Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Brian John Mahaney, 68, of Annapolis and formerly of Sacramento, CA, passed away tragically on November 19, 2022, in a car accident. Born on January 7, 1954, in Sacramento to the late Helen and John Mahaney, Brian was a graduate of Christian Brothers High School. He went on to study philosophy at St. Mary's College, where he graduated as valedictorian and was a member of the De La Salle Christian Brothers.  He left the Brothers after four years to continue his education in Rome, Italy, where he received an additional Bachelor's in Theology before ultimately earning his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Catholic University. 
While completing his doctorate, he met his wife, Dr. Nancy Bell, whom he married in Annapolis in 1986.  Shortly after, Brian joined his brother, Stephen, in the family business, John F. Mahaney Company, bringing the newlyweds back to Sacramento.  It was here that Brian worked for most of his life.  After retiring from the Mahaney Company, he moved to Annapolis, where he became a sought-after substitute kindergarten teacher.  His energy was boundless.
Spending time with his wife and two children, Michael and Katherine, was the light of Brian's life.  Hunting was a close second.  Brian was an avid duck hunter, a fly fisherman, a bicyclist, an Ironman, a cook, a baker, a language student, a world traveler, a philosopher, and most of all, a comedian.  His boisterous laugh filled the room.  He traveled from California to Washington to Canada on hunting trips with his brother and son.  He especially loved Italy, where he took a bicycle trip with Stephen each year. He often arranged special trips to surprise his wife, Nancy, and treasured the father-daughter trips to Europe with his daughter, Kat.
Complementing his travels, he studied various languages.  Rarely would you catch him without his flashcards, quizzing himself on verbs and nouns in French, Italian, and, most recently, Spanish.  He also took up fly fishing in recent years, a hobby that he noted challenged his patience and fine motor skills.  Perhaps his most appreciated hobby was his skilled cooking.  He was an amazing cook.  He took a special interest in baking, honing his skills at the Cordon Bleu in France.  His family and friends were happy to be his test subjects. Brian was a beloved husband and father and a true character.  He was, in his own words, "a really great guy."
Brian is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Michael and Katherine; his siblings, Charlene (Mike), Stephen (Kathleen), JoAnne (David), and his twin, Marian; his stepmother, Elizabeth, and many nieces and nephews.
No words can express how truly loved he was by so many. He will be desperately missed.
Friends are invited to celebrate Brian’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Friday, December 2 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD on Saturday, December 3 at 9 am. Condolences may be made by using the memories tab on the left.





Relatives and friends are invited to Michael's Memorial Gathering on Thursday, December 1, 2022 from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment will be held privately. 

Michael requested that no flowers be sent to his memorial gathering, therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to AA.org

Eileen Embury Trovato passed peacefully at her daughter’s home in Crownsville, MD on November 18th, 2022, surrounded by her Family. Eileen was born on July 10th, 1928 in Baltimore, MD by her mother Elsie Embury, and her father Robert Embury. Eileen graduated from Glen Burnie High School in 1946. On June 19, 1949, Eileen married her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life, Horace Kenneth Trovato, with whom she had four children. They were married for 44 years. Eileen was a devoted mother and an award-winning Realtor helping first-time home buyers realize their dreams. Eileen loved Jesus and was a faithful member of Christ Reformed Evangelical Church of Annapolis since it’s founding in 1998. Eileen’s legacy is her family. Eileen is survived by her children and their spouses; Ramona Trovato and Reid Ellis, Deborah and Robert Hardy, Lisa Trovato and Douglas Roberts, Horace Kenneth Trovato Jr (Ken) and Jana Trovato; her niece, Elise Marbury and husband Hugh Marbury and their children Luke and Honor Marbury; her grandchildren, Rebecca and Eric Arnold, Elizabeth, and Tim Hoy, Joseph (Zeph) Purpura, Emily Purpura, Sarah, and Josh Milam, Horace Kenneth Trovato lll and Jennifer Trovato, Kristen Trovato, Kelly and Marc Shaw, Christopher and Chelsea Berkey, Karoline Trovato, Katelyn Trovato; her great-grandchildren, Sebastian Arnold, Preston Arnold, Paul Hoy, Owen Trovato, Elsie Hoy, Lenora Trovato, Otto Shaw, Javier Trovato, Luca Trovato, Fletcher Milam, and Remy Shaw. Eileen’s life was a journey of love. She prayed every night for her children and grandchildren and had a personal relationship with each of them. Eileen will be missed dearly.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Eileen's life on Sunday, November 20, 2022, from 2 pm until 4 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. A  funeral service will be held on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 9 am at Christ Reformed Evangelical Church, 1841 Generals Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401. Interment will follow at Glen Haven Memorial Park, Glen Burnie, MD. 

Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab located on the left side of this page.

Joseph Thomas “Joe” Valonis, 86, a 27-year resident of Annapolis and previously of New Carrollton, MD, passed away on November 18, 2022 at Spring Arbor of Crofton Senior Living.  Born on July 24, 1936 in Dickson City, PA to the late Charles and Julia Valonis, Joe graduated from Dickson City High School in 1954, then joined the U.S. Air Force where he served his country for 4 years.  Following his discharge, Joe was accepted into the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania and graduated in 1962.  He once again chose service to his country as a Federal employee at the U.S. General Accounting Office where he enjoyed a 31-year career until his retirement in 1993.  Joe enjoyed most sports and played softball until he was 80 years.  He was a member of the American Legion in Annapolis and also enjoyed traveling.  He and his wife, Roberta, visited all seven continents.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Valonis; two sisters, Eleanor Valonis, Joan Wrabel and her husband, Paul; and brother-in-law, Martin Padden.  He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Roberta Valonis; one brother, Gerald Valonis and his wife Ann of Dickson City, PA; and three sisters, Dolores Padden of Olyphant, PA, Teresa Greening and her husband, Norton of Voorhees, NJ, and Geraldine Nish and her husband, Peter of Scotrun, PA.

All services will be private.

Online condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Sharon Lou Hayes, nee Gebhardt, 77, a 46 year resident of Holland Point, MD, passed away on November 17, 2022 at Calvert Memorial Hospital in Prince Frederick, MD.

Sharon was born on March 20, 1945 in West Virginia to the late Robert and Margaret Gebhardt and graduated from St Mary’s High School in Annapolis. Sharon retired from the Prince George’s County Courthouse, Land Records division.

Sharon loved Elvis Presley and being a homemaker for her family.

In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Hayes, her siblings, Robert and Daniel Gebhardt and Carol Poole.

She is survived her sons, Michael Hayes of Edgewater, MD and Joseph Hayes of Holland Point, MD, her siblings: Erich Gebhardt of Florida and Maria Wilde of Edgewater, MD. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Addison Hayes of Edgewater, MD and Annaliese Hayes of California.

Sharon was laid to rest with her husband Herbert at a private ceremony at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD.

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of James Thomas Brackman III on November 15, 2022, after battling Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma since March.

Jim was born in Fredericksburg, VA on December 11th, 1958, to Betty and the late Tom Brackman.  He grew up in Silver Spring, MD and graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Computer Technology. Jim pursued a career in the computer industry for decades as a software salesman, and recently as regional manager.

For over 21 years, Jim resided in the Gingerville community of Edgewater, MD. He engaged in many different interests including running, boating, sports, grilling, and cracking a beer with the neighbors. Most of all, he loved spending time with his beautiful daughter, Elana and son, Kai. 

Jim has a wealth of friends, generous neighbors, and extended family who will miss him dearly. In addition to his children and mother, Jim is survived by his sisters, Vicki and Karen; stepbrothers, Clarke and Jeff; stepsister, Pam; partner, Dana; and former spouse, Nina.
Jim chose to be cremated and a celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 4 PM at a location to be determined in Edgewater, MD.

Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab located on the left side of this page.

Barry Wayne Rye, 66, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 11, 2022. 

Barry was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and much to the chagrin of his family in Cincinnati, rooted for the Steelers every Sunday. He grew up in Oxon Hill, was a graduate of Crossland High School, and lived most of his adult life in his childhood home. There he lived with his loving wife of 36 years Lonzie and patiently helped raise two children, Al and Callie.

Barry is preceded in death by his father Joseph Rye Jr. and his mother Pauline (Tesh) Rye. He is survived by his wife Lonzie and children Al Elliott (Carolyn) and Callie Hardy (Jeff); His grandchildren Zachary, Connor, DJ, Brooklyn, Tanner, Ally and Christian and his great-grandchildren Nolan, Adelynn, Carter, Mateo, Leo and Jaelani. He also leaves behind his brothers Ronald Rye, Kenneth Rye, Randall Rye and sister Susan Hart. 

Barry loved hunting with his brother Ronnie, coin collecting and fishing. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was smart, creative and loved to build things. He was loyal to his family and worked hard his entire life, spending 44 years at Service Neon Signs. Barry loved to tell jokes and laughed with the mischievous smile of a 5-year-old boy. He was a member of the Elks and enjoyed the friends he made there. Barry was kind, compassionate and rare and he will be missed terribly by all that knew him. 

All are invited to Barry’s Celebration of Life on Tuesday, November 29th at 1:00pm until the time of service at 2:00pm at Kalas Funeral Home, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment will be private. Repast to follow service at the Elks Lodge, 7350 Temple Hills Rd., Camp Springs, MD 20748. All are welcome.

Virginia “Ginny” Ann Monacelli, 84, of Fort Washington, MD passed away on November 11, 2022 at Brightview Senior Living, Westminster, MD. She was born in Washington, D.C. on July 26, 1938, the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Monacelli. She is survived by her sister, Nancy Monacelli, her niece, Catherine McCarthy, her nephews, Paul and Michael and her
grandnieces, Mary and Meghan. She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Caesar, Boniface and Joseph. Virginia worked with her brother, Dr. Boniface Monacelli, as his dental assistant for 2 years before going to work at the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). She worked for the SEC as a Research Specialist in the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act Operations. She retired from the SEC in 1998, after 30 years of meritorious service. Ginny enjoyed sports, travel, and the arts of crafts and painting. She was a member of the Arlington Hall Ski Club and the Shillelaghs Travel Club. Donations can be made in memory of Virginia to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Smile Train.

Virginia’s visitation will be held at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745, on Monday, November 28, 2022 at 12 p.m. until the prayer service at 1 p.m. Interment at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 4111 Pennsylvania Ave., Suitland, MD 20746.

Robert Gaspare LoMedico “Bob”, a resident of Dunkirk, Maryland, died Thursday, November 10 in Annapolis, Maryland. Born February 11, 1946 in Washington, DC to the late Peter and Luretta LoMedico, Bob retired as a Captain after a lengthy career with the District of Columbia Fire Department. 

A lifelong musician, after retirement, Bob found his niche as church organist playing at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Clinton, MD and at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in North Beach, among others. A member of the Knights of Columbus and B.U.M.B.A., Bob was a musician and beekeeper who enjoyed woodworking, photography, gardening and telling stories to and teaching something to anyone who would entertain him! 

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Margaret LoMedico; his daughters, Nina (Brad) Fergus of Arnold, Maryland and Laura (Chris) Neidert of Sunderland, Maryland; his four beloved granddaughters, who he affectionally always referred to as “Poppy’s girls”; his sister, Josephine (Ronald) Tyler and two nieces, Karen (Matthew) Farr of Leonardtown, Maryland and Patti (Eric) Zito of Frisco, Texas. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Bob’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, Maryland on Wednesday, November 16 from 1 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 8816 Chesapeake Ave., North Beach, Maryland on Thursday, November 17 at 11 am. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, Maryland. 
Charitable contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America (dementiasociety.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org). In lieu of cut flowers and being an avid plant and tree lover, Bob wanted visitors to send or bring live plants and/or trees in his honor. 

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Margaret Nagy, nee Darago, age 96, died on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at Household of Angels in Severna Park, MD.  Born on October 18, 1926 in Steubenville, OH to the late Peter and Teresa Darago, Margaret married Alexander Stephen Nagy, also the son of Hungarian immigrants, and together they raised their six children with the values of family, education and opportunity.  Margaret loved change and travel and lovingly supported her husband and children in their careers and achievements.  She worked for years in retail and particularly enjoyed working at Ecken and Ron George Jewelers when she and Al moved back to Annapolis in 1983 after years in Pennsylvania and Florida.
Margaret loved sewing, cooking, fashion, solving puzzles and watching sports, especially Naval Academy football and basketball and Pittsburgh Steeler football.  Her passion was traveling which she avidly pursued whether living in Iran, staying with her family in Hungary or visiting her children in Virginia, South Carolina, Oregon, California, Indonesia, Kuwait, Venezuela, Scotland, Thailand and France.

She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Al Nagy and her son, Michael (Meg) Nagy.

She is survived by her daughters, Alexis, Teri (Drew) and Rebecca (Patrick); her sons, Tim (Sharon) and Steve (Kate); her 11 grandchildren, Stephanie (Joe), Alison (Benoit), Amanda (Ryan), Michael (Betsey), Elizabeth, Marget, Julia, Nick, Taryn ( Eddie), Daniel ( Mariah) and Matthew and her 8 great-grandchildren, Maddie, Logan, Leonie, Sam, Jacques, Fern, Pearl and Fia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, November 11 at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD (<a href="https://www.stmarysannapolis.org/stay-informed/live-stream-masses">stmarysannapolis.org</a>). Interment will take place on Monday, November 21 at 10:45 am at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, MD. 

Online condolences may be made by using the memories tab on the left side of this page.

Katie Elizabeth Santos, beloved daughter of Mary and Joe Santos, passed away on November 9, 2022. She is survived by her two brothers, Taige, Joseph, and sister-in-law Aki. Her niece and nephew, Quinn, and Chase. Her maternal and paternal grandparents; many aunts and uncles and many, many cousins, and other family and friends, but especially her family in blue (Session 131, Sg 56, PAL). From the time she was four she played and passionately loved playing soccer; she loved her friends and family from Broad Creek Country Day School, St. Columba Catholic School, Bishop Ireton High School, and Lynchburg College.

Katie always gave to others before herself. She was a relentless defender of those less fortunate and always made a difference. She loved to laugh, and her smile was contagious. She loved coaching and working with children and would often impress them with her soccer juggling. Katie loved her family, she especially loved watching scary movies and laying in bed with her Mom, who she loved Dearly and was her Best Friend.

Katie loved all her tattoos but especially her “Ohana” – means Family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.

A memorial celebration of Katie’s Life will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022, from 5-8 pm at Rosecroft Raceway (3rd floor), Ft. Washington, MD. Katie’s favorite clothing were her Hoodies, sweats, jeans, and tennis shoes, so please dress casually.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to, PGPD PAL, Old School Boxing Gym (6336 Rosecroft Dr., Ft. Washington, MD 20744), and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Please share memories of Katie using the Memories Tab on the left side of her page. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=EAXU7868N57BS">Prince George's County Police Athletic League, Inc. -PGCPAl


Verna Olive Toussaint transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord on November 9, 2022 in Virginia. 

Verna was born in Good Hope, Commonwealth of Dominica.  

While growing up in Good Hope, Verna met the love of her life, Michael Vivian Toussaint. 
In 1969, Verna moved to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands to join her husband and begin their life together as a family.  They went on to become proud parents of three children - Cane, Brenda, and Hoover.  

Throughout their childhood, Verna’s children reaped the benefits of her devotion to their spiritual, physical, and academic development.  She was known for her wit, gentility, and compassion, not only by her children, but by the countless family members, neighbors, church members, coworkers, and friends whose lives she touched. 

In addition to being a fiercely dedicated wife and mother, Verna was also a devoted homemaker.  She took great pride in taking care for her family’s needs for the better part of half a century.  Verna’s desire to take care of others also extended to her role within the community.  She began serving as an Assistant Manager at her local neighborhood supermarket.  As Assistant Manager, Verna blessed her fellow employees and customers with the same tenacity, wit, and compassion her family enjoyed. When her eldest son, Cane, enlisted in the United States Navy, Verna proudly added the title of “Navy Mom” to the many roles in which she lovingly served.

During her 51 years spent living in St. Croix, Verna was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where she remained a member until she moved to Maryland to be near her children and receive extended medical care. 

When she wasn’t spending time with her beloved family, Verna enjoyed watching the news, viewing Catholic channels and shows, sewing, and, on occasion, playing the Virgin Islands Lottery.  

She is survived by her husband Michael Vivian Toussaint; sons Cane Toussaint and Hoover Toussaint; daughter Brenda Core; grandchildren Michael Core and Mikayla Core; sisters Clarita Ankeney, Juliette Toussaint, and Thresia Ethou; and brother Ambrose Durand.

She is also survived by: nephews Keith Burnette, Bernie Durand, Sebastian Toussaint, Finley Toussaint, Levio Racon, and Kerry Webbe, Johnny Alfred, Aline Ethou, and Agnilus George; nieces Theresa Toussaint, Jone Alfred, Theresa Lamar, Luvenia Durand, Nelista Durand, and Gina Ethou; cousins Silvester James, John James, Rose George, Agnes Bolmes, Hamina Toussaint, Mary Antoine, Neloise Darroux, Manuel Eustache, and Leonard Eustache.

Other family and friends: Mary Toussaint & Family, Myrle Francis & Family, Izaline Jules & Family, Ruby Hurtault & Family, Austrie Family, Barry Family, Olive Harlow, Daphne Edwards, Vita Samuel, Nurse Dubique, and Clarance Prevost; as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Verna's life on Monday, November 21, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Piscataway, 13401 Piscataway Rd., Clinton, MD 20735-4564 followed by burial in the church cemetery.

Arrangements for Carl are private.  Online condolences and tributes can be made by using the memories on the left.  

VADM John Matthew Mateczun, MD, MPH, JD, USN, MC (Ret) was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on August 29, 1946 to the late Margaret Ellen and Alfred Joseph Mateczun upon Alfred's return from serving in the Pacific as a Seabee during World War II. John attended Rio Grande High School where he played varsity basketball and football and ran track. John and his older brother, Dr. Alfred Mateczun Jr., were members of 4-H, following in the footsteps of their mother’s green thumb where as teenagers they won five blue ribbons for New Mexico’s best blue corn. In growing and cooking food on their family’s nearly self-sustaining homestead, John developed an indelible love of Hatch green chile, posole and enchiladas. 

John enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and completed two tours in the Republic of Vietnam. After his first deployment in 1967-1968 where he fought in the Tet Offensive, John volunteered to be an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist returning to Vietnam in 1969 where he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star for his heroism in combat. Following his honorable discharge in 1970, John went on to receive an undergraduate degree and medical degree from the University of New Mexico, graduating with his MD in the same class as his brother in 1978. John is the only graduate from the University of New Mexico to be honored as both undergraduate and School of Medicine Distinguished Alumnus. They both were then commissioned in the U.S. Navy and completed residencies at the Naval Regional Medical Center Oakland, California, John in psychiatry, Al in ophthalmology. During his residency, John received a Master of Public Health from University of California, Berkeley in 1982. 

His first Navy medical assignment was with the 3d Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan as division psychiatrist. In 1983, John was stationed at Naval Hospital Bethesda, Maryland as the head of consultation liaison psychiatry and director of interns, where he met his future wife, Dr. Elizabeth Holmes, who was the head of the HIV/AIDS mental health program. In his true spirit of the pursuit of knowledge, while Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, he completed the Juris Doctorate program at Georgetown University Law Center in 1988. 

John was Officer in Charge of a specialized team sent to the Persian Gulf in support of the USS Vincennes after the downing of an Iranian civilian aircraft in 1988, and directed mental health support activities for the crew and families of the USS Iowa in 1989. From 1989 to 1991, John was stationed at the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, Maryland as Chairman, Department of Psychiatry. He was deployed to Saudi Arabia in Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm as part of the I Marine Expeditionary Force in 1991. There, he consulted on the establishment and operation of Combat Stress Centers and was a medical crewmember on the flight that retrieved repatriating prisoners of war in Amman, Jordan.

 The family then moved to Hawaii from 1991 to 1994 where John worked with the U.S. Marines as the Assistant Chief of Staff, Health Services and Force Surgeon. John deeply appreciated the opportunity to learn about Hawaiian culture and the importance of “ohana,” family, and to share the spirit of Aloha. After Hawaii, John worked as Special Assistant to the Asst. Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs as the Principal Director (Clinical Services) and the first Chief Medical Officer for TRICARE Management Activity. In 1998 John became the Commanding Officer of Naval Hospital Charleston, South Carolina. 

On September 11, 2001, John was stationed at the Pentagon as the Joint Staff Surgeon for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. On that day he was the senior medical officer at the Pentagon and led the medical response to the terrorist attack, directing aid and helping triage casualties. He subsequently served on the Joint Staff during Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. From 2003 to 2005, John was the Commander of Naval Medical Center San Diego where he deployed more than 1,000 medical personnel to Iraq and Afghanistan and deployed the military medical crew of the USNS Mercy in response to the tsunami in Sri Lanka and Thailand. He also led the development of the Combat Casualty Comprehensive Care Center, the first of its kind. John then moved back to the Maryland region where he became the Deputy Surgeon General of the Navy at BUMED from 2005 to 2007. 

In 2007 John was selected to be the Commander of Joint Task Force National Capital Region Medical where he executed the largest and most complex Base Realignment and Closure project in the history of the Department of Defense, the merger of Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center Bethesda into the largest military academic medical center and rehabilitation facility, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He also oversaw the construction of Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. While acting as JTF Commander the Harvard Kennedy School of Government conducted a case study of John’s leadership. He helped to ensure the nation’s covenant to provide world class healthcare for wounded warriors. 

In 2011 John delivered the 144th annual Gettysburg Memorial Day Keynote Address. John visited numerous battlegrounds throughout his life and honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that the nation might continue in furtherance of the experiment of democracy and justice for all. After 38 years of military service, John retired from the Navy in 2012. His military awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Legion of Merit with three Gold Stars, and the Bronze Star. He was a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Medical Association, which presented him with the 2010 Nathan Davis Award for outstanding government service. 

After he retired, John and his daughter, Laura, walked the Camino de Santiago for a total of 425 miles from Pamplona to Santiago, Spain. John then moved into the world of commercial healthcare management and leadership as Chief Executive Officer for UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans that provided healthcare delivery for three million military service members, retirees and their families. In that role John led a nationwide team of more than 3,000 employees and medical professionals in conjunction with the Defense Health Agency, a Department of Defense organization that he was the first leader of in its initial formation. 

In 2016, John saw Wagner’s Ring Cycle in its entirety for the third time. He was a believer in the magic of literature from Ulysses, to the Odyssey, and understood the power of art and storytelling to convey meaning and emotion across history. He believed in the inherent good of all people, and would encourage and support all he met to reach their greatest potential in the service of others. A guiding light in times of uncertainty, John provided unparalleled advice, compassion, and a listening ear. He would, without exception, be there to answer your call. 

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Holmes; his three children, Laura Mateczun and her partner, Nina Kearin, Erin Johnson and her husband, Chris Maruca, and Adam Johnson; his grandchildren, Bradley and Taylor; his brother, Dr. Alfred Mateczun and wife, Cody; his nephew, Alfred E. Mateczun; his niece, Catherine Mateczun and her husband, Mathieu Parent and their children; his sisters-in-law, Maria Raleigh and Carrie (Tom)  Reinhert and numerous other well-loved cousins, nieces and nephews. Although they might not all be named, the importance of these people in John’s life cannot be understated. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his nephew, Kevin. John always said that family was his greatest gift, but he was the greatest gift to his family. 

Friends are invited to celebrate John’s life on Saturday, November 19 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where his funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 20 at 1 pm. Interment with full military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial gifts be made to the Mateczun Endowed Scholarship for Veterans (610462) at the University of New Mexico. Memorial contributions can be mailed to the UNM Foundation, Two Woodward Center, 700 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 or made online <a href="https://www.unmfund.org/fund/other/">here</a>. Donors, please add to the Comments or Instructions box this information: In memory of John Mateczun, for 610462. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Gertrude Fears, 92, of Oxon Hill, MD, went to her eternal home, on November 6, 2022.

She was born in Edgefield, SC on June 7, 1930. She married Booker T. Fears on September 5, 1980, who preceded her in death. Two stepdaughters and one grandchild also preceded her in death.

She is survived by 9 Children: Lynn Badgett, William Badgett (Sandra), Donna Badgett Hurley, James Lamont Badgett, Teresa Badgett, Malinda Kitchings (Anthony), Priscilla Brady (Anthony), Suzette Ward, and Caroline Brown, 34 Grandchildren, over 30 Great Grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

She was employed by Prince George’s County schools until her retirement. She held various jobs throughout her life including being a Foster Parent.

Funeral arrangements will be 10 am on November 21st at Holy Family Catholic Church, located at 2210 Callaway Street, Hillcrest Heights, MD 20748.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

An obituary will be posted upon completion.

Please check back for full obituary.

All services will be private.

Online condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Martha “Martie” Holtje of Edgewater, MD passed away on November 1, 2022 after a long illness. Martie is survived by her loving husband Chuck, her daughters Wendy Mangiaracina (Thompson) and her husband George, and Janet Eichers (Thompson) and her husband Daniel, and her daughter-in-law Jane Thompson. Her son William “Billy” Thompson predeceased her. Martie is also survived by her two brothers Joel and Christopher Kies as well as nine adoring grandchildren and three nieces. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Kalas Funeral Home; 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, https://www.cbf.org/index.html. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Aurelia Veleź Reyes, "Maya", a resident of West Friendship, MD for over 20 years and previously of Vega Alta, PR, died at her home on November 1, 2022, at the age of 99.

Born February 12, 1923, in Vega Alta, PR, she worked as a hostess at multiple high-end restaurants in the Washington, DC area.  Maya enjoyed playing slot machines and the lottery. She also enjoyed surrounding herself with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Alferdo Reyes.

Maya is survived by three children, Pete and Charlie Reyes of Linthicum Heights, MD, and Margie Char of West Friendship, MD; five grandchildren, Kenny, Kim, Alec, Julie, and Jenny; eight great-grandchildren; and her sister, Carmen Veleź (106 years young).

Friends are invited to celebrate Maya’s life on Thursday, November 10 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where a funeral service will be held on Friday, November 11 at 12:30 pm. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made by visiting the Memories tab on this page.

Walter Warrick passed away peacefully at home in Annapolis on Tuesday, November 1, after 96 wonderful years filled with boundless curiosity. He was not only a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, but also a professional educator, talented craftsman, historian, and petroleum engineer.  He enjoyed many valued friendships along the way.

Born in 1926, Walter was raised during the Great Depression in South Bend, Indiana. After more than two years at Purdue University, he was drafted into the Army in the midst of WW II. He rose to the rank of sergeant within a year, and was recommended for the Soldier’s Medal for rescuing one of his men from drowning.

After WW II he completed his Bachelor’s at Purdue, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, and was hired into Venezuela to embark on a career in the “oil patch.” 
 
During that time he met his beloved wife.  As his family grew, he returned to the U.S. to earn his Master’s and Ph.D. at his alma mater. He moved into academia, receiving recognition for excellence in teaching on the faculty of major universities. He ultimately held an endowed chair in the College of Business at Drake University.

Retirement and relocation to Annapolis gave Walter the opportunity to become a skilled Model Shipwright at the U.S. Naval Academy Museum’s Ship Model Shop and excelled in carving figures of sailors during the age of sail.  He particularly appreciated the camaraderie of working with fellow craftsmen.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn, of nearly 68 years, children Philip (wife Susan), Jane, and Peter, and grandchildren Thomas (wife Alexis), Robert, William, and Josephine.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to the Dr. Walter H. & Mrs. Kathryn A. Warrick Scholarship Fund at Drake University, where he taught for many years. Checks should be sent to Drake University, 2700 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311.

Friends are invited to celebrate Walter’s life with a visitation on Wednesday, November 16 from 3 to 5 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD.  Also, a Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, November 17 at 10 am at Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Blvd, Annapolis, MD.  The interment will be private.

Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

Mary Tastet Deale passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on October 30, 2022. Born in Washington DC to the late Elizabeth and Waldo J. Tastet, Mary attended Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School while spending the summers in Bay Ridge. It was during one of these summers that Mary met her husband of 54 years, Emerson “Skeeter” Deale Jr. They married and moved to Bay Ridge full time in 1954 where they raised their six children; Donna Brendle (Chip) of Davidsonville, Mary Beth Deale, Carol Cope and Charlie Deale all of Annapolis, Margaret Pott (Steve) of Barclay, and Aliene Deale of Kent Island. Mary was an avid member of St. Mary’s parish where she enjoyed volunteering at the parish library. She also enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, watching Hallmark movies and spending time with her 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Her family will deeply miss her contagious laugh and smile, her loving personality and quick wit and her beautiful singing voice. She was preceded in death by two brothers, a sister and two great-grandchildren. She is survived by one sister, Joan Hoke of Tennessee. Friends are invited to celebrate Mary’s life on Thursday, November 3 from 4 to 7 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, November 4 at 10:30 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Annapolis, MD. There will be a private burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena MD, 21122 or St. Mary’s Parish, 109 Duke of Gloucester St. Annapolis MD, 21401. 

Stephen D. McKimmie, “Steve”, “Stevie”, “Mac”, and “Deacon Steve”, lifetime resident of Prince George’s County, MD, passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 75.

Steve was born in Washington, D.C. on August 19, 1947, to Steve and Marion McKimmie. Steve was a two tour Vietnam Army Veteran who received many medals and decorations for valor and was an award-winning sharpshooter, reaching Sergeant.

After returning to civilian life, he proudly became a P.G. County Police Officer, following a family tradition of law enforcement. He loved to share colorful stories of his time with the P.G. County Police Department and the brotherhood he felt there. His proudest moments were serving in the Special Operation Division (SOD). He retired as Sergeant.

Over his lifetime, he always felt close to the LORD and loved his Catholic faith. After his retirement from law enforcement, he pursued theological studies and became an ORDAINED Catholic Deacon on June 3, 2006. This was without a doubt his proudest accomplishment! He served the LORD faithfully at his home parish of St. Mary’s Piscataway Catholic Church and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Baden, MD.

Aside from his lifetime commitment to the protection of lives in the war, and as a policeman and the guardian and protection of souls as a Deacon, Steve loved history. He was a civil war expert. He loved the outdoors and sports that involved nature. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Police, Knights of Columbus, National Rifle Association, and St. Mary’s Piscataway Catholic Church.

Steve was never married, but a devoted and loving son to his parents, Stephen, and Marion A. McKimmie, who predeceased him. He also suffered the loss of his eldest sister, Marion I. Walzel.

Left to mourn this great loss and treasure his memory is his sister, Patricia A. Maddy (Willard Scott) of Gainesville, VA; his nieces, Lisa Lavery (Vince), Lake Frederick, VA, Kim Moyer (Mike), Blacksburg, VA; nephews, John Matthew DeGrasse (Sarah), Lewisburg, Ohio; great-nephews, Collin Lavery, Concord, NC, Nathaniel Moyer (Delena), Fairfax, VA, Andrew Moyer, Tyson’s Corner, VA, Zachary Moyer, Blacksburg, VA, Hunter DeGrasse, Lewisburg, VA; dear friend of Fr. Samuel Plummer and Fr. David.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, November 4, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Piscataway, 13405 Piscataway Rd., Clinton, MD 20735-4564 followed by burial in the church cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's School of Piscataway (Scholarship Fund), 13407 Piscataway Road, Clinton, Maryland 20735, P: (301) 292-2522, Email: school@smsp.school

Joan Margaret (Moravus) Smith, 86, a resident of Heritage Harbour for 11 years and previously of Wantagh, NY, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2022 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis after a short illness.  She was born in New York City on June 5, 1936 to the late Charles and Margaret (Flood) Moravus.  She was a graduate of The Mary Louis Academy of Queens, NY where she was a member of the girls basketball and softball teams.   She then earned her Bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s in Brooklyn and her Masters of Education from Manhattan College in New York City.  Her educational background led to her becoming a teacher and principal for the Diocese of Brooklyn, a teacher for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, NY and a position in the Treasury office at The Mary Louis Academy.

She was a parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Annapolis, and a former parishioner at St. Frances de Chantel in Wantagh, NY and a former member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, NY.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren and enjoyed reading, puzzles, golf and going to the beach.  She also enjoyed spending time as a Girl Scout troop leader and she was an avid lover of dogs. 

Joan is survived by her husband of 46 years, Jack Smith; her daughters, Meg (Jon) Wallace of Linthicum, MD and Clare (John) Kerrigan of Rockville Centre, NY; her grandchildren, Jack and Isaac Wallace, and Colleen and Emily Kerrigan; siblings, Suzanne Moravus of Westbury, NY, Maureen (Joseph) Gorman of Naples, FL and Charles Moravus of Florida; and godchildren Tara (Russ) Savage and Kelly (Brian) Kramps. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors and former colleagues. 

Visiting hours for family and friends will be on Sunday, November 6 from 3-5 PM at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomon’s Island Road, Edgewater.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, November 7 at 10:30 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road, Annapolis.  Burial will be on Tuesday, November 22 at 10:45 AM at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joan’s name may be made to Sisters of St. Joseph Retired Sisters Fund, Mission Advancement, 1725 Brentwood Road, Brentwood, NY 11717 (memorials can be made online at https://brentwoodcsj.org/support-our-mission/donate-online/) .



Obituaries

Brian Mahaney

Mansfield Michael Toogood, III

Eileen Trovato

Joseph Valonis

Sharon Hayes

James Brackman, III

Barry Rye

Virginia "Ginny" Monacelli

Robert LoMedico

Margaret Nagy

Katherine "Katie" Santos

Verna Toussaint

Carl Copelin

VADM John Mateczun, M.D., M.P.H., J.D., MC, USN (Ret.)

Gertrude Fears

Rebia Di Stefano

Alberta Fisher

Joyce Stewart

Martie Holtje

Aurelia Reyes

Walter Warrick

Mary Deale

Deacon Stephen McKimmie

Joan Smith