Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Relatives and friends are invited to Pepito's life celebration on Tuesday, January 30 from 2 to 8 pm at KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road Oxon Hill MD, 20745. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, January 31 at 10 am at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7804 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. 

Colonel George Calvin Wallace (Retired), 90, a resident of Annapolis for 43 years and previously of Ft. Meade, died January 18, 2024 at Anne Arundel Medical Center.  Born in Brewton, AL to the late Clarence Jefferson and Mary Ellen (Shires) Wallace, he was educated at Livingston College, Shippensburg University and the Army War College, earning a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.  He started his military career with the National Guard, rising to the rank of Sergeant while enlisted.  He then joined the Army, proudly serving during the Vietnam War before retiring in 1979 as a Colonel.  After retiring from the Army, he had a successful career in real estate.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia Butler.  George is survived by his wife of 72 years, Evelyn Louise Wallace; his children, Robert Wallace of Hickory, NC, Sylvia Hardnett of Annapolis and Georgette Wallace of Livermore, CO; his grandchildren, Clinton and Anthony Hardnett, John Childre, Elliott and Elizabeth Butler, Rachel and Lana Volz, Rosa Wallace Everson and Annie Lloyd Nesbitt; 12 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.


Albert Anthony Cantello Sr. (Al), a legendary cross country and track & field coach whose tenure at the Naval Academy spanned 55 years, passed away on Jan. 17, surrounded by his daughters. Cantello was born on June 9, 1931, in Norristown, Pa. to Italian immigrants Michaelangelo Cantello and Cesarina Gaspari Cantello.  Al was the third of five children.

Al's journey unfolded as an outstanding swimmer and diver during his youth. His true athletic calling was revealed through a chance encounter with javelin throwing in high school that led to a remarkable career on the Norristown High School Track and Field Team.

Upon high school graduation, Norristown friend and decorated Olympic Swimmer, Joe Verduer, recognized Cantello’s collegiate potential. With his encouragement, Al left his Norristown factory job and pursued higher education at La Salle University.  

Cantello was a standout member of the La Salle track & field team from 1951-55, where he was a two-time All-American in the javelin. He was enshrined in La Salle's Hall of Athletes as a charter member, as well as the Middle Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame and Penn Relays Wall of Fame for his individual success.

Upon his graduation from La Salle, Al joined the Marine Corps, where he served for 10 years.  It was here that his life continued to thrive as his athleticism took him to countless meets around the world competing in continents he only dreamed about.  

A world-class competitor in the javelin throw, Cantello once held every national and international record in the event. In 1959, he set a world record in the javelin (282 feet 3 inches) and the following year he competed with the U.S. Olympic Team at the 1960 Games in Rome. In 1964, Sport magazine named Cantello to its all-time track and field team and voted him the world's greatest competitor in the javelin.

Cantello will go down in javelin history for having one of the most unique throwing styles in the history of the sport.  His versatility as an agile, all-around athlete became evident as he transitioned his diving and gymnastics talents into the nimble success behind his distinctive throwing style. As a smaller-sized thrower, standing at 5' 8”, Al would "run up" to the throw and catapult his entire body into the air as the javelin took flight, generating heightened momentum for his instrument.

It was also during this period of competition that he was introduced and later married his wife Doris Jacqueline Brownlee (Jackie) in an intimate ceremony at Quantico, Virginia, 1960.   They would remain together, raising three kids, until her death in 2014. 

Cantello took a job at Methacton High School in his hometown of Norristown, where he applied his creative wordsmith talent and competitive spirit as both an English teacher and track & field coach.  

Cantello’s life continued with possibility as he later accepted a coaching position at the Naval Academy. This marked the beginning of his coaching legacy.

Cantello, who retired from coaching on August 30, 2018, served as Navy’s head cross country coach for 50 years.

During his time working with Midshipmen athletes, Cantello collected a combined 49 N-Star victories over Army as the head coach of cross country and track & field programs.
 
"Coach Cantello has influenced so many lives throughout his career, it is impossible to comprehend his influence on so many people," said Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk. "As an educator, coach, inspirational leader and friend, the legacy he leaves behind is immeasurable. Those privileged to have benefited from his insights, wisdom, and humor truly know how extraordinary he was as a husband, father and coach. Everybody has an Al Cantello story and those stories will be a cherished memory forever."
 
A legend in the field of cross country and track & field, Cantello took over the reins of the Navy men's cross country program from Jim Gehrdes in 1968. Only the fourth head coach in the storied 95 years of Navy men's cross country, Cantello almost immediately found success with the Mids and led the team to a shared 1972 Heptagonal Championship and a berth in the NCAA Championship meet. Competing at the Heptagonal Championships through 2002, Cantello and the Mids earned outright titles in 1974, 1992 and 1996. Overall, Navy finished in the top three on 21 occasions, including every year from 1978 through 1986 under Cantello's leadership.
 
After joining the Patriot League in 2003, Cantello and the Mids asserted their dominance on their new conference mates with four second-place finishes over the first-five years before running off eight Patriot League Championships in nine years from 2008 through 2016.
 
The program's success at the conference level carried over to the national scene with 12 total appearances at the NCAA Championships. Following the program's first NCAA appearance in 1972, the Mids competed at the 1974, 1975, 1976, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1997, 2016 and 2017 championships. The 1985 team recorded the highest finish for a Midshipmen squad, as they placed seventh overall in the nation.
 
Aside from Navy's postseason accolades, Cantello made sure the Mids were nearly always in line to check the Army-Navy Star box. Victorious at a 76.5 percent clip, Cantello led the Mids to 37 wins over the Black Knights in his 50 years in charge. The program's most successful run came between 1973 and 1986 when the team won 13 straight head-to-head contests versus its service academy rival.
 
Navy runners found a host of success with Cantello's guidance as 10 student-athletes earned All-America status in cross country and/or distance track events. Four of those Mids were multi-time All-Americans: Ronnie Harris (1985 – XC, 1987 – 3K and 5K); Greg Keller (1992 – Mile & Steeplechase, 1992 – XC, 1993- Mile & Steeplechase); Jon Clemens (1997 – Indoor 5K, 1997 – Outdoor 3K & Steeplechase) and John Mentzer (1997 – Indoor 5K, 1997 – Outdoor 10K, 1998 – Outdoor 10).
 
Additionally, Harris (1988, 1992, 1996) and Mentzer (2008) were two of the six Midshipmen to have competed at the United States Olympic Track & Field Trials under the direction of Cantello. James Dare (1968, 1972), Mark Newman (1996, 2000, 2004), Aaron Lanzel (2004) and Erik Schmidt (2004) make up the complete list of Cantello's Midshipmen distance athletes to have competed for the right to wear the Red, White and Blue in Olympic competition. Dare qualified for Team USA as an alternate in 1972, while Harris qualified for the team in 1996.
 
At the Patriot League level, three Midshipmen won the individual league championship a total of five times with Andrew Hanko finishing first in 2009 and 2010 and Lucas Stalnaker achieving the feat in 2015 and 2016. Steve Schroeder won the title in 2014.
 
A valued member of the track & field program, Cantello was an assistant coach with the Mids from 1968 through 1980 before taking over as head coach from 1981 to 1988. Beginning with the 1989 season, he moved back to an assistant coaching role. As the head coach of the Mids' track and field team, Cantello collected 12 N-Star victories over Army. Cumulatively, he won 49 N-Star wins over cross country, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field. Adding in 51 victories as an assistant coach, Cantello reached the 100-Star milestone with the men's 102-101 win at West Point on April 7, 2018.

As a result of his teams' success, Cantello was recognized as the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Cross Country Coach of the Year four times (1984, 1985, 1992, 2016), NCAA Mid-Atlantic Track & Field Assistant Coach of the Year in 2010 and Patriot League Coach of the Year eight times (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016). In December of 2013, he was inducted into the USTFCCCA Coaches Hall of Fame.

Residing in Annapolis from 1963 until his passing, Cantello leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories. Preceded in death by his parents, siblings, son Albert Anthony Cantello Jr., and his wife Jackie, Al's legacy lives on through the love he shared with his family and for his job. 

Let us remember the way Al illuminated a room with his quick wit, his passion for coaching, his commitment to the USNA track and cross country program, his undying passion for La Salle University, his fierce competitive spirit, and his profound love for his family.

Albert Cantello Sr. is survived by his daughters, Karla McMahon (Michael McMahon) and Karen O’Kane (Gerard O’Kane), daughter-in-law Nancy Cantello, and his grandchildren: Charles Cantello, Samuel Cantello, Kellen McMahon, Koby McMahon, Kylie McMahon, Brendan O’Kane, and Audrey O’Kane.

A visitation to celebrate Albert Cantello Sr.'s life will be held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD, followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 10:30 am. There will be a reception following the funeral in the Vice Admiral Lawrence N* Room at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Al Cantello Sr. ‘55 Memorial Scholarship Fund at La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA. 
 <a href="https://give.lasalle.edu/give/421324/#!/donation/checkout?designation=187736">Please use this link</a> to make a gift with a credit card and include Al Cantello Sr. ‘55 Memorial Scholarship Fund in the comment line. 
Checks can also be made payable to La Salle University and mailed to La Salle University, 1900 W. Olney Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19141, Attn: Development Office. On the memo line, include that the gift is for the Al Cantello Sr. ‘55 Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Online condolences may be left for the family using the Memories link on the left side of this page.

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

Juanita M. Johnson was born January 7, 1938, to Bertha and Earl Johnson Jr. Juanita was educated, employed, and lived in Maryland with her three siblings; India (Louise) Hodge (Delano), Earl Johnson Jr. (Dorothy) (preceded in death) and Carolyn Austin.


Juanita loved her family; knowing everyone was safe and well gave her heart rest. She would give her last to anyone who was in need. She was a very independent, strong-willed, and proud woman. She didn't want anyone to make a fuss over her and she would tell you to back off and we would. She enjoyed the simple things in life like having her morning coffee while watching talk shows and soap operas, playing cards (deuces wild) for a quarter gave her great laughter especially when she would win the pot and side bets. She was a die-hard Washington Redskin fan so having her favorite food and drink; chicken (KFC)and a Pepsi for the game was a must but don't forget dessert, anything sweet would do.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory: Her three children she adored, daughter and namesake Juanita Johnson, son John Johnson, son Steven Johnson (Gale, daughter-in-law preceded in death), and Patricia Burch daughter-in-love. Eight grandchildren; Roxanne, Tonya (preceded in death) James (Man), John Jr. (Lil John), Sonya, Keyonna (Key)(Geno), Latrice(Trice)(Wayne), and Steven Jr. (Stevie). Fifteen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She will be thought of often and deeply missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to Juanita's Life Celebration on Friday, February 2, 2024 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 Resurrection Cemetery Clinton, MD.

Passed away peacefully, on Sunday, January 14, 2024. She is survived by her sons, Steven (Geri) and Kevin; her brother, Chuck (Rebecca); her sister, Thelma; her nieces, Debbie, Kelly Terry, and Julie and her nephews, Ted, Tim, Mike, and Bradley. Also, survived by countless friends. She is predeceased by her husband, Wesley, her mother, Roslind, her father, Francis, her brothers, Paul and Francis, and her sister, Donna. A closed casket viewing and prayer service will be held at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, January 19th from 2-6pm. She will later be cremated and laid to rest in the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Wounded Warriors of St Columba Catholic Church.

On Sunday, January 14, 2024, Anastasia Thomas Johnson, passed away in Washington, DC;  the beloved mother of Kevin Johnson and Leslie (Dwayne) Bond; sister of WIlliam Thomas and Theresa Govan ; grandmother of Jarami, Imani and Kamin Bond. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

Anastasia Thomas (Pearl) Johnson, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, who led a life filled with familial love, civic pride, community awareness, arts appreciation and quiet faith, peacefully departed this life and transitioned to her heavenly home on January 14, 2024. 

Anastasia was born on August 18, 1944, at the District of Columbia General Hospital, the first of three children of William and Frances Thomas. A proud third-generation Washingtonian, she was raised in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood with her younger siblings William (Jimmy) Thomas Jr. and Theresa Govan. While living there, her uncle Joe gave Anastasia her lifelong nickname, “Pete,” which was short for “Popsicle Pete.”

Anastasia’s close-knit siblings say that she was like a second mother. One of their most prominent memories of young Anastasia is of her bossy yet efficient, parental-like nature. As the eldest child, she was naturally left in charge while their parents were not at home, and Anastasia was more than up to the task. Once while she was watching her brother and sister, their mother returned to the apartment to test her. She attempted to gain entry by using a different voice and pretending to be a stranger. Suffice to say, the door was not opened.

Anastasia often kept her nose in the books while Theresa and Jimmy preferred finding their fun outdoors. Some of their friends did not even know they had an older sister. “She was always practical. She just liked to study all the time. She read her books. She was the teacher, and we were the students,” they say of their well-read big sister.

While growing up, Anastasia and her family attended St. Cyprian Church. Her early education included Richardson Elementary School, Shadd Elementary School, St. Cyprian School, and St. Cecilia’s High School, all located in Washington, D.C. After graduating from St. Cecilia’s in 1962, she was the first in her immediate family to attend college, studying for two years at D.C. Teachers College. She would later receive additional training at the Office of Personnel Management, USDA Graduate School and American University.

Anastasia married Francis Cyprian Johnson in 1964, and they became the proud parents of two children, Kevin Cyprian Johnson and Leslie Anastasia Johnson. She was a loving and dedicated mother who led by example and invested greatly in her children’s lives.

Anastasia had a profound, unconditional love for her family, showing up for any and all the major events in her children and grandchildren's lives, not to mention also being present for her siblings, nieces and nephews. She was a family cheerleader, indeed. Not only did she enjoy hosting family in her home for the holidays, but she also looked forward to visiting the homes of her children and grandchildren in St. Louis, Missouri and Charlotte, North Carolina.

As a young woman, Anastasia spent a few years working at the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company before embarking on what would be over thirty years of dedicated service to the federal government. She worked in human resources management and specialized in position classification, position management and management advisory services. 

Anastasia began her government tenure with the Food and Drug Administration as a Position Classification Specialist in the mid 1960’s. Following work at the FDA, Anastasia moved on to the Office of Education/Health, Education and Welfare (now the Department of Education) where for over a decade she held several positions including Director of Classification Surveys and Personnel Management Specialist.

Her next career move spanned two decades of work at the Corporation for National Services and ACTION (now AmeriCorps), where she retired after working in several branch chief capacities. After officially retiring from government work in 1996, Anastasia started her own human resources consulting business, KLJ Associates, named after Kevin and Leslie.

Anastasia always loved being involved in causes and organizations that mattered to her. She threw herself into volunteering with a variety groups and institutions that were close to her heart, covering her many civic and artistic bases.

Among them was Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, where she volunteered as a docent for two decades. The museum honored her with an award for Outstanding Volunteerism at its 45th Anniversary Gala in 2012. Anastasia still holds the status as the longest-serving docent.

Anastasia was an active member of the Prince George’s County Board of Appeals for ten years. As with everything she invested her time in, she took this role very seriously. For Anastasia, it was always “Prince George’s County,” and never, ever “P.G. County.” Rest assured that she would quickly correct you if you did not follow suit.

Anastasia was the Legislative Committee Chairperson for the Prince George’s County Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). As chairperson, she always kept the organization informed about politics and legislation affecting women and families, and encouraged everyone to vote. She served the organization for twenty-five years with twelve years in leadership.

Anastasia was also active as an usher with Arena Stage, one of her favorite theater homes, for over a decade. Arena Stage remembers her as a classy, kind and terrific presence at performances, one who was always courteous to patrons and staff. The theater misses her dearly.

Additionally, Anastasia was a member of the Kennedy Center; charter member of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture; usher for Round House Theatre; president of the United Ostomy Association of Metropolitan - Washington, D.C. Chapter and president of the Hillcrest Towne Homeowner’s Association. Leadership and service were in her DNA.

Anastasia enjoyed books, especially about African-American literature and history and about White House culture. She had a special appreciation for poetry and loved Motown music, home improvement television, museum visits, trips to the casino with her siblings.

Of the arts, the theater was Anastasia’s greatest passion. Her favorite playwright was August Wilson. She regularly attended the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She began exposing her children to Broadway plays when they were young. In 2022, they returned the sentiment for what would be her final Broadway excursion, by gifting her with tickets to see “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.”

Anastasia also enjoyed politics, and would spend hours watching local and national news. The “news junkie” in her would permeate deeply into her journalist son.

A world traveler, Anastasia vacationed in beautiful locales, seeing sights throughout Africa (Senegal, Gambia), Europe (Italy, Spain, England), and the Caribbean including Puerto Rico.

The Lord truly blessed Anastasia with a full, rich and long life. While she was admittedly quiet about her faith, she was confident that Jesus was her savior, God was her anchor and that heaven would be her home.

Anastasia was predeceased by her parents, her favorite aunt Victorine Sullivan, and nephews, Julius Grant and Jamal Jones. Left behind to forever bask in loving memories of Anastasia are son, Kevin Johnson; daughter, Leslie Bond (Dwayne); grandchildren, Jarami Bond, Imani Bond and Kamin Bond; siblings, Theresa Govan and William Thomas Jr.; nieces, Deidre Randol (Jay), Eboni Govan-Grant, and Lovely Taylor; nephews, William Thomas III (Lynn), Anthony Thomas, Trent Randol and Grant Randol; former husband, Francis Johnson and a host of cousins and other family members, friends, neighbors, associates and more.


“And when great souls die, after a period, peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration. Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed.” – Maya Angelou

Relatives and friends are invited to Ms. Johnson's Life Celebration on Thursday, February 1, 2024, with viewing from 10 a.m. until the start of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Woodstream Church, 9800 Lottsford Rd., Bowie, MD 20721. Interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1300 Bladensburg Rd., Washington, DC 20002. 

Memorial contributions may be made to <a href=https://anacostia.si.edu/support>Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum.</a>  The family kindly requests that any flowers ordered be sent to the church. Please leave a condolence for the family by visiting the Memories link on this page. The family welcomes your prayers during this difficult season. 
 

Leon Charles Johnson, 94, a 56-year resident of Edgewater, MD, passed away on January 14, 2024.  Born on September 10, 1929, in Venice Beach, CA, Leon was married 74 years to his high school sweetheart, Beverly, who passed away in July 2023.  Leon was the founder & owner of Johnson Pools in Edgewater, MD.  Leon & Beverly enjoyed restoring their historic home, Gresham, & hosting many events there.  He also enjoyed their annual trips to Cancun.

Leon was passionate about his faith & could often be seen giving out Bibles in both English & Spanish. Leon loved telling stories, & singing, often to complete strangers.  He was extremely active, enjoying snow skiing (& instructing), running (including some marathons), building projects around Gresham, & swimming in Cancun. He was offered a full football scholarship to USC, but chose to marry his Beverly instead.  Leon also enjoyed acting in church plays, & took the role of Scrooge for 2 years.  He went on a number of mission trips in which he helped with construction.
Leon served in the Army Air Corps & Air Force.  He was active in the Annapolis Rotary Club, Gideons International, & Grace Presbyterian Church of Davidsonville.

Leon is survived by his sons Jeff (Terri) Johnson of Riva, MD & Rocky (Lisa) Johnson of FL; daughters Lindy (Bob) Hall of Salisbury, MD, Kathy (Danny) Noble of Princess Anne, MD, Johannah Rebeckah (Michael) Donoghue of Stevensville, MD, Jody (Ken) Germershausen of Henderson, MD, & Lory (Alan) Eng of Edgewater, MD.  He was also the father of the late Greggory Johnson, & Stacy Johnson.  He is also survived by his brother, Jerry (Jill) Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT, & his (like a brother!) brother & sister-in-law, Rich & Joyce Montgomery, as well as 29 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, & 5 great-great-grandchildren.  

We’d like to thank the Brightview South River staff & Hospice of Chesapeake for providing wonderful care for him these past couple of years.  

Services for Leon (& Beverly) will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy, Pasadena, 21122

Please take a moment to leave a condolence for the family by visiting the Memories link on this page.

Michael Kenneth Smith of Frederick (Libertytown), Maryland, formerly of Edgewater, passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at home from complications of Friedreich's Ataxia. Symptoms of the inherited disorder first troubled Mike in his twenties and gradually progressed.

Born on September 6, 1970 in Silver Spring, MD, Mike's early childhood was spent in West Hyattsville where he participated in Boy Scouts, the Boys and Girls Club, and 4-H. When he was thirteen, his mother and brothers moved to his late grandparents' home in Selby-on-the-Bay, Edgewater, where he lived until 2008. He attended Anne Arundel County schools and earned his G.E.D., scoring high enough to be recognized by the Governor of Maryland.

Mike loved watching NASCAR racing and the Washington Redskins, and enjoyed collecting memorabilia. He loved various types of music, ranging from rock groups of his parents' era, to hip-hop, country, and the classical music that settled his son Michael before bedtime when he was a toddler. Mike was able to attend several "Gathering of the Juggalos" events featuring Insane Clown Posse and other bands. He shared this interest with Michael and they were able to attend GOTJ events in Ohio together.

While living in Frederick for the last 15 years, he always considered himself a Selby/Edgewater resident and stayed connected to his friends via Facebook. He tried to attend every milestone event in the lives of his long-term friends.

He enjoyed spending time with his cousin Mike Riedmuller and wife Therese, who traveled long distances to include Mike in snow sports and camping that would otherwise have been out of reach for someone in a wheelchair.

In his able years, he worked in construction and continued to share his expertise with relatives long after he could no longer perform the work.

Mike is predeceased by his daughter, Kayla Marie Smith, and brother, Donovan Patrick Smith. He was the son of the late Richard Kenneth Smith and stepson of Thomas Rozzelle. He is survived by his sons, Tyler Aaron Sipes of Westminster and Michael Joseph Smith of Severna Park; mother, Susan Fallon; brother, Joseph Fallon Smith of Edgewater; and niece, Keeley Fallon Smith. Mike was also a grandfather through his son Tyler. 

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Mike’s life on Wednesday, January 17 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) online at <a href="https://give.curefa.org/give/297095/#!/donation/checkout">www.curefa.org</a>, or by mail, 533 W. Uwchlan Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335.

John graduated in business administration from the University of South Carolina. He worked for many years as a History teacher on an Indian Reservation in Arizona. He also worked for the government in the insurance department and as a facilities manager, until he decided to work on his own to build houses.

John was an adventurous man who liked hunting, fishing, and carpentry. He loved to travel. He lived in many countries including Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, Mexico, England, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Venezuela. He also liked to read, listen to music, and dance.

John was a man of integrity, determination, and intelligence and a loving husband. He married his wife, Luisa, in Madrid, Spain in 2007. (Luisa cherished her many years with him and will miss him dearly.) He was a kind, hardworking Catholic man who loved his parents, siblings, and family. He is survived by his loving wife Luisa Merida Tomko, and siblings: Connie Meyers, David Tomko, and Jill Veit.

Relatives and friends are invited to Mr. John Tomko's Life Celebration on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, January 25 at 10 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD. Please take a moment to leave a condolence for the family by visiting the Memories link on this page.



On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, Charla passed away in Alexandria, VA. She was the beloved wife of the late Ronald Baylor Rowe; beloved mother of C. Christopher and Matthew Rowe. She is also survived by her other relatives and friends.  

A Life Celebration will be held at a later date, please check back periodically for updated information. Condolences may be made by suing the Memories tab on this page.

Lois Cynthia Brady, 86, of Annapolis, MD, passed away Monday, January 8, 2024.

She was born on February 9, 1937, to the late Caroline Virginia and Walter Thomas Sinclair. Raised in Annapolis, MD, Lois stayed there to raise her family.  After 42 years, she moved to Chester, MD, on Kent Island in 1979, where she remained until 1997 when she and her husband retired and moved to Summerfield, FL.  In 2016, they returned to Annapolis to be with family. Lois was a 1955 graduate of Annapolis High School and worked with Nationwide Insurance Company on Riva Road in Annapolis as the administrative assistant to the government relations officer until her retirement. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Summerfield, FL, a member of a large karaoke group in Summerfield, FL, and the Annapolis Moose Lodge. Lois enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and knitting. She loved to sing karaoke and be out with friends and family. Lois also enjoyed cooking and entertaining.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Ritchie Herbert Brady, and three siblings, Walter Sinclair of Horseshoe, NC, John Sinclair of Denton, MD, and Gilma Morgan of Virginia.

Lois is survived by three children, Steven Ritchie Brady of Stevensville, MD, Laura Lynn Wicklund of Annapolis, MD, and Wendy Leigh Clark of Grasonville, MD; four grandchildren, Brian Farrington of Edgewater, MD, Kristin Widmer of San Antonio, TX, Katie Wicklund of Philadelphia, PA, and Samantha Wicklund of Jacksonville, FL; and six great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Lois' life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD, on Monday, January 15, 2024, from noon until Lois’ funeral service begins at 1 pm. Interment will immediately follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 1911 Forest Dr., Annapolis, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, P.O. Box 3471 Annapolis, MD 21403 (online <a href="https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/AACSPCA">here</a>), or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (online <a href="https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html">here</a>).

Please leave a condolence for the family by visiting the Memories link on this page.

RESCHEDULED DATE FOR VIEWING & SERVICE Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Viewing 10am until time of service at 11am at Kalas Funeral Home, Oxon Hill, MD.


Gwendolyn Araminta Betancourt Hankerson was born in Washington, D.C. on February 6, 1946 to Monica Ritmond Betancourt and Jorge Luciano Betancourt who have preceded her in death.  She graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Howard University and a master’s degree in linguistics from Georgetown University.

Gwen married her beloved husband, Colonel Charlie E. Hankerson in 1985 and cherished their union until her death.  Joining their family were Charlie’s children Anita Lynn Hankerson, Leslie Annetta Hankerson, and Charles Edward Hankerson, III (Kenyata).  She is survived by her brother Grattan E. (Sonny) Betancourt (Evelyn), sisters Eleanor V. Horne and Juana A. Betancourt and preceded in death by sister Coralia Betancourt.  She is survived by her niece Monica E. Vaughn and nephews Jorge R. Betancourt (Aisha), and Dr. Anthony C. Betancourt.  Also mourning her are sisters-in-law Dorothy Hankerson and Mildred Hankerson Brown (Jim)and brother-in-law Oswald Hankerson and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

For decades Gwen taught Spanish at McKinley Technology and H.D. Woodson High Schools in Washington, D.C. and was very active in the Washington Teachers’ Union.  For 35 years she was an award-winning real estate agent first for Century 21 and then for Exit Landmark Realty.  

Gwen will be remembered as a loving wife, a caring sister, a generous soul, a supportive mentor, and a hard-working professional.  She will be long remembered and deeply missed.


The family encourages donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers.  

Development Office
Alzheimer’s Association
225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17
Chicago, IL 60601

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Beverly J. Lauver 06/22/37 - 01/07/24

To family and friends who knew Beverly J. Lauver. Beverly passed away early this morning. She was 86. She was quite the character at times and was full of love for everyone she met. She was a happy soul, full of life, and didn’t want to miss out on anything. Don’t make her mad though. She could hold a grudge for sure.  We were all recipients of that over the years. She especially loved animals and babies. She loved having her nails painted. If you were going somewhere, she was in. Didn’t want to miss out! She loved going to the Center for Life Enrichment during the week - she called it her school and she looked forward to seeing her friends there. She was doing pretty well until her health really took a turn about a year ago. Rest in peace sweet Beverly. Run free with no pain. We loved you.



William “Bill” Franklin Sheridan, 89, a long time resident of Edgewater, MD, died on January 6, 2024 at AAMC after a brief illness.

Bill was born in Washington, DC on June 17, 1934.  He grew up in Edgewater, MD (Woodland Beach) and then raised his family in Loch Haven in Edgewater.  He graduated from Annapolis High School in 1952 where he was active in sports playing both baseball and football.  He was a veteran in the Army during the Korean War and also served as a Chinese linguist with the Navy for nine months.  He worked for AT&T for 36 years and served as the Vice President and President of Local 2390 of the Communication Workers of America.  He was very proud of his accomplishments as the head of the union as he regularly wore his blue union jacket many years after his retirement.

Bill started the former Edgewater football team and served as a coach of football and baseball for many years, along with being the President of the Edgewater Athletic Club.

Preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Elizabeth Lee and Franklin Fisher Sheridan, and his daughter, Pamela Rice, Bill is survived by the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Bettie Sheridan; son, William Sheridan and daughter, Kimberly (Bill) Grimsley of Edgewater; sister, Frances Rettstatt of Leonardtown, MD.; Grandchildren, Jenna Rice of Lemon Grove, CA, Elizabeth Sheridan of Edgewater, MD, Tyler (Jude) Grimsley of Copenhagen, Denmark, Lauren (Kevin) Walker of Alexandria, VA, and Patrick Grimsley of State College, PA, and Great Granddaughter, McKenna Walker of Alexandria, VA.

Services will be private.  


Jean Marie Suit Hilleary, 87, passed away quietly in the early morning hours of January 6, 2024. Born on May 10, 1936 in Washington, DC to the late Eva Marie and Charles Everet Suit, Jean was a beautiful soul who was loved and cherished by many. Her family was her world and she will be sorely missed by all of them. She was the beloved mother of Carie (Stanley) Halle, Kelly Parker and Tracy (Mike) Brosnan; grandmother of Erin (Andrew) Shaffer, Nicki Recchio and Kylie Brosnan; great-grandmother of Charlie and Preston Shaffer and Avielle and Mira Recchio; step-grandmother of Alan (Tina) Halle, Jennifer (Tony) Belfiore; step-great-grandmother of Sydney and Max Halle, Michael and Johnny Belfiore and sister of Charles “Bucky” (Snookie) Suit and the late Joan Nau. Per her wishes, there will be no funeral, but the family will have a life celebration at a later date. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Willie “Bill” Arthur Batts, 80, a 51 year resident of Oxon Hill, MD, who passed away suddenly on January 6, 2024, at Ft. Washington Adventist Hospital. Bill was born in Washington, D.C., on September 7, 1943. He began his career of many years as a car salesman, and later pursued a career in the insulation trade, retiring in 2005.  He was the lead singer of a band “The Premiers” back in the early 1960’s highlighting old rock and roll songs. He had a passion for golf, karaoke, and life. He loved keeping in touch with his family and friends through Facebook. He always had a smile upon his face. He loved his Yorkshire Terrier dog and companion “Princess”. He cherished gatherings with his family and friends. He was a loving father and PaPaw with a great sense of humor, and a kind and generous heart to all who knew him. Most importantly, he cherished family. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Mary O’neida Batts and William Marshall Batts. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother Buster Moore, son Donnie Roberts, and grandson Wesley Batts. Bill is survived by the love of his life and wife of 58 years, Lois Batts; son Tony (Jenny); daughter Teresa; son Tim; granddaughters Taylor, Ajah, and Kennedi; grandsons AJ (Jenni), and TJ; great grandchildren Brooke, Anthony, Mia, Zachary, Camryn, Jurnee and bonus grandchildren Nicole, Michael, and Joey, bonus great grandchildren Troy and Trenton. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bill’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory  - 6160 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, on Saturday, January 20, from 2:00 – 4:00 until his memorial service begins at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of choice. Burial will take place at a later date at St. Mary Church Newport, 11555 St. Marys Church Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622.

Condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.



William Richard Roberts,“Bill", known for his unwavering generosity and dedication to friends, passed away on January 5, 2024, at the age of 72 in Davidsonville, MD.  Bill's life was a testament to kindness, camaraderie and selflessness. 

Born on January 21, 1951 at Doctors Hospital in Washington, DC to the late Ezra Zella and Eleanore Jernigan Roberts, Bill was the first of their three sons. He graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1969 and later attended The University of Maryland University College in College Park, MD. He loved baseball, a good cigar, and possibly most of all, his faithful dogs. Bill also had a passion for softball. He sponsored and coached many men's softball teams (Roberts & Sons) over the years, earning him the nickname "Coach" among his good friends and teammates.
 
Bill is survived by his dear friend and partner, Joyce Bellistri; Joyce's daughters, Sara Hodges (Justin) and Maggie Beckmann (Billy); Maggie and Billy's son, Harry Beckmann; and two brothers, Steve and Kevin Roberts. 

Bill's immense generosity knew no bounds. He exemplified true friendship, always extending a helping hand or a listening ear to those in need. His selfless nature and willingness to go above and beyond made a lasting impact on the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him.
 
Friends are invited to Bill’s life celebration at the Bowie Elks Lodge, 1506 Defense Hwy., Gambrills, MD on Saturday, June 22 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memories link on this page.


A Memorial Mass will be offered on Wednesday, January 24th, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 15661 Norbeck Blvd, Silver Springs, MD.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.

Relatives and friends are invited to Jeanne's life celebration on Sunday January 21 from 5 to 7 pm at KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road Oxon Hill MD, 20745. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 22 at 10 am at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7804 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd, Clinton, MD 20735.

John “Jack” McPartland, 84, of Annapolis, MD died on Wednesday, January 3 at his home. Born on December 18, 1939 in Buffalo, NY to the late Patrick and Kathleen McPartland.  Jack grew up in the Riverside section of Buffalo with his brother Bob and sisters Maureen and Shirley. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Duquesne University and an MBA from Canisius College. Jack worked in the pharmacy field for many years, the last 30 with the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Washington, DC. Jack and his late wife, Kathy loved to travel and went on several cruises and trips in Europe and the United States. They were also very active in Marriage Encounter and Jack called those years “the most meaningful of his life”. He was an avid country line dancer and recently began writing his memoir to leave as a legacy for his children and grandchildren. 

Jack lived his life surrounded by a loving family, including his daughter Amy McPartland and her husband Paul Collins, of Gambrills, son Andrew McPartland, of Annapolis, and son John McPartland, Jr, his wife Loreta McPartland, and their children Caitlin, Joseph, and Elizabeth McPartland, of Atlanta. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Jack’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Friday, January 19 from 4 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, January 20 at 9 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to <a href="https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E227886&id=3">Marriage Encounter</a>, 4368 Loma Alegre, El Paso, TX, 79934.

Gregory "Greg" K. Gauvin, 63, a 20-year resident of Welcome, MD, died suddenly on January 2, 2024, in La Plata, MD.

Greg was born in Bordeaux, France, on November 29, 1960, to Nancy Gauvin and the late Fernand Gauvin. He was a well-known 7-Eleven field consultant for 20 years. Before 7-Eleven, Greg worked at Giant Food in their Store Services Marketing Division for 20 years. He coached Little League baseball and the Waldorf Wildcats youth football team. Greg was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, and the University of Maryland sports teams. He was a loving father and pop-pop with a great sense of humor who was dedicated to all he loved. Greg had a kind and generous heart to all who knew him as well being very devoted to serving his community and those he worked with.

Born to Nancy Gauvin of Fredericksburg, VA and the late Fernand Gauvin. In addition to his mother, Greg is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kimberly Gauvin; three sons, Gregory Gauvin, Jr. of La Plata, MD, Andrew (Breanne) Gauvin of Frederick, MD and Joshua Gauvin of Welcome, MD; three siblings, Michael (Karen) Gauvin of Fredericksburg, MD, Christopher (Theresa) Gauvin of Colonial Beach, VA, and Christine (Jerry) Bridgeman of Fredericksburg, VA; three grandchildren, Elias, Hailey, and Clara, and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Greg's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD, on Saturday, January 13, from noon until his memorial service begins at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to Spring Dell Center, Inc., 6040 Radio Station Road, La Plata, MD 20646. Condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.

Anthony Joseph Cusato, 67, a 25-year resident of Annapolis, Maryland and previously of Prince George’s County passed away on January 2, 2024 after a 3-year battle with colon cancer. Born on May 27, 1956 in Washington D.C., Anthony graduated from Potomac Senior High School in Oxon Hill and went on to establish his roofing and contracting company in 1980.

Anthony was a parishioner at St. Mary’s Church in Annapolis and a member of the Knights of Columbus and Anne Arundel Camera Club. He had a love of wildlife photography, kayaking, and historic architecture.

Anthony is survived by his wife of 35 years, Valerie; children, Anthony Cusato of Annapolis, MD and Gabrielle (Benjamin) Hogin of Virginia Beach, VA; and brothers, Michael of Stokesdale, NC, Nicholas of Snow Hill, MD, John of Millsboro, DE, and Gerald Cusato of Greensboro, NC.

Mass of the Resurrection will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD on Saturday, January 20 at 10:30 am. Condolences may be made by using the Memories button on this page. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Assateague Island Alliance (online <a href="https://assateagueislandalliance.org/products/general-donation">here</a>) or Tunnels to Towers (online <a href="https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/?_gl=1*4vxoya*_ga*MTM2MjEzNzE0Ni4xNzA0NDc4Njc4*_ga_KKJBEGGEYM*MTcwNDQ3ODY3OC4xLjAuMTcwNDQ3ODY3OC42MC4wLjA.#!/donation/checkout">here</a>). 

Father Thomas E. Ryan, 79, a beloved Catholic priest who celebrated his golden jubilee this past October, passed away on January 2, 2024. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, on June 2, 1944, Father Ryan graduated from Pittsburgh's Central Catholic High School, where he first felt the call to his vocation, and from La Salle University in Philadelphia. He joined the Christian Brothers' order and, while teaching at Calvert Hall College High School, was drawn to the priesthood. After completing studies at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, MD, he was ordained at St. Michael the Archangel in Overlea on October 20, 1973.

Following assignments at St. Dominic, the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, where he was assistant director, and St. Ursula, all in Baltimore, Fr. Ryan was installed as pastor of Holy Family in Davidsonville. During his almost ten years of service there, he led the design and construction of the parish's 500+ seat church and oversaw the creation of many ministries in the newly formed parish. He was later assigned to the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland before being named chaplain at the Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn in 2000.  

Father Ryan left Spalding in 2003 to become a chaplain at the Newman Center at Johns Hopkins University and then, from 2010 to 2016, served as chaplain at Towson University before returning to Archbishop Spalding as a part-time chaplain until his retirement in 2022. 

Father Ryan was a loving and caring shepherd, known for his kindness, compassion and dedication to his faith, parishioners and students. He was a good listener and always had a word of encouragement or advice. He was also a gifted preacher who could deliver a sermon that was both inspiring and thought-provoking as well as memorable. However, he not only preached the Gospel of the Lord, he lived it; he was a man of great faith and conviction. Father Ryan was always willing to stand up for what he believed in, even when it was unpopular. He was a strong advocate for social justice, working always to make the world a better place. All of this was peppered with a devilish sense of humor and wit, and a deep-seated humility, strengths that immediately put people at ease.  

Father Ryan was preceded in death by his parents, Jack R. Howard and Gertrude S. Ryan Howard; his siblings, Johanna Hackett, Andrew Boney (the late Carol), Charles Boney, Theresa Stevick (the late Kenneth) and Mary Kay Walker; nephews, Michael Boney, Jimmy Barbarino and Jimmy White; and nieces Tara Dunbar and Kaitlynn Boney.

He is survived by 10 nieces and nephews, Maureen Mitchell (late Nat), Robert Boney, Thomas Boney Sr. (Charlene), Denise Kruse (Ed), Nancy Boney, Jill Enterline (Tim), Becky Marapese (late Tony), Ron Barbarino (Heather), Melanie Stevick and Liz Moore (James); 22 great-nieces and nephews and eight great-great nieces.

Father Ryan will be deeply missed by his family, friends and former parishioners and students. He was a special man who touched the lives of many.

Archbishop William Lori will offer Mass in Fr. Ryan's memory at 10:30AM on Saturday, February 10 at Archbishop Spalding High School, 8080 New Cut Road, Severn, MD 21144.  Inurnment will take place at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the <a href="https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=8892048c-a066-4469-8520-23c1f8da5e11&envid=p-ymy6gZ0hOUOqwDxQk-c76Q&zone=usa&desid=119">Father Thomas E. Ryan Endowed Scholarship Fund</a>.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Obituaries

Pepito Hinahon

George Wallace

Albert Cantello, Sr.

Alma Weaver

Juanita Johnson

Mary Thorne

Anastasia Johnson

Leon Johnson

Michael Smith

Mr. John Tomko

Charla Rowe

Lois Brady

Gwendolyn Hankerson

Beverly Lauver

William Sheridan

Jean Hilleary

Willie “Bill” Batts

William Roberts

Steven Amoia

Jeanne Pike

John "Jack" McPartland

Gregory Gauvin

Anthony Cusato

Rev. Thomas Ryan