. He was born on February 10, 1960, in Burlington, VT. He was the son of the late George Edward Sulima and Phyllis (Bussiere) Sulima of South Burlington, VT. 
Brad graduated from the University of Vermont in 1982 with a degree in Plant and Soil Sciences; framing his renowned passion for landscaping. He spent his career in the travel business relocating from Vermont to Maryland in 1986, settling into the Heritage Harbor community in 2015 where he was affectionately known as the “Mayor” for the care and assistance he offered neighbors.    
He is survived by his brother, James Frank Sulima (Shari Thorne-Sulima) of Churchton, MD, and his aunt Janet (Bussiere) Langford (Gregory) of Odenton, MD. Brad is also mourned by ex-wife Diane (Woodruff) Sulima, of Annapolis, MD, his girlfriend Emily Teske Gudel of Jarrettsville, MD, and his beloved rescue dog, Sandy.    
Brad loved spending his spare time working in his garden, on his boat “Positive Waves” and most especially entertaining friends and family. He was a gourmet cook and master at the grill. Whether it was a holiday meal, a tailgate party or an outdoor barbecue, it was always over the top with Brad. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Capitals and the University of Vermont hockey and basketballs teams.  Brad will be remembered for these gifts, along with his great sense of humor and genuine affection for all he met. 

Friends are invited to visit the family on Thursday, April 6, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd, Edgewater, MD.  A prayer service will begin at 4:30 pm.  
A private interment will be held in Adams, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, 1815 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis, MD.

Marguerite Dressler was born in West Branch, Michigan, on June 25, 1928, to the late Henry M. and Rose Dressler.  During her childhood our country was in the midst of The Great Depression and, like most Americans, her parents were without adequate employment.  She was 13 when, following Japan's bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Government began a massive recruitment of employees to the Washington DC area, to prepare for war, and her family joined The Largest Migration in Our Nation's History by moving there.  They settled in Riverdale, MD. 

In June 1946 Peggy, as she was known most of her life, graduated from Bladensburg High School at the top of her class of about 120.  Her perfect 4.0 grade point average is believed to be the first received there.  Many years later, with the introduction of computers and e-mails to the business world, she attended classes at Strayer College to update her skills. Peggy worked for the U.S. Government for 34 years, receiving several awards for her performance.  On February 29, 1980, she married Wheatley E. Ward, Jr., of Edgewater, MD, with whom she'd worked for 10 years while at the Department of Commerce.  

She and Wheatley enjoyed over 33 years together before his death in 2013. Peggy was active in many neighborhood activities, such as serving as Treasurer of her Church, Secretary of a neighborhood civic association, and Secretary/Scorekeeper of her beloved duckpin bowling leagues. Peggy dearly loved her family, and her greatest pride was in their character and accomplishments. 

She is survived by her 3 children: Steven Kyler of Adamstown, MD, John (Carol) Kyler of Dunkirk, MD, and Lois (Hal) Oliff of Stafford, VA; her brother Frank Dressler of Leesburg, FL, 4 stepchildren Ginny (Harry) Gessford, Ed (Kathleen) Ward all of Edgewater, MD, Peggy Chappell of Melbourne, FL and Kathy (Joe) Guiffreda of Wesley Chapel, FL, as well as 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband Wheatley, Peggy was preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, John W. Kyler, her sister Norma (and husband Bernie) Loeffel, sister-in-law Margaret Zollinhofer Dressler, and two grandchildren: Michaela Kyler and Scott Gessford. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Peggy’s life on Thursday, April 6, from 6pm to 8pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037 where a funeral service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 11am. Interment will follow at mayo United Methodist Church Cemetery, Edgewater, MD. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-851 or to a children’s charity of your choice in Peggy’s memory. 

Greg Gus Gregory, 89, of Edgewater and Davidsonville, MD passed away on Friday, March 31, 2017. Greg was born in Richmond, VA on November 11, 1927, to the late Gus and Kate Gregory.  He grew up in Washington, DC and at the age of 17 enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving in both the Pacific and American Theater on board the USS Wippoorwill and USS Mattaponi as a Petty Officer Third Class. Greg worked as an electrical inspector in Washington, DC and later as a Master Electrician with IBEW Local 26. He enjoyed summers at the Outer Banks, watching his beloved Washington Redskins, and was a sports car enthusiast. Greg was a member of the VFW and NRA. 

In addition to his parents Greg was predeceased in death by his brother, Christopher, and a grandson, Nicholas Kennedy. Greg is survived by his wife of 68 years, Annie Adriani Gregory; three children, Steve (Nancy) of Edgewater, Matthew (Mary) of Mechanicsville, and Debra (Terry) Asher of Lothian; and two granddaughters, Cortney Gray and Stephanie Yee. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Greg's life on Wednesday April 5 from 1 to 3 pm and 6 to 8 pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater where a service will be held on Thursday April 6 at 12 pm. Entombment to follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

On March 27, 2017, Donna Faye Sarns, age 56, of Laurel, MD passed away. She was the daughter of Mary Pauline Overbay, and mother of Joshua Sarns and Sarah Sarns. Grandmother of Nova Marie Ballantyne.  She was the sister of Richard Boyd, Calvin Boyd, Pete Boyd, James Boyd, Mary Catherine Boyd, Barbara Boyd, Charlie Boyd, Carolyn Boyd, Johnny Breeden, Nancy Breeden, Deborah Breeden, and Lenard Breeden. She was married to George Arthur Sarns for 22 years and remained friends. A memorial service will be held at Maryland City Baptist Church, 326 Brockbridge Rd Laurel MD 20724, on April 8, 2017 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please send prayers, love, and donations.

Charles (Chuck) C. Rongione, 89 of Edgewater, MD and previously of Feasterville, PA for more than fifty years, died on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, MD.  Born on July 20, 1927 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Albina and Michael Rongione, Chuck graduated from Northeast High School in 1945.  He worked in the Food Services Industry for most of his life, starting with his store “Chuck’s Pizza” on Bustleton Avenue.  The building was built by Chuck, his father and his brothers, Al and Jack. Later Chuck owned a few cafeterias and to keep himself busy later in life, Chuck worked for SEPTA, selling tickets at the Somerton train station, and later for Walmart. Chuck was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Feasterville. He was an avid gardener and took pride in supplying the family with tomatoes, peppers and sage advice.  Chuck was a fan of both the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Flyers.  He enjoyed attending Flyers games with his sons and his grandchildren, and was luckier at the Atlantic City casinos than he was with his choice of sports teams.  Chuck loved traveling with his late wife, Diane, with whom he traveled numerous times to Bermuda, Disney World and Tampa, FL.  He took pleasure in watching his children and grandchildren compete, whether it was football, swimming, lacrosse, cheerleading or basketball. Chuck is survived by four children, Patricia Rongione Baker and her husband, Joseph of Tampa, FL, Chuck Rongione and his wife, Joan O'Brien of Blue Bell, PA, Joseph Rongione and his wife, Francene of Middletown, NJ and Theresa Rongione Hirschmann and her husband, Thomas of Edgewater, MD.  He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Phillip and his wife, Nicole, as well as Emily, Christopher, Valerie, Tyler, William, Michael, Stephen and Nicole. Family will receive guests on Thursday, April 6, 2017 from 11a.m. until a Mass of Christian Burial is offered at 12 noon at Assumption BVM Catholic Church, 1900 Meadowbrook Rd., Feasterville, PA 19053. Interment will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.  Condolences and tributes may be made by clicking the tab on this page.

On Saturday, March 25, 2017, Shirley Allwein passed away peacefully at Anne Arundel Medical Center surrounded by her family.

Shirley was born March 2, 1937 to Mildred and Rhea Rohn.  She was an Anne Arundel County resident all of her life and attended Annapolis area schools.
A talented artist, Shirley enjoyed crocheting, sewing, drawing and painting. She also loved animals and enjoyed watching wildlife.
She was a volunteer for the Anne Arundel County Fair for over 30 years and a member of the Moose Lodge 2279 in Shady Side, MD.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald Allwein; her brother, John Rohn; and sons, William Martin and Josuf Allwein.

Shirley is survived by her children, Lorraine Shepherd, Richard (Patti) Martin, Susan (Scott) Grieve, Donna (Kevin) Geiman; 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Arlene O’Dell, Paul (Susan) Rohn, Michael Schwallenberg, Patricia (Walter) Klein; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to celebrate Shirley's life on Wednesday, March 29 from 10 am until a service begins at 11 am at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment to follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville, MD. Condolences and tributes may be left by clicking on the link to the left of this page.


On Saturday, March 25, 2017 of Washington, DC, beloved wife of Achilles (Mike) Pappas, mother of Maria (Patrick) Skipton, George (Peggy) Pappas and Constantina Pappas. Grandmother of Joshua, Andrew and Rosemary Skipton. Great-grandmother of Grace Willis. She is also survived by her brothers John (Marie,predeceased), George (Dee), Chris (Carolyn) Kalivretenos and sister Helen (Roger,predeceased) Hyde and many nieces and nephews. Viewing will be held at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2815-36th St., NW, Washington, DC on March 31, 2017 from 10-11am, funeral service will begin at 11am. Interment will immediately follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 4111 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suitland, MD. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Capital Caring Hospice, 50 F Street, NW, Suite 3300, Washington, DC.


On Friday, March 24, 2017; the beloved daughter of Margaret and the late Floyd H. Stanley, Jr; sister of Floyd H. III, Patricia, Lori, Richard and the late Chris Stanley; aunt of Joshua and Jennifer Stanley Hash, Cory Nichols and the late Gary and Holly Herr and Evan Nichols. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends.  A Celebration of Rachel's Life will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 from 12 p.m. until the memorial service at 1 p.m. at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org

Rita M. Clark, a resident of Annapolis, MD for over 30 years and previously of Laurel, MD, died of heart failure on Friday, March 24, 2017, following a six-month illness.  She was 93.

Born October 4, 1923 in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Rita graduated from Fordham University in New York City and began teaching courses in Nursing.  She later received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Baltimore.  Rita retired as the Director of Nursing at the Walter P. Carter Center in Baltimore.  Rita was a longtime member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and enjoyed playing bridge, boating and going to the opera, symphony and ballet.

Rita was the beloved wife of 32 years to the late John T. Clark; devoted mother of Judy Meushaw of Rehoboth Beach, DE; sister of José Gonzalez, Jr. of Waterbury, CT and Amalia Bertoncini and her husband, Mario, of Annapolis, MD; aunt of Joseph and Rose Marie Gonzalez, both of New York City, NY, and Joan Chereh and Jack Bossert, also of Annapolis.

Friends are invited to celebrate Rita's life on Wednesday March 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A memorial Mass will be offered on Thursday, March 30 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD. Interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Condolences and tributes can be left by clicking on the link to the left of this page.


Betty Grace Hardesty, 88, of Edgewater, MD, passed away on March 24, 2017.  A native of Annapolis, Betty was born on December 6, 1928 to the late Edward and Mable Mason and grew up in Eastport.  She worked alongside her husband at Hardesty and Monroe Oil Company and continued to support the family business when it became Hardesty and Son Transportation.  She was devoted to her family and her faith.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Jack Dawson Hardesty; her son, Terry Scott Hardesty; and three brothers, William “Billy”, Harvey and Malcom “Ray” Mason.  

Betty is survived by her loving grandsons, Christopher and Jeffrey Hardesty, both of Edgewater; two brothers, Robert “Speedy” Mason and his partner, Barbara Baxter, and Sherman Mason and his wife, Pauline; two sisters-in-law, May and Francis Mason; her foster daughter, Leslie Carr and her children, Clinton and Aaron Carr; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to celebrate Betty’s life with her family from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 30 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater where Betty’s funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 31.  Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Annapolis.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.  Condolences and tributes may be left by clicking on the link to the left of this page.


William H. Barham, 69, a resident of Edgewater, MD for 45 years and previously of Riva, MD, died on March 23, 2017 at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore after a lengthy illness. Born on March 18, 1948 in Takoma Park, MD to the late, Daniel and Madolin Barham, William attended Annapolis High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After being honorably discharged in 1969, William worked for the U.S. Postal Service for many years. He enjoyed fishing, dog training, photography and genealogy. William was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Barham. He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Nancy Tyler Barham; his brother, Daniel Barham and his sisters, Barbara Jones, Bonnie Marinelli and Gail Ross Kirkland. Friends are invited to celebrate William's life on Tuesday, March 28 from 12 pm until his funeral service begins at 1 pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Entombment will follow at the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Annapolis, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the S.P.C.A. of Anne Arundel County, P.O. Box 3471, Annapolis, MD 21403 or GRREAT (Golden Retriever Rescue Education and Training) P.O. Box 190, Merrifield, VA 22116. Online condolences may be made by clicking the tab on this page.

On Thursday, March 23, 2017; the beloved wife of Bill Hicks. At this time arrangements are undetermined, please check back periodically for updated information.  

On Thursday, March 23, 2017; the beloved husband of Priscilla Simms; father of Ann Marie (Andrew) Cianelli and the late Christina Simms; son of Margie Simms and the late David Simms; brother of Richard Lalka and Jewell-Ann Mothershed; grandfather of Alyssa and Drew Cianelli. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Paul's Celebration of Life on Monday, March 27 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD where services will be held on Tuesday, March 28 at 12 noon. Interment private. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/donate‎


Mary Kay (MK) Ratigan, age 57, passed away suddenly on March 22, 2017 in Shelton Connecticut. From her birth on May 15, 1959 to her passing on Wednesday, Mary Kay brought great joy and happiness to all she met through her love for family, friends and all those that were blessed to meet her. Mary Kay had a special ability to make everyone around her smile and feel special. She was always positive, caring, and fun to be around and her smile and laugh lit up any room she was in. She was most happy when she was spending time with those she loved at holiday gatherings, celebrating her Irish Heritage, enjoying a great bowl of pasta or sushi, and rooting on her beloved Washington Redskins.
Mary Kay was a Cardiac Care Nurse who graduated from the University of Maryland. She held several research and clinical study positions with Boehringer Ingelheim, Walter Reed Hospital, and was the Director of clinical site management in Global Trial Execution for North America in her most recent position with Pfizer. She also owned her own consulting company, The MK Group.
Taken way too soon, her family asks for your prayers and would like to thank everyone who ever touched Mary Kay’s life. Left to honor Mary Kay is her husband of 16 years, Michael Boccio, retired USPS Postmaster Bridgeport CT and their son Michael Francis. She also leaves behind her mother Katie Ratigan of Annapolis Maryland, brothers Mike and John, and their wives, and several nieces and nephews. Mary Kay was also a beloved member of the Boccio family including Mike’s brothers Anthony and Frank and his sister Carol, their spouses and many nieces and nephews. Mary Kay was preceded in death by her father Francis Ratigan.
 
Services will be held on Saturday, March 25 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton CT.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am  on Monday, March 27 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. Condolences and tributes may be made by clicking the tab on this page.

Alice Shirley Vandewalker Farrell was born on September 6, 1921 to Lewis Stanley and Marion Vandewalker in Washington, DC. She and her younger brother, Lewis grew up in Lakeland, Florida. Alice was preceded in death by her children John (Bub) Rooney and Karen Rooney Gibson. She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Farrell, grandsons Nevin Daniel and David Gibson, and great-grandchildren Daniel, Benjamin and Dylan Gibson of Granville, Ohio.

Relatives and friends are invited to Alice's Celebration of Life on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Forest Heights Baptist Church,  6371 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745 from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD. 

On Tuesday, March 21, 2017, Clarence Arthur “Sonny” Bicknell, 81, of Annapolis passed away at the Spa Creek Center in Annapolis, MD after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Woonsocket, RI to the late Clarence and Edith Bicknell, Sonny graduated from Uxbridge High School and served in the United States Navy for more than twenty years. His tours included states along the east coast in addition to serving three years in Italy. After his discharge from the Navy, Sonny began a career with the Department of State. He continued to work in various government agencies for over 20 years until he retired. Sonny enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling and coaching basketball. He has always enjoyed watching Women’s College Basketball, and he had a special place in his heart for his pets.  Sonny was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra S. Bicknell, who died on October 9, 2011, and his sister, Barbara Bigelow. He is survived by his daughters, Lynn Nowak and her husband, Paul of Sunderland, MD and Cindy Maxted and her husband, Will of Edgewater, MD; his sister, Helen Seagrave of Clermont, FL; five grandchildren, Andrew, Emily, Rachel, Claire and John; his former wife, Eleanor Bicknell of Annapolis, MD; two stepdaughters, Lori and Bill Powell and Carol Kennedy, all of Ashburn, VA; and his step grandchildren, Madison, Emma and Nicholas.  Friends are invited to celebrate Sonny's life on Saturday, March 25 from 3 to 5 pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, P.O. Box 3471, Annapolis, MD 21403 or the Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation, 2000 Medical Parkway, Belcher Pavilion, Suite 604, Annapolis, MD 21401,(please designate contributions to the Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute). Condolences and tributes may be made by clicking the tab on this page.

Relatives and friends are invited to Roy's Celebration of Life on Friday, April 7 from 10:30 a.m. until time of services at 11:30 a.m. at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD at 1:45 p.m.

On Sunday, March 19, 2017; the beloved wife of the late George K. Fines; mother of Loretta Lee (Donnell) and Sandra Bennett and the late Lester Donaldson and Wayne Fines; mother-in-law of Diana Fines. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to Elsie's Celebration of Life on Friday, March 24 from 10 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, donors@stjude.org 

Gerry passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, March 18, 2017 after a courageous fight against Leukemia.  

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Gerry always had a love for basketball.  He had the unique distinction of being on basketball teams, both in high school and college, that were ranked Number One nationally. While in high school, he played on the Weequahic High School and Newark Academy teams, where he also played baseball (he could switch hit, and do it well, as he would always tell people). He attended the University of Rhode Island on a basketball scholarship, and after graduation, joined the men’s basketball staff at Indiana University, coached at the time by the legendary Bob Knight. In 1981, the team won the national NCAA Championship.  Gerry also was on the staff at the University of Utah before becoming the head coach at George Washington University.

In addition to coaching on the collegiate level, Gerry coached the United States Maccabiah men’s team which won the Gold Medal at the 1985 Games in Israel.  
Coaching was at Gerry’s core, which was why, when he relocated to Annapolis, Maryland in 1990 to purchase and run a McDonald’s restaurant, the move was a logical one. He took a group of individuals and motivated them to work together as a team, but this time in a restaurant and not on a basketball court. 
Over the last twenty-six years, Gerry and his wife owned and operated McDonald’s restaurants in the greater Annapolis and Eastern Shore areas. Many of his managers have remained with his organization over 25 years, something almost unheard of in the industry. 

Gerry’s greatest accomplishment was his family.  He and his wife of thirty-two years, Sandy (Grossman), have two children, Rikki and Ross.  Rikki is a casting director in New York and is a graduate of the University of Michigan. Ross works as a valet for Towne Park as well as in the family’s McDonald’s restaurants. He graduated from The Riverview School in Cape Cod.
Gerry lived by the guiding principal of being fiercely loyal to those who had ever helped him or the people he cared about and loved. He enjoyed traveling; having fun on the water, and speaking proudly about McDonald’s but never stopped boasting about his children. Many of his former players are now coaches in the NBA and at colleges throughout the country. However, whether or not his players chose basketball as a career, he kept in touch with many and always encouraged them to “pay it forward”. He led by example.

While never making his donations public, Gerry was a benefactor to many local charities and organizations, particularly those that helped children. He was instrumental in seeking out and hiring young adults with disabilities at every one of his restaurants, because he lived by the principle that “believing in these young adults is crucial. Assumptions needed to be broken.” He took that mission personally and made a difference in many families’ lives.

Services will be held on Wednesday, March 22 at 1:00 pm at Temple Beth Shalom, 1461 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Arnold, MD 21012.. The family will have visitors to their home on Wednesday after the memorial service and again on Thursday.  Donations can be made in his honor to the Ronald McDonald House of Baltimore, where he and his family volunteered. Online condolences may be made at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com

All arrangements are private. 

Condolence and tributes may be left by clicking on the link to the left of this page.

Obituaries

James Vines

Donald Wootten

Bradley Sulima

Peggy Ward

Greg Gregory

Betty Aspelin

Donna Sarns

Charles Rongione

Shirley Allwein

Rose Pappas

Rachel Stanley

Rita Clark

Paul Meyers

Betty Hardesty

William Barham

Andrea Hicks

Paul Simms

Mary Ratigan

Alice Farrell

Clarence Bicknell

Roy Evans

Elsie Fines

Gerry Gimelstob

William Davis