Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Obituary
 

Michael “Mikey” King Sr, 64, a tailor by profession for over 25 years in the Washington, DC area, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home from complications due to Multiple Sclerosis.
 
Michael migrated to the United States from his birthplace, Trinidad, West Indies in 1968. He resided with friends in Brooklyn, New York where he worked as an apprentice tailor before joining the United States Army in 1970. On completion of his military service, which included a tour of duty in Vietnam, he chose Washington, DC as his new home. In 1978 he moved with his family to Prince George’s County, Maryland. As his health deteriorated in late 2008, he relocated to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Charlotte Hall, MD for convalescent care. 

Michael loved music, especially playing calypso and soca on the steelpan. He was a member of many prominent steelpan organizations over the years. His pan career began in 1964 as a teenage member of the BWIA Sunjets Steel Orchestra, and ended in 2004 as a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Steelband of Washington DC. Michael also enjoyed cutting hair as a hobby. He was known as the regular barber for the guys at the clubhouse in DC. 

He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Esther; two sons, Michael Jr. (Janna), and Stephen; two grandchildren, Lailah and Charles; brothers, Oscar and Richard; sisters, Ira (Clyde), Eileen (Patrick), Ruby(Allan) and June. A host of nieces, nephews, other extended relatives and friends in New York and Trinidad. He was preceded in death by his parents, Violet and Lloyd; a brother, Anthony; and two sisters, Gilda and Josephine.
 
Michael will be missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his big heart and charming smile. May his soul departed rest in peace.

Celebrating the Life of Leo Romeo Motley

 Leo, affectionately known as Lee, Daddy, Grand Daddy, Grandpa, and “G-Diddy”, was born in Danville, Virginia on January 12, 1915. He was the only child of Emma Motley Gant. Emma absolutely adored her Leo and just thinking about him, hearing his voice, or seeing him would make her smile. Her love for Leo was so evident that as Emma grew older and her health began to decline, she would say, “I don’t mind dying, but I just hate leaving Leo.”

 Leo completed his elementary and high school education in Danville. After high school, he went to Lawrenceville, Virginia to attend what was then called St. Paul Normal and Industrial School, now St. Paul College. Upon completing college, Leo entered the U.S. Army and served from 1944 to 1946. He was stationed at Camp Beale, California. While in the service, he received the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the American Campaign Medal.

 While at St. Paul, he met and later married the late Edmonia P. Banks of Chatham, Virginia. To the marriage one child was born, Priscilla Carolton Motley. This marriage ended in divorce.

 In 1950, Leo and his family moved to Washington, DC. Leo found work with the United States Postal Service where he began his career as a machinist. After 33 years, Leo retired on December 30, 1983 from the Postal Service as the manager of the lock and key shop. His shop was responsible for manufacturing locks and keys for the Postal Service as well as making the postal carrier bags. 

After retiring from the Postal Service, Leo completed a class conducted by the Electronic Institute of Washington. Upon receiving his certification, he worked for many years repairing washing machines. In addition to working, Leo was an active member of the National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees (NAPFE) and the American Legion – James Reese Europe #5. During his spare time and before he stopped driving in the early 2000’s, Leo would often take trips to Danville to visit family and friends. Keeping busy was important!

 In 1961, Leo married Martha Ann Silas. Martha passed away on July 31, 2012. At the time of her death, they had been married for 51 years. 

Leo had a great sense of humor and would often say the most clever things. People around him never knew what he would say next but we knew that it would be good! Sometimes he didn’t say anything but if you looked at him you would see his eyes twinkle and note the hint of a sly smile. He loved to read and read the new paper cover to cover every day. As his body aged, his mind didn’t. He remained sharp until the end and could engage you on politics, current events, or the neighborhood happenings.

 During the weeks preceding his death, Leo remained very active spending time at National Harbor; picking vegetables at the farm with his grand daughters and great grandsons; visiting Chesapeake Beach; and having lunch and dinner with family and friends. He enjoyed long rides through Southern Maryland and Washington, DC taking in the sights and often remarked how much the city had changed over the past 60 years. While he loved Washington, DC and enjoyed many years of happiness and success here, he often commented how there was no place like home, Danville, Virginia. 

Leo R. Motley departed this life on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at the age of 97. To continue his legacy, he leaves his daughter, Priscilla M. Yarborough; step-daughter, Barbara Jarvis; four grandchildren, Kerri Kerr (Jerome, Sr.), Kaye Wells (Corey, Sr.), Allison “Patty” Jarvis, Richard “Ricky” Jarvis, Jr.; and three great grandsons Jerome Kerr, II, Jeremy A. Kerr, and Corey A. Wells, II. Leo was loved and will be sorely missed by many.

On Saturday September 1, 2012; the beloved husband of Mary "Chris" Chaney; father of George L. III, Lawrence J., Sean B., Sylvia H. Chaney and Ann C. Schatzer; grandfather of Kristina M., Nicole M., Danielle L., Rebecca B., Lawrence J., Christian S., Emily A. and Kyle E. ; great grandfather of Daisy, Jasmine, Erika, Kaydeeann, Haley and Alanah. He is also survived by his brother William E. (Carol) Chaney and sister Gail Wilson. Family and friends are invited to George's Life Celebration on Thursday from 3-5 and 7-9pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. where services will be held on Friday September 7 at 11:00am. Interment Cedar Hill Cemetery. Please leave your thoughts and memories by signing the guestbook located to your left.

On Saturday, September 1, Carrie “Carebear” Lynn Desmond, a lifelong resident of Davidsonville, died along with her 14-year old son, Marvin “Buddy” Reginald Wallace, Jr., in an automobile accident.
 Born on May 21, 1976 in Cheverly, MD to Timothy and Jean Desmond, Carrie attended South River High School. She then graduated from Anne Arundel Community College and the University of Maryland Baltimore County where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in computer science. Since her graduation she has been employed with Northrup Grumman where she worked as a software engineer. 
In her spare time she enjoyed working with computers and spending time with her family and friends
 She is preceded in death by one brother T.J. Desmond. 
Carrie is survived by her parents, one sister, Amy Bolton of Acworth, GA; two grandmothers, Marion Feather of Odenton and Matilda Desmond of Ocean Pines; she is also survived by many loving cousins. 
Friends are invited to Carrie’s Life Celebration at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater on Friday, September 7 from 2-4 and 6-7:30PM where a memorial service will begin at 7:30PM. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory are requested to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, 110 S. Paca St., Baltimore, MD 21201. An online guestbook is available by clicking the link to the right.

Daniel Cruz Fejeran, age 24, passed away on September 1, 2012 after a brief illness. Daniel is survived by his parents, Rick and June Fejeran; grandparents Ron and Carole Fejeran of Van Alstyne, TX, and Owen and Martha Paddy of Harwood, MD; as well as many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Daniel also left a group of great friends, including Kelsey Mangnall and Beth Sexton, who were with him until the end. 

Daniel enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, snow boarding, motorcycling, on-line gaming and an eclectic collection of music. Daniel made a lasting impression on all those he met and will be missed by all who knew him.
 
Funeral service will be held at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Saturday, September 8 at 10:30am. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD.
 
In lieu of flowers, as a way to honor Daniel, donations to the American Diabetes Association, Camp Colorado, Attn: Emily Fay, 2480 W 26th Avenue, Suite 120B, Denver CO 80211, are welcomed. Camp Colorado has always been near-and-dear to Daniel's heart and was an important part of his life.

On Friday August 31, 2012; the beloved wife of Dwight Short; loving mother of Michael D.Short and his wife Jennifer; grandmother of Ryan M. and Jenna M. Short. She is also survived by 3 sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to Jeanette's Life Celebration on Friday September 7, 2012 at 11am at Providence-Fort Washington United Methodist Church, 10610 Old Fort Rd., Ft. Washington, MD.20744. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Providence-Fort Washington United Methodist Church. Please leave your thoughts and memories by signing the guestbook located above.

On Wednesday, August 30, 2012 the beloved wife of the late Manuel Taxiera; mother of Paul M. and Philip Taxiera; grandmother of Christopher and Michael Taxiera. Friends may call at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 from 10am until time of service at 11 am. Interment Arlington National Cemetery on Friday September 28, at 2pm. If you would like to follow in procession to cemetery be at Kalas Funeral Home by 12:30pm. Please sign the online guest book.

William Henry Wilson III, 78, died on August 29, 2012 on the family farm where he was born and raised in Crownsville, MD.
 
He was born February 25, 1934 in Crownsville, MD to the late Alice Wilson and William H. Wilson. 

Mr. Wilson started his auto body career at Monroe Ford and later owned and operated Annapolis Auto Body for more than 25 years.
 
Bill enjoyed his life working on his farm, operating his antique saw mill and entertaining family and friends. He was also an avid reader and a knowledgeable history buff. He demonstrated the operation of a 19th century shingle cutting machine for many years at the Anne Arundel County Fair. He was a lifelong member of the Anne Arundel County Antique Tractor Club. He was a founding member of The Washington Area Collectors/Blue and Gray Military Vehicle Trust Chapter of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association. Two of Bill's restored military vehicles were 1st place winners in international competition. Bill also donated the use of his restored military vehicles for patriotic parades throughout the state including the centennial exposition at the Maryland MVA. 

Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his three children: William Henry Wilson, IV, Richard George Wilson and Karen Marie Wilson. Bill was also preceded in death by his sister Charlotte Aubert.
 
Bill is survived by his wife of 56 years Rosa Wilson. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Richard Nicholas Wilson and Sabrina Marie Wilson. 

Friends are invited to Bill's Life Celebration at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater on Friday, September 7 from 10am until his memorial service begins at 11:00. Interment private. 

In honor of Mr. Wilson's appreciation for the armed forces, contributions may be made for Wounded Warriors, c/o Truckin 4 Troops, PO Box 831, Millersville, MD 21108 in lieu of flowers. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com.

Leo William McDonald, Jr. “Bill”, age 86, a one and a half year resident of Charlotte Hall and previously of Annapolis, died at St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown on Wednesday, August 29, 2012.
 
Born January 30, 1926 in Washington, D.C., Bill graduated from Gonzaga High School and attended Benjamin Franklin University. He served as a radioman in the United States Navy during World War II and after the war worked as a film editor for the National Broadcasting Company. Mr. McDonald was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Edgewater.
 Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan P. McDonald on March 11, 1990 and by a brother, Raymond Joseph McDonald.
 
He is survived by his wife, Dolores McDonald; three sons, Leo McDonald of Germantown, Dennis McDonald of Melbourne, FL and Timothy McDonald of Laurel; 2 daughters, Kathleen McDonald of Laurel and Karen Severson of Edgewater; a brother, Lawrence Herbert McDonald of Bethesda; fourteen grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.
 
Friends are invited to Bill's Life Celebration on Wednesday, September 5 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, September 6 at 9am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 515 Loch Haven Road, Edgewater. Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham.

On Wednesday, August 29, 2012; the beloved wife of the late Alfred Thiele; mother of the late Nancy C. Thiele. She is also survived by three grandsons, a niece and two great-nieces. Relatives and friends are invited to Vivian's Life Celebration on Thursday, September 6, 2012 from 12:30 pm until time of service at 1:30 pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

Evelyn "Ev" S. Babbitt, 74, a 12-year resident of Edgewater and previously of Bethesda died at her home on August 29, 2012 of natural causes.
 
Born August 19, 1938 in New York, she graduated from Suitland High School and attended the University of Maryland. Evelyn worked for N.I.H. in Bethesda until her retirement. She was a member of Riva Trace Community Church in Davidsonville. Ev enjoyed travelling and loved being with her grandchildren.
 
Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Elaine Miller and her husband, Buzz of Eldersburg; two granddaughters, Molly and Abbey Miller of Eldersburg; and her former husband, Earl Babbitt.
 
Friends are invited to Evelyn's Life Celebration on Wednesday, September 5 from 6 to 8pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater. Interment private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1041 MD Rt. 3 North, Bldg A, Gambrills, MD 21054.

William Albert Kleeberg, Jr. “Billy”, age 58, a lifelong resident of Annapolis died on Tuesday, August 28 at his residence. Born on April 1, 1954 in Annapolis, Billy worked as a heavy equipment operator for most of his life. He enjoyed Ravens football, motorcycles, hanging at the pool with his daughter and spending time with his friends and family. Billy was preceded in death by his mother, H. Kathleen Kleeberg. He is survived by his daughter, April Kleeberg of Annapolis; his father, William Albert Kleeberg, Sr. of Annapolis and Ocean City; three sisters, Patty Kleeberg-Curry of Edgewater, Kathie Sulick of Annapolis and Michelle Marquardt of Edgewater. Friends are invited to Billy’s Life Celebration on Friday, August 31 from 10:00am until his memorial service begins at 11:00am at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Arundel Lodge, Inc., 2600 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037 or the Lighthouse Shelter, 10 Hudson St., Annapolis, MD 21401.

Relatives and friends are invited to Lorraine's Life Celebration on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 from 10:30am until time of service at 12:30pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment Private. Please leave yout thoughts and memories by signing the guestbook located above.

On Saturday, August 25, 2012; the beloved daughter of Anna Marie Humphrey and the late James C. Humphrey; sister of Susan Young, Marianne McQuarrie and Michael Humphrey. She is also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Catherine's Life Celebration on Friday, August 31 from 12pm until time of service at 1pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment private.

Lucy Ann Wood Hughes (Mom, Grandma,” GiGi”, Aunt Lucy, “Plunk” or Miss Lucy) was born on February 13, 1914. She was the second of seven children born in Nelson County, Virginia to Stewart and Fannie Broady Wood. She was predeceased by brothers, Dandrich and Wilson Wood, and sisters Beatrice Wood, Genevieve Wood Butler, Celestine Wood Childress, and Emma Jean Wood Porter. She was joined in marriage to Alonzo Hughes, Jr. on September 30, 1934 and from this union two daughters, Mignon Norreszelle and Maxine Ann were born. 

Her aspirations to be a teacher were not to be realized. The death of her mother, while she was attending Garnett Patterson High School in Washington, D.C., cut short her formal education. Nonetheless, she was an avid reader with a keen mind and as a result of her extensive readings and travel, she became highly self educated. She could discuss any subject with anyone at anytime. She would get really energized by a lively debate. While she was not able to pursue her dream, she made many sacrifices to assure that her daughters were provided the best education possible (Maxine from St. Francis de Sales High School in Rock Castle, Virginia and both daughters graduated from Hampton University in Virginia). She was filled with compassion and interest in others and made friends easily. She maintained those friendships throughout her life. She was a doting mother, grandmother, and aunt. 

Her conversion to Catholicism in the early 1950’s, was a defining moment in her life. Her faith in the Lord and His Blessed Mother gave her the strength to overcome many trials and tribulations. The template for her life was formed by one of her favorite prayers:
 
Faithful God,
 My life is shaped by my family.
 It is in the context of these relationships
 That I grow, I learn, I fail, and I heal.
 Assist me with your wisdom
 That I may fulfill my responsibilities
 With the people with whom I share life.
 Allow me to listen, to guide,
 To share and forgive
 Give me the grace to submit my own will
 To the good of our common life
 Despite all of the pain and challenges that family provides, 
Let me see these relationships as a blessing and,
 As your indispensible gift.
 Amen
 
She took the responsibility of being that keeper of God’s gifts very seriously and never hesitated to come to the aid of any and all who called on her for guidance or help. She let her life do the singing, literally and figuratively. One of her passions and joys of her life was music. She had a professional quality coloratura soprano voice but limited her singing to local events and her church choirs. Another passion was gardening. Up until she was about 85, she loved working in her garden. A few years prior to relocating to Maryland, she won a Blue Ribbon at the State Fair in Virginia for the tallest corn stalk. 

She leaves to cherish her memory: devoted daughters Mignon Atkins and Maxine Barron; grandchildren, Bianca Atkins and Keith Barron (Anissa); great grandchildren, Antonio and Dwayne Atkins and Sydney and Luke Barron; George Thompson (Mignon’s long time friend); and 16 nieces and nephews, 28 great nieces and nephews, 20 great-great nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
 


Relatives and friends are invited to Lucy's Life Celebration on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd., Ft. Washington, MD 20744 from 10 am until a Memorial Mass at 11 am. Interment private.

Nina Carr Kellenbenz, age 91, died on Wednesday, August 22, 2012, at her home in Summerton, SC.
Born on January 12, 1921, in Davidsonville, Nina was the daughter of the late Charles Benjamin Carr and Annie Roberta Clark Carr. She was a homemaker and a member of Santee Baptist Church.
Nina was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Charles Kellenbenz. She is survived by two sons, Dennis C. Kellenbenz and wife Linda of Bishopville, SC and Donald Glenn Kellenbenz and wife Jane of Summerville, SC; a brother, Maurice T. Carr of Davidsonville, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Friends are invited to Nina’s Life Celebration from 5 to 8pm on Sunday, August 26 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where her funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, August 27. Interment Hillcrest Cemetery in Annapolis. Contributions may be made to Tuomey Hospice, 500 Pinewood Rd., Suite 2, Sumter, SC 29154

Francis Patrick DiGirolomo, age 51, a twenty nine year resident of Edgewater and formerly of Berwyn Heights, died on Wednesday, August 22 in Dorchester after he and his wife were involved in a tragic motorcycle accident. Born on July 30, 1961 in Cheverly, Frank married his high school sweetheart, Debbie Jo DiGirolomo in 1978. He owned and operated Edgewater Fire Protection Co. and truly enjoyed running his own family business. An avid NASCAR fan, Frank attended many east coast races. He and his family liked boating on the Chesapeake Bay and enjoyed being on the water fishing with his friends. Frank was known as a man who took great pride in his yard, he spent countless hours keeping it in superb condition. He passed away doing what he loved most, riding his motorcycle with the wind in his face and his wife on the back. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Russell DiGirolomo of Edgewater; a daughter, Christina DiGirolomo of Odenton; his parents, Francis and Patricia DiGirolomo of Edgewater; two brothers, Mike (Lisa) DiGirolomo of Davidsonville and Anthony DiGirolomo of Dover, DE; two sisters, Diane (Robert) Bonanni of Harwood and Mary (Steven) Perzanowski of Edgewater; three grandchildren, Katilyn, Jacob and Giovanni and a large extended family. Friends are invited to Frank’s Life Celebration on Monday, September 3 from 5 to 8pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, September 4 at 10am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the first responders, Linkwood-Salem VFD, P.O. Box 66, Linkwood, MD 21835.

On Monday, August 20, Adela “Cha Cha” Rodriguez of Edgewater for over thirty years, died peacefully at home with family at her side. Born October 22, 1913 in Puerto Rico, Cha Cha was a seamstress and did alterations for Hecht’s in Washington, DC for over 35 years. In her spare time, she was an avid seamstress, enjoyed watching baseball, professional wrestling, going to casinos and spending time with her friends and family. 
She is preceded in death by her husband, the late Juan Rodriguez, who passed away in 1986; one grandson, Robert Wallace; 2 brothers and 3 sisters. She is survived by one daughter, Candy Wallace of Edgewater, two sisters, Maya and Carmen both of Puerto Rico; three grandchildren, Kevin and Patrick Wallace of Edgewater and Joseph Wallace of Goshen, NH; fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
 Friends are invited to Cha Cha’s Life Celebration at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, on Thursday, August 23 from 2-4 and 7-9PM where a funeral ceremony will be held on Friday, August 24 at 10:15AM. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens. An online guestbook is available by clicking the link on the bottom left of this page.

On Sunday, August 19, 2012 at her residence in Lanham, MD; the beloved wife of the late Daniel F. Burgess; mother of Linda Saffell; sister of Florence Ciampi; grandmother of Christine D. Courtney, Deborah L. Long and Richard D. Saffell. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Irene's Life Celebration on Sunday, August 26 from 2 to 4pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD on Monday, August 27 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to PGFF, SPCA, PO Box 1036, Bowie, MD 20718.

Friends are invited to Ethel's Life Celebration at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, August 23 from 11:00 am until her funeral service begins at 12:00 noon. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, MD.

Obituaries

Robert Ochinero

Michael King

Leo Motley

George Chaney

Carrie Desmond

Daniel Fejeran

Jeanette Short

Joanne Taxiera

William Wilson

Leo McDonald

Vivian Thiele

Evelyn Babbitt

William Kleeberg

Lorraine Curtis

Frances Ritter

Catherine Humphrey

Lucy Hughes

Nina Kellenbenz

Francis DiGirolomo

Peter Herrick

Delinda Rosa

Adela Rodriguez

Irene Slominski

Ethel Rulloda