Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Joan Beverly Lavender, 91, a resident of Annapolis and previously of Arnold, MD, died on Thursday, September 22, 2022, following a short illness.  Born August 30, 1931 in Worcester, Massachusetts, she enjoyed a successful career as an Administrative Assistant at the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.  Joan was a longtime member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Washington, DC and the Edgewater Lions Club.  She enjoyed being part of her church community and participating in church festivals.  She loved Krispy Kreme donuts and a good cup of hot coffee, but her greatest passion was spending time with family and friends.  After retirement, she loved her part-time job as a food demonstrator at Sam’s Club.

Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, Robert E. Lavender, Sr. who died in 2002.

She is survived by five children, Robert Lavender, Jr. of Spotsylvania, Virginia, Ronald Lavender of  Owings, Maryland, Richard Lavender of Tampa, Florida, Roger Lavender of Leland, North Carolina and Beverly Schindel of Severna Park, Maryland; five grandsons, Ronnie, Christian, Ricky, Austin, and Lucas; six granddaughters; Kelly, Shauna, Jovan, Nicole, Kimberly, Julie, Macie and Kacie, and six great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to celebrate Joan’s life on Thursday, September 29, visitation 10:00-12:00, at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, Maryland.  A short service followed by Interment at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, Maryland.  Immediately following, family and friends are invited to a Meal of Mercy at Maggiano’s Annapolis, 2100 Annapolis Mall, Suite 1200, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bay Community Support Services, Inc. 908 Commerce Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 <a href="https://www.baycss.org/">www.baycss.org</a>. Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

Michael Robert Melillo, Jr., “Mike/Uncle Bob”, 86, a long time resident of Northern Virginia, passed away at Washington Hospital Center on Wednesday, September 21, 2022.  He was born on January 15, 1936 in Queens, NY to the late Michael Robert Melillo, Sr. and Josephine Reid Melillo.
A graduate of NYU, Mike enjoyed a successful career in the airline/travel industry.  Shortly after retirement, he switched gears to pursue a passion in political science. He worked tirelessly on several statewide and local campaigns over the years in addition to devoting his time, talents and energy to grassroots advocacy as Campaigns Consultant for FreedomWorks in Washington, DC.
Mike was a man of many passions.  His family and friends were the most important part of his life.  He was a man of faith, an avid reader, loved movies, music, the holidays, red wine and of course, sports.  He enjoyed all sports - playing tennis for years; enjoying watching the game of golf and football.  But, his first love was baseball, cheering on the New York Yankees for many years and later the Nationals.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Jaqueline Feddock who died in 2001; his sisters, Alice Lucia and Jeanne Marie Walter; his brother-in-laws Richard S. Walter, Sr, and Harry Lucia; his nephew, Mark Lucia and nieces, Karen Walter Goodwin and Jeanne Lucia Lopez.
“Uncle Bob” is survived by his niece, Donna Jeanne Walter of Crofton, MD; nephew, Richard S. Walter, Jr (Caryl) of Eugene, OR; nephew, Michael S. Walter (Kelley) of Albuquerque, NM; niece, Joan Lucia Treese (Chuck) of Colorado Springs, CO; seven great nieces and nephews and 12 great-great nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life Mass will be held at St.Timothy’s Catholic Church, on Poplar Tree Road, in Chantilly, VA on Wednesday, October 5th at 1:00 - reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Michael Robert Melillo, Jr.’s life,  donations can be made to FreedomWorks, The Mike Melillo Activist Award, <a href="https://action.freedomworks.org/mikemelillo">https://action.freedomworks.org/mikemelillo</a> - 111 K Street NE Suite 600, Washington, DC 20002 


Theresa Marino Busada passed away quietly on the morning of September 20th in her Ft. Washington, Maryland home, with her husband and daughter at her side. 
She joins her parents, Peter and Angelina Marino, and her brother, Joseph Marino. Theresa was a native Washingtonian. She graduated from St. Patrick’s High School, in the class of 1953. She married Norman Busada in 1956, and they enjoyed a wonderful life together for 66 years. She leaves behind one daughter, Susan, many nieces and nephews, family, and friends who have become family. Her smile and warm comforting ways will be missed by all who knew her. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Theresa’s life on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, from 2 to 4 and 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 Thursday, September 29, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers (no gladiolas), donations may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake (www.hospicechesapeake.org) or to RES Homecare, 26595 Lawrence Adams Drive, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.



David Alfonso Conte, 70, a 35-year resident of Lothian and previously of Upper Marlboro, passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at CalvertHealth Medical Center in Prince Frederick. 

David was born in Washington, DC on May 30, 1952, to the late Anthony and Esther Conte. He was a self-employed builder.  A devoted grandfather, he adored spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed growing peppers in his pepper garden and driving around visiting family on his golf cart

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brother, Nicholas Conte, and his sister, Ann Marie Santoiemma.

He is survived by his son Joseph Conte and his wife Tara of Edgewater, and his siblings; Joseph Conte, Anthony Conte, Rosalie VanWie, and Mary Esther Finamore, all of Lothian. Also survived by his grandchildren, Joseph A. Conte, Jr., and Ella Noel Conte.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate David's life on Friday, September 23 from 10 am until 11 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church Hall, 101 Owensville, Rd., West River, MD 20778. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 11 am in the main church.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery. 


Afrodita Pe Benito was born to Catalio Guacena & Fructousa Miranda on Oct. 1, 1925 in Jaro Iloilo City, Philippines.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years – Fermin ‘Nonoy’ Pe Benito.  She will now join her parents, her sisters and 5 brothers, parents-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, son-in-law and daughter-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and dear friends who are now in heaven.

Since 2015, she had been experiencing several medical problems and she passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2022 surrounded by her beloved son-in-law, daughters and sons.  She is survived by her ten children and their spouses:  Estela-(Huberto Yap-RIP), Roberto-(Mary Jane Baylen), Patricia-(Fred Richardson), Cecilia-(Rolando Victoria), Belinda-(Praxedes Betchido), Mary Ann-(Antonio Tantay Sr.) Arnulfo-(Mariela Alvarado), Michael-(Mabel Garcia), Benjamin and Ian-(Mylaine Escobar), 25 grandchildren and 32 greatgranchildren and a bunch of nephews, nieces, friends and relatives.

She also left behind her extended families: Tee & Dee Logan, Sidney, Roy & Janet Wiggins, Bernice & Carol Clark, Doris Reaves & her daughters O’Neal, Janice, Frances & Linda, Robert & Rachel Richardson and her assumed adopted daughters:  Merly, Regina, Rina & Ester. 

Beloved friends and relatives in Maryland, Los Angeles and in the Philippines will surely miss her especially her beloved son-in-law Fred Richardson who unselfishly spent most of his time taking her to her doctor’s appointments 2 or 3 times a month for almost 20 years.  She was a ‘mama’ or ’nanay’ to all that got to know her.  She loved to cook and at a very young age and she accepted Jesus as her spiritual guardian. She lost her mother at the age of 6 and her father when she was 16 years old.  She joined the St. Mary’s Piscataway Church in 2005 when they first came to Fort Washington, MD.  Right after then she actively participated in some of the church activities and used to be a volunteer in the daily eucharistic adoration at the church 3 times each week while she was still able to do things on her own.

Viewing will be from 2 – 8 p.m. on Friday, September 30,2022 at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, Oxon Hill, MD.  Fr. Samuel Plummer will say the memorial prayers at 6 p.m.

A mass celebration of life will be held at the St. Mary’s Piscataway Church, 13405 Piscataway Rd., Clinton, MD 20735-4564 on Oct. 1 at 11:30 a.m.  This mass celebration will commend her 97th birthday in heaven.

A ‘new life celebration’ will follow at 1710 Dauphin Drive, Fort Washington MD 20744 after the mass in honor of her 97th birthday.

Interment will be held in the Philippines at the Evergreen Park, Pasig, MM at a later date.

Janet Marie Long, 86, passed away on September 15, 2022 in Jupiter, FL.  Born on August 31, 1936 in Washington, DC, she was the youngest child of the late Raymond and Mary Gicker.  Janet spent most of her adult life in College Park and then Annapolis, MD where she raised her family and proudly worked as an Administrative Assistant at the U.S. Naval Academy for 15 years.  She was a gracious hostess of pool parties and holiday gatherings at her home and was well-known for her Scotcheroos (a Rice Krispies treat) and Sand Tarts.  A longtime member of Davidsonville United Methodist Church, Janet also loved to play BINGO and eat out, especially when she could pick crabs or order a good crab cake.    

In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Leon Long, all five of her siblings and her furry companion whom she adored, Harley.  She is survived by five children, Carl (Debbie), Cindy, Daniel, Donald (Diane) and Douglas; 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  

Friends are invited to celebrate Janet’s life with her family from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 22 at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD.  Janet’s funeral service will be held at 10AM on Friday, September 23 at Davidsonville United Methodist Church, 819 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD. A graveside service will be held at 2PM at National Memorial Park in Falls Church, VA.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC using this link: <a href="https://giving.childrensnational.org/site/Donation2?df_id=11925&mfc_pref=T&11925.donation=form1&amount=35".>Children's National Hospital</a>

Online condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.

Dara Marie Stewart Dillree, 61, of Crofton, MD, passed away on September 15, 2022. Dara was born on October 22, 1960 in Washington, DC.

Dara grew up in Prince George’s County, MD before moving to Fishertown, PA in 1977 where she graduated from Chestnut Ridge High School. After graduation, Dara returned to Maryland for a short while, then moved to San Diego, CA to attend National University. She moved back to Maryland in 1988 and worked at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP as a legal secretary for over 15 years.

Dara is preceded in death by her mother, Frances E. Broderick Miller. She is survived by her father, Robert P. Stewart and his wife, Paula; and her stepsister, Beth Waters, all Edgewater, MD.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.


All services for Mr. Choate will be private at this time.

Please take a moment and leave a condolence for his daughters, by using the memories tab on the left.

Passed peacefully at his home on September 11, 2022. He was born on May 7, 1941 in Washington, D.C., where he was raised in the Hillcrest area by his parents Lester and Beulah Cox (deceased). He was a 1959 graduate of Anacostia High School and later received a degree from Prince George’s Community College. He served in the United States Army Reserve and worked in various positions during his 36-year career at the Potomac Electric Power Company. He was a perfectionist in all that he did. His exemplary work ethic and desire to always remain active led him to continue his work life doing consulting work, being a Tour Mobile host, and assisting seniors by driving a bus for the Woodbine Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. He also worked most of his adult life at RFK Stadium for Washington Redskins games and at the University of Maryland for football and basketball games.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Alice Cox, and his loyal
sons, Jeffrey Cox (Christine) and Christopher Cox, grandchildren, Shelby King,
Ryan Cox, Victoria Cox, and Matthew Cox. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren, Robert King, Claire King, and Kennedy King. His ability to make you
laugh with his wonderful sense of humor will always be remembered.


Relatives and friends are invited to Lester's memorial gathering on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 11 a.m. until the start of the memorial service at 12 p.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745. 

Sara E. Deeb

September 9, 2022

Sara Elizabeth Deeb, 81, of Fort Washington, MD peacefully passed away on September 9, 2022 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Sara was born in Boston, MA on January 6, 1941 to William Junius Bates and Mildred Ingeborg Carlstrom Bates. Sara was a graduate of Framingham High School, Class of 1958. After high school, Sara pursued a degree in Nursing at the Children’s Hospital School of Nursing, in Boston, MA where she graduated in 1961. She later joined the Peace Corps and served in Malaysia for two years. In 1965, she returned to Massachusetts and married Carl Anthony Deeb of Fall River, MA. Shortly after, Sara and Carl settled in Maryland.

Sara was completely devoted to caring for children. She was a registered nurse for 44 years.  She started her nursing career at Hadley Hospital and later retired from Greater Southeast Community Hospital NICU and Children’s Pediatricians & Associates.

Sara loved to crochet and collect angels. Her husband Carl regularly referred to Sara as an “Angel”. She never complained no matter what. She was strong, proud, generous, kind, thoughtful and will forever be remembered for her loving smile.

Sara was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Anthony Deeb; parents, William and Mildred Bates; brother, William “Billy” Bates; stepmother, Rita Davis; and grandchild, Caleb Burge.

Sara is survived by her son, John Deeb and his wife Shari; daughter, Anne McKissick and her husband Eric; son, David Deeb and his wife Melissa; daughter Mary Deeb; daughter, Nancy Chaves and her husband Christian; daughter, Beth Riggs and her husband Farron; daughter, Susan Burge and her husband Brent; grandchildren, Ashley Deeb, Alanna Deeb, Edward Gillison Jr., Ciara White and her wife Tiana, Sara McKissick, Cajetan Deeb, Justin Deeb, Sophia Deeb, Grayson Deeb, John-Paul Deeb, Catalina Chaves, Sebastian Chaves, Baylor Burge, Max Riggs, Emma Burge; great grandchildren, Sa’Mari McGinnie, Cheyanne Deeb. Sara is also survived by her brother, Kenneth Bates; brother, Joseph Davis; sister, Judith Vohden; brother, John Davis as well as many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD on Saturday, September 24 at 11 a.m. A repast will immediately follow. Inurnment will be in Fall River, MA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Parkinson’s Foundation, Children's National Hospital Foundation, or the Peace Corps Partnership Foundation.  











Relatives and friends are invited to Maudis' Life Celebration on Friday, October 7, 2022 from 10 a.m. until the start of the service at 11 a.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745. Interment Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

A memorial gathering will be held on Monday, September 26 from 10:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial is offered at 10:30 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 520 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville, MD. 

James "Jimmy" Edward Hooper, Jr., 79, a lifelong resident of Annapolis, MD, died at his residence on Thursday, September 8, 2022.

Born December 9, 1942, in Calvert County, MD to the late James Edward Hooper, Sr., and Lucille Jones Murphy, he worked as a self-employed carpenter.  Jimmy enjoyed gardening and classic cars.

He is survived by his wife, of 19 years, Deborah Hooper.  Friends are invited to celebrate Jimmy's life on Wednesday, September 14 from 10 am until his funeral service begins at 12 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD.  Interment Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122.

Please take a moment to leave a message to the family by clicking on the Memories tab on this page.

John Penny Smith, of Edgewater, MD, was born on September 24, 1943, and passed away peacefully on September 8, 2022, at 78 years of age. John had been ill for several months and was a resident at the Country House in Cumberland, MD at the time of his passing.
John was born in Atlanta, GA to the late Velpoe and Elizabeth (Penny) Smith, of Annapolis, MD. He graduated from Annapolis High School, and the University of Maryland College Park with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also served in the Army as a reservist.

John was a person dedicated to taking care of his family and friends, whatever was needed. He is survived by his son, Matthew V. Smith and wife, Virginia; his brother, Andrew V. Smith; his son-in-law, Paul Tickle; three grandchildren, Sutton, J.P., and Molly; and his nieces and nephews, Jessica, Amanda, Penny, Adrianne, Benjamin, Renee, Cheryl, and Theodore.  John was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Smith Tickle; and two siblings, Bryant Smith and Mettie (Toots) Smith Henry.

John loved spending time on his boat and plying the waters of the Chesapeake for stripers. He did not like sailboats but would forgive you if you owned one. His favorite places to spend time were Hatteras, NC and the cabin in WV. He loved off-roading on the beach and in the mountains. He loved to research and talk about his next “big purchase” …whatever that may have been, i.e., truck, boat, project car, tires, etc. He was a backyard mechanic and always had a project car that he was working on. 

John had a strong work ethic and valued hard work and honesty. For the bulk of his career, he owned and operated a construction company and built highway bridges and roadways. He was known to review a set of bridge plans and memorize the specifications. 
His employees were loyal, and many worked for him their entire lives.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate John’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Saturday, September 17 beginning at 9 am, followed by John’s funeral service at 10 am in the funeral home’s chapel.

Interment will be at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD.
Online condolences may be offered at: KalasFuneralHomes.com


Alice “Paige” Peterson, 76, of Fort Washington, Md., was called to rest on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Paige was born on April 27, 1946 and was the daughter of the late Carl “Fred” Travers and Alice Renne. 

Paige is survived by her loving husband of forty-eight years, James “Jim” Peterson; daughters Angie Peterson and Deborah Scott; sisters Deborah Simon (Bob), Karla Brown, Lori Gallagher Miller (Doug), Leslie Travers, Lisa Travers, Leanne Parnell, and LaDonna Brady (Sean); brother Len Renne (Melody); nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and god-grandchildren who each held a special place in her heart; and a host of other family members and dear friends. Paige was preceded in death by her parents. 

Paige, the oldest of nine, grew up in District Heights, Md. and graduated from Suitland High School. She was always great with numbers and shortly after high school was employed with the Washington Drug Exchange as an accountant. This is also where she met her husband, Jim. She would leave the company to become the accountant and office manager for Clinton Mechanical Contractors retiring from the company after 40 years of service. Paige also served on Our Savior’s School Board for 23 years.    

Everyone who knew Paige felt her big heart and nurturing nature especially around the Christmas holiday where she would transform her home into a Christmas Wonderland. She was a huge fan of football, her favorite team being the former Washington “Redskins.” She and Jim were season ticket holders for over 35 years and even traveled to super bowls to cheer on their favorite team. 

Paige enjoyed bowling, playing cards, gardening, reading, sewing, and relaxing in her hot tub. She especially loved teaching her younger siblings, nieces and nephews how to swim in the backyard pool during the summer months. And as a true Marylander, would never miss an opportunity to eat steamed Maryland blue crabs. When not in Maryland, you could find Paige with her family at their second home enjoying the sand and water in North Myrtle Beach, SC.      

A celebration of her life will be held at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, Md. 20745, starting with the Viewing on Monday, September 12, 2022 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at noon. Interment will follow at Epiphany Episcopal Church Cemetery, 3111 Ritchie Rd, Forestville, MD 20747.

A celebration of Spencer's life will be held at a later date. Please take a moment and leave his family a condolence by using the memories tab on the left.

A complete obituary will be available soon.

On September 6, 2022, Denny lost his fight with a malignant brain tumor. He is now at peace with the Lord.

Denny leaves behind Daughter Brittney Taylor, Mother Joyce Taylor, Father Carroll Taylor Sr. (deceased). Sister Debra Hutchins (Billy), Niece Jennifer Hickey (Dylan)
Great Niece Rory Hickey Great Nephew Calvin Hickey. Special Friend Willy Alexander, Gang at Oxon Hill Rental. Numerous families and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to Denny's Life Celebration on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The funeral service will start at 11 a.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745. Interment private at a later date. 

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at 11 am at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035

You may leave a condolence for the family by using the memories tab on the left.

Margaret Helen Smith, 85, a 10 year resident of Edgewater and previously of Seabrook, MD, died September 4, 2022 in Annapolis.  She was born in New York on March 12, 1937 to the late Otto and Margaret Bailey.  She worked for many years as an educator at the NASA Child Development Center, and in her spare time she loved tennis, gardening and enjoying her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Robert L. Smith.  She is survived by her children, Robin Mertz of Edgewater, Penny Carlson of Riva, Dave Smith of Edgewater, Bobby Smith of Jacksonville, FL and Randy Smith of Bowie; her grandchildren, Samantha and Zachary Smith, Brandon and Nicole Carlson, Dean, Caitlyn and Kyle Mertz and Aiden Smith and her great grandchildren, TJ Beans, Carson and Crew Mertz.

Family and friends are invited to Margaret's life celebration on Thursday, September 15 from 9 AM until her funeral service begins at 11 AM at The Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD.  Interment will follow in Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville, MD.

Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab on the left side of this page.

Deborah (Debbie) Lee Gaffier, 69, of Edgewater, Maryland, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2022, from an egregious battle with a brain tumor.

Debbie was the loving wife of Thomas, where they shared 28 wonderful years together. She is survived by their four children; Eric, Tifiny,  Trina, and Tricia, and joined in heaven by her daughter Nicole. She also had three grandchildren: Autumn, Jamison, and Emily. She was the eldest child of Fil and Barb and had two siblings, Kevin and Valarie.  

She was a kind and loving person to all those who knew her and was adored by her friends. Debbie loved Jesus and had been a member of the Chesapeake Christian Fellowship (CCF), where she was instrumental in starting the Annapolis Crosswalk on Good Friday. 

Debbie enjoyed: Nature, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and whitewater kayaking. She lived a healthy and happy life and enjoyed many adventures with her husband Thomas. 

“The years have passed, but not so far away. We lived our lives as if we only had one day. I held your hand when your soul said goodbye.  In God’s time I will look into your eyes.” - lyrics by Thomas Ray from the song, “Your Eyes”.  

In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests a monetary gift sent to Debbie’s husband, Thomas, to help pay for funeral expenses. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Chesapeake Christian Fellowship, 377 W Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035. A 
Celebration of Life Reception to follow at South River Park Community Center, 1410 Circle Drive Edgewater Maryland


Please take a moment and leave a condolence for the family by using the memories tab on the left.



Richard (Dick) Henry Grimes, Sr., of Shady Side, was a fisherman, lover of family, baseball,  football and Milwaukee’s Best Light beer which he lovingly called “Beast” died peacefully on September 2, 2022.

Dick was born in Washington, DC, on July 9, 1940, to Russell Emmett Grimes and Elsie Margarite Loveless.  He attended Anacostia High School in Washington, DC.  While in high school, he started a band called The Thunderbirds.  Dick aspired to be a professional musician but life got in the way and at 19 years old he became a father. 

Dick had two careers, one he liked more than the other, the first he was a meat cutter for Safeway Supermarkets.  His second career was a Charter Boat Captain on his beloved Bay Lady.  I think you can guess which one he loved. 

The love for his boat was second only to his bride of 42 years, Delories.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by; his children Judy (Jed) and Richard, Jr., step-children, Terry (Kevin), Pam and Jimmy; his grandchildren Amanda (Dane), Rachel (Andrew), Jessica (Paul) and Jacob; his great-grandchildren Duke and Maverick; his sister Beverly (Joe) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Besides fishing, Dick was an avid Redskins and Nationals fan but his passion was his family. No matter what life threw him, he held fast without defeat. Dick loved big, was larger than life and lived accordingly. We will miss him greatly but we know wherever he is, he is fishing for the big one!

Family and Friends are invited to celebrate Richards’s life on Thursday, September 8 from 12 noon to 1 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A funeral service will follow at 1 pm in the funeral home's chapel. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Deale Captains Association in Dick’s name, P.O. Box 13, Deale, MD 20751.

Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

Christine Ann Combs, age 39, died September 2, 2022.  A celebration of life is being planned at a later date.  Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab located on the left side of this page.

Theron Marcellus Rice, Age 72, lovingly known as “Rice” or “Mr. Rice”, passed away peacefully in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, September 1, 2022. He was a longtime resident of Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, September 16, 2022 at 11am at Allen Chapel AME Church, 2498 Alabama Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020. Viewing from 10-11am. Services immediately following. Interment at Washington National Cemetery 4101 Suitland Rd, Suitland, MD 20746.

Services will be streaming at allenchapelame.org 

Obituaries

Joan Lavender

Michael Melillo, Jr.

Theresa Busada

David Conte

Afrodita PeBenito

Janet Long

Dara Stewart Dillree

William Choate

Lester Cox, Jr.

George Merriweather

Sara Deeb

Maudis Brown

John Himmelberg

James Hooper, Jr.

John Smith

Alice Peterson

Spencer Kligman

Carroll Taylor, Jr.

Borko Kos

Margaret Smith

Deborah Gaffier

Richard Grimes, Sr.

Christine Combs

Theron Rice