Ruthann V. Brooks
Ruthann V. Brooks, a native of New Jersey, a former resident of Coatesville and most recently of Landenberg, passed away while surrounded by loving family members and caregivers on May 10, 2024. She was 96.

She was the spouse of the late John H. Brooks, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage. Born in Bayonne, NJ, she was the daughter of the late William Christ and the late Maryalyce (Degnan) Christ. 

Much like the thousands of patterns she knitted, sewed and crocheted throughout her life, Ruthann was the maker of her family's journey—celebrating their births, their graduations, their weddings and their most wonderful moments. She was an ardent admirer of holidays with a fervent memory for birthdays and anniversaries—a card was always sent on time—and between her work as an artisan, she enjoyed an occasional visit to Atlantic City with friends from her former home at Cedar Glen Lakes in Whiting, NJ. 

While her family and friends filled her life with love, laughter and hope, Ruthann reserved the most precious parts of her heart for her eternal faith, most recently as a longtime parishioner at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Whiting, N.J., under the leadership of Rev. Paul A. Van Sant. For the past four years, Ruthann lived with her daughter and son-in-law in Landenberg, where she cherished every day in the company of family and new friends. In the last weeks and days of her life, it was her belief in life everlasting that gave her the comfort of knowing that she would soon be reunited with her beloved husband and their sons, her parents and siblings and her many friends. 

Ruthann is survived by her daughter, Elaine Brooks and her husband, Richard L. Gaw; her granddaughter, Steffany Raimondo and great-granddaughter, Madison Raimondo; granddaughter, Tiffany D'Agostino; and daughters-in-law, Elizabeth Brooks and Cynthia Brooks. 

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sons, John H. Brooks, Roger C. Brooks, and a number of brothers and sisters. 

Her funeral service took place on May 20 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Whiting, N.J.

Interment will be held privately. 

Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/ or to Wounded Warriors at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate .

Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Ruthann's online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com. 

Raymond A. Giuliano
Raymond A. Giuliano, 83, of Cochranville passed away on April 23, 2024 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester.

He was the husband of the late Irene M. Giuliano, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Anthony and Lucy Spina Giuliano.

He retired from Allstate Insurance Company as a claims adjuster and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Raymond was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford and was dedicated in his faith.

He enjoyed gardening and loved making his own pasta gravy.

He is survived by his two sons, Ray J. Giuliano (and his wife, Jody) and Kevin M. Giuliano and two granddaughters, Christina Giuliano and Samantha Jones. 

He was preceded in death by a brother, Anthony Giuliano. 

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on April 29 at Sacred Heart Church in Oxford.

Interment with full military honors was in Oxford Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., in Oxford. 

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

David R. Compton
David Russell Compton, of Oxford, passed away on April 22, 2024 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. He was 62.

He was the husband of the late Theresa A. Melrath Compton, with whom he shared 21 years of marriage.

Born in Lancaster, Pa., he was the son of the late Comas and Brenda Wyatt Compton.

He retired as a truck driver from Atlas Van Lines, Newark, Del.

David was a member of the A.B.A.T.E. of PA.

He loved his children, grandchildren, dogs, gardening, repairing autos and helping people in need.

He is survived by three sons, David Russell Compton, Jr. (Patricia) of Quakertown, Danny Compton of North Carolina and Sam Cooper (Margie) of Oxford, two daughters, Meghan (Mark) of North Carolina and Stacie Stidoms of Oxford, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Jason Compton of Peach Bottom and Jeff Compton of Conowingo, Md. and one sister, Tracy Compton of Oxford.

Funeral services were held on May 1 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment was in the Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Union Fire Co., No. 1, 315 Market St., Oxford, PA 19363.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. 

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Rev. Daniel J. Nicewonger
Rev. Daniel Joseph Nicewonger, age 55, of Landenberg, passed away on May 17, 2024 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester.

Known as Pastor Dan to many, he was the beloved husband of Nancy Nicewonger, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage. 

Born in Albany, NY, he was the oldest son of the late Richard and Judy Nicewonger. Dan married Nancy three weeks after college graduation then was thrilled with the later addition of a son and daughter, Joseph and Rayann. Family life involved love, laughter and many “Big Adventures.” Dan recently officiated at Joseph's wedding, adding Julia Allen to the family.

Dan graduated from Messiah College in 1990 and then earned his M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 1995. Most recently, Dan served as the Spiritual Formation Catalyst for A Place in the Conversation. He had a heart and a skill for bringing people together. He used his writing, speaking and podcast to meet this goal. Dan chose to share his cancer journey through two books, The Journey Continues and Caring Conversations, helping others through his experience. Dan had a deep faith, always desiring to grow closer to God.

Dan, Nancy, and Rayann moved to Kennett Square in 2014 for Dan to serve as pastor at First Baptist Church and quickly became a part of the community. Even during illness, Dan truly saw those around him and sought to help in strategic ways, often by bringing others to work together on a shared goal. On May 4, 2024, Dan was recognized as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce. 

Dan served as a minister at First Baptist Church of Kennett Square (2014-2021), Church in the Acres in Springfield, MA (1999-2008), Memorial Baptist Church in Cortland, NY (1995-1999), Maplewood Baptist Church in Malden, MA (1990-1995), and The Shared Ministry (1987-1990). Dan worked for Corning, Inc. in NC (2008-2014) and was a skilled carpenter.

Dan is survived by his wife, Nancy Nicewonger; his son, Joseph Nicewonger (Julia Allen); his daughter, Rayann Nicewonger; brothers Kevin (Meghan) and Philip (Faith) Nicewonger; in-laws Judy Parnell, Todd (Tonia) Parnell and Joy (Rob) Johnson; nieces and nephews. Dan was predeceased by his parents and his father-in-law, Ray Parnell.

You are invited to visit with Dan's family and friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Kennett Square, 415 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. You are also invited to visit with Dan's family and friends on Friday, May 24, from noon to 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Kennett Square. His funeral service will follow at 1 p.m.

Interment will take place following the service at the Union Hill Cemetery at 424 North Union Street in Kennett Square.

Contributions in his memory may be made to A Place in the Conversation: https://aplaceintheconversation.org/support-apitc/ or Kennett Area Community Service  https://kacsimpact.org/support/. Checks can be mailed to KACS PO Box 1025, Kennett Square, PA 19348. 

Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Dan's online obituary and leave condolences, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.