Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Larry "LB" Brannon, 80, passed away peacefully after a long battle with respiratory illness.

Larry was born in Washington, DC on April 15, 1943, to Helen Braun Brannon and Arnold Knupp. He and his sisters were raised by his mother and Jack Brannon. Married for 58 years, Larry and Linda were high school sweethearts. He spent the early part of his marriage in the Marine Corps working as a mechanic on Fighter Jets. After the Marine Corps, he and his partner Larry Rinck went into business as L&L Tools selling automotive tools throughout the metropolitan area. Larry always had a love of old cars. Before he was of age to drive, Larry’s Dad bought him a 55 Ford Convertible and he had to call on his friends to take him for a ride in his own car. He accumulated six more cars over the years and loved keeping them in tip-top shape. Larry enjoyed fishing and crabbing off of his beloved boat, the Irish Lady and he loved sharing his home and having many crab feasts with family and friends.  In addition to his love of being on the water, he enjoyed being part of a Club he and his friends created called the B.A.R., and collectively they purchased a hunting cabin in Pennsylvania where they enjoyed hunting and four-wheeling in the mountains.  This was also a wonderful gathering place for friends and family over the years where so many good memories were made.  He also enjoyed playing golf in a golf league with several of his friends. Once he retired, he helped his wife Linda at her real estate and became known as the sign man in her Bowie office.  He will be dearly missed.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Linda Brannon; three children, Nicole (Sean) Gownley of Annapolis, MD, Shane Brannon of Florence, SC, and Seth (Monica) Brannon of Friendship, MD; two sisters, Charlene Brannon of Port St. Lucie, FL and Robin Brannon of Waynesboro, PA; and 11 grandchildren, Ally (25), Maya (24), Alayna (23), Anthony (21), Nellie (20), Jack (19), Carlie (18), McKenna (17), Elle (13), Hunter (13) and Cole (10).

He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Sean Brannon, and a grandchild, Taylor Brannon.  

The family welcomes friends to a Celebration of Life on July 29th at 10:00 am at Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD. A reception will follow.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contribution be made to <a href="https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html">St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105</a>.

Online condolences can be made by using the memories link on the left.

Judith Ann Stokes (Gertie), 71 peacefully passed away on June 28, 2023, in the comfort of her Edgewater home surrounded by family.

Judy was preceded in death by her father Grover Caywood Vermillion.

She was a loving wife to Robert Stokes for 34 years. She was a wonderful loving mother to four boys and one daughter, William (Ricky) Stommel (Kate), Charles Stokes, and Kimberly Lucas (Jerry). A wonderful loving Grandmother (Gram) to 8 grandchildren: Felicia Nicolle (Kevin), Kaitlyn Stokes, Delaney Stokes, and Paiton Stommel along with 2 great-granddaughters. Judy is survived by her mother, Margaret Vermillion, and two brothers, Grover Vermillion, Jr and Gregory Vermillion (Anna). Judy had many nieces and nephews who also adored her.

Judy was a member of Chesapeake Christian Fellowship and sang in the praise band serving her Lord and Savior for almost 20 years. Judy also sang with Capital City Sound along her with husband Bobby and numerous friends who were more like family.

Judy loved to garden, football games, watching QVC, and being surrounded by family and friends.  

Judy had the most beautiful, kindest soul. Her smile would light up a room and any person she met would just adore her. She will forever be missed and always loved.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Judy's life on Tuesday, July 11 at 7 pm at Chesapeake Christian Fellowship 377 West Central Ave. Davidsonville, MD 21035.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page. 

Jeanette Amy Irwin Sims, 95, formerly of College Park and Annapolis, MD, peacefully passed from this life to the next on June 27, 2023 while in the company of her family. She was born and raised on her family’s farm– “Major’s Choice” –in Bel Air, MD by her late parents, Maye Hoppers and F.M. Irwin, Sr. along with four sisters and a brother. After graduating from Bel Air High School in 1946 she attended the University of Miami in Florida for two years before transferring to the University of Florida to become a member of the ﬁrst co-educational graduating class. While at the University of Florida she was instrumental in establishing the Chi Omega sorority chapter. After college she moved to Washington, DC and began her career with the Department of Defense at the Pentagon. In 1953 she married Edgar Sims, Jr. and began a 60 year love aﬀair that produced four children, 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. The newly married couple almost immediately ventured into the lodging business in College Park, MD, buying a small motel. Over 30 years of innovation and hard work, the Sims built the business into a sizeable enterprise that currently trades as a publicly listed real estate investment trust, Sotherly Hotels and a national hospitality management company, Chesapeake Hospitality. Jeanette was an active member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Paint Branch Garden Club, the Altar Guild for the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., University of Maryland Terrapin Club, Sherwood Forest Club, Columbia Country Club, Annapolis Yacht Club and numerous other civic associations and charities. After retirement, the Sims enjoyed spending time at their summer home in Sherwood Forest and their winter home in Naples, FL, entertaining their family and many friends. Jeanette was the consummate wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Ed Sims. She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Kim E. (Shaye) Sims of Chevy Chase, MD, Andrew M. (Susan) Sims of Williamsburg, VA, Christopher L. (Christy) Sims of Edgewater, MD, and Amy Sims (Brad) Loisel of Cary, NC; her twelve grandchildren:, Caroline Sims Laﬃte of Savannah, GA, Parker Sims of Silver Spring, MD, Ashley Sims Kirkland of Williamsburg, VA, Brittany Sims Bayly of Chevy Chase, MD, Lauren Sims Risley of Fairﬁeld, CT, Andrew Mack Sims of Williamsburg, VA, Caitlin Sims of Edgewater, MD, Andrew Loisel of Clayton, NC, Courtney Sims Mackay of Ijamsville, MD, Melissa Loisel of Alexandria, VA, Victoria Sims of Annapolis, MD and Lindsey Loisel of Cary, NC as well as twenty great grandchildren. The Sims’ family will receive friends at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Monday, July 10 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. A private funeral service will be held at the Mt. Carmel Primitive Baptist Church in Bel Air, MD. Interment Mt. Zion Church Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed by a donation to Mt. Carmel Primitive Baptist Church, PO Box 591, Forest Hill, MD 21050. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Delores J. Kane, 94, a 30-year resident of Annapolis, MD, died on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, DE.  Known as "Dee" to family and friends, she was born on March 16, 1929 in Punxsutawney, PA to the late Emery and Lucille Mc Intrye.  Following her graduation from high school, Dee moved to Washington, DC and, at the age of 16, she worked at the F.B.I.  Shortly after her arrival, she met her beloved husband, the late Manuel E. Kane. Dee was a longtime member of the United Church of Christ of Annapolis and loved playing bridge, bowling, oil painting, playing slot machines, and spending time at the Chesapeake Ranch Club. She is survived by four children, Sharon Kakascik and Linda Gilbert of Millsboro, DE, Patti Turner of Selbyville, DE, and Tim Kane of St. Leonard, MD; eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to celebrate Dee’s life on Sunday, July 9 from 2 pm until her funeral service begins at 4:30 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment will be on Monday, July 10 at 11 am at Southern Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 10155 Ward Rd., Dunkirk, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dee's name to your favorite charity. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.


Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, July 29th from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, with a funeral service to begin at 12 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. 

Joan Marie Knappen Zegalia was born on July 31, 1936, in the sleepy little town of Carbondale, PA to her loving parents, Edward Knappen and Hannah Briggs Knappen. 
 
Joan grew up helping her parents at their family fish market. Eventually, she graduated from St Rose High School in Carbondale, PA. After that, she took a correspondence course in interior decorating. 
 
One night, whilst out sipping Singapore Slings with her best friend, she was spotted by a handsome young man named John Zegalia. John saw her across the bar and was taken by the beautiful Joan. After a period of courting and romance, the two were married at St. Rose of Lima Church in Carbondale, PA. To help pay the rent while John finished his college degree, Joan worked as a jewelry saleswoman at the Globe Department Store in Scranton, PA. The couple then moved to Maryland, where John worked at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt. From there they began growing their family. 
 
Joan and John had four children: Ann Al-Jazrawi, John (J.B.), Michael, and Steven. After raising her four children, she resumed her education, pursuing classes in floral arrangements, child development, and eventually earning her child care certificate and then working in daycare. Joan always loved crafts and painting. She was a proper and feminine lady with her favorite colors being pink and light green. 
 
Even after the nest was empty, her family continued to grow, leaving her with six grandchildren: John Al-Jazrawi, Alexander Al-Jazrawi, Allison Zegalia, Michelle Zegalia, Charles Zegalia, and Rachael Zegalia. She had one great-grandchild, Whelan Robinson.

Friends are invited to celebrate Joan’s life on Monday, July 17 from 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 18 at 1 pm. Interment will follow at 2:30 pm at the  Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Quintina Pascual Gaspar, 105 years old, of Clinton, Maryland, received her angel wings on Monday, June 26, 2023.

She was born in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines on October 28, 1917 and one of nine children to Doroteo Pascual and Ines Labuguen. Her parents and all siblings predeceased her.

Quintina studied in the Philippines at Fashion Deluxe School and became an excellent seamstress. She was an amazing, very generous person. She was a caring housewife, loving mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and a friend. She was a very hard worker. Quintina had a heart of gold. She has her own unique way of uplifting all whom she came into contact with.

She married Francisco Benito Gaspar who predeceased her on November 14, 1970. They have 6 children (2 sons, 4 daughters) 3 of whom predeceased her (Franklin, Jacobo and Cleofe La Morena).

She is survived by three daughters and their spouses: Erlinda G. Alvarado (Sancho), Patria G. Balod (Romulo) and Rosa Maria G. Macaspac (Orlando); Grandchildren: Elena E. Gaspar Ganotisi, Edith E. Gaspar Sarmiento, Roslynn E. Gaspar Fortunato, Rolando C. Gaspar, Richelieu C. Gaspar, Russell C. Gaspar, Reinanee C. Gaspar, Rodolfo G. La Morena, Cleonie G. La Morena Forte, Eileen Gaspar Alvarado, Myrna G. Alvarado Monterrosa, Monica Anne G. Balod Fernandez, Orlando G. Macaspac Jr. &amp; Christina G. Macaspac Dienzo, all her nephews and nieces, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, grandchildren-in-law, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law in the United States and the Philippines.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 12 th from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory: 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Memorial service is on Thursday, July 13 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s of Piscataway Church: 13401 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD 20735. Burial to follow in St. Mary’s Church Cemetery.

Frances M. Prout Rutan

An angel lent to us has returned to heaven. Frances (Fran or Franny) passed peacefully at home looking at the bay with her sons by her side on Sunday, June 25, 2023. Born November 30, 1939 in Washington, DC to the late Richard Murphy and Esther Woolls,  Fran attended Catholic University and the University of Maryland and received a BS Degree in Electrical Engineering. Fran was employed by the United States Navy as an electrical engineer for 29 years. Fran touched many lives with her kind, unselfish, and compassionate deeds. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, family, and friends, entertaining at her home, teaching ceramics to children, spending time with her sons, spoiling her grandchildren, and ice cream. Fran was preceded in death by her husband, William R. Rutan, and her brother, Michael Murphy. She is survived by her sons, John Prout (Diane), James Prout (Tammy), and stepchildren, Cathy Swanson, Liam Rutan (Jory), granddaughters, Savannah Prout, Faith Jackson, and Sady Swanson, and great granddaughters, Violet and Willow Jackson. The family would like to thank home care provider, Starlette Harris, and her staff for taking such good care of Fran. Family and friends are invited to Fran’s visitation on Thursday, June 29 from 10:30-12:00, followed by her funeral service beginning at 12 p.m. at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD. A reception will follow the burial at the South County Deale Moose Lodge, 1401 Snug Harbor Rd., Shady Side, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity for children of your choice.  



John was born October 26, 1934, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to parents John Zyla and Julia Shaposka. “Jack” was the youngest of 4 children, with older siblings Eleanor, Lorraine, and Lawrence and grew up in a rowhouse on Gross Street in the Bloomfield area. 

Jack attended Central Catholic High School and graduated in 1952. Later he attended Duquesne University in downtown Pittsburgh and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1959. He relocated to Washington D.C. working as a Statistician for the U.S. Census Bureau.  Most of his career was spent working at the Pentagon for the Department of the Army, including a three-year tour in Stuttgart, Germany at Kelley Barracks. In retirement, he worked at the Navy Yard and H.R. Block for many years. 

After relocating to D.C., John met the love of his life, Rosa working at her family sewing shop business. He requested for her to sew a button back on, which she graciously declined, but gladly accepted a date to the carnival with him instead.  They were married on July 4th in 1962 and John would love to say, that he lost his Independence on Independence Day. They were married for 40 wonderful years until her death in 2003.

John and Rosa were blessed with three children; John, Donna, and Thomas and enjoyed raising their loving family together. John always put his faith in God and with his family were always the most important. He was a good provider and emphasized the importance of education, instilled in us many values and virtues, and always led by example. 

John and Rosa attended St Ignatius Catholic Church for many years, where he served as an usher and an active member of the Knights of Columbus.  After retirement, John and Rosa moved to Arlington, VA and attended St Agnes Catholic Church. He was a big fan and season ticket holder of the Washington Redskins enjoying games with his children and grandchildren. He was also a fan of the Washington Nationals baseball and Capitals hockey teams.  He was a good husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and he will be truly missed. Everybody loved, “Bumpa” as he was affectionately called. 

Many wonderful moments were created and are still talked about today, as we pass these stories down to our own children, that keep us smiling and laughing every time we get together.

On June 25, 2023, John passed away peacefully, surrounded by family after a long battle with dementia.  He is predeceased by his loving wife of 40 years, Rosa Zyla. He is survived by his three children; John D (Tabatha) Zyla of Ridge, Md; Donna (Neal) Swientisky of Centreville, VA; Thomas S. Zyla of Severn, MD, and 10 grandchildren: Becky (Chris) Alpeter, Zachary, and Jacob Zyla; Paige (Keith) Miccio, Gabriella, Olivia, Nicholas, and Eleanor Swientisky; Nathan and Ariana Zyla, also two great grandchildren; Henry and Eloise Miccio. He is also survived by sister; Lorraine Baker of Pittsburgh, PA and predeceased by siblings; Eleanor Impavido and Lawrence Zyla. 

Family and friends will be received July 5, 2023, at Saint Ignatius Catholic Church in Oxon Hill, Maryland at 10am. Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Ignatius Church at 11am. Following the funeral, his burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, MD.  To honor the memory of John R. Zyla, the family kindly asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the International Rett’s Syndrome Foundation. 





On June 19th, 2023, Elizabeth Ann Turner passed away in her sleep, joining the kingdom of God. Ann is preceded by her late husband of 45 years, Geral E. Turner. She is survived by her three children, Sandy and her husband, Chris, Gary, and Mark; her six grandchildren, Robyn and her husband, Rick, Sarah and her husband, Chris, Heather and her husband, Chad, Rebecca and her partner, Justin, Samantha and her fiancé, Ryan, and Andrew; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Ann was born September 24th, 1931 in Salem, West Virginia, to Andrew Jackson and Margaret Elizabeth Varner. In 1956, Ann married the love of her life, Geral, in Weirton, West Virginia. Now living in Maryland, their family of two quickly became a family of five. Ann enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and being an active member in the church and The Gideons. 

Ann was a special, one of a kind woman. She had a warming presence to her and was welcoming to all. She was an amazing daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by each person who her light touched. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ann’s life on Thursday, June 22 from 10 am to 12 pm at Grace Baptist Church , 7210 Race Track Rd, Bowie, MD 20715.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Gideons in Ann’s name.

Online condolences and tributes can be made by using the memories tab on the left. 













   Online condolences and tributes can be made by using the memories tab on the left.

Wife, sister, mother, grandmother.
Litigator, artist, explorer, friend.

The Honorable Judge Darlene Greenwell Perry Camus, age 84, peacefully passed away in the comfort of her Odenton home, that she shared with her daughter, Deanna, on Sunday June 18, 2023.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, William Burdy Greenwell and Mary Elva Hyde; her brother, David Greenwell and her husband, Edward P. Camus.

She was the loving mother of Lisa Marie (Ricky) Ingley and Deanna Carole; sister of Victoria D. (James) Petrie and proud grandmother of Chelsea Marie Ingle, Rachael Darlene (Samantha) and Amy Katherine Pietkiewicz.

Before she was a wife, mother or grandmother, Darlene was a driven student with a voracious appetite for learning. From a one-room schoolhouse, Darlene would eventually find herself at the evening program at the University of Baltimore School of Law where she would later graduate as a member of its first accredited graduating class.

From there, Darlene’s legal career would span five decades- clerk, law librarian, private lawyer, deputy public defender, and ultimately Circuit Court judge. Darlene fought and repeatedly proved herself over and over again to become one of the area’s first women members of the bar and the bench. As a public defender Darlene was a fierce advocate and formidable adversary; once described by one publication as “an iron fist in a velvet glove.” As a member of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court bench, she was fair and just.

When Darlene retired from her lengthy and admirable time in the legal field, she and her husband, Ned, were able to enjoy years together in their dream home that they built together in the quiet and breathtakingly beautiful town of Ruidoso, NM. Even though Darlene had retired, she still used her time in New Mexico to take art and Spanish classes, and even published a children’s book- You Can’t be a Cowboy, Your Hat’s Too Big. Darlene so very much enjoyed hosting her friends and family, showing them the beautiful mountain vistas, Native American art and cultural events and exploring the many western travel destinations that captured Darlene’s heart.

Darlene loved to be surrounded by her friends and family. Her home was the gathering spot that brought everybody together. We will immeasurably miss our beloved matriarch and look forward to honoring her memory every time that we come together.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Darlene's life on Tuesday, June 27 from 2  to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD and on Wednesday, June 28 from 10:30 am until Mass of Christian Burial is offered at 11:30 am at St. Peter's Parish, 2900 Olney Sandy Spring Rd, Olney, MD. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, MD. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Josephs Indian School, PO Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325. Online Condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.

Ada Mae Randolph, 69, a resident of Lexington Park, MD for over 5 years, and previously of Brentwood, MD, died on June 17, 2023, at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Known to family and friends as Mae, she was born December 5, 1953, in Norwalk, OH to the late Kenneth Boggs and Virginia Sexton. She worked as a veterinary technician until her retirement to spend more time with her beloved grandchildren. Mae enjoyed true crime, writing poems and songs, arts and crafts, cats, and spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, Mae was preceded in death by two sons, Steven Randolph and Kenneth Moore, and a brother, Larry Boggs.  She is survived by her husband of 41 years, David Randolph; four children, Kevin Randolph of La Plata, MD, Victoria Palmer of Severn, MD, Virginia Moore of Palm Bay, FL, and Miranda Randolph of Lexington Park, MD; two siblings, William "Benny" Boggs of Laurel, MD and Deborah Whorley of Stafford, VA; and eight grandchildren, Karleigh and Lania Randolph, Brooke and Taylor Clayton, Adleigh Randolph and Nicholas Kearns, and Eleanor and Cecilia Palmer.

A celebration of Mae's life will be held at the family's home on July 2.

Please take a moment to leave a condolence by visiting the Memories link on this page.

Norman R. Stone, Jr., 87, longest serving State Senator in Maryland history, passed away June 16, 2023. Born on September 8, 1935, in Baltimore, MD to the late Lucy and Ray Stone, Norman grew up with his sister Irma on E. Lombard Street in Highlandtown.  He attended the local public elementary and junior high schools and was a proud graduate of Baltimore City College, a college prep high school.  Norman attended college and law school at night at the University of Baltimore, working during the day as a bricklayer.  He was an accomplished saxophone player. In his teens and early twenties, Norman played in top local bands when he wasn’t attending school or laying brick.  The most well-known of the bands was called “Norman Ray and the Jazz Bombers.”  His favorite pastime was fishing, striking fear in the hearts of fish everywhere.  He always carried his fishing rods, tackle box, and saxophone in the trunk of his car in case an unexpected opportunity should arise.  Norman was a man of action; one of his favorite sayings - only partly tongue-in-cheek - was: “do something even if it’s wrong.”Norman passed the Maryland bar exam on his first try and became a lawyer in 1960. He was a member of the Maryland General Assembly from 1963 to 2015, serving four years in the House of Delegates, and the remaining 48 years in the State Senate.  During this time, Delegate/Senator Stone diligently served the people of the southeast area of Baltimore County, which includes his adopted hometown of Edgemere. He never lost an election. He served as President Pro Tem of the Senate from 1995-1999, and thereafter as President Pro Tem Emeritus until his retirement in 2015.  Senator Stone served on numerous committees and task forces and was a member of countless community associations and other civic organizations. Norman was married for the last thirty-eight years to his devoted and loving wife, JoAnne, and he shared his life with his loving family, including children, Norman Stone, Lori Josey, David and Jerry Stone; stepson, Lennie Lehner, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Denise Stone; son-in-law, Ashley Josey and eight grandchildren, Lauren, Ryan, Jessica, Emily and Megan Stone, Brant Raper, Lennie Lehner III and Makayla Stone. He is also survived by 4 nieces, who are the daughters of his late sister, Irma; his constant canine companions, Gracie, Molly and Rose and by many other relatives and friends. Friends are invited to celebrate Norman’s life on Saturday, June 24 from 2 pm until his funeral service begins at 5 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Condolences may be made by visiting the Memories link on this page.

Thomas S. “Tom” “Tommy” Englar, Jr., age 90, loved the outdoors.  Whether it was through hiking, skiing, tennis, canoeing, or working in the yard, he shared this love with his wife (of 37 years), Kathy Bright Englar, and passed it to his two daughters, Kathy A. Englar of Truckee, CA and Carol J. Fiertz of Seattle, WA, who in turn passed it to Tom’s grandchildren, Natalie Fiertz, Katja Fiertz, and Lisa Lacampagne.  

Tom’s friend and co-worker, Dave Haley, said that “Tom was widely recognized for his application of mathematical expertise to a great variety of technical problem areas in the aerospace and defense industries.  He provided significant and unique contributions in support of NASA, US Army, US Navy, and the Ballistic Missile Defense Office.  Besides his technical expertise, he was widely acknowledged to be ‘easy to work with’.  Tom’s co-workers always felt it was a pleasure to work with him and for him.”

Tom volunteered at Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in the education program.  He also became a Certified Master Naturalist and was a member of the Old Rag Master Naturalists.  Both allowed him to share his love of the outdoors with others.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC – Education Dept.), 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater MD 21037, or Maryland Therapeutic Riding Center, 1141 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville MD 21032.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.KalasFuneralHomes.com


Jacob Dylan was born in Clinton, MD on Apr 6, 2015 to parents, Nathan John and Diana. Jacob loved going to school and finished 2nd grade at Tayac Elementary.

Jacob Dylan was known by his friends and family to have passionate love for cartoons and inheriting an artistic talent from his dad, Jacob had a love for drawing such as SpongeBob, Minions, Dinosaurs (Blue from Jurassic World), Roblox, Spider-Man, and Sonic the Hedgehog his most loved cartoon character. He proudly stated he wanted to be an artist when he grew up. He has a collection of his favorite cartoons that varies year-to-year as he changes it from birthday-to-birthday.

A lively and outgoing child, Jacob has a very contagious smile and laughter. He cracks everybody up with his famous TikTok dances and pranks. He was a happy child considering the battles that were fought by him. He mustered strength through his family especially his cousins.

Most of all, Jacob had a very special and unbreakable bond with his parents. He was extremely close to both his mother and father. With Jacob being a sunshine, he gave his parents love and joy every day.

He loved his family like no other, unwavering and unconditional. He was a strong and brave kid. On his last moments, while gasping for thin air, he looked at everybody and said “I LOVE YOU ALL GUYS”, words that will forever be cherished by his family's hearts.

Jacob Dylan will always be remembered as a child who loved his family and friends with all his heart. Jacob will be dearly missed and forever cherished by everyone who had the privilege to know him.

He will be forever missed. Until we meet again.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at the family's home on Monday June 26th through Wednesday June 28th at 8907 Oldfield Court Fort Washington, MD 20744. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday June 29th at 10:00 AM at St. Columba Catholic Church. 

Matthew “Jacob” Coale, 24, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at his home. He grew up in the Annapolis/Crownsville area and graduated from Annapolis High School where he played golf, baseball and participated in the ROTC program. Growing up, Matthew attended church and enjoyed going on mission trips to Haiti, Hawaii and the Philippines. He enjoyed all sports but loved the game of golf. He was a Redskins and Orioles fan and enjoyed watching them on TV but outdoors is where he wanted to be; horseback riding, fishing, hiking, anything outdoors. Matthew is survived by his parents, Thomas and Veronica Coale; his siblings, Thomas (Kelsey) Coale, Jr. and Patricia (Albert) Coale Suniga; 3 nieces, a nephew and family and friends that loved and supported him. Friends are invited to celebrate Matthew Jacob Coale's life on Friday, June 23 from 12 pm until his memorial service begins at 1 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery in Annapolis, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Matthew Jacob Coale's name to the Arundel Lodge, ATTN: Mary Henry, 2600 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037 (arundellodge.org). Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

William Richard “Bill” Rutan, 84, passed peacefully at his home in Shady Side, MD on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Born on December 4, 1938 in Washington, DC to the late William D. and Mary L. Rutan, Bill graduated high school and worked as an electrician  who got his start in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union, Local 26. He helped construct the 800 mile long crude oil Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System and later in life, as a building contractor he constructed and sold homes with his wife and family. Bill was known to bring along a bushel of crabs to the building sites when he distributed paychecks on Fridays, as well as a few cold Budweisers for the crew. An avid Redskins and Nationals fan, Bill was a member of the South County Deale Moose Lodge where he enjoyed the ball games and playing in the darts league along with a few cold Budweisers. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. They vacationed from Alaska to Aruba with Cancun being a family favorite. The family would like to recognize and thank Starlette Harris and her crew for their dedication with home care for Bill and Fran during their time of need.  Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Rutan and his brother in law, Mike Murphy. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Frances M. Prout Rutan; his children, Cathy Swanson, Liam Rutan (Jory), Jim Prout (Tammy) and John Prout (Diane); his granddaughters, Sady Swanson, Faith Jackson and Savannah Prout and his great granddaughters, Violet and Willow Jackson. Friends and family are invited to Bill’s visitation on Tuesday, June 20 from 2 to 3:30 pm, with his funeral service beginning at 3:30 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment will take place on Wednesday, June 21 at 2 pm at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD. A reception will follow at the South County Deale Moose Lodge, 1401 Snug Harbor Rd., Shady Side, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

George E. Bergmann, 78, a 30-year resident of Riva, MD, passed away on June 11, 2023, in Annapolis, MD, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

George was born on September 29, 1944, in Baltimore, MD to the late Karl and Virginia Bergmann. George earned his science degree in Information Systems from the University of Maryland and worked as a System Administrator for Lockheed Martin in support of the US Air Force.

George served in the US Navy as a Cryptologist from 1963-1965.

George enjoyed boating, working outside in his yard, spending time with his granddaughters and he especially adored his pet dogs and cats.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his wife Laura Bergmann. He is survived by his two daughters, Kara Bergmann of Crofton, MD, and Lauren Dudley, and her husband Barry, of Riverside, NJ, and one brother, Karl Bergmann of Aiken, SC. He is also survived by his two granddaughters, Abigail and Emma Dudley, both of Riverside, NJ.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate George’s life on Saturday, June 24th from 10:30 am until his memorial service begins at 11 am at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, 1815 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403 or online at <a href="https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/AACSPCA">SPCA OF AA COUNTY</a>



Please take a moment and leave a condolence for George's family by using the memories tab on this page. A complete obituary will be available soon.

Family and friends are invited to Joseph's life celebration on Saturday, October 14 from 10 AM to 12 noon at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.  Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab located on the left side of this page.

Ryan Michael Hoffman born July 11, 1993 in Annapolis, MD passed away unexpectedly on June 10, 2023 at the young age of 29.

He leaves behind two young sons, Brantsen Landen Hoffman and Desmond Holmes Hoffman, and their mother Ashley Cirri of Huntingtown, MD.

Ryan also leaves behind his mother Amy Neiswonger and step-father Tony Neiswonger of New Bethlehem, PA, his father William Hoffman Ⅴ and step-mother Caryn Smyth of Huntingtown, MD.

In addition to parents, Ryan leaves behind two brothers, Khorey Neiswonger (Emilee), Cody Hoffman (Emilie), and one sister, Raegen Faulkner (Mitchell); Maternal grandparents, James and Mary Ann Martin; and Paternal grandparents, William Hoffman Ⅳ and Ruth Thompson.

He leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Ryan had a great love for his family and friends. Ryan loved his boys and enjoyed taking Brantsen out fishing, riding four wheelers, and racing RC cars. Even though his time was short with his youngest, Desmond, he was so excited to watch him grow and experience life. He always brought a smile to Ryan’s face the second he saw him. 

Ryan enjoyed being outdoors; fishing, hunting, playing lacrosse and soccer. He was an expert carpenter, enjoyed working outside with his hands and working on all sorts of projects. 

Friends and family will be received at Riva Trace Baptist Church, 475 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD on Thursday June 15, 2023. Visitation will be from 12p.m.-1p.m. and service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ryan’s memory to One Promise Counseling, 6211 Belair Rd., Baltimore, MD 21206.


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

On Saturday, June 10, 2023 Christine Hildegard Schuler, beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away within weeks of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. As fate would have it Christine died just outside of her beloved hometown, Vienna, Austria, following a river cruise trip she and her husband had taken in Europe.

Christine was known to her friends as an outgoing organizer of gatherings, bringing fun, music, delicious food, and high spirits to events that she arranged and hosted. She was creative with handicrafts and cooking and enjoyed interior decorating: sewing curtains and pillow cases, painting walls the most vivid of colors, refinishing furniture, antiquing, and going to auctions. She was very athletic as a downhill skier, tennis player, and jet ski rider. Christine was very stylish and chic. She wore her bright red lipstick while in the hospital and still looked like a movie star up until her passing.

Christine was raised in post WWII Vienna and spent her summers on a rural farm in Sud Tirol, Austria. She often spoke of how much she loved the mountains and good clean food directly from the earth. She had a strong relationship with the saints of the Catholic church and as a child, taught by nuns, often went to church as a place of quiet and happiness.

Beginning early in her life, Christine was an enthusiastic traveler, spending a month in Italy with school classmates as a teen and taking trips with her mother. Her commitment to travel prompted her to initiate the steps to learn English and French so she could apply to work as an airline stewardess for Austrian Air. She often told stories of her first US cross-country trip in 1969, taken with Greyhound Bus, through their “99 Days for $99” promotion.

At 21 years old, as an au pair for three children in Washington, DC (while scooping ice cream under the table at an ice cream parlor in Georgetown), she met Alfred Schuler, her husband of nearly 53 years at a party, who drove a hot car and offered her a ride home.
Christine and Alfred, married Sept 5, 1970, at St John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC, were world travelers, even before their wedding; traversing the Mediterranean, northern Africa, and parts of the Middle East in Chrstine’s green VW bug, and on their honeymoon exploring US National Parks in their Rambler station wagon.

Christine and Alfred were seasoned boaters. Before children, they were on the water in their Cabin Cruiser most weekends in the Chesapeake Bay.

Christine and Alfred lived in Northern Virginia where they raised their two daughters, Mischa and Melina. Sunday mornings were filled with the ritual of an extensive brunch and listening to opera. While her girls were in school, Christine often volunteered in high school regattas for Mischa’s rowing team, and ferried Melina to countless dance lessons and recitals. At the same time Christine maintained a full social calendar and built many long and close friendships. She was a frequent and exceptional bridge player and a gardener and president of The Stoney Brook Garden Club in Fairfax, VA for several years.
Christine and Alfred moved to the Annapolis area full time in 2004. There, she became an avid bird watcher and duck lover, member of the Historic Londontown London Town and Gardens, Edgewater Senior Center, and volunteer at St. John’s College.

Christine traveled to Austria nearly every year to visit her parents Albine and Johann Hermanke, and her closest childhood friend, Eva Schramboeck, and to ensure her two daughters learned the German language.

Christine is survived by her husband, Alfred; their children Mischa Schuler of Portland, Maine (husband Brian Rod) and Melina Schuler Gambino of Dover, NH (husband Craig Gambino). She will be remembered by her beloved grandson, Anton, as Gigi.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Christine Schuler’s life on Saturday, July 1 from 9:30 am, including her memorial service at 11 am, at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD.  Burial will follow in St. Anne's Cemetery, Annapolis.

Mary Alice “Sweetie” Smith, 89 and a resident of Davidsonville for over 50 years, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2023 at the home of her daughter, Cathy Rossback.  She was born in Washington, DC on March 17, 1934 to the late Vincent and Ivy Phillips.  She was a member of the Moose Lodge and she enjoyed reading, cooking and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David G. Smith, sons David, Donald and Alvin Smith, her daughter, Barbara Bozzi, and a granddaughter, Crystal Smith

She is survived by her daughters, Cathy (Bobby) Rossback of Davidsonville and Debbie (Frankie) Merson of Charlotte Hall; her grandchildren, Donald, David and Michael Smith, Kris and Matt Wagaman, Jay Dorsey, Joey Bozzi, Kyle Lentz, Robert Rossback, Jr., Davi Eppright, Amy Paulk and Carly Cooper; and great grandchildren, Jade, Mikai and Asayah Smith, David Smith, Jr., and Anthony Smith, Sara McCullough, Hunter Wilson, Thomas J. Bozzi, Brody Hohn, Aden Wagaman, James and Ross Cooper, Cole, Jenna and Tucker Rossback, Meghan Lentz, Ella and Anna Dorsey, Jameson Smith, David Taylor and Stevie Eppright.

A memorial service to celebrate Sweetie’s life will be held on Sunday, July 9 at 5:00 PM at the home of Cathy Rossback, 2868 Davidsonville Road, Davidsonville.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122.


Obituaries

Larry Brannon

Judith Stokes

Jeanette Sims

Delores "Dee" Kane

Joseph Rivers

Joan Zegalia

Quintina Gaspar

Frances Prout Rutan

John Zyla

Elizabeth Turner

Darlene Camus

Ada Randolph

Norman Stone, Jr.

Thomas Englar, Jr.

Jacob Dylan Paguio

Matthew "Jacob" Coale

William Rutan

Linda Cantrell

George Bergmann

Joseph LaFontaine

Ryan Hoffman

Marianne Forrest

Christine Schuler

Mary Smith