Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

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Jeffrey Dale Shields, 69, of Edgewater, MD passed away on September 11, 2021. Jeff was born on May 15, 1952, in Washington, DC to the late Dale and Helen Shields. After working for his father after high school, Jeff ventured out to his love of sailing. He obtained his Captain's License, began delivering boats, and performing the tedious job of brightwork restoration. He was an avid reader of non-fiction novels especially his Bible and enjoyed working and developing his garden vegetables. Jeff is survived by his wife, Cathy, and his siblings; Patricia (Steven) Ohlund of Connecticut and Colleen (Bob) Giles of Millersville, MD. A celebration of Jeff’s life is being planned for Friday, October 22, 2021, at 2 pm at Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 4012 Birdsville Rd, Davidsonville, MD 21035. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be made at: KalasFuneralHomes.com.

<h2>Gordon W. Wriggle</h2>
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Gordon W. Wriggle (Grandad) was reunited with the love of his life, Matilda Irene (Sprague), on September 11, 2021. His beloved wife of 68 years, Matilda died in 2012, and Gordon missed her dearly.

Gordon lived a long, happy life surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his sister, Zora Brunner, his daughter, Linda, and her husband, Lee Patten, his son-in-law, Gary Hodge, his 6 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Matilda, his daughter, Sharon Hodge, and his parents and 3 siblings. 

Gordon was born and raised in Elk County, PA with his 2 brothers and 2 sisters. He helped his father and brothers build their family home on Montmorency Road and they spent many happy years growing up on the farm. He met his sweetheart, Matilda Sprague, at school when he was 14. He joined the navy when he was 17 and served as an Aviation Radioman during World War II. After the war, he continued his education in radio operating and computer engineering which led to a career with NSA. Gordon was a dedicated and loving husband and father. 

After retiring from NSA, he and Matilda spent time traveling the U.S. in their camper van. They built a home on Cypress Creek in Severna Park, MD where they continued to care for their growing family. He was truly a jack of all trades and was often found building something, fixing things, or working on his yard. He also enjoyed living on the water and shared his love of boating, fishing, and crabbing with his family. Grandmother and Grandad made their home a place for the entire family to gather and be together. 

Gordon was a gentleman through and through and encouraged us all to be our best selves. He was patient and kind, the calm in a storm. He led by example and always made good on his promises. He had an effortless charm and loved to laugh. Most of all, he loved his family and will be dearly missed. 

<h2>Sharon Beryl Hodge</h2>
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Sharon Beryl Hodge, Gordon’s eldest daughter, passed in peace on July 22, 2021, with family by her side. She battled lung disease for 4 years prior to her passing. In addition to Gary, her loving husband of 54 years, she leaves behind son Kent and wife Sherry Hodge, daughter Kim and husband Dave Jalbert, 6 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter, sister Linda and husband Lee Patten, sister-in-law Lorie and husband Charlie Baker, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Sharon gave her all in every aspect of her life. Following her parents’ example, she was dedicated to loving and serving everyone around her. She and her sister, Linda, as well as their parents, were a tight knit and happy family. They were raised in Silver Spring, MD and graduated from Northwood High School. Sharon attended Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS where she met her husband, Gary Hodge. She and Gary lived in Westfield, MA where they raised their children, Kent and Kim. Family was the core that drove Sharon’s life and heart. She delighted in outings, vacations, and every day with her husband, sister, parents, children, and grandchildren. 

Sharon taught in the Springfield, MA school system for over 30 years. She and Gary developed life-long friendships with her fellow teachers and their spouses. The “Dorman Gang” included Sue and Jim, Barbara, Mary and George, Peg and Ed, Peggy and Ken, Hope and Dave, and Jeanne and Richard. All stayed close in retirement with group dinners, vacations, and travel. After retirement, Sharon and Gary moved full time to their home in Yarmouth Port, MA. She and Gary opened their home to family and friends and were always happy to have company with them on the Cape. She could (and would) beat all of us with very little trouble at a game of Nibs. She will be with us forever in our hearts. 

Memorial services for Gordon and his daughter, Sharon, will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021, at 11am  at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville.. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Chesapeake., 90 Ritchie Hwy, Pasadena, MD 21122, or online <a href = "https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/">here</a>

Robert W. "Bob" White, 85, a 35 year resident of Riva, MD, and previously of Reedville, VA, died on Saturday, September 11 at Arcadia Assisted Living of Gambrills of Alzheimer's disease following a 2-year illness.

Born April 4, 1936, in New York to the late George and Hazel White, he graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering.  Bob served in the U.S. Army for two years.  For most of his career, he worked as an electrical engineer for the federal government.  Bob loved his sailboats, flying his plane, his cats, and all animals.

He is survived by three children, Craig White and his wife, Debbie of Riva, MD, Julie Friedrich and her husband, James of Apex, NC, and Amy Turner of Mechanicsville, VA; and six grandchildren, Colin and Lauren White, Courtney and Victoria Alascio, James Smith, and Emily Turner.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by a brother, George White of Rochester, NY.

Friends are invited to celebrate Bob's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, September 16 from 11 am until his funeral service begins at 1 pm.  Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville, MD.  Memorial donations may be made in Bob's name to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Please take a moment and leave a condolence for the family by using the tab on this page.

Constance Rae Waters Anderson, 88, a resident of Edgewater, MD died on Friday, September 10 at her home. Born on December 17, 1932 in Galveston, TX to the late Constance Pearl Rae and Fenelon Ashley Fly Waters, Rae led a full life. After graduating from Ball High in Galveston, she attended Texas Christian University and then Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville, TX. While at TCU, one of her classmates was Dan Rather, who Rae said was “easy on the eyes”. After earning her Bachelor of Science Teaching degree, Rae started her teaching career in La Marque, TX. In 1957, while attending a Social sponsored by Pauline and Jim Waters and her best friend, Nancy Carbino, Rae met her future husband, Lt. Cmdr. Vernon F. Anderson.  She was immediately smitten with the Naval Officer. They were married on June 8, 1957 and started their life together raising Vernon’s two girls, Elizabeth “Cookie” Maxwell Anderson and Jinna Maxwell Anderson, children from Vernon’s first marriage. Rae was a proud and devoted “Navy Wife” and simply loved everything about the Navy and her husband’s career. In March 1958 Vernon F. “Andy” Anderson, Jr. was born and in February 1960 James Stephen “Jim” Anderson was born making a family of four. Lt. Cmdr. Anderson gained promotions during his Navy career that encompassed the Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. He was an accomplished aviator flying Jets, turbo props and helicopters. His final active tour of duty was on the carrier, the USS Princeton LPH-5 where his rank was Commander and he acted as “XO” or executive officer. After earning the rank of Captain, they moved to Annapolis, MD in 1966 where he worked at the Pentagon in the field of ASW (anti-submarine warfare) and USS (under sea surveillance). Rae’s family roots, the Waters, can be traced back to 1675 in Maryland in the St. Margaret’s area, Thomas Run in Hartford County, Cumberland, MD in Allegany County, New Orleans, LA and Galveston, TX. Once finally located in Annapolis, Rae began a 30 plus year career teaching elementary school in Anne Arundel County. If you were ever out and about with her, she would constantly run into young adults she taught as kids. There was always a big hug and a “hey Mrs. Anderson!” Rae retired from teaching on October 22, 1997. She made life-long friends in the Heritage community of Annapolis. Capt. Ned and Ann Herring, who were neighbors on South Cherry Grove for many years, are still close friends to this day. Her circle of friends was large as Rae enjoyed bird watching, book clubs, water aerobics and lunch outings with her buddies. Rae loved to travel and did so extensively with Cookie as they embarked on many cruises and adventures. She loved spending her summer months in Galveston with close family where she grew up. She was in fact an “Island Girl” at heart. She was truly a “BOI” or born on island as they say in Galveston. Rae had a very strong work ethic coupled with a very playful personality. Her parents worked hard to provide a quality life for all the kids. Her mom was a registered nurse and her father was an accomplished aviator and business man. At the time of his death, her father was the oldest living aviator in the state of Texas. He was known to train pilots using the beaches of Galveston as air strips. It’s not difficult to see where Rae’s character and personality came from with parents like hers. Rae’s “family first’ outlook on life was nothing she took lightly. She was fiercely devoted to her family and friends. She was loved by everyone she touched up to her final days. She truly set an example worth following and was resilient during some very difficult times in her life. She tirelessly drove her kids to practices and sporting events all over the state. She loved lacrosse and was an avid Towson Lacrosse fan. She was the definition of “selfless” as a Mom. In addition to her parents, Rae was preceded in death by her former husband, Capt. Vernon F. Anderson.  She is survived by her sons, Vernon F. “Andy” Anderson, Jr. and James Stephen “Jim” Anderson; her step daughters, Elizabeth Maxwell Anderson and Jinna Maxwell Anderson; her siblings, Fenelon Ashley Waters and Mary Frances Waters Hand and her grandsons, Stephen Ashley Dalton and Matthew James Dalton. In lieu of flowers, the Anderson family requests that donations be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122. Friends are invited to celebrate Rae's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Tuesday, September 21 from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 pm. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

LaVerne Marie Little, 97 of Annapolis, Maryland passed from this life into eternal life on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Sunrise Senior Living of Annapolis.

LaVerne was born January 17, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of the late William and Martha (Braun) John. She was preceded in death by her husband Leslie G. and son Brian. She is survived by sons Bruce Little (Mary Ann) and Lawrence Little (Stephanie) and grandchildren Jennifer, Jeremy, Chris, Ashley and Shaun and 7 great-grandchildren. 

LaVerne grew up in the Chicago area and graduated from South Shore High School in Chicago in 1942. Following time working at Illinois Bell she joined the Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) in 1944. While stationed in Pensacola, FL she met Naval aviator LTJG Leslie George Little and the two were married January 25, 1946. In 1964 they settled in upstate New York where LaVerne held a key role for many years in the principal’s office at the New Lebanon, NY school district. Following retirement they enjoyed Southern life in Foley, AL where LaVerne was an active parishioner at St Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church and volunteered at the Foley Library Association. After the passing of Leslie in 2008, she eventually relocated to Annapolis, MD to be close to family.

Her wishes are to be interred alongside her husband at the Barrancas National Cemetery at Naval Air Station Pensacola. While no local services are planned, she requested a funeral Mass be celebrated at St. Margaret’s in Foley.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Sunrise Senior Living and Hospice of the Chesapeake for their care and compassion. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember LaVerne are asked to consider donations in her name to the either the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (www.curethekids.org) or Hospice of the Chesapeake.



Online condolences and tributes can be made by using the link on this page.  

Matthew Arthur Zapf died suddenly at his residence in Annapolis, MD on September 8, 2021 at the age of 35. Matthew graduated from South River High School in 2004. Matthew was an Orioles and Ravens fan but his true passions were music and movies.  He was an accomplished guitar player and could recite movie lines and actor’s names for any movie one could name. Matthew was a loving son and brother. He had big, blue eyes and eyelashes that women envied! He always had a kindness about him and a concern for others. Matthew was brave and always had a “thank you” for all that was given to him. Matthew is survived by his mother, Jean Schraf, his stepfather, Jamie Schraf, his father, Art Zapf, his stepmother, Ann Zapf, his brother Chris Zapf, his grandmother, Sue Wight and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

 
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Matthew's life on Friday, September 17 from 4 to 7pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 18 at 10:30 am.  Interment Meadow Branch Cemetery, Westminster, MD.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the  <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=Z9ET39Q4XE5DE">National Alliance on Mental Illness for Anne Arundel County</a>

Please take a moment to sign the family's online guestbook by visiting the link on this page.

Ronald Arthur Leahy, born September 8, 1932, went peacefully to his eternal home on his 89th birthday, September 8, 2021. Ron was born to Helen and Vincent Leahy in Philadelphia, the third of his parents 8 children. He graduated from St. James High School in Chester before his family moved to Baltimore, where he attended and graduated Loyola College in 1954. Early in his college years, Ron met the love of his life, Kathleen Julianne Dougherty, whom he married in 1956, after serving overseas in the U.S. Army for two years. Ron earned his MBA from George Washington University and the couple moved, with their four children, to Annapolis in 1969, where they have resided since. 

Ron’s professional expertise included personnel management, labor arbitration and business education.  He served as Personnel Director for Anne Arundel County from 1969-1974 and for over 20 Years at Office of Personnel Mgmt. in Washington DC, where he was appointed to the National Labor Relations Board.  After retiring from the federal government, he worked into his ninth decade of life as an Arbitrator and a teacher at the University of Maryland.  A devout Catholic, he volunteered for St. Mary’s Parish, Maryland Right to Life and Partners in Care. As hard as he worked, he found time to play tennis, golf, and poker with his lifelong friends and family, some who were fellow Notre Dame football fans, though none more diehard than himself.  He loved sports, poetry and service but mostly loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife Kathleen, daughters Kathy (Ray) Lyon and Maureen (Alan) Aarons, sons Ron (Ann) Leahy and Bill Leahy, nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren, brothers Vincent, John and Gerald Leahy and sister Annette Maggitti. He is preceded in death by his parents and his three sisters, Ann and Ellen Leahy and Mary Flaherty.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Neumann Church 620 N. Bestgate Rd. Annapolis at 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 16.  A private graveside service will follow at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or to Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Please take a moment to sign the family's online guestbook by visiting the link on this page.

Condolences for the family may be left on the memory wall.

Rodrigo Estrella Crisostomo, USN, 68, of Bel Alton, MD, passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center.

He was born on September 18, 1952 in General Trias, Cavite, Philippines to the late Emiliano Loren Crisostomo and Feliciana Oracion Estrella. He graduated from San Sebastian College in 1975 and was enlisted into the U.S. Navy in 1976.

Rodrigo proudly served in the United States Navy for 16 years (1976-1992) before choosing an honorable discharge to spend more time with his family. Having graduated from the Philippines with a bachelor’s in accounting, he was an awarded Petty Officer First Class Disbursement Clerk for most of his Navy career. He also served in the Gulf War. He was extremely proud to have had the opportunity to become naturalized as a result of his service and to be an American citizen joining the long line of veterans in his family. Following his Navy career, he continued to serve the government as an Automation Clerk for the United States Postal Service for 26 years until completely retiring in 2018.

During retirement he spent most every day gardening, tending to farm animals, attending his granddaughter’s softball games, and watching his favorite network, Fox News. He held strong family values and cherished time and sacrifice above all else. He made it a point to always be surrounded by his loved ones and drew great joys from being ‘Pop Pop’ to his granddaughter. He enjoyed eating all types of food and perfecting his personal recipes of classic Filipino dishes. Recently, he became a member of Gospel Light Baptist Church in Mechanicsville, MD, where he dedicated his life to the Lord and was baptized on Sunday, August 22, 2021.

Rodrigo is survived by his children Sarah King (Anthony) of Bel Alton, MD, Lindsay Crisostomo (Andrew Vickery) of Anna, TX, and Kevin Wade of Plano, TX; his siblings: Emiliano Crisostomo, Jr. of Upper Marlboro, MD, and Jose Crisostomo of Jacksonville, FL; one grandchild, Vivienne King; and extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Kalas Funeral Home, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Family will receive friends prior to service between 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd, Clinton, MD 20735, where Rodrigo will be laid to rest next to his mother and two sisters.

Arrangements and condolences can be sent to Kalas Funeral Home.

Peggy Kroner “Bootsie”, 70, a resident of Severna Park, MD, died on Tuesday, September 7 at her home. Born on April 22, 1951 in Baltimore, MD, Bootsie attended Catholic schools and was a graduate of the Anne Arundel County Community College nursing program. She worked in the private duty nursing industry and was a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Severna Park, MD. Bootsie enjoyed dancing, singing, cooking and laughing. She loved Ravens football and praying above all else. She was the beloved wife for 37 years of the late David Kroner, Sr.; mother of Colleen and Ann Marie Kroner both of Severna Park, MD and David Kroner and his wife, Maureen of Florida; stepmother of Kimberly Krauss of Baltimore, MD and grandmother of Courtney, Emily and Mathew Kroner. She is also survived by many sisters, brothers and other family members.  Friends are invited to celebrate Bootsie's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Sunday, September 12 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Mass of the Resurrection will be offered at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 689 Ritchie Hwy., Severna Park, MD on Monday, September 13 at 11 am.  Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

John Henry “Sparky” Meyer, a resident of Edgewater and previously Lanham, MD, passed away on September 6, 2021 at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.  He was 83.  Born on August 10, 1938 in Washington, DC to the late Henry and Wilma Loree Meyer, John graduated in 1956 from the Miller School of Albermarle.  He joined the U.S. Navy that same year.  After receiving an honorable discharge in 1960, John started his career as a generator mechanic at the Pentagon.  He left the Pentagon to take on the role of Chief Electrician at the White House and later returned to the Pentagon in that same leadership role.  He left his government career in 1985 and became Vice President of East Coast Industries where he worked with his wife, Carol.  They later opened Meyer Leasing together where John served as President.  

An avid Redskins fan, John enjoyed sailing and doing handywork around the house.  He was a member of the Masons, Moose Club and Beach Club.

John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Carole Meyer and his sister, Omega Hendricks.  He is survived by two children, John Meyer of Denton, MD and Loree Komsa of Edgewater, MD; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren on the way.

Friends are invited to celebrate John’s life with his family at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Friday, September 10 from 10 a.m. until John’s funeral service begins at 11 a.m.  Burial will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville.
Online condolences may be offered at: KalasFuneralHomes.com
 


Janet White passed away September 6, 2021. She was born in Peterson, Iowa (Janet Sue Barber) and grew up on a farm in nearby Marathon. After high school graduation, she relocated to Washington D.C. to work for the Federal Government. In 1961, Janet married Michael White and this past August, they celebrated 60 years of marriage.  Janet retired in 1996 after a 25 year career with the CIA , Office of Logistics. She and Michael were 50 year residents of Vienna, VA , and were founding members of the Saint Mark Catholic Community in Vienna. Janet loved to travel and enjoyed 17 cruises , along with numerous cross-country trips in the U.S. and annual "beach week" vacations in Myrtle Beach, SC. Her great-grand and grandchildren remember her as someone who is generous and loving. Family and friends will miss her ever-present smile  and laughter. She exemplified hope, joy and kindness. God Bless you, Janet. You will always be with us.  Janet was preceded in death by a son, David; her parents, Floyd and Lilian Barber and by five brothers and a sister.

Janet is survived by her husband, Michael and their daughter, Amy Bladel (James). She is also survived by a sister, Judy Johnson of Linn Grove, IA and a brother, Howard Barber of Roseland, FL
Janet is grandmother to Dana Blough (Michael), Mark Bladel, Monica Bladel, and Elliott Gilson (Raquel). She is great-grandmother to Alexis Blough, Ryan Blough, Alexander Gilson and Charlotte Gilson.

Friends are invited to celebrate Janet's life on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 9am until her service begins at 11am at the Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037
In Lieu of Flowers, Donations may be made to: Little Sisters of the Poor, 4200 Harewood Rd NE, Washington DC 20017. 


Tyler Thomas Schulze, ”Ty”, 28, a resident of Deale, MD, passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021, in Annapolis, MD.

Ty was born on September 29, 1992, in California to Erick Schulze and Dawn Cassidy. He was a graduate of South River High School and a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church in Deale. Ty worked as a plumber and many of the construction trades.

Ty was an avid Washington Redskins fan; he also enjoyed dirt biking, cooking, and fantasy football. He enjoyed working with his hands fixing things and spending time with his family and friends.

Ty was preceded in death by his grandmother, Anna May Blackstock.

Ty is survived by his parents Dawn Cassidy of Edgewater and Erick Schulze of Las Vegas, NV, his former spouse, Rachel Burton, and his siblings; Carolina Cassidy, Angel, Christie, Erick Jr., Aaron, Amanda, Oliver, Kyla, and brothers-in-law Douglas, Kenny, and Joseph. He is also survived by his grandfather, Craig Haynie.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ty's life on Sunday, September 12, 2021, from 11 am to 1 pm and then again from 3 pm until 5 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory. 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Grove United Methodist Youth Ministry, 5965 Deale Churchton Rd, Deale, MD 20751.

Please take a moment and leave a condolence for Ty's family by using the tab on this page.

Dr. Charles Henderson 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 5, 2021 in Clinton, MD. 

He was born on July 30, 1937 in Okolona, MS, the son of Dr. Thomas Zuber and Minnie Henderson. Charles spent his early years in West Point, MS. He was raised along with his sisters LaVerne and Verniece by his maternal grandfather Samuel Henderson, after the death of their mother in 1943. His grandfather moved the family to Boston, MA to pursue better job and education opportunities for himself, children and grandchildren. Charles spent the summers of his teenage years in West Point, MS with his father’s family. 

Charles was raised in the Baptist church by his grandfather, who was a Deacon. He was baptized at Twelfth Baptist church in Boston, MA, where he attended until relocating for school. When he moved to the Washington, DC area, he regularly attended Fort Foote Baptist Church in Fort Washington with his family. He would always attend Easter and Christmas services and choir concerts with his sister LaVerne at Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. In May 2013, he became a member of Fort Foote Baptist Church. 

Charles was educated in the Boston school system, graduating from Boston English High School in 1955. He continued his education at Northeastern University graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, as a distinguished military graduate. Following his graduation, Charles was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Reserves from 1961-1963. He relocated to California to continue his education at UCLA, where he earned a Masters of Science degree in 1969 and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 1973. 

While completing his PhD, Charles met and married Janice Roberts in 1969. From that union two sons were born, Eric Vincent and Marc Christopher. After 27 fruitful years, their marriage came to an end. 
Charles began his professional career as a research engineer with various companies in California. As his career advanced, it brought him to the Washington, DC area, where he settled in Fort Washington, MD to raise his family. He spent most of his career in the aerospace industry changing his focus from weapons development to medical systems development. 

Charles had many professional honors which included his recognition in Who’s Who Among Black Americans 1977-1978. In 1974, he had the honor of presenting his dissertation at an engineering conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Charles was a prolific writer, including many peer-reviewed technical papers and winning proposals. He was a member of various professional organizations including IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), BMES (Biomedical Engineering Society), Eta Kappa Nu (IEEE Honor Society). 

While in high school Charles developed a life-long love for track and field. He loved distance-running, competing in many track meets and marathons. His love of track and field took him yearly to the Penn Relays. Prior to this year, he attended every summer Olympic Games except one, since the 1960’s. Charles loved to travel and was an avid photographer. He would always take pictures to share his experiences with family and friends. He loved to ice skate, stopping only within the past few years due to health concerns. He loved listening to smooth jazz and attended many concerts. His greatest love was spending time with his family. He never missed a family gathering. He was always in the stands or the audience of activities involving his children, grandchildren, sister, nieces and nephews. Charles loved to read and write. He had published one book and had the manuscripts for four others including his autobiography, at the time of his passing. 

Charles leaves to mourn: two sons, Eric V. Henderson Sr. (Kellie), Dr. Marc C. Henderson (Raven), three grandchildren Dr. Brittany Henderson, Eric Henderson II and Luke Henderson, three sisters Alice Dunston, A. LaVerne Logan and Dorothy Dismuke, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Katherine Henderson, Marcheta Davis, Marlene Johnson, Elmetra Perry, Verniece Hensey and his brother Thomas Dixon.


Carmen Arlene Balthrop-Delaney

Soprano Carmen Arlene Balthrop-Delaney passed away on September 5, 2021.  A loving wife to Patrick, mother of Nicole Simone(Barry) and Camille Adriana(Aaron), grandmother of Asia, Micah and Austin, performing artist-teacher, Carmen is survived by a host of relatives, friends and colleagues as well as performing partners.

Carmen, a proud native of Washington, DC, was born on a rainy Friday evening on May, 14, 1948 to John W. and Clementine E. Balthrop (née Jordan) at the Columbia Hospital for Women.  At that moment, a star was born and shone brightly for the next 73 years. The only daughter and youngest of the Balthrop’s four children, Carmen enjoyed a      loving, if not indulgent relationship with her family and was sheltered and protected by her brothers.

One day, when Carmen was in elementary school, her father—who repaired radios as a hobby—was in his basement working as the radio broadcast a live performance from the Metropolitan Opera.  Carmen, just eight years old, heard the music and, extremely captivated and transfixed, ran down the steps to ask:  “Who is that singing?”  Her father informed Carmen that the singer was Leontyne Price, an opera singer, and one of the few black women at the time to take lead on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.  Right then and there, Carmen declared:  “I want to be an opera singer.”  And from that tender age she embarked on a mission to become an international opera star.

As a child, and continuing into adulthood, Carmen would mimic voices and accents, inadvertently developing an ‘ear,’ her voice, and performing skills.  She was quite a   mimic.  On a mission to greatness, rarely was Carmen ever idle and one would almost invariably encounter Carmen relentlessly improving her technique or improving her health.  Resolute about her desire to sing, Carmen received her parents’ wholehearted support; they made numerous sacrifices to see Carmen succeed in her chosen vocation.

Carmen attended Theodore Roosevelt High School in Washington, DC, where she honed her skills as a performer and, in her senior year, won her school’s Thespian award.  Although a testament to her dramatic ability, Carmen’s desire to sing remained strong.  At the first opportunity, she auditioned for admission into the University of Maryland’s School of Music.  Having had limited exposure to classical voice repertoire, Carmen      offered “The Star-Spangled Banner” as her audition piece, which was enthusiastically received and marked the beginning of her illustrious performing career.


At the University of Maryland, Carmen performed with the elite Madrigal Singers. They performed extensively, at home and abroad, including a performance at the White House, where she danced with President Lyndon Johnson and got to show off dancing skills she had learned from her brother, Myron.

Upon graduating from the University of Maryland, Carmen attended the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and within one year attained her Master’s degree.  During that year, she excelled and performed leading roles in four operas.  This tenacity led Carmen to being one of the last first place winners for the Metropolitan Opera Competition which launched her career in 1975.  She graced the world’s stage in her debut as Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.  From there, she set the opera world ablaze in major opera houses and symphony orchestras all over the world:  San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Washington Opera, Canadian Opera, Deutsche Oper (Berlin), Teatro La Fenice (Venice), the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the National Symphony. Carmen is immortalized in the countless performances she gave and the various recordings she created over her lifetime, many of which received critical acclaim in her field.  Even so, when Carmen was not performing, she was teaching and constantly learning.

Carmen would often tell the story of how she never wanted to be a teacher.  Her mother advised Carmen to have a ‘back-up’ for singing, though she supported Carmen’s desire to be a world class musician.  At first, Carmen resisted teaching, as she wanted to focus on her performing career.  But, being a deeply spiritual and God-fearing woman, Carmen discovered one day that life’s circumstances and, perhaps, divine intervention brought her to a position at the University of Maryland, one which she held for the next 36 years. As a teacher, Carmen made an impact on the lives of hundreds of students, many at the onset of their own careers, and guided them to trust their talent, connect with their bodies, and fearlessly embrace their art. Carmen would later be inducted into the     University of Maryland’s Alumni Hall of Fame and go on to hold several positions of note in the School of Music at College Park.

Carmen’s vocal signature was never loud or bombastic. Rather, she was an “electrifying… consummate performer” (The Washington Post) and “a voice of power and uncommon tonal purity” (The New York Times). In addition to possessing “a rapturously beautiful voice” (The Miami Herald), Carmen was a rapturously beautiful and glamorous human being. 

Carmen was a history maker. In 1975, after the debut of the production with the Houston Grand Opera, she made her historical debut on Broadway as the lead in Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha, a role Carmen developed, defined, and made famous:  her signature role.  Being a multi-tasker and always on a quest to succeed, Carmen masterfully juggled career and motherhood.  Both Nicole Simone and Camille Adriana were born while Carmen pursued her career, performing and traveling, extensively. In fact, Camille was only nine days old when Carmen bundled her along and embarked on a six-month, 17-city tour of the Houston Grand Opera’s production of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Nicole and Camille grew up as Carmen’s companions on the road, always ready to travel, carry bags or join their mother on stage.

Carmen’s death has left Patrick bereft, with no words to adequately express his loss. The couple enjoyed a very special marriage, where mutual love and trust permeated every aspect of their lives. Tangible in their relationship were the Book of Ephesians’ precepts for husbands and wives:  Patrick loved Carmen with sacrificial responsibility and Carmen honored Patrick with love.  Inseparable, they did everything together. As Patrick would describe it, sometimes kicking and screaming, he would allow Carmen to drag him to yoga and qigong, only to find himself admitting that he enjoyed it.

The beautiful person that was Carmen is encapsulated in the words of her dear friend and adopted sister, Fran.  We are honored to have Carmen’s essence recounted here, in Fran’s words: 

Carmen was a peaceful soul and lived from that depth of peacefulness.  She never wasted words or uttered them aimlessly: she lived purposely. Though a naturally quiet person, she effortlessly commanded attention from her audience—whether it was an individual, a small group in a university setting or from concert goers at an opera house waiting to imbibe the sublime music pouring from Carmen’s vocal cords.

You see, Carmen emanated from eternity, lived in a defined space and time (celebrated the whole month of May every year), and returned to eternity.  Amidst it, she remains ageless, thinking and performing beyond the constraints of   time.

Carmen was ageless.  She related to infants, children, and young adults as well as the aged.  Her influence on little Austin, her 6-month old grandson, is evident as he sings in his way without words; it is no different than when Carmen and Grammy, her mother-in-law, who up to her death at the age of 103, would communicate in their own ‘garbled gibberish’.

God was her bedrock.  In conversation a few weeks ago, she confessed with her entire soul, how much she loved the Lord.  She lived for Him and expressed His wisdom through her work.  She was God’s handiwork and her handiwork was His!  Whenever complimented on her teaching practices, her beliefs, or her performances, she would direct the praises to God.

Like God, who’d never leave you, if Carmen considered you a friend, it meant sticking with you to the end.  If she committed to the relationship, Carmen was all in. She was the best friend ever.

Lots of people were familiar with what Carmen did.  She was an opera singer, voice instructor, and professor par excellence.  Her critical eye, discerning ear, and immaculate perception gained her these titles along with her pristine voice and talent.  But she was someone who knew how “TO BE.”  She was comfortable in her own skin.  She just was.  She gave the verb “to be” a personality:  she simply just “was.”  Carmen was contemplative, possessing a plethora of principles and proverbs. Some she adopted, others she created.  She was beautiful inside and out.  She was passionate about who she was and what she did.  Her principles were awe-inspiring, always given to edify the listener.  Many of her principles—she was proud to say—were derived from her American-Indian  ancestral background.

If you were entertained at their home, you were captivated by Patrick’s delightful cuisine, but Carmen always added the icing on the cake by intriguing you with her amazing experiences. If you were lucky, you might end the night with a game of backgammon or Phase 10.

Carmen loved nature. She elucidated the character of trees that others would just drive by.  Her favorite season had to be spring, not for the flowers or the coming out of winter, but she enjoyed the tapping of rain on roofs and windowsills. She  even enjoyed a good torrential downpour.

Carmen was generous! She was generous with her heart, her time (especially with those she called friends), and her finances.  She was also generous with her knowledge.

Carmen was a life-long learner. She had an insatiable quest for knowledge, something she could never perish for lack of. She was an avid reader, and when she grew tired of reading, Carmen enjoyed being read to. She continued to process what she heard and engaged in conversation about each chapter.  

Parallel to Carmen’s reading was her love of research. If something didn’t seem right, or if it did, she looked it up to further expand her knowledge on the subject matter.

Many professors are published on paper.  Professor Balthrop was published with her own papers, with her skill and what she passed on.  Many of her students and colleagues may not realize it yet, but what she has left you has empowered all of you to penetrate the vocal world with total command and mastery.  In her own way, there are theses, papers, and publications that she has already released to you through her “proverbial musical womb.”

Carmen’s level of creativity and innovation surpasses most of us.  She had a perfect mastery of the voice, but she also had an understanding of what was required of the body to attain proper work of the vocal cords, be it to correct posture, the need for weight adjustment, a prolonged breath, or a simple hug at the end of class.  Her movement classes were as important as her voice lessons. She embraced the moves of qigong and shared them to enhance all our lives.

Carmen was also an embodiment of health.  Her modus operandi was health, period. She spent decades of her life perfecting her health protocol.  She did not just exercise, she lived to move. Be it on a treadmill, a floorball, jogging or employing qigong techniques, Carmen moved, preparing her body for the long haul. She would chide Patrick to do the same as she did not want to be a widow.  She did the same for her daughters, sons-in-law, and all her family, friends, and students.

When it came to proper nutrition, Carmen spared no expense.  She ate the best foods, especially greens and seeds, and when she did eat meat, it was farm-raised and organic. She took proper supplements to boot. Carmen read nutritional labels and ‘organic’ was her brand.  (One of her favorite pastimes was to enjoy good food with good friends.)  She lived well. It is so perplexing that despite her pristinely healthy lifestyle,  Carmen experienced health challenges to which she succumbed.

Carmen was not fond of conventional medicine. She employed its latest developments as she saw fit and, when health challenges arose, Carmen would call to get medical advice and would leave the medical practitioner with health advice as well.  She never went for a doctor’s visit unprepared.  Carmen always did her research and, by the time they met, they would have discussed and weighed all options in order to direct sensible treatment decisions.  She had become Dr. Balthrop-Delaney.

Carmen loved life!  She embraced other cultures. No joke. Patrick, her lifelong love, is from the Bahamas, a small island nation in the Caribbean. She was sincere about her every encounter. Her interaction with and love for those she met transcended class. Her constellation of friends was not very large, but Carmen loved, and loved a lot!  She embraced life.  She had a full life. 

It was always a privilege to watch Carmen perform.  Very few people entered the sanctuary of her dressing room prior to a performance but if you did, it was indeed a privilege!  Rules number 1, 2, 3, 4 and 10 were:  Be quiet, every part of you.  You see, Carmen sat in those dressing rooms and quieted her soul.  It was a quieting moment for the ‘volcanic’ eruption of song that would burst forth in performance on stage a few minutes later:  a total cathartic experience to witness and listen.

Carmen was a girly girl, whether at home looking in the mirror or on a performance trip.  The jewelry, scarves, and trinkets such as amber and amethyst stones found their way to her house.  Whether it was for the classroom, church or some other event, several earrings and necklaces would be lined up on the dresser with the inevitable question:  “Which one?” Carmen was a classy individual and when she found the apparel she liked and that suited her, they made it home in all colors.

The fragrance of Opium EDP pervading the atmosphere could never be the same again. It was made for Carmen’s chemistry and to smell it elsewhere would probably distort the senses.  A whiff of Opium now calls for a heavenly presence.

Carmen was determined and she believed in God. We all believed Him with her for healing and the healing came, but in a different package.  One thing we do know is that she believed to the end.

Carmen didn’t do death.  She was not fond of funerals.  That was just her.  A couple weeks ago, she began to speak of the end of her own life, having thoughts of transitioning from this world into eternity.  She embraced her departure from this world, and was prepared to live a new life, absent from her physique, but present with the Lord.

Dr. Myles Munroe once said that the wealthiest place on earth is the cemetery.  He went on to explain that it is filled with unfulfilled potential and lost dreams.  Not so with Carmen!  She cheated the grave!  She emptied herself of herself and as a soldier of the cross, poured it into each one of us!  Her students witnessed this first hand until the very end: a determined Carmen teaching until she could teach no more.  

Today, and for the rest of our lives, we celebrate the life of Carmen Arlene Balthrop-  Delaney.   Each of us is blessed with the distinct pleasure of living her legacy!”


On Saturday, September 4, 2021 in Hyattsville, MD; the beloved son of the late Ira and Florence Vandergrift; step-brother of Dr. Gail Landy and Macredy Landy; cousin of Donald Vandergrift. Fr. Vandegrift was ordained in 1960. 

Office of the Dead will be offered on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 630 E St., SW, Washington, DC 20024 from 8 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Dominic Catholic Church on Friday, September 10 at 10 a.m. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. 



On September 3rd, 2021, Robert Glen Holman Sr. “Bucky” passed away at the age of 77. 

Bucky was a loving father, partner, and grandfather. Bucky was preceded in death by his eldest son, Robert Holman Jr. He is survived by his life partner Rose Gearhart; children Charles  Holman, Daniel Holman, William Holman, Sandy Morelli, Sherry Cummings and grandchildren Jacquelyn Knapp, Montgomery Petty, Robert Cummings, David Cummings, and Daniel Cummings; he was also expecting his great-granddaughter, Adilyn Knapp this coming November. 

Bucky was born March 24th, 1944, in Annapolis, Maryland to Ginny and Daniel Holman. He was a resident in Shady Side, Maryland for the past 45 years where he was a well-respected automobile mechanic. 

Bucky had a passion for classic cars, crabbing, fishing, tracking the potential storms and bird watching. He was also an avid bluegrass music lover and had quite the talent for playing the banjo. He was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, kind heart and the enormous love he had for his family and friends. 

All services will be held at Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, Maryland where flowers may be sent.  The viewing services will be Tuesday September 7th, 2021, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. The funeral will be Wednesday September 8th, 2021, at 1pm, with burial to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Annapolis.


Alice J. Pietras, 87, a resident of Brightview Severna Park, Baywoods of Annapolis and Ulmstead Estates for more than 50 years, died unexpectedly on Thursday, September 2 at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Born on November 28, 1933, in Springfield, MA to the late Stephanie and Felix Jasienowski, Alice worked at Monsanto Chemical prior to working as an executive secretary at ARINC until her retirement. Alice was a longtime volunteer at St. Andrew by the Bay Catholic Church and sang in the Sweet Adelines female chorus for many years.  She lived a long and full life, raising her sons, and traveling the world with her family. She also enjoyed the company of neighbors, friends, and family. Alice is survived by her beloved husband, Ed Pietras; her sons, Eric Pietras of Annapolis, MD and Mark Pietras and his wife, Elizabeth of Scarborough, ME; her sisters, Emily Sherwood of Vero Beach, FL and Lois Conery of Chesapeake, VA and her grandchildren, Evan Pietras of Chevy Chase, MD, Jake Pietras of Annapolis, MD, Avery Pietras of New York, NY and Austin Pietras of Scarborough, ME. A Mass of the Resurrection will be offered at St. Andrew by the Bay Catholic Church, 701 College Pkwy., Annapolis, MD at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 30. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

On Thursday, September 2, 2021 of Oxon Hill, MD. Mother of Anthony Martin (Alison), Rita Martin, Elena Pence (Jeff), and Norma DeMatt (Nick); grandmother of Alina Martin (Marc Fuentebella), Alyssa Harry (Andy), Eric DeMatt and fiancé, Jen Hizer, Natalie Girouard (Devon), Collin DeMatt, Nicky DeMatt and fiancé, Chloe Bialozynski, and Luke DeMatt; great-grandmother of Sean Harry, Brynn Harry, Joshua Fuentebella, Grace Fuentebella, and Blair Girouard. Preceded in death by husband Eric Martin, her parents David and Dorine Parry, and her siblings Ivor Parry and Lynda Fay.  

Visitation will be held at KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 on Saturday, September 18, 2021, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 12:30 p.m.  Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231, https://www.heart.org.  

George T. Bullman, “Tom”, 78, a resident of Edgewater, MD, died on August 31, 2021 at his home.

Tom was born on January 12, 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Delmar and Catherine Bullman. He earned a degree in civil engineering from UMR and a masters degree from Valdosta State in Valdosta, GA. Tom served his country in the Air Force and National Guard, retiring as a Colonel. Throughout his career he served in multiple states – Vietnam and Philippines.

Tom enjoyed gardening, woodworking and travelling.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon M. Bullman, 2 sons, 1 daughter and one brother. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tom will be interred with military  honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors or to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia. Online at www.ssjphila.org


Devoted husband and father, Richard Sheridan (Dick) Walsh, age 88, entered peacefully into the Lord’s arms on Aug 31, 2021. Joan Shaddinger, his wife of 65 years and the love of his life, was by his side.  

Richard was born in Glendale, California Jun 9, 1933. He was the son of RAdm Harvey T. Walsh, USNA Class of 1922, and Dorothy Walsh of Annapolis. He was a proud graduate of the US Naval Academy Class of 1956 where he played on the lacrosse team, winning the 1954 National Championship. Life at the Academy provided ample opportunities to express his good-natured personality with a myriad of pranks (ie. dead fish on upperclassman’s lamps); when questioned about the brains behind the antics Richard would respond, “I’m not sayin”. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Master’s degree in Petroleum Management in preparation for his tour in Southeast Asia supplying fuel for all Naval forces in that area during the Vietnam War. Richard was very proud of his service aboard USS America CV-66. He later worked for Defense Contractor, TRW, as a Project Manager.

His 28 year career in the Navy Supply Corp (Captain, USN (ret)) took him across the country and the world, engendering a love of travel that continued after retirement in a 40 plus foot motor home.  He and Joan were avid RV enthusiasts visiting every US state and Canada with their Boston Terrier sidekick. He likewise enjoyed fishing, sailing, golfing and following the migration patterns of birds and waterfowl. Other hobbies included rose and vegetable gardening with an ongoing vendetta against squirrels.  He was a talented barbeque chef and loved Joan’s cooking. Richard also supported all Navy sports, and for that matter, was an avid sports-watching enthusiast. After moving to Annapolis, he enjoyed sponsoring Midshipmen.

The legacy he left includes one of noble service to his country, faith in God and devotion to family. He was an honorable, humble man.

He is survived by his wife, Joan (Shaddinger), his daughter Susan Thomson (husband Jeffrey), and daughter Jane Beck (husband Kevin) , grandchildren Randi Lepre (Patrick), Phillip Beck (Taylor), Jessica Brown (Daniel), Luke Thomson, Jacob Beck, Emma Thomson, Joseph Beck and six great-grandchildren.  

A celebration of his life will be held at St. Andrews Chapel USNA at 10:30am, November 10th with a ceremony following at the Naval Academy Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake or Calvary United Methodist in Annapolis where he was a member.



LCDR Kenneth Francis Mitchell, US Navy (ret) passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at the age of 85 surrounded by loved ones. Ken “Mitch” Mitchell was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 26, 1936 to Kenneth William Mitchell and Adelaide Gregory Mitchell. Throughout his life he treasured memories of growing up in Brooklyn surrounded by cousins, especially favorite cousins Joan Marie Glover and Noreen Goodwin. 
He moved with his parents to California in 1948 and at the outbreak of the Korean War traveled by ocean liner to the territory of Hawaii where his father was stationed at Pearl Harbor. He spent his teenage years exploring the forests and beaches around O’ahu and developing his love of the ocean and traditional Hawaiian surfing. He developed his lifelong fascination with aviation growing up around Hickam Field and stowed away on a flight to Guam at the age of 15. 
He returned to the mainland in 1954 to attend the United States Naval Academy and was a member of the Class of 1958. He maintained lifelong friendships with his classmates in Company 10, particularly with the families of late classmates Dick Lovejoy and Odie O’Donnell, whose families became extensions of his own. He sponsored godson Chris Lovejoy as a midshipman and regularly attended Class of 58 reunions throughout his life, undeterred by health issues in his later years. 
After graduation from the Academy, Ken Mitchell attended flight training school in Pensacola, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas and embarked on a career as a Naval Aviator in 1960. He joined Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadron 34 and served both ashore at Quonset Point and on the aircraft carrier USS Essex, surviving the North Atlantic storm that severely damaged the vessel and distinguishing himself as a member of the U.S. Naval Blockade Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis. 
He completed one of the most difficult curricula at the Naval Post Graduate School in 1965, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in electronic engineering. He earned a Naval Achievement Medal as a Flight Instructor and Quality Control Officer for VT-31 in Corpus Christi, Texas and served as Training and Administration Officer for VS-38 in North Island, California. His tour as an Aircraft Commander in the Vietnam conflict at the Gulf of Tonkin earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Vietnam Service Medal. He returned to the Naval Academy in 1970, where he taught Electrical Engineering and served in the Naval Systems Engineering Command. 
He retired from the Navy in 1978 and embarked on a new career as a member of the senior technical staff of a technology think tank, Propulsion Dynamics, Inc. in Annapolis where he developed cutting edge computer control systems for Navy ships. 
Mitch is survived by his wife Pauline (Polly) Bower Mitchell; daughters from his first marriage to Shirley Sowell Mitchell, Cathryn Mitchell Reid and her husband William, and Carolyn Mitchell; step daughter Carlyle Menne Jacinto and her husband Noel; step son Peter Menne; son Kenneth William Mitchell, II and his wife Kristin; daughter Grace Mitchell Westreich and her husband Jonathan; grandchildren Jay and Tony Jacinto and Linat, Shirite and Nathan Westreich; his brother Robert Mitchell and sisters Debra Mitchell Burger and Geraldine Mitchell Obi; many fondly remembered cousins from New York; his godson LTCOL Christopher Lovejoy, USMC (ret) and numerous friends from the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1958.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mitch's life at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm.  A service will be held at the U.S. Naval Academy Main Chapel on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 2:00 pm. 
You can sign the family's online guestbook by visiting the link on this page.

Obituaries

Philip Branigin

Jeffrey Shields

Gordon Wriggle

Robert White

Rae Anderson

Manolito Deato

Laverne Little

Matthew Zapf

Ronald Leahy

Robert Arvey

Rodrigo Crisostomo

Peggy Kroner

John Meyer

Janet White

Tyler Schulze

Charles Henderson

Carmen Balthrop-Delaney

John Vandegrift

Robert Holman

Alice Pietras

Cynthia Martin

George Bullman

Richard Walsh

Kenneth Mitchell