Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

On Sunday, August 29, 2021 departed; She was married to the late Clarence H. Spears Sr; Mother of two sons Clarence Jr  and Charod Spears; One daughter, Angel Sellers and a dear sister, Loretta Collins. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jazmin and Jayden Spears with many extended family members. She worked for 20 years as a Legal Administrative Specialist with the Department of Treasury until she retired in February 2004. Relatives and friends are invited to Shirley’s Celebration of Life on Friday, September 10 from 10 am until time of services at 11 am at Fort Foote Baptist Church, 8310 Fort Foote Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744.

Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Velorse Gafford of Bowie, MD, formerly of Fort Washington, MD passed away from Alzheimer's Disease on Sunday, August 29, 2021 in Bowie, MD at the age of 92. She had battled with Alzheimer's the last nine years.

She was born March 29, 1929 in Decatur, MS  to Willie and Jessie May McMullan. She earned her high school diploma and married Col. Travis Gafford, USA(Ret.) on June 3, 1949.  They traveled the world together with the Army. They lived in Taiwan, Japan and Okinawa. She was a military wife and homemaker. 

She enjoyed painting, sewing, playing bridge, traveling, entertaining, and spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. She was also active in her church on Andrews Air Force Base. 

Velorse was preceded in death by her husband, Travis Gafford. She is survived by her sons, Richard Gafford of Bowie, MD and Michael Gafford of Hercules, CA; her grandchildren, Travis Gafford of Hyattsville, MD and Kristin Gafford of Bowie, MD. 

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 22, 2021 at Arlington National Cemetery. Please arrive at the Administration Building by 10:15 a.m. with one's own transportation and Identification for anyone 16 years old and older. 

Perry V. Meyett, 67, a 45-year resident of Edgewater, MD and previously of Annapolis, MD, passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021, in Ocean City, MD.

Known as “P.M. or Newt”, he was born June 13, 1954, in Prince Frederick Calvert Co., MD to the late Evelyn (Hungerford) Meyett and Alfred Meyett, Jr.  Perry worked as a Steel Erector at L.R. Wilson for 16 years and AMTRAK as a Sheet Metal Pipe Fitter for 29 years.  He was a longtime member of the ELKS and Moose Lodges and enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, camping, and coin collecting.

Perry is survived by his wife, Michelle Rhodes; two children, Nathan Rhodes of Edgewater, MD and Nicole (Rhodes) Murray of Crofton, MD; two granddaughters, Kacie and Averie Murray; and two siblings, Steven Meyett of Glen Burnie, MD and Alfred Meyett, III of Annapolis, MD.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four siblings, Alan and Andrew Meyett, Joseph Saboury, and Faye (Saboury) Rawlings.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Perry’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Saturday, September 4 from 11 AM until his funeral service begins at 12 PM.  Interment Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery, Annapolis.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association, National Direct Response Headquarters, P.O. Box 756, Osceola, WI 54020.  

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

John Thomas "Bear” Dorsett, Sr., of Annapolis, MD passed away on August 27, 2021. John was born in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Ralph and Beryl Dorsett on August 4, 1949. He was a graduate of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, as well as the University of Maryland in College Park, earning a Master's Degree in Econometrics. John's career took him from the Veterans Administration in Washington, DC to the Patuxent Naval Air Station, where he retired as the Technical Director of Cost Analysis of Naval Weapons Systems. He was a member of Weems Creek Baptist Church in Annapolis, where he was the youth director for several years. Then he was a member of Riva Trace Baptist Church in Davidsonville. No matter the boat size or make, John enjoyed being on the water. A motor boat, sail boat, kayak, windsurfer, etc.  called John to the water.  John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathleen Dorsett; children, John (Brenda Michael) Dorsett, Jr. of Glen Burnie and Melanie (Michael) Mathesz of Gambrills; a brother, James (Joni) Dorsett of Annapolis and a grandson, Jeremy Mathesz. Friends are invited to celebrate John's life with a viewing on Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 5 - 7 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037; and with a funeral service on Friday, September 3 at 1 pm at Kalas as well. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville.Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

On Friday, August 27, 2021; the beloved wife of the late of Rosendo Modelo; mother of Rhoy, Rosendo, Rosauro and Ronaldo Modelo, Zenaida Tolentino, Rosemelda Rodriguez and Evelyn Modelo. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, in-laws, other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, September 2 at 2 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8908 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, MD 20735. Interment in the Philippines at a later date.

JOHNSON, Alice, age 90, passed away peacefully in her home on August 26, 2021. Alice was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Prior to moving to Edgewater to be near family, she and her husband spent forty years in Madison, Indiana where she practiced interior design and spent much of her time volunteering. As the daughter of a Lutheran minister, Alice devoted much of her life to Resurrection Lutheran Church in Madison where she taught Sunday School, led the children’s choir, sang in the adult choir and participated in numerous committees. She also volunteered for many non-profits including Historic Homes of Madison. She is remembered for her wit, laughter and loyalty to her dog Lily. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Dr. Robert D. Johnson. She is survived by her son David (Fishers, IN), daughter Beth (Johnson) Rumpler, son-in-law Bill Rumpler and granddaughters Sara and Hanah, all of Shady Side, MD. 

Funeral services will be held September 15, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. at Annapolis Evangelical Lutheran Church, 38 W Central Ave, Edgewater, MD 21037. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Annapolis Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Robert Emerson “Bob” Ford, Sr. passed away peacefully on August 25, 2021.  He was born and raised in Edgewater, MD, the son of the late George W. and Hattie Ward Ford. Bob was educated in the Anne Arundel County School System and worked with David Taylor Research Center. He then served in the U.S. Army with the 12th Armored Division, “Hellcats” during World War II. When his commander asked if anyone wanted to be a cook, he quickly volunteered.  Bob was often commended by superiors for the excellent meals he provided the troops as they marched through Germany. Upon returning home from the war he continued to work for the Federal Government at the Naval Ship Research and Development Center where he received six Letters of Commendation, three Beneficial Suggestion Awards and three Sustained Superior Performance Awards.  Bob retired after thirty-one years with the government then worked for a private estate for 13 more years. He was a charter member of South River Ruritan Club, the Annapolis Elks Lodge 622, was an active member of the Three Rivers Sportsman’s Club and attended Davidsonville United Methodist Church with his wife, Jean. Bob enjoyed many hobbies including, hunting, maintaining a bountiful vegetable garden and repairing small engines. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix, often times inventing ways to make the repair. During his retirement he and his wife, Jean, enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. Bob was a dedicated family man. Together Bob and Jean cooked the most delicious Sunday Family Dinners. He didn’t say much at a family gathering but his impact was felt. His quiet strength will be missed by every member of his family. Bob was the beloved husband for 75 years of the late Wilma Jean Ford; father of Michael Stephen (Jackie) Ford, Pamela Linnea (Lee) Matousek and the late Robert E. Ford, Jr.; grandfather of Tania Ford, Linnea Boogades, Amanda Conner, Laura (Jon) Taralseth, Erin (Adrian) Tapley, Amy (David) Berry, Danielle (Eric) Couslin and great-grandfather of Brandon, Nicholas, Kyla, Carter, Cadhan, Nate, Maddy, Braden, Ethan, Everly, Ben, Georgia and Hadley.  Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Heartland Hospice, 7001 Johnnycake Road, Suite 204, Windsor Mill, MD  21244 (heartlandhospicefund.org/Donate). Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page. 
 


Martha Lee Blue, 83, a 43-year resident of Davidsonville and previously of Kettering, MD, passed away on August 25, 2021.  Born on December 28, 1937 in Richmond, VA to the late Jesse and Virginia Ferrell, Martha was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She also worked for 28 years as a secretary in the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.  Martha was an extensive traveler and visited every U.S. state as well as most countries throughout the world.  She also enjoyed gardening.  Her greatest passion, however, was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

Martha was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Bobby Blue, who passed away in 2019, her brother, Richard Ferrell; her sister, Sandra Kay Ferrell and her grandson, Patrick Carberry.  She is survived by her three daughters, Karen Blue of Cave Creek, AZ, Kathleen Blue of Davidsonville, and Lori Blue-Miller (Bob) of Huntingtown, MD; one brother, Jesse Alan Ferrell (Lynn) of Damascus, MD; one sister, Sherry L. Herrmann of Fayettville, NC; three grandchildren, Stewart Ross Noyes, Kelly Boyer and Cara Switts; and four great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to celebrate Martha’s life with her family on Tuesday, August 31 from 2 p.m. until her funeral service begins at 3 p.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037.  Burial will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  


ORDER OF SERVICE

The Call to Celebration…………………………………………Reverend Charles W. McNeill, Jr.

Scripture Reading……………………………………………….Yvonne Willis

Prayer of Comfort……………………………………………….Reverend Charles W. McNeill, Jr.

Musical Selection……………………………………………….Bishop Stewart Martin

Poem……………………………………………………………..Erica J. Scott

Musical Selection……………………………………………….Bishop Stewart Martin

Eulogy……………………………………………………………Reverend Charles W. McNeill, Jr.

Internment immediately following service at 
Heritage Memorial Cemetery
13472 Poplar Hill Road
Waldorf, MD  20601



Linda Saunders DeJesus October 19, 1954 – August 23, 2021

Linda Saunders DeJesus, of Suitland, Maryland, formerly of Brandywine, MD, passed away Monday, August 23, 2021 at Northern Virginia Hospital of Virginia. She was born October 19, 1954 in Washington, District of Columbia to William O. and Hazel Allen Saunders. On June 7, 1985 she married Carlos S. DeJesus; they were happily married for 36 years. Along with taking care of things on the home front, helping Carlos raise two boys, keeping up with Granny’s health and well-being; Linda’s passion was racing cars. Taking a break meant racing cars at Maryland International Raceway, Colonial and Capitol Raceways. She loved watching Carlos race the Duster. With all their other pursuits keeping the GTO, Barracuda, Dart and the Duster in good condition was quite a task.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved mother-in-law Luisa Iglesias.

Linda is survived by her husband, Carlos; sons, Carlos S. DeJesus II; Travis E. DeJesus (Nikki); sister, Pamela S. Jones of Maryland; brother, William Shayne Saunders of Texas; and two grandchildren, Tyler DeJesus, Kora DeJesus; she leaves behind nieces, nephews, friends and a large extended family as well.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD from 10 a.m. until the start of the memorial service at 11 a.m. Interment will be private at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Heart Association or charity of choice.

Condolences may be made to the family by clicking on the Memory Wall above. 



Ursula Callahan, 81, a resident of the Annapolis area since 1951, died at the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center in Largo, MD on Monday, August 23 due to heart failure. Born on March 21, 1940 in Mendig, Germany to the late Anton and Luise Farber, Ursula worked as a manager of marine stores and marinas for most of her life. She loved her pets. Ursula was the beloved mother of the late Tracy Callahan who died in 2010; sister of Frederick Farber of Dumfries, VA and aunt of Kurt, Fred, Jr. and Heidi. She is also survived by a grandson, a great-granddaughter and 9 great-nephews and great-nieces. There will be a private graveside service at a later date. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

Michelle “Cookie” Downey, 79, a longtime resident of Edgewater, died August 22, 2021.  She was born in Washington, DC on March 11, 1942 and was the former owner of Riverside Marina in Edgewater.  Cookie was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Sollers and her longtime companion, William Casey.
Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of Cookie’s life on Friday, August 27 from 11 AM until her funeral service at 1 PM at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.  Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Annapolis.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  


Virginia "Ginnie" Abell, 91 of Edgewater, MD passed away on August 22, 2021. Ginnie was born on January 5, 1930 to the late Leslie and Alice Dix and raised in Washington, DC. Her connection to Edgewater started early in life as her family had a summer home in Woodland Beach. Ginnie was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help participating in the Woman's Guild, food pantry and as a Eucharistic minister. She enjoyed gardening, fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, and picking crabs for family. 

In addition to her parents Ginnie was preceded in death by her husband, Charles in 1977,a daughter, Catherine Angell, as well as her four siblings. She is survived by her children, Chuck (Marla) Abell, Sr., Bonnie (Rich) Wells, and Jeff(Colleen) Abell all of Edgewater; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Ginnie's life on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 5 to 7 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater where a funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 26 at 1:30 pm. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville, MD.


Maureen McCabe Weyers, 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 21, 2021 with her family at her side.  She fought a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease but never lost her beautiful laugh and her love for friends and family.
Maureen was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Peter and Emma Bougie McCabe.  Growing up on a dairy farm taught her the value of hard work and the joy of a home-cooked meal at the end of the day.  She loved school, playing with her cousins on the next farm, and Sunday dinners with her older siblings and many nieces and nephews.  In 1955 she met the love of her life, Vernon, and after graduation from Freedom High School, followed him to the University of Wisconsin Madison.  They married and moved to Berea, OH where she raised her family and was an active parishioner at St Mary’s Church in Berea.  She volunteered as a special education tutor, a home economics teacher and a costume director at her childrens’ schools and she was instrumental in introducing a kindergarten to St. Mary’s School.
After a job transfer took the family to the Washington DC area, Maureen continued her volunteer work in the costume shop at the Arena Stage Theatre, the church choir at Holy Family Church in Davidsonville MD, and as coordinator of the Lazarus ministry at Holy Family.  
She was an expert seamstress, loved music and theatre, took pride in hosting family and friends at her beautiful home, and enjoyed travel throughout the US and Europe.  Her special joy was spending time with her grandchildren.  She could converse with anyone, anywhere and had a special place in her heart for those in need of help, often stopping to talk to someone who was homeless or sponsoring an immigrant family for citizenship.  Maureen made everyone she met feel special and valued.
In addition to her parents, Maureen is predeceased by her siblings Florian Chambers, Mary Geurts, Beulah Gurnee, Audrey Deprez, Patricia O’Keefe, David McCabe and Eileen McCabe, and in-laws Jack Chambers, Clarence Gurnee, Harold Deprez, Edward O’Keefe, Pat McCabe, James Weyers, and Michael Stephani as well as several nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Vernon Weyers; son Craig (Cyndi) Weyers, daughters Amy (Joseph) Maxwell and Megan (Robert) Scheibel; grandchildren Adrienne Weyers, Grace, Erin, Daniel and Molly Maxwell, and Emma, Maggie, and Abby Scheibel.  Also surviving are brother Vincent (Judy) McCabe, in-laws Ivo Geurts, Jeanne Dreidame Weyers, Jean (Gary) Allgeyer, Janice Stephani, William (Eileen) Weyers, Betty (Curt) Konkle, Carol (Lee) Kortz, treasured cousin and friend Karen (Ray) Brown, and many beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends from near and far.  She will also miss her Holy Family Choir friends who were so wonderful throughout her illness.
The family will be forever grateful to the management and staff of Arbor Place Dementia Care for their loving care over the past five years.  
A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue,  Davidsonville, MD 21035 on Thursday, September 9 at 10:30 am.  Interment in Wisconsin at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research or Holy Family Catholic Church of Davidsonville.
Online condolences may be offered to the family using the Memory Wall link above. 

Dewayne Tyrone Gilbert, born March 4, 1962, in Washington, DC to Lorraine G. Minor and Lynn W. Gilbert. Attended District of Columbia and Prince George’s County Public Schools. He also attended Lincoln Technical Institute for auto mechanic. He enjoyed working on cars. 

Ty as we all affectionately called him had 4 great loves. His family and friends, cars, good music, and food! He loved to go to the racetrack or watch racing and car shows. He thoroughly enjoyed music. Listening to music was one of his past times. He could recite the lyrics to almost any song. He loved trying new foods, going out to new restaurants and cooking. 

He was in love with his nieces and nephews and watched over and took care of them. Their friends even called him Uncle Ty. He enjoyed family gatherings and family events. He was always present. He never forgot anyone’s birthday. He would always give a nice birthday card complete with a gift card inside. You always knew it was from him Uncle Ty because he had a unique name of spelling everyone’s names. He was a good caregiver, had a big heart and was very giving. 

Tyrone is preceded in death by his Mother Lorraine G. Minor; Brother Eric Jerome Gilbert; grandmother’s Lucille Brown and Eliza Gilbert; Nephew Antwon C. Edwards. 

He is survived by Aunts Floretta Carpenter and Mabel Gilbert-Wells, Uncles David Gilbert (Laurie), Enoch Gilbert (Emmogen), Larry Gilbert (Mary), and Nathaniel J. Brown. Brother Donald N. Brown (Isabel), Sisters Sharon L. Edwards (Gregory. Sr.), Shamika L. Kittrell (Eric). Nephews and Nieces; Donald N. Brown, Jr., Danita Michelle Brown (Donald), Ebony N. Edwards-Smith (Thomas), Junius N. Brown, Gregory A. Edwards, II. (Tyra), Genese L. Brown. Great-Nieces and Nephews; Tirzah N. Edwards, Kayla A. Pringle, Luke E. Relosa and Aminah N. Smith; Great-Great Nephew Jax C. Chaplin and Great-Great Niece Tori N. Chaplin 

His closest friends Sharon Smith and Tyrone Rogers and a host of other relatives and friends of whom he will be greatly missed. 


Alvin L. “Al” Gheen, age 83, a 16 year resident of Edgewater and previously of College Park, died at his residence on August 20, 2021.  He was born in Virginia on August 29, 1937, was the owner of College Park Tree Service for 49 years and enjoyed classic cars and NASCAR.
Al is survived by his children;  Ricky (Sherri) Gheen of Edgewater, Dennis (Terry) Gheen of Edgewater, Linda (Tony) Schweiss of Edgewater and Jennifer (Mike) Greene of Lothian; his sister, Dorothy Payne of Frederick; eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.   He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Linda G. Gheen, and four siblings.
Family and friends may call on Wednesday, August 25 from 5-8 PM at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, where a funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 26 at 10 AM.  Entombment to follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens.  


Anthony Lawrence Lembo (Tony) passed away Thursday, August 19, 2021 at the age of 75 after a five-year battle with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a cancer affecting the blood in the bone marrow, which transitioned to acute myeloid leukemia.

Tony was born February 20, 1946 in Washington, DC to Rose Vallario Lembo of Washington and Joseph E. Lembo, an immigrant from Agnone, Italy. Tony was the middle child between his older sister, Joanne, and his brother, Larry. The family moved from Southeast DC to Bradbury Heights, MD where Tony attended Queen of Peace Catholic School, Gonzaga High School and Suitland High School. He proudly joined the United States Air Force and rose to rank of sergeant. While in the Air Force, he was stationed at Beale AFB performing a variety of duties, including support of SR-71 operations and training activities. Upon returning home, he attended the University of Maryland, College Park and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

Tony met the love of his life, Anita, while they passed notes in the same accounting class in college. Anita and Tony shared the same Italian traditions, faith and appreciation for life. Recently, they celebrated 48 years of marriage; although Tony always sought a path to reach 50 years. Tony was a family man, endlessly supporting his children as he never missed an opportunity to watch Joe’s hockey games, attend Vic’s concerts, and build the Outer Banks beach house business with Lisa. 

Tony had an admirable and contagious work ethic. Tony began his 17 years with Grand Union and Basics as a stocker in order to work his way through college. Soon thereafter he became the youngest District Manager overseeing food stores across Maryland, DC and Virginia with his keen ability to manage employees and relate to people. Tony was not done yet and dedicated nearly 20 years to the Federal government concluding as a Contracting Officer with the Library of Congress.

The abilities demonstrated in his professional career were the same tools he applied in countless volunteer roles to accomplish many community goals. He always sought to provide a positive influence to the youth by cultivating, educating and presenting opportunity. He was often called coach, manager and president while serving the community, especially in youth sports and school groups. He was proud to have started with coaching his brother, Larry, to most recently “honorary” coaching his grandchildren.  

Of all the titles held and roles filled, the one he was most proud of was “PopPop”. PopPop loved his six grandchildren. His primary focus over the most recent years revolved around his grandchildren and ensuring the impression of love, delivery of key lessons, such as “God, Family, Country”, and passing down of family traditions. His zest for life and his grandchildren could be seen at school activities, in the bleachers, and on fields, and heard through his endearing stories, lessons and jokes. 

Tony enjoyed a nice Italian meal, including homemade spaghetti sauce (not gravy) and pasta e fagioli that he made with his father, and our annual “Feast of the Seven Fishes” Christmas Eve dinner. He cherished time spent with his large family, including the Marinos, Cicionis, Vallarios, DiNapolis and Romanellos – in places locally and others such as the Poconos, Shenandoah, Outer Banks, Hyde Park and New Rochelle.

Tony was an avid sports fan, cheering for the Capitals, Yankees, Redskins, Terps and Fighting Irish. His first love was baseball. Other sport passions included fishing and golf and he was a championship softball player and bowler. Tony had a special bond with his dogs, Sporty, Brownie and Rex. Tony appreciated a spirited debate and the sharing of ideas. He loved doing puzzles and playing games, especially Uno and chess with his grandchildren and Sudoku on his iPad. Tony had an enthusiasm for music, dancing and singing – and he could always be heard singing in church. He had an extraordinary intellect to problem solve, strategize, plan and build. He had a superior ability to digest data and numbers in order to render clearly articulated directions and admirable decisions with full heart and no regrets.  Though physically limited in final days, he remained mentally sharp and witty, often making family laugh with a spontaneous joke.

Tony, a proud, lifelong Washingtonian, most recently lived in Davidsonville, MD and was a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church. Previously residing in Camp Springs, MD, he was an active member at St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church in Clinton. Tony was involved in many organizations over the years, including the Oxon Hill High School Band Boosters (President) and Science and Technology Committee (President), Bishop McNamara Athletic Boosters, Mount Vernon Hockey Club (Board Member), Bowie Hockey Club (Board Member), Coach and Manager of sport teams beginning with his brother and continuing with his children, Community Worker at numerous fundraisers, polls, and Maryland Parks and Recreation events, Chair and Member of numerous Parent Teacher Associations, and Board Member of the Maria Grazia Panaro Foundation. 

Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Joe; his sister, Joanne Marino; and his in-laws, Victor and Connie Romanello.

Surviving family members include his loving wife, Anita; children, Joseph (Misty), Victor (Tina) and Lisa (Steve) Frid; grandchildren, Anthony and Alexander Lembo, Giuliana and Luca Lembo, Anthony Jeffrey “AJ” and Thomas Frid; brother, Lawrence (Jan); brother-in-law, George Marino and nephews, his godson George (Betsy), Joseph (Kim), and John (Trayce); sister-in-law, Rita (Dick) Fuller; brother-in-law, Charlie Romanello; great nephews, Brody, Brooks, Joey, Cody, Bailey, Jack and Luke; great niece, Sydney; and many loving family members and friends.

Friends are invited to celebrate Tony's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory,  2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, August 26 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD on Friday, August 27 at 12 noon. For those unable to attend the funeral Mass, it may be viewed online by visiting <a href="https://www.holyfamilychurch.com/live-stream.html">THIS LINK</a>. Interment, with military honors, will follow at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, MD. Following the interment, we ask family and friends to gather and share great memories with some of our favorite Italian food at 2:30 in Davidsonville, MD.

Tony was very thankful for all the attention and assistance his medical teams provided during his five-year journey, especially from Dr. Amy DeZern and Dr. Peter Graze. With their assistance and Tony’s will and fortitude, he was able to accomplish what many believed was impossible and earned the name “Wonderboy.” In appreciation and in lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to support MDS research under Dr. Amy DeZern. Please make a gift online at https://secure.jhu.edu/form/kimmel. Click the 2nd option, titled “Please use my gift to support a specific physician,” add Amy DeZern, and further down, select “In Memory Of,” and add Anthony Lembo as the honoree. Doing so would be in the spirit of Tony who sought to provide feedback at every turn with hope it would help someone in the future. 

Condolences and memories may be shared by clicking the Memory Wall tab at the top of this page.

Devoted father Justin C. Derdock passed away on August 19, 2021. Justin was born on June 30, 1981.
Survived by his daughter, Grace Addison Derdock, his mother Lauren Chaffin, his stepfather J Ross Chaffin, his father James P Derdock, Sr, his brother James Derdock Jr and his wife Maryann Derdock, his brother Nicholas Derdock and his wife Katrina Derdock, his stepsister Kara Donofrio and her husband Andrew Donofrio, his stepbrother Matthew Chaffin, his longtime partner Tonya Hardesty, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Justin’s family will be holding a private memorial service in his memory.
In lieu of flowers, Justin’s family suggests contributing to his 7-year-old daughter Grace’s future education fund at https://gracederdock.com




Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guest book at the Memory Wall tab on this page.

Charles Lester Buckler ”Charlie, Les”, 85, a resident of Riva, MD and previously of College Park, MD died peacefully on Wednesday, August 18 at his home. Born on September 19, 1935 in Washington, DC to the late John W. and Alberta Rice Buckler, Charlie served in the US Army during the Korean War. For more than 30 years he worked with the Architect of the Capitol and enjoyed working at RFK Stadium for the Washington Redskins games. After retiring he worked for the University of Maryland and the Annapolis Harbormaster. Charlie was a member of Chesapeake Christian Fellowship, the Moose Lodge, and the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, watching football, and being on the water. He played drums in a band when he was younger, and he loved dogs. Charlie is survived by his wife Lydia Ann Buckler; his children, Mike Buckler of Glen Burnie, MD, Chuck Buckler of Denton, MD, and Debbie (Jeff) Hubbard of Cambridge, MD; his stepchildren, Patricia Aldridge, and Laurie Blasky; his grandchildren, Charlie, Jacob and Carleigh Buckler, Brian and John Haas, Robert, David and Michael Gregory, Gracie and Travis Vollmerhausen, Cris Connelly, and Dawn Sullivan and several great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his daughter, Wendy Buckler Holmes and his stepchildren, Henry “Butch” Houchens and Cary “Lynn” Connelly. Friends are invited to celebrate Charlie’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, August 25 from 12 pm until his funeral service begins at 1 pm. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Davidsonville, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel Co., 1815 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis, MD 21403 or the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

Stephen J. Troese, Sr., was born to Joseph Troese and Margaret Cimino Troese on August 16, 1939. He grew up in Clarion, PA, with his beloved siblings, Minnie Wilson and Samuel Troese. 

Steve was a proud Italian whose primary focus was always on his family, of which he is survived by 5 children and their spouses, Steve Jr. (wife Nancy), Darci (husband Joe), Chris (wife Kellie), Joseph (wife Diana), and Tony (wife Sarah). Steve is further survived by his beloved nieces Marcia Troese, Elicia Verderber, and Jeri Jo Wilson St. Germain (“JJ”). 

Steve is also survived by a remarkable 28 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a fact about which he was eminently proud and never missed an opportunity to mention in conversation.  

Steve attended Penn State University and Gannon College for his undergraduate degree. Following college, Steve moved to Washington, D.C. to attend Catholic University where he obtained his Juris Doctor. Steve practiced law for over 40 years where he grew a thriving real estate practice. His success made the name Troese synonymous with the title industry throughout the state of Maryland. He was an active member of the American Land Title Association, Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, Housing and Urban Development, and numerous other social and professional organizations.

Steve was also the founder of the Boys and Girls Club in Upper Marlboro in the early 1970’s, an accomplishment that he characterized as among the most satisfying of his life. Steve never missed his children’s events and maintained involvement in youth sports all the way up through early 2000’s. 

Steve moved to Davidsonville in early 1980’s where he was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church. In addition to his law practice, Steve was an intrepid businessman, restaurateur, race-horse owner, sports enthusiast, and patron of the arts. More than anything, Steve was loved and respected by all and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. Steve died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 82. He will be dearly missed. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Steve’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Monday, August 23 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered  at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD on Tuesday, August 24 at 10:30am. Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.

Neil Fredrick White, 73, a resident of Churchton, MD, died peacefully on August 15, 2021. Fred was born on May 19, 1948, to Julian and Doris White. He was raised in Palmer Park, Maryland and attended Bladensburg Senior High School. 

Fred is survived by his brother Bruce. Fred and Bruce lost their brother Michael B. White Sr., 76, a resident of Edgewater, Florida, who died peacefully on August 3, 2021. Unfortunately, both brothers were lost within two weeks of each other. 

Fred is also survived by his daughter, Julie Griffin (Glenn and his two children Stephanie and Glenn IV) of Churchton, Maryland and one grandchild, Austin Griffin. He worked in the Savings and Loan business and then started his own painting company. 

Fred’s favorite pastime was golf. Fred was a fixture at Bowie Golf and Country Club from the mid 1960’s until 2015. He was Men’s Club Champion several times, last time was in 2000. Fred always competed with the Bowie A team against private clubs in the Metropolitan area. Among Fred’s accomplishments 

in golf are his many holes-in-one. Fred’s short game was excellent, and he mentored many of the young golfers at Bowie. Fred continued to play golf when he retired to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 
He also enjoyed watching Maryland Terrapin Basketball and was a loyal Washington Redskins fan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Baltimore Office, 800 Wyman Park Drive Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21211 <a href = "https://www.diabetes.org/donate" >online here</a>





Lydia Taylor was born on October 30, 1934, in Washington, D.C., to Eugene Roberson and Earle Rose McQuinn Roberson.  She passed away on the evening of Sunday, August 15, 2021, at her home of 45 years in Fort Washington, Maryland, that she shared with her husband Frank.

The eldest child of Eugene and Earle Roberson, Lydia attended D.C. Public schools graduating from Dunbar High School in 1952.  Before graduating from high school, Lydia was awarded a full scholarship to attend the University of Chicago’s Sherwood School of Music.  She was the first woman in her family to attend a college.  While she loved Chicago and the many friends she made there, she never got accustomed to the extremely cold and windy Chicago winters.  After graduating in the spring of 1957, she returned to her hometown and family in Washington, D.C.  Weeks later, in June 1957, she would marry the love of her life, Frank Taylor, whom she had known since kindergarten.  Pictures of the wedding were carried in a local newspaper and the wedding was described as a “High Fashion Wedding.”  Lydia’s mother Earle, a seamstress, designed and made the dress. After the wedding, the newlyweds departed for the southwest, living in El Paso, Texas, although Frank was stationed nearby at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

Nearly a year later their first child, a son, Philip Duane was born in May 1958.  The newlyweds eventually left Texas and returned to Washington, D.C., where Lydia began her teaching career in the District of Columbia’s Public School system.  The first several years of her career were spent as a classroom teacher.  She took a break from teaching in late 1961, to give birth to her second son, Frank Derrick who was born in December 1961.  Eventually returning to teaching, she was assigned to a number of elementary schools throughout southeast Washington, D.C. In the mid 1960’s she became one of the initial teachers to work in President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Head  Start program.  The program provided comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families.  As a result of the program’s early success, teachers and administrators who were involved in the launching of the program were invited to a White House ceremony and were commended by President and Mrs. Johnson.   

At the urging of her mother, who did not believe she was utilizing her music degree, Lydia left classroom teaching towards the end of the 1960s and became an elementary school music teacher.  Being a music teacher was the pinnacle of her career.  No matter the elementary school, she established Glee Clubs and held annual elaborate Christmas and Spring programs.  Principals that she had clashed with during the school year were seen sitting in the audience crying at the beauty and success of these evening programs.  One of the major DC law firms (Steptoe & Johnson, LLP) annually invited her Glee Club to perform in the firm’s lobby for its annual holiday party.  Midway in her career, she was encouraged to become a principal, but her heart was in the classroom with the children, not in the bureaucracy and politics of the school system.  Because of her, several of her students against difficult odds at home, were awarded scholarships, went to college and became educators.

Lydia was a remarkable woman, wife, mother, and grandmother.  She was known by family and friends as loyal, strong-willed, free-spirited, opinionated, dedicated, determined, wickedly playful, and an advocated for underdogs.  Once you met her, you never forgot her, and you were in love with her zest for life and adventure. She was a notorious shopper and loved shoes and more shoes. Besides shopping, she enjoyed interior design, cooking, gardening, sailing with her husband and sons on the Chesapeake Bay, attending Sunday Mass and returning home to watch Sunday football.    

After nearly 42 years of teaching, she retired and once her husband retired, they traveled extensively, domestically, and internationally. In their late 60s, they traveled to and fell in love with Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where they purchased a winter home and spent winters enjoying the warm Mexican sunshine and fresh seafood.  As was the case, she made fast friends in Mexico with new neighbors, waiters, and shopkeepers who loved her friendliness and especially her pesos.  When Lydia wasn’t traveling with her husband or spending time in Cabo, she was a volunteer usher for several years at the National Theater and the Kennedy Center.

During her long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, some commented about what a sacrifice the family was making.  It was not a sacrifice; it was labor of love.  She remained in her home of 45 years with her husband of 64 years, rarely leaving her side. She had her evening ice cream and occasionally, Philip made her favorite drink, a strawberry pina colada.  Earlier this year she was dropped from hospice care because she had outlived the time limit of six months to stay on the program.  She gave the disease quite a battle and members of her family and close friends jokingly commented that this hideous disease had met its match coming up against Lydia Taylor. In all, she lived a full, productive, and eventful life.

At home, she was a devoted and loving wife and mother.  She was often described as the original “momma bear” immensely protective of her family.  Lydia kept and enjoyed an exciting home, full of laughter, lively discussion and debate, and of course music (accept for the musical choices of her sons).  Only 5 foot 4 and 130 pounds, she often reminded the family that she was the only female in the house consisting of a husband, two very independent and “hard-headed” boys and two extremely spoiled male dogs, and yet, she held her ground. 
                               

Fully vaccinated family and friends are welcome to attend all programming that celebrates the life of Lydia R. Taylor.



Leonard E. “Nick” Neitzke
June 8, 1932 – August 14, 2021

Leonard Eric Neitzke, child of God, was born to Erna and Eric Neitzke on June 8, 1932.  He grew up on a farm in Hoskins, Nebraska and received his Christian training at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Norfolk, Nebraska, where he was baptized.  Following his years of Bible instruction, he was confirmed and confessed his faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus.

Already as a young boy Nick decided his future would not be in farming but in flying.  On his own he took flying lessons and received his pilot’s license at the age of 19.  Following graduation from high school, Nick enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and served with distinction for 22 years.

He served on board aircraft, first as a radio operator and chief control officer during the Korean War, and then during the Vietnam War as the boom operator on board large refueling aircraft tankers.  Nick’s many assignments took him to bases around the globe.

It was while he was stationed in Florida that Nick met Margaret DeSaulniers, the love of his life.  They were united in holy matrimony on July 22, 1955 and together they were given the blessing of 66 years of married life.  Their marriage was blessed with three children:  Linda Locke, Michael Neitzke and Teresa Ullman.  Wherever Nick’s assignments took him, he and Maggie worked together to make theirs a loving and secure home for their children.  Nick’s final assignment was at Andrews Air Force Base.  In retirement Nick volunteered his services through the USO organization for over 20 years.  His love of country and of flying kept him close to the military community.

In 1976 Nick and Maggie joined Divine Peace Lutheran family of faith.  Throughout his active years Nick served the congregation as usher, elder and trustee.  He was faithful in every assignment and never failed to complete his mission and acts of service.

Nick was a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren:  Christopher Neitzke, Matthew Neitzke and Marissa Okamoto; as well as his great-grandchildren:  Cohen Neitzke, Harper Neitzke, Farrah Neitzke, Jaxson Neitzke, Delaney Neitzke and Emersyn Neitzke.  Nick was preceded in death by his sister Marlene and his parents Erna and Eric Neitzke.

Ever a patient and loving father, ever a Christian gentleman, Nick remained a humble servant of Jesus Christ to his end.  Jesus said: “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.  My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

A memorial service to celebrate Nick’s life will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11 AM at Divine Peace Lutheran Church, 1500 Brown Station Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774.  The family will receive visitors 30 minutes prior to the start of the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Divine Peace Lutheran Church or Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122.

The service at church can be viewed live on Zoom by clicking <a href="https://zoom.us/j/94590123227?pwd=ekg1MzBlSjR5VllnUkhpeDNwSGZwdz09">HERE</a>.  If prompted, the passcode is Jesus.

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

Obituaries

Shirley Spears

Velorse Gafford

Perry Meyett

John Dorsett, Sr.

Salud Modelo

Alice Johnson

Robert Ford, Sr.

Martha Blue

Edna Scott

Linda De Jesus

Ursula Callahan

Michelle Downey

Virginia Abell

Maureen Weyers

Dewayne Gilbert

Alvin Gheen

Anthony Lembo

Justin Derdock

Cynthia Bryant

Charles Buckler

Stephen Troese, Sr.

Neil White

Lydia Taylor

Leonard Neitzke