Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

On Thursday, February 3, 2011; the beloved wife of the late Benjamin John Petrarca; mother of Angela R. and John B.(Bonnie) Petrarca; grandmother of Cristina M. and Julie M. Petrarca. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Mrs. Petrarca's Life Celebration at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD on Sunday, February 6, from 1 to 4PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 10:30AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2200 Callaway St., Hillcrest Heights, MD. Interment Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Samuel C. Chase, Sr., 95, a resident of Davidsonville, MD for over 60-years died on February 3, 2011 at Heritage Harbour Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Born on February 16, 1915 in Severn, MD, he worked as a rigger with the federal government for over 34 years. After retirement, he farmed for the rest of his life. Samuel served in the United States Army Air Corp during WWII.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary M. Chase and a son, Samuel C. Chase, Jr.

He is survived by a son, Robert Chase of Davidsonville, MD; two grandchildren, Kimberly Catterton of Davidsonville, MD and Samuel Chase, III of Huntingtown, MD; he is also survived by 2 great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to Samuel’s Life Celebration at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Sunday, February 6 from 2 to 5pm, where services will be held on Monday, February 7 at 10am. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens.

Thor E. Ostberg, 85, a 30-year resident of Davidsonville and formerly of District Heights, MD, died on January 31, 2011 at the Bethesda Naval Hospital.
 Thor was born on May 1, 1925 in Sundsvall, Sweden to the late Karl and Magnhild Ostberg. His family immigrated to the United States in 1928 and resided in Erie, PA where Thor graduated from Strong Vincent High School. In 1943, he joined the Naval Reserves. Thor completed his college level GED while on active duty. He attended the University of Hawaii where he studied European Masterpieces. He also graduated from the Naval Reserve Officers Photographic Interpretation and Photogrammetry School. Thor was a member of the Amphibious Landing Group that invaded Omaha Beach in Normandy on June 6, 1944. His actions earned him the Combat Medal with two battle stars. During Thor’s military career, he was also awarded the European Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the European Occupation Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal. After the war, Thor participated in the Atomic Bomb experiment (Operation Crossroads) at Bikini Atoll Marshall Islands. He retired from the Navy as a Chief Intelligence Specialist in 1964 and immediately joined the Federal government. In 1981, Thor retired as a senior Intelligence Specialist from the Naval Intelligence Support Center after an impressive, combined military and civil service career spanning more than 38 years. Thor was a member of the American Society of Photogrammetry, the Andrews Air Force Base Golf Club and Branch 024 of the Fleet Reserve Association. In addition to his parents, Thor was predeceased by his brothers, Karl R. and Lennart K. Ostberg. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Alice Ostberg, and one daughter, Kathryn Ostberg Milbert of Rockville, MD. Thor will be buried at sea by the U.S. Navy with military honors in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of ones choice.

On Monday, January 31, 2011; the beloved husband of the late Myrna J. DeMar; father of Sylvia, Mike, Danny and Don(Connie A.) DeMar and Joan(James) Thorne; grandfather of James(Carolyn),Don(Rebecca), Jennifer and Cheyenne; great-grandfather of Alex and James Thorne. Relatives and friend are invited to the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD for Mr. DeMar's Life Celebration on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm, where services will be held on Thursday, February 10, at 9:30 am. Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

On Sunday, January 30, 2011; the beloved daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. Arsie Pool; loving sister of Ruth A. Williams of Boonville, MO. She is also survived by 9 nieces, 10 nephews, a host of other relatives and friends. She is predeceased by her sisters Hattie Gaines, Helen Williams, Joanne Pool and her brother Eugene Pool. Family and friends are invited to Mary's Life Celebration on Friday, February 11 from 12 noon until time of services at 2pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 OXON HILL RD., OXON HILL, MD. Inurnment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
(Please continue to check this site for inurnment date and time.) In lieu of flowers, memorial donation's may be made in her memory to a charity of one's choice. Please sign the guestbook below.

George Murray Ward, Sr. (Teeny Boy), age 90,a resident of Davidsonville, MD died on Sunday January 30, 2011 at the Charlotte Hall Veteran’s Home in Charlotte Hall, MD. Born on June 21, 1920 in Edgewater, MD, George served in the U.S. Army in Germany during W.W. II. He was employed as a driver and salesman with Katcef Bros. Beer Distributors for 52 years. George was a past member of the American Legion and in his spare time he enjoyed hunting, gardening, fixing lawn mowers, going to yard sales and cooking.

He was predeceased by his wife, Elsie Aisquith Ward; his first wife, Betty Whitby Ward, who died in August 1972; three brothers, William, Clarence and Clifton Ward.

George is survived by his children, George M. Ward, Jr. and Ronald D. Ward, both of Edgewater, MD; one sister, Dorothy Suitt of Edgewater, MD; two daughters in law Connie and Nancy Ward, both of Edgewater, MD; his grandchildren, George M. Ward, III of Edgewater, MD, Ronald P. Ward, Jr. of Huntingtown, MD, Donald W. Ward of Edgewater, MD and Dana L. Cosgrove of West River, MD; also survived by 8 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of George’s life will be held at the Joy Reigns Lutheran Church, 35 Mayo Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 3:00pm. Interment private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Hwy., Annapolis, MD 21401.

Robert Elwood Lohr “Bob/Pop-Pop”, 80, a five-and-a-half-year resident of Edgewater and previously of Upper Marlboro, MD, died on January 30, 2011 at his home.
 
Bob was born on March 18, 1930 in Washington, DC to the late Eugene and Pearl Kesterson-Lohr and graduated from Anacostia High School in 1948, where he was a football star. Bob was a Korean War veteran who served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, 187th Regimental Combat Team from 1950 to 1952. During his service, he completed two combat parachute jumps and was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor. Bob was employed as an electrician for 40 years and worked on some of the most complex construction projects in the Washington DC area, including renovations at the White House and Pentagon and construction of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant. Bob also built his own home. After his retirement in 1992, he and his wife pursued their love of travel with trips to the Greek Isles, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Alaska and several continental U.S. locations. Bob was also an avid bowler and a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 26. Bob’s integrity, sense of humor and love for political debate were his hallmarks, and his devotion to family is the legacy he leaves for his children and grandchildren.
 
Bob was predeceased by a son, David Lohr, and a brother, Raymond Lohr. 

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandy Delores; his children, Michael (Laurie) Lohr of Evanston, IL, Thomas (Jennie) Lohr of Bowie, MD, Robert (Patsy) Lohr of Waldorf, MD and Janice (Herb) Sheppard of Davidsonville, MD; his grandchildren, Christopher and Lindsay Sheppard, Matthew, Jim, Zachary, Andrew, Jessie, Kristen and Amy Lohr and Megan Wilson. 

Friends are invited to Bob’s Life Celebration at First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro, 7415 SW Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro, MD on Thursday, February 10 from 10:00am until funeral service begins at 11:00am. Interment 1:00pm at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401 or First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro Teen Mission Trip Fund.

Services are pending and will be published as they become available.

On Saturday, January 29, 2011; the beloved wife of the late Miron Sokol; mother of Victor, Andre and Anna Sokol; grandmother of Victoria and Devon Sokol. Friends may call at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD on Thursday, February 3 from 6 to 8PM where services will be held on Friday, February 4, 2011 at 12:30pm. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

Died Suddenly on January 28 at home. Born in Wilkes-Barre, P A, he was the son of Joseph and Anna Miceli. Joseph graduated from Wilkes University, PA. Upon graduation Joseph joined the US Navy serving for 37 years. Joseph's distinguished career included 3 Legions of Merit, 3 Meritorious Service Metals, Navy Achievement Medal and 2 National Defense Service Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Naval Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expert Rifle Medal and Expert Pistol Shot. He attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI. 
From 1982-85 Joseph was the Commanding Officer of Naval Weapons Support Center, Crane, IN. He then worked as a Program Manager at NAVSEA, Arlington, VA. Upon retirement Joseph was involved in building and civic activities in the community as well as helping family, friends and neighbors. He was also a Red Cross Volunteer at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. 
Joseph is survived by his beloved wife Diane, daughter Suzanne Miceli, of Ashburn, VA, son Joseph D. Miceli Jr., Ft Washington, MD, daughter Maryjo Chamberlain (Brian Anderson), Annapolis, MD, daughter Meredith DiGennaro (Terry), Falls Church, VA, son Richard Bodine, NYC, beloved sisters Josephine O'Melko, Wilkes-Barre, PA, Frances Selinsky, Phildaelphia, PA, and Rosemary Sheridan Wilkes-Barr, PA, four grandchildren, Jennifer Fenton (Justin), Nick Chungo, Luke and Alec Chamberlain and many much loved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends and neighbors throughout the US. Relatives and friends are invited to Capt. Miceli’s Life Celebration at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD on Thursday, February 3 , from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, February 4, 2011 at IIAM at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD. Interment with Full Military Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 9am.
 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations, if desired, may be made to The American Heart Association or the charity of donor's choice. 
Please sign the online guest book at:www.kalasfuneralhomes.com

Isabel Exton Leverton Spare Schubert, 86, a 22-year resident of Anne Arundel County and formerly of Lochearn in Baltimore County, died on Friday, January 28, 2011 at her home. She was born on January 27, 1925 in Norwin, PA to the late Edward Albert and Mary Tharp Exton. Isabel graduated from Norwin High School in 1943 and was a cadet nurse during World War II. She graduated from Towson University in 1972 and taught for 21 years in the Baltimore City public school system. Isabel was a member of the American Association of University Women in Severna Park. She was a world traveler, having visited over 20 countries, and an avid bridge player, quilter and collector of miniatures and doll houses.

Isabel was predeceased by her former husbands, Bert Spare and James F. Leverton, her third husband, David C. Schubert, whom she married in 1992 and who died in 2000, two brothers, Lester E. and Edward A. Exton, Jr. and a sister, Marietta Flaherty.

She is survived by two children, James F. (Ruth) Leverton, Jr. of Cockeysville, MD and Lynn Leverton (Thomas) Tyson of Bluffton, SC, two step-children, Martha Schubert of Springfield, VA and David C. Schubert, Jr. of Oakland, CA, a sister, Amelia Wilson of Irwin, PA, three grandchildren, Courtney Redfern Klein, Paige Morris and Will Redfern, and five great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to Isabel’s Life Celebration on Monday, January 31, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 1, at 10:30 a.m. Interment Wednesday at Irwin Union Cemetery in Irwin, PA. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216 or the American Diabetes Association, 800 Wyman Park Drive, Ste. 110, Baltimore, MD 21211. An online guestbook is available for your convenience by accessing the link at the top of this page.

The beloved daughter of Francois Kouo and Aimee Ntsebeyeko Togwue. Visitation will be on Friday, Febuary 4, 2011 from 10am until service time at 11am at Grace Presbyterian Church, 5924 Princess Garden Pkwy, Lanham, MD. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

James Franklin Smith, age 66, a 36 year resident of Davidsonville, MD, previously of Marlow Heights, MD, died on Thursday, January 27 at Anne Arundel Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Born on January 29, 1945 in Washington, D.C., Jim graduated from Suitland High School in 1963. Jim and his brother, Wilfred, founded Smith Interiors, Inc., a home remodeling business in 1972. Jim worked full time until he retired in 2007, but he continued to be a valued consultant until his death to his son, Ken, who took over the business. A past member and past president of the Davidsonville Ruritan and the Davidsonville Athletic Association, Jim was instrumental in the formation of the Davidsonville Athletic Association. In 1970, he joined the Southgate Lions Club with his father, and in 1988, he joined and was a past president of the Bowie Lions Club. Jim who was very active in his community, enjoyed playing cards and pool but he most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Patricia A. Smith, whom he married on June 6, 1964; two sons, James F. (Deanna) Smith, Jr. of Lusby, MD and Kenneth P. Smith of Owings, MD ; two daughters, Kimberly D. Smith of Severn, MD and Hollie R. (Charlie) Laird of Davidsonville, MD; two sisters, Mary Lou Burch of Montross, VA and Margaret King of Dallas, TX; five grandchildren, Jacob, Bradlee, Tyler, Colby and Charlie, Jr.; two sisters-in-law, Irene Turnage of Bridgeville, DE and Carol Smith of Brandywine, MD. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jim was predeceased by his two brothers, Billy and Wilfred Smith. Relatives and friends are invited to Jim’s Life Celebration at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Tuesday, February 1 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8PM. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 2 at 11:00AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 2503 Belair Dr., Bowie, MD. Interment private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Bowie Lions Club Foundation, P.O. Box 728, Bowie, MD 20718 or the Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation, 2001 Medical Pkwy., Sajak Pavillion, Ste. 240, Annapolis, MD 21401. An online guestbook is available for your convenience by accessing the link above.

Maxine Bishop Schwarz passed away on January 27, 2011 surrounded by family after a ten year battle with ovarian cancer. 

Born May 27, 1929 in Baltimore, MD to the late Max and Mary Esther Bishop, Maxine grew up in the world of baseball with a father who played for the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Athletics and the Boston Red Sox. Later he coached baseball at the Naval Academy for twenty four years. 

Maxine graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in Science and Education. After college, she married William “Bill” H. Schwarz. They raised 5 children during Bill’s postings at Stanford University, Cambridge and Johns Hopkins University. While in Baltimore, Maxine earned her Master’s degree in Counseling at JHU and worked as a teacher and counselor at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute for 19 years. Upon retirement, she moved to Annapolis where she continued as a counselor and real-estate agent living by her beloved creek with its blue herons. She made friends easily, keeping and cherishing those friendships throughout her years. Maxine enjoyed gardening, art, traveling and her beach house in Ocean City, but she most treasured the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. 

She was predeceased by her brother, Max Bishop, Jr. 

She was the loving mother of William (Cheryl) Schwarz, Linda (Bill) Dick, Dorothy (Bob) Dick, Thomas (Lynne) Schwarz and Andrew (Mimi) Schwarz; cherished grandmother of Nick, Mack, Nate, Alison, Zach, Kyle, Jake, Jared, Luke, Quentin, Tatiana, Iris, Taylor, Ian and Katie. 

Friends are invited to Maxine’s Life Celebration at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Sunday, January 30 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, January 31 at 10:30AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD. Interment Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery. Those of you wishing to support ovarian cancer research at Johns Hopkins may do so at:http://ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/giving.cfm.

On Monday, January 24, 2011, Richard Caryl Groves, the beloved husband of the late Retha Mae Groves; father of Richard Charles Groves (Gwenn); grandfather of Esther C. and Rebecca M. Groves. On Thursday, February 24, 2011, a Memorial Service will be held at the Oxon Hill United Methodist Church, 6400 Livingston Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, at 11:30 am. Mr Groves was a member of the U.S. Navy Band and was a retired seargent with the U.S. Capital Police. A graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery immediately following the 11:30 service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Oxon Hill United Methodist Church, 6400 Livingston Rd, Oxon Hill, MD. 20745

Virginia Hardin Gilkey “Ginny”, 69, a resident of Ginger Cove in Annapolis, died on January 23 at the Anne Arundel Medical Center. She was born on May 29, 1941 in Aberdeen to the late Joseph and Madge Hardin. Ginny was employed at the U.S. Post Office and later as a teacher’s assistant with the Montgomery County Public Scool System. While working at the Post Office, Ginny met James Clark Gilkey whom she married on June 1, 1964. She was a member of Glenmont United Methodist Church in Silver Spring. In her retiremnt, she enjoyed shopping, reading, cooking, collecting dolls and tea pots and especially spending time with her beloved grandchildren. 

Ginny was predeceased by her husband who died in 2008. She is survived by two sons, Brian Kelly (Shannon) Gilkey of Arnold and Bruce Patrick (Amy) Gilkey of North Potomac; two brothers, Joe Hardin of New York State and Joseph Hardin of Havre de Grace; three sisters, Marilyn Lastowski of Aberdeen, Janelle Hardin of Bel Air and Lori Wolfe of Ijamsville; and six grandchildren, Nathaniel David, Elizabeth Ruth and Katherine Ann Gilkey of North Potomac, Jameson Kelly and Mara Marie Gilkey of Arnold and Alex Kyle of North Potomac.
 
Friends are invited to Ginny’s Life Celebration on Thursday, January 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD and on Friday, January 28, from 11 a.m. until services begin at noon at the Glenmont United Methodist Church, 12901 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607-3421 or www.myeloma.org. An online guestbook is available for your convenience at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com

Molly Robertson Johnson, 69, a resident of Ocean Isle Beach, NC and previously of Richmond, VA died on January 23, 2011 in Annapolis, MD. of lung cancer.
 
Born October 24, 1941 in Booneville, MS to the late Henry and Dixie Robertson. Molly was a graduate of Mississippi College with a BA in Education and taught at Bon Air Elementary School in Richmond, VA, for over 30 years. Her memberships included Village Point United Methodist Church in Shallotte, NC and Bon Air Christian Church in Richmond, VA. Molly loved her family and friends, the beach, traveling, music as well as helping others.
 
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Russell C. Johnson, her children, Elizabeth Fiallo of Edgewater MD, Russ (Cindy) Johnson of Mechanicsville, VA and sister, Jane Rowe of Cocoa, FL; two granddaughters, Nicole and Lauren Johnson. She is also survived by her “grand dogs”, Oscar, Riley and Rascal.
 
Friends are invited to Molly’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 2pm at Village Point United Methodist Church, 1392 Village Point Road Southwest, Shallotte, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins or American Lung Association.

On Sunday January 23, 2011, the beloved Mother of Olivia Renee Brown, George K. Clark, Chinwe M. Aldridge and Leslie W. Wesson; she is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren and her sister Barbara Ann Robinson. There will be no public services. Interment will take place at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Whittier, California at the convience of the family. If you wish, you may sign the guestbook and leave messages of condolences for the family.

On Sunday January 23, 2011; the beloved husband of Aida Pineda; father of Romeo (Andrea) Jr. and Roda Pineda. He is survived by 1 grandson Romeo Pineda III, His mother Venicia Pineda, brother of Melvie (Jun) Velasco, Tom (Lita) and Ramon (Lynn) Pineda. Uncle of Marie, Sarah and Lis Pineda. He is also survived by his faithful Companion Pinkee. Family and friends are invited to Romy's Life Celebration on Thursday and Friday from 2-4 and 6-9pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME P.A., 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, January 29 at 10am from St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment Washington National Cemetery, Suitland, MD. Please sign the guestbook below.

Friends are invited to Dominick's Life Celebration at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Saturday, February 12 from 1 to 3 PM. Interment private.

On Thursday, January 20,2011 Valrene Y. Linton. The beloved mother of Devon Linton and Antionette Bowers, and the late Anthony R. Langley. Grandmother of Natasha Reed. Family and friends are invited to Valrene Life Celebration at the 1st Baptist of Highland Park Church, 6801 Sheriff Rd, Landover MD, on Thursday January 27,2011 from 11:00am until time of service at 12:00 noon. Interment Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Suitland MD. Family request memorial contributions to the 1st Baptist of Highland Park Church in memory of Valrene Y. Linton. Please sign the on line guest book.

Obituaries

Rachel Petrarca

Samuel Chase

Davis Watson

Thor Ostberg

Marjorie Warner

Charles DeMar

Mary Askew

George Ward

Robert Lohr

Jean Streit

Maria Sokol

Joseph Miceli

Isabel Schubert

Christy Azebove

James Smith

Maxine Schwarz

Richard Groves

Virginia Gilkey

Molly Johnson

Janice Autry

Romeo Pineda

Elizabeth Hensel

Dominick Canova

Valrene Linton