Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Robert “Bob” Austin Yoho, Sr., 75, a resident of Churchton, MD and previously of Gaithersburg, MD, Washington, DC , Florida and Boston, passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis after a 4 year illness. 

Bob was born on December 14, 1946 in Washington, DC, to the late Iven and Genevive Yoho. After graduation from Bladensburg High School Bob proudly served his country in the US Army. 

A man of many and varied talents, he worked shining shoes with his father, ran a home diaper delivery route, and also worked as a supervisor for WSSC.  Eventually, he discovered he had a passion and a talent for sales and went on to contribute to the success of a number of organizations over his career.  

Bob enjoyed the outdoors, especially boating , fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed music, art and especially spending time with family.  Bob loved all of his descendants with his whole heart and loved nothing better than to spend time with them.  Not even his beloved Redskins and Nationals. 

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Wilson Yoho.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Lynn Yoho, his children; Robert Yoho Jr., and his wife Stephanie of Maryland, Jenny Jacobs and her husband Wade of New York, Mark Yoho and his wife Jennifer of Louisiana and Brian Reboulet and his wife Mari of West Virginia. Bob is also survived by his grandchildren; Keegan Jacobs, Phillip Davino, Sr., Brian Reboulet, Jr., Brandi Gonzalez and Allie Reboulet, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bob's life on Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 10 am until his funeral service begins at 12 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment will follow at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, 1122 Sunrise Beach Rd., Crownsville, MD 21032.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave., 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851 or online at <a href="https://give.themmrf.org/give/278264/#!/donation/checkout">Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation,</a>

Condolences may be made by using the memories tab on the left.

Grafton Parker “Jack” Robertson died on Saturday, October 29, 2022 in Crofton, MD. Born on September 22, 1927 in Manassas, VA to the late Edward and Mamie Robertson, Jack acquired his nickname because he was in his crib crying while his dad and uncles were listening to the Jack Dempsey fight. He was crying because Jack Dempsey lost on a bad “long count” when he knocked the other fighter down.

Jack was the youngest son of 15 children raised on a dairy farm in Manassas. He
attended school through 8th grade then stopped to work on the dairy farm. Jack
also worked at Sears Roebuck for a couple of weeks and lived on his brother,
Buster’s couch for a time while working for him as a carpenter. His first car was a
1937 Dodge coupe that his dad bought and then traded for a 1949 Ford.

In November 1950, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned initially to Ft.
Hood, TX. During his 2 years of active duty, he also served in Germany to help
keep the peace. Jack took a furlough in 1951 to marry his first wife, Delores
Wheaton, with his brother, Clen standing beside them as best man. After being
discharged from the Army, Jack worked at PEPCO for almost 35 years.

Jack and Delores lived in an apartment in Washington, DC and then bought their
first home in Oxon Hill, MD. Jack enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states.
Over the years, there were many family vacations to Ocean City, Myrtle Beach,
Florida, Tennessee and Pennsylvania. He most enjoyed visiting his folks or his
siblings in Virginia. Jack attended great Robertson family reunions and pig roasts.
He also visited and helped his Maryland families, the Leighs, the Wheatons and the
Robertsons for holidays and get-togethers. He loved sports and was very
competitive, playing volleyball and touch football on the street in front of his
home. Jack especially loved history, was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards.
He was a terrific gardener; he always had a garden at his home and would cook
fresh kale and veggies. Jack also loved to hunt and his children would help him
skin deer, squirrel and rabbit. Jack was known to be frugal and stubborn, like his
dad, but was a blessing and helper to all.

Jack and Delores were married 33 years until her death in 1984. They raised four
children, Brenda A. Jasper, Terri R. Hensley, Mark J. Robertson and Patricia A.
Jones. Jack was also blessed with seven grandchildren, Brandie, Chris, Nick,
Jamie, Cody, Marley and Savanah; and 14 great-grandchildren including the
newest addition, Grafton, all of whom knew Jack as “GeeDaddy”. After Delores’ death, Jack later married Frances Walker and extended his family to include his
stepchildren, Pat, Karen, Bobby and Tina along with their children and
grandchildren.

Friends are invited to visit with Jack’s family at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Tuesday, November 15 from 1 to 3 pm and from 5 pm until Jack’s funeral service begins at 6 pm in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will occur the following day at 12 noon at Stonewall Memorial Gardens in Manassas, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Platoon 22, PO Box 7023, Frederick, MD 21701 (<a href="https://platoon22.org/">platoon22.org</a>) or the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield VA 22166-7023 (<a href="https://diabetes.org/?form=Tribute&ada_source=WWMXXXX01HW001M001CC&ada_sub_source=left-nav&autologin=true">diabetes.org</a>).

Online condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.

Charles Allen “Charlie” Burton, 62, a longtime resident of Edgewater and previously of Odenton, died peacefully at his home on October 29, 2022 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born in Baltimore on November 15, 1959 and earned an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science, which led to a career as a field technician with Verizon.   He was a 32nd degree Mason and attended Chesapeake Christian Fellowship.  He enjoyed computers, Sudoku and Woodoku puzzles, computer card games like Solitaire and Free Cell, watching TV and movies and going on cruises with his wife Larrianne.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 37 years, Larrianne; his children, Christopher Burton of Edgewater and Kelly Sheridan of Romney, WV; his grandchildren, Ian, Sean and Brianna Turner, and Amber and Autumn Sheridan; and his sister, Wanda Burton of Odenton.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin Arthur “Art” Burton and Millie Burton.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial gathering on Friday, November 11 from 6-7 PM, followed by a celebration of life service at 7, at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.  Interment is private.


Louise Vennemann passed away on October 27, 2022 at 70 years old.  Joining her husband, Butch who passed 7 years ago, also at 70 years old.  Louise's memory will live on in her children and grandchildren.  Sons: Alex, Chris (Kylie), and Jeff (Emily).  Grandsons: Chance, Coyot, and Murdock.  Additionally, her father, Charles Underwood Sr and brother Charles (Kathy) Underwood Jr.

Her children remain proud of her achievements and thankful for the life she and Butch provided. Both Louise and Butch will be interred together.    

We would like to request that instead of flowers, donations be made to JDRF.  The leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes.  A cause that is dear to Louise's heart impacting one of her children and one of her grandsons.  This link goes to a donation page managed by Kylie, <a href="https://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=8602&pg=personal&px=12739524">https://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=8602&pg=personal&px=12739524</a>


Betty Ann Cordovilla, age 73 and a 20 year resident of Edgewater, died October 26, 2022 of natural causes under the care of Hospice of the Chesapeake in Pasadena.  She was born May 7, 1949 and graduated from Annapolis Senior High School.  She worked as a case worker for the State of Maryland Department of Social Services before retiring as head of the fraud department.  She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Annapolis and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Betty is survived by her husband of 40 years, John Cordovilla; her children, Lisa McAdams (Drakopulos) of Annapolis, George Drakopulos of Edgewater, James Michael Cordovilla of Salisbury, Aleta Gilliam (Cordovilla) of Williamston, NC and Lisa Cannon (Cordovilla) of Pennsylvania; her grandchildren, Paige McAdams, Kerri Jackson, Melinda Downing, Zachary Cordovilla, Samantha Cordovilla and Alexis Gilliam; her great grandchildren, Madelyn and Makenzie Jackson and Carsen Cordovilla; her sister, Judy Myers of Annapolis; her nephew, Matt Myers and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Gladys Foust; a brother, Thomas Foust; a grandson, Sean Cordovilla and a nephew, Brian Myers.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Saturday, November 5 from 11 am to 12 noon, followed by a memorial service at noon, at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD.  Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Betty’s name, may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122.
Condolences and tributes may be made by using the link on the left.  

The family of Charles “Chuck” Russell, a lifelong resident of Annapolis, is sad to
announce his passing at the age of 74 on Monday, October 24, 2022, in his
hometown. 

Born on September 3, 1948, in Annapolis to the late Evelyn Trimble
and Graham Darrell Russell Sr., Chuck graduated from Annapolis High School in
1966. He had a full love of life and enjoyed many things, such as skiing,
windsurfing, and mountain biking. He was a highly skilled carpenter who ran a
successful construction business for many years. Chuck relished passing his
knowledge of his hobbies and his carpentry onto his loved ones. He was also an
avid adorer of history and music. Chuck cherished his family, those close and
extended, especially his sisters, Catherine Russell and Nancy Bajus, who he would
call nightly. 

In addition to his sisters, Chuck is survived by his sisters Nancy and
Catherine, and his brother, Graham Darrell Jr., as well as many close friends and
family members who are grateful to have known him. He was preceded in death
by his loving parents.

There will be a celebration of his life at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make
a memorial donation in Chuck’s name to the American Diabetes Association
(diabetes.org).

Beatrice Carol Elizabeth Rieman Larkin, lovingly known as "Bea", 94, entered into Heaven on October 25, 2022. Born to the late Ralph and Elizabeth Rieman on February 15, 1928 in Buffalo, NY, Bea proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954. She met and married her late husband, Robert Larkin, while stationed at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. They remained married for 42 years. Bea was a devoted mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. She is survived by her seven children: Christopher Larkin, Jeffrey Larkin, Jill Robertson, Timothy Larkin, Victoria Peake, Nicolette Larkin, and Andrea Larkin. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  
Bea was a devout Catholic and faithfully attended the same church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, for 60 years. She was an incredibly sweet, loving, and generous human being. She enjoyed arts and crafts, camping and travel, sailing, yard sales, playing bridge at the senior center, retreats with friends, and was an avid fan of the Blue Angels. Bea's greatest legacy was living a wholesome life, one of grace, dignity, and devotion to God. Her spiritual guidance and morals instilled her children with her genuine love of family and community. Her welcoming spirit was always an open invitation to all in her home. Her love and kindness will live in in her family’s hearts forever.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 9, from 11:30am to 12:30pm, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 515 Loch Haven Rd, Edgewater, MD. Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Dixon House, 108 North Higgins Street, Easton, Maryland 21601, www.dixonhouse.org. The Dixon House has been providing a caring home for seniors for over 100 years.
Online condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.



Kennath Errol Suggs Sr. was born in Sheffield, Alabama. His parents along with his siblings moved to Washington, DC, in the late 1950’s. Kennath attended Brown Junior High and Frank W. Ballou High School in DC. His Mother joined Campbell AME Church when the family moved to Southeast, DC. Kennath sat in the balcony along with the other teenagers and was a lifelong member of Campbell. Kennath sang in the Church's choirs(The Voices Unlimited; The Men’s Choir; and The Combined Choir).

Kennath joined the USAF after high school graduation in 1967. Served at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he married Cheryl Francetta Bishop on November 26, 1969. They have two sons Kennath Jr. and Christopher Brian. Upon his discharge from the Air Force in October, 1971, Kennath attended Federal City College in DC. Kennath worked and retired from the Federal Government. He was a Wage and Hour Specialist with the Labor Department’s, Bureau of Labor Statics, Davis Beacon Act Division. For a lot of years while raising his sons he worked two jobs. Kennath was employed delivering newspapers for the Washington Post and cleaning office buildings in the evenings. 

Kennath’s interest included watching the Washington Redskins, bowling; playing golf; playing cut throat bid whist; watching Serena Williams and Tiger Woods; and especially hand dancing with Cheryl.

In April 1997 Kennath suffered his first stroke. He bounced back from that illness. In later years he suffered a number of health issues. He was in the Nursing Home for four long years before his death.

Kennath leaves behind his beloved and devoted wife Cheryl, son Kennath Jr. grandson Zhane O’Neal and son Christopher Brian; Goddaughters Sykeithia Bollers and Jennice Hagans; Ericka Carter niece and Sgt. 1st Class Arsendo Bishop nephew all of whom Kennath had a hand in raising. Sisters Sherida Hawkins and Audrey Haynie, brother Eric Suggs Sr. A host of nieces and nephews too many to enumerate. A host of Family and Friends. The Roblee Neighbor aka The Hood. Mr. Suggs was a legend in the hood he kept the boys straight!!!!! Campbell’s Church Family and The Ballou Knights. It takes a village. Kennath was so very Loved. I will miss you so very much my soul mate for 55 plus years. Kisses and Hugs My Love Always and Forever.


Relatives and friends are invited to Kennath's Life Celebration on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 10 a.m. until the start of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Campbell AME Church, 2568 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., S.E., Washington, DC 20020. Interment with Military Honors on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD at 11:15 a.m. 

On Sunday, October 23, 2022; the beloved wife of the late Robert Armfield; mother of Lisa Taylor, Linda (Kerry) Haynes, and Jacqueline Kiehl; grandmother of Jessica, Kyle (Mary), Meghan and Kristen; great-grandmother of Fiona and Bryce. Helen is survived by her brother Howard Ledbetter and sister Ruth Albertson. Relatives and friends are invited to Helen's Life Celebration on Monday, November 14 from 10 a.m until the start of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD  Interment Maryland Veteran's Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD at 1 p.m.

Howard E. Johannssen, “Captain Nice”, 79, a twenty-year resident of Friendship, MD passed away at his home on October 22, 2022. Born on January 2, 1943 in Huntington, NY to the late Emil and Henny Johannessen, Howard grew up in Greenlawn, NY and graduated from Harborfields High School in 1961.

He served our country in the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1968 and was honorably discharged as an E-4 Sergeant. After his discharge, he began his career with the Federal Aviation Administration and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Labor Relations from Adelphi University. Howard was the president of J Group & Associates and president of Professional Aviation Safety Specialists from 1977 until retiring in 1994. He was President Emeritus of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists and Commodore Emeritus of Herring Bay Yacht Club. Most recently he was an Administrator for the International Union of Tool & Die Makers. In Howard’s free time he enjoyed boating, woodworking, target shooting with his son and being involved with charities for children.

Howard is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Maura McGrath Johannssen; his son, Kristopher Johannssen and his wife Kerry of Monkton, MD, and his granddaughter, Jillian Johannssen.

Friends are invited to celebrate Howard’s life on Wednesday, October 26 and Thursday, October 27 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A graveside service will be held on Friday October 28 at 12pm at Highview Memorial Gardens, 3433 Fallston Rd., Fallston, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the USO.org, ASPCA.org, HumaneSociety.org, or a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Ellen June Stephenson passed away peacefully on October 22nd at the age of ninety. The daughter of Sidney George Martindale and Phyllis Ellen May Batch, she was born in Watford, England, outside of London. June was still a young girl when World War II broke out. Her father served in Europe with the North Fusiliers as the German Blitz devastated much of her town. She proudly recalled that Hilter never caused her to miss one day of school. In the 1960s, June and her husband emigrated to the Washington DC area. She turned her interest in fashion into a long career with clothier, Raleighs, retiring as a store manager in 1992. Friends remember her as an expert quilter whose hand-stitched heirloom pieces received numerous awards.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of more than forty years, Allan “Steve” Stephenson, originally of Stockton-on-Tees, England, and later Seabrook, MD; and three brothers, Anthony, Robert, and Andrew Martindale of England. June is also preceded in death by her devoted partner of more than twenty years, Steven F. Brady of West River, MD.

June is survived and greatly missed by her aunt, Irene Harrod; nephews Lee, Grant, and David Martindale; and nieces, Kim and Donna Martindale, Amber Ryder, and Christine Newell all of England. June is also survived by many great and great-great nieces and nephews. She is also mourned by three “heart children” who she chose as family, Julia M. Leonard of Southport, NC, and Garrison and Sherri Johns of Severn, MD.

A joint memorial gathering for her and her longtime companion, Steven F. Brady, will be held on December 10 from 1 - 3 pm at The London Town Historic House & Gardens, 839 Londontown Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037.

Online condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Food Pantry of St. Mary’s Piscataway.  


On October 20th, 2022, Carl Ernest Goetzinger, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep after a recent bout with COVID-19. He is now in Heaven with the only woman he ever loved, his wife of 56 years, Judy Goetzinger, who passed away in July of 2020.

Carl was a quiet man of few words who never had an unkind word spoken of him. All who met him saw
him as the “gentle giant” he always was. Carl was an extremely thoughtful and considerate man, always thinking of his family before his own needs or wants and often going without to assure his family had all they could ever need. His kindness extended to all who knew him, including his coworkers and friends he met at the gym. As was well known, Carl was always focused on his fitness and rarely went a day without lifting his beloved weights either at home while watching sports or at Edgewater Fitness as recently as the day before his passing.

Away from work, Carl was a lifelong sports junkie with baseball always being his first and truest passion. This was closely followed by his passion for the Washington Redskins, no matter how well or poorly they played. His dining room is adorned with Redskins pictures and trinkets, which were an often and easy “go-to” gift for a man who was notoriously hard to shop for!

When it wasn’t sports occupying Carl’s time, it was often something associated with his children, grandsons, or his wife, Judy. Carl and Judy traveled often to places such as Ocean City, Myrtle Beach, and went on various cruises. One of their most famous and enjoyable trips was a cross-country family adventure in a rented RV with the entire family, including grandmothers on both sides of the family. A great time was had by all, despite painfully slow mountain climbs in a tragically slow RV and having to walk nearly half a mile across a farm with his son when the RV broke down in the middle of Nowhere, America. Regardless, Carl always cherished his time with family no matter what was on the itinerary.

Carl’s love for his family is highlighted by his love for his wife. He mourned her loss but celebrated her life in numerous ways. He spent hours tending to the yard, for it was one of Judy’s passions. He shared meals with his family, one of “mom’s favorite activities”. He never took off his wedding ring as Judy was his beloved wife, forever.

On Carl’s final day, he enjoyed the simple pleasures that were a hallmark of his character. Before laying down for his forever sleep, he enjoyed a bowl of dark chocolate ice cream with a chocolate shell covered in Hershey’s chocolate syrup and whipped cream, one of his favorites. He watched baseball and had his dogs, Wilson and Zoey, beside him. Carl’s final hours were happy and fulfilled. He will be missed terribly and remembered with love, honor, and respect. A fitting end for a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Carl is survived by two children, Greg Goetzinger and Allison Lazaro; and two grandchildren, Chase Linger and Remy Lazaro.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Carl’s life on Saturday, October 29th from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home &amp; Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD.

Online condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Willie Lee Zanders was born on August 29, 1949, in Quincy, Florida to the late John Aaron and Corine R. (Frison) Zanders. Willie was the second of seven children born to the marriage. In the mid-1950s the family relocated to Rochester, New York, where Willie attended Rochester public elementary schools and graduated in the class of 1967 from James Madison High School. In high school Willie was an avid lettered varsity cross-country runner who loved to run with lifelong friends John (deceased) and William (Bill) Darden. Willie loved to dress the part and hang with his buddies Walter Larkin, Leo Gray, and Nate Greggs, doing what typical teenage boys did in those formative years of the late sixties. After graduation, Willie enrolled in Houston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, but after completing several semesters, and out of a sense of duty, he opted to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in several locations in the United States, South Korea, and England. During one of his tour of duty assignments in England, he met Ms. Alicia (Margaret) Pearce. As fate would have it, he instantly fell for what would come to be the love of his life. After a period of courtship, he asked for her hand in marriage, and they were wed on Aug. 8, 1981, in Birmingham, England. One son, Philip Aaron Zanders, was born of their union. They were reassigned to Bolling AFB in Washington, D.C., and the Defense Logistics Agency at Cameron Station, in Alexandria, Virginia, where he would serve until his retirement from active service in 1991. Willie loved to travel and see the world and he loved to have a good time with family and friends, whatever the occasion. And he took every opportunity he could to exert his position and opinion as ‘older brother’. Although it became difficult for him to travel in his later years, he never forgot his roots, and made sure that he stayed in constant contact with his family roots in Quincy Florida, especially with close first cousins Louis (Sharon) Zanders, Rosetta (Tommy) Haywood, and Joe (Daphne) Zanders.

Willie is preceded in death by his Parents, John Aaron and Corine R. (Frison) Zanders; one sister Peggy Reed; and one brother Dwayne A. Zanders. Left to mourn his passing are his wife Alicia and his only son, Philip Aaron Zanders; three brothers, Johnny Zanders, Samuel Zanders, and Tyrone Zanders; two sisters, Myrna L. Zanders, Benita E Zanders; nephews Marshal Zanders and Royce Simmons; nieces Tammara A. (Demetrius) Jackson, Taneisha (Neon) Walton; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Leonila “Mila” Del Rosario Baes, age 94, of Melbourne, FL, passed away peacefully at Melbourne Regional Medical Center on October 20th, 2022. Born in the province of Pontevedra, Capiz in the Philippines, she is the wife of the late Alfonso Alvero Baes. Adored mother of Liberty Rovira and the late Alan Baes. Mother-in-law to Miguel Jose Rovira. Cherished grandmother of Isabela Rovira, Marc A. Baes and Miguel Alfonso Rovira.

Leonila was born to Dominador Del Rosario and Demitria Dilleria Del Rosario and grew up in Pontevedra, Capiz in the Philippines. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Auxinito Dilleria Del Rosario and Noe D. Del Rosario. She is survived by a beloved sister, Clytie Del Rosario Jequinto and many nieces and nephews in the Philippines.

Leonila was a teacher and later became a medical coder. She will always be remembered for her infectious smile and outgoing personality. She was a devout Catholic and she loved to dance, knit, watch professional basketball, and play mahjong.

Leonila had a great passion for life and she was an inspiration to us all. She lived her 94 years to the fullest with charm, grace, kindness and style and will be remembered with love and fondness by her family and the many people whose lives she touched.



William Gary Isom 59, entered eternal rest on October 20th, 2022 at the Woodland Hills Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. He bravely and valiantly battled cancer which he was diagnosed with in 2021.

William Gary was born April 16th 1963 in Fort Dix, New Jersey to William Gene and Virginia (Veazey) Isom as the oldest of three children. Sharing the first name with his father, family and friends fondly called him by his middle name Gary. Born into a military family Gary lived in many places growing up. He lived at Fort Dix, New Jersey until the age of two, then Columbus GA, Panama, Fort Devons MA, Fort Leavenworth KS, Fort Ord CA, Kinshasa Zaire, Syracuse, NY and in 1974 the family moved to Oxon Hill, Maryland where Gary finished the 6th grade at Valley View Elementary school. He then went on to Oxon Hill Junior High School and Oxon Hill High School where he graduated in 1981 as Valedictorian and Vice President of his senior class, and was on the varsity soccer, wrestling, and track teams.

Growing up Gary also enjoyed playing soccer and baseball, running track, wrestling, reading books, listening to all kinds of music from classic rock, Jimmy Hendrix, Parliament, Earth Wind & Fire, and fishing for largemouth and striped bass. As an adult, his love for literature and writing brought him frequently to libraries and bookstores near and far which was one of his favorite places to be.

Gary briefly considered attending the Naval Academy and attended the Summer Seminar there during the summer of his junior year of high school. He ultimately decided to attend Cornell University on an Air Force ROTC scholarship where he aspired to become an electrical engineer. Finding his ultimate passion was for writing and literature he left Cornell and moved to Madison Wisconsin to study comparative literature at the University of Wisconsin.

In 1998 while in Wisconsin Gary was severely injured when a deranged man threw gasoline on him and the passengers on the bus he was driving. As the deadly fire engulfed everyone he bravely stayed at the controls and safely stopped the bus allowing all passengers to exit. After over a month in a coma and a long and painful recovery, in 2001 he decided to follow his dreams and move to Los Angeles after being accepted into a two-year training program for aspiring assistant television directors. After working as a production assistant on many television shows, including "The District", "Judging Amy," and “The Bernie Mack Show”, he wrote scripts for TV shows and movies. Hoping for the day one of his scripts got produced he truly enjoyed working as a Scheduler/Analyst for the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority where he worked for almost 20 years until his battle with cancer forced him to retire early.

Although quiet in most settings once he got to know you he would open up and would be full of conversation sharing his vast knowledge on many different subjects. He was particularly knowledgeable of the film and TV industry and knew obscure facts about actors, directors and screenwriters. He had a healthy sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke. One of his favorite shows was Saturday Night Live.

Gary will be dearly missed and remain forever in the hearts of all who knew him. He was predeceased by his father William Gene. Left to cherish Gary’s memory are his mother Virginia, his younger sister Marleah, his younger brother James and his nephews Dwayne, James II and Edward all of whom he loved dearly; and a host of family and friends.


Relatives and friends are invited to William's Life Celebration on Friday, December 9, 2022 from 11 a.m. until the start of the service at 12 noon at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Entombment Mt. Comfort Cemetery, Alexandria, VA. 

David A. “Dave” Wetzel, 69, a resident of Edgewater, MD for more than 28 years, died on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. Born on October 15, 1953 in Takoma Park, MD to Mary Cline and the late Tommy Wetzel, Dave graduated in 1971 from Parkdale Senior High School. He retired from Washington Gas Light Company, where he worked for 32 years, mainly in the Systems Protection Division. Dave was a skilled handyman who loved driving and working on cars and motorcycles, being on the water and watching the Washington Redskins. However, his greatest joy was hanging out with his friends and family. Dave is survived by his wife of 26 years, Cindy Wetzel; his children, Christine “Chrissy” Wetzel of Edgewater, MD, David “DJ” (Emily) Wetzel of Huntingtown, MD and Tricia Wetzel of Shady Side, MD; his sisters, Mary Mercilliott of North Beach, MD and Theresa Davis of Berkeley Springs, WV and his grandchildren, Travis Winebrenner, Wesley, and Savannah Wetzel. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, William “Bill” Cline. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 19 from 1 to 4 pm at the London Towne Community Hall, 170 Mayo Rd., Edgewater, MD. Dress is casual. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the memories tab on the left. 

ELYSIA ELLEN RYAN BRANSON 
On Tuesday October 18, at Reston Hospital Center in Reaton, Virginia Elysia E.R. Branson, a beloved wife, mother, and sister, passed away at the age of 73. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years Richard P. She is survived by her children Justin M., Joshua R. Branson, and Elysia-Marie Branson Bumsted; her grandchildren Hannah M., Samantha K. Branson, and Elysia V. and Peter W. Bumsted. She is also survived by many dear relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to either http://HEROES.Org or  the ASSISTED LIVING CENTER at ST. DOMINIC PRIORY, 630 E. St. SW, Washington, DC. 

Paulino Oliveira, 85, a resident of Germantown, Maryland passed away peacefully on October 17, 2022 after suffering a stroke. Born to Julio Oliveira and Marcolina DaSilva on April 15, 1937 in Bahia, the north of Brazil, on a remote cattle ranch, Paulino was the eldest of seven children. 

While dealing with the realities of farm life, Paulino and his extended family handled the cattle, farming, and care of his siblings. After his father and mother relocated to Sao Paulo, Paulino started a job at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church publishing house, where he discovered his passion for singing bass and sacred music- both quartets and choral groups.

While working at the Church publishing house, he learned from friends of adventure and opportunity in the United States. With the support and assistance of friends in the Fall River and New Bedford areas of Massachusetts, Paulino immigrated to the US in 1965. The following is an excerpt from the sponsorship letter sent to Brazil in support of his immigration visa:

“We want to sponsor [Paulino] knowing that he is a talented young man, who has ambition and high goals in mind. We are sure that he will realize them here and give a good contribution to our great society and culture.” (Letter sent to the Brazilian Consulate in Sao Paulo dated August 30, 1965)

In New Bedford, Paulino led the bachelor life, where he also first met his future wife of 52 years, drove his Ford Mustang, and enjoyed his first Thanksgiving Dinner in November, 1965. From then on, Thanksgiving became his favorite holiday where he thanked the US, family, and God for all of his blessings.

Paulino relocated to Takoma Park, Maryland where he again re-connected with Neide. They were married and settled down to their new life and family. Paulino joined several area choral groups, having quickly earned a reputation for an impeccable ear singing bass as a self-taught musician. Among some of his favorite performances was G.F. Handel’s Messiah, which he performed at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Classical vocal music remained a passion for his entire life.

Living up to the 1965 immigration sponsorship letter, Paulino, with his wife’s support and companionship, began his own business, Oliveira Painters. Through his attention to detail, commitment to his customers, and integrity, Paulino with the help of his brother Samuel built up the business in Silver Spring for over 50 years, allowing his wife to focus on the family. In the end, his customers included many notable figures in the Washington, DC area. He passed his business on to Marcos, who continues the tradition of residential painting.

Upon retiring, Paulino began to devote more time to the Triadelphia and Burnt Mills Adventist churches in Maryland, as well as missionary work in Brazil. On Sabbath afternoons, after potluck lunches or lunch with his wife, Paulino could be found visiting the sick, the shut-in, and evangelizing in the Silver Spring area. After decades of life in Silver Spring, Paulino and Neide downsized to a home in Germantown, Maryland in 2020.

Principles that Paulino exemplified included integrity, reliability, kindness, family, God, and Church.
Paulino will not only be remembered for his principles, but for the following fun facts. For nearly 50 years, Paulino worked 6 days per week; rain, snow, sleet or sun. (It helped to have fresh homemade lunches nearly every day, thanks to his wife, along with occasional painting help from his young children.) He didn’t mind navigating beltway traffic…in fact, he knew every in and out and shortcut in Montgomery County and Northwest DC. Whether painting for a cabinet-level official, top chef in DC, famous author, or an everyday person, he treated everyone in the same genuine way, and many long-time clients treated him like family. Paulino rarely, if ever, honked his work van horn, as he did not believe it was necessary. He loved the countryside in West Virginia and western Maryland, where he loved to play the guitar and listen to the sounds of nature. Later in life, he traded the guitar for a harmonica to play “happy birthday to you” to family members. Incredibly, he never used Chapstick for his lips, and said he’d never had a headache. Paulino was not only generous with family and the church, but he loved animals and always fed all the pets in the extended family under the table. While he did not like ice cream, he never met a cookie he didn’t like- especially if made by a granddaughter. Paulino’s legacy included his company, Oliveira Painters, and his children and grandchildren who he loved dearly, including three family members in the US federal government service. His efforts to spread the gospel in Brazil and assist the needy there continue on.

Among his family in the United States, Paulino is survived by his wife, Neide Oliveira; children, Claudia Teague (Sean) and Marcos Oliveira; grandchildren, Katie and Natalie Teague and Abby Oliveira; brother, Samuel DaSilva; and nephew, Paulo Baesse (Cassiah) and their son Gabriel. He is also survived by family in Brazil, including two brothers, two sisters, and various cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab located on the left side of this page.


Alexander "Alex" Marcus Holt, 27, a longtime resident of Southern Anne Arundel County, died on October 17, 2022, at his home in Glen Burnie, MD.  He was born October 6, 1995, in Bitburg, Germany to Mike Holt and Jule (Koehler) Holt. Alex loved sports and enjoyed playing football and was an amateur boxer. He will be remembered for always having the brightest smile in the room.  

In addition to his parents, Alex is survived by his loving child, Kennedy, who meant the world to him; two brothers, Aaron Holt and Kyle Holt, and his wife, Felicia; and many aunts and uncles who will miss him terribly. 

A memorial gathering & reception will be held on Friday, October 28,  from 1-4 pm at the Doubletree Hotel, 210 Holiday Court, Annapolis, MD

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, ATTN: Michael Swyer, 199 Water St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038. Please take a moment to leave a message for the family on the Memories tab on this page.


A full obituary will be posted here soon.  Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab located on the left side of this page.

Anne McCulloh deBronkart passed away peacefully at her home in Annapolis on October 13, 2022 surrounded by loved ones, knowing how deeply loved she was by so many. She was 93 years old, born July 22, 1929 in New York City to parents Gordon McCulloh and Amy Goodwin McCulloh of Rye, NY.

Anne attended St. Margaret’s school in Waterbury, CT, then majored in music at Vassar College with aspirations of becoming an entertainer a la Peggy Lee. One of her fondest memories was singing in the choir at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park under the direction of Dr. Billy Schurr. She carried a love of music throughout her life and that passion lives on in her children.

Anne was married in 1949 to Richard Davies “Dick” deBronkart, who she met at a USO dance. Dick had served in the Army Air Force during WWII, 1942-1945. They had six children and made their home in over 12 cities/states across the country.

A lover of words with a passion for learning, Anne worked for many years as a Teaching Assistant and Media Center Specialist for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. She later served as proofreader and copy editor for the State of Maryland, Comar Division, coining the moniker "Comar Anne". She had a keen eye for exacting language and flawless punctuation and always got a kick out of any clever grammar quip or play on words.

Family was immensely important to Anne. She loved intimate conversations with friends, gardening, reading and sunny afternoons at Quiet Waters Park. Some of her fondest memories were around holidays with as many relatives as possible gathered in her home to celebrate, laugh, share a meal, and make music together.

Anne is survived by three siblings: Jim McCulloh of Princeton, NJ, Sandy McCulloh (Leah) of Stone Mountain, GA, Ginger McCulloh Betzler (Carl) of Duluth, GA, and by four children: Dave deBronkart (Ginny) of Nashua, NH, Amy deBronkart Kinder (Mike) of Annapolis, MD, Suede deBronkart of Wellfleet, MA, and Gerry deBronkart (Denise) of Edgewater, MD. She leaves a legacy of seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Randy deBronkart (Shelley) of Piketon, OH, father to Randy Jr., Karen, Randall, Kaelynn, and Raymond; Lindsey deBronkart L'Ecuyer (Jon) of Haverhill, MA, mother to Zoe; Katie Kinder (Fred Foreman) of Las Vegas, NV, mother to Emmett; Liz Kinder of Annapolis, MD; Becky Kinder of Nashville, TN, Andrew deBronkart (Katie Hobbs) of Exton, PA; Erica deBronkart (engaged to Dan Shacochis) of Edgewater, MD.

She is preceded in death by two children: Steve deBronkart (Sharon Hauk) of Severna Park, MD, and Ken deBronkart of Lebanon, OH; as well as one sibling, Jean “Jay” McCulloh Kleinpeter (Ben) of Baton Rouge, LA.

A memorial service is being planned for springtime, 2023, to celebrate Anne's lifelong love of gardening. The family will announce details once arrangements have been finalized. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake in Pasadena, MD at HospiceChesapeake.org.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on the left side of this page.


Magin Caimol Dones, Jr., “Jun”, was born to the late Ernesto and Lolita Dones, an accountant, and a dressmaker, in Cavite City, Cavite, Philippines on July 20, 1944. He graduated from the Feati University in 1965 with a degree in Architecture Design and received numerous professional certificates in Computer Science and Food and Beverage Management. Initially starting a career in the IT field for the American Security Bank and the U.S. Customs Service for 20 years, Jun would follow his passion to own/operate/oversee various establishments from fine dining catering to federal/state/foreign dignitaries to commercial food and beverage services within the Metro Washington DC area for 40 years.

Jun was blessed with a large and loving family. He married Corazon Legaspi on May 1, 1976, in Oxon Hill, MD. Jun helped raise his five children with patience, discipline, and humility. Being awarded the 1994 Kababaihan Maka-Rizal Father of the Year award furthermore confirms this. He taught them to read, write, cook, and often took them on family trips with the Philippines being the last notable and most memorable one.

Jun was a restauranteur by trade and a Philanthropist by heart- both to his hometown of Cavite City, Philippines, and the Metro Washington, DC, USA. Helping the unfortunate, overseeing food pantries, and paving the way for Cavite City to become a first-class city making the dream of Sangley Point International Airport a reality. The project will start in 2023 and will bring at least 13,000 new jobs to the city, bolstering the growing economy. In the USA, Jun designed the CIPAA Cultural Center and was active in organizing civic and cultural activities pertaining to the welfare of Filipinos in the United States promoting the Filipino image in Metro Washington DC. He was kind, humorous, a talented singer, and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones. 

Jun is survived by his wife, Corazon; his sons Anthony, Alex, and Norman Dones; his daughters Riza Flores, Sherry Buenaventura, and Sheila Lyles; his grandchildren Marvin Garcia, Kyle Flores, John Flores Jr., Ryan Buenaventura, Mason Buenaventura, Aiden Lyles, and Avery Lyles; and numerous brothers and sisters. He is preceded in death by his son, Elmer; his sisters, Elaine and Grace; and his parents.

Family and friends will gather and remember Jun on November 2-4, 2022 from 4-8 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD. Church services and funeral on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 10 AM at St. Columba Church, 7800 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD, with procession and burial to follow at the Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD. Repast location to be announced.


Arthur “Art” Hollenbeck, 69, passed away peacefully at Anne Arundel Medical Center on October 10, 2022. He was born on November 17, 1952 in Washington, DC to the late George and Virginia Hollenbeck. Art honorably served our country in the U.S. Navy and received the National Defense Service Medal. After his discharge from the Navy, Art had a flourishing career as a handyman in Annapolis and Edgewater. In recent years, he enjoyed spending time with his daughter, Emily and his Irish Setter, Dash. He could often be found at the Amish Market or at one of Washington, DC’s many museums.

Art is survived by his daughter, Emily L. Hollenbeck of Annapolis. He was predeceased by his father, George T. Hollenbeck, and his mother, Virginia E. Newsome. 

A celebration of life will be arranged in the months to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Art’s name to <a href="https://herodogs.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/herodogs/donation.jsp">Hero Dogs of Brookeville</a>, P.O. Box 64, Brookeville, MD 20833-0064

Online condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.


Obituaries

Robert Yoho, Sr.

Grafton Robertson

Charles Burton

Naomi Vennemann

Betty Cordovilla

Charles Russell

Bea Larkin

Kennath Suggs, Sr.

Helen Armfield

Howard Johannssen

Ellen Stephenson

Stephen Westmoreland

Carl Goetzinger, Jr.

Willie Zanders

Leonila Baes

William Isom

Dave Wetzel

Officer Elysia Branson

Paulino Oliveira

Alexander Holt

Maynard Houston

Anne deBronkart

Magin Dones

Arthur Hollenbeck