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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of March 19th

Vincent A. Giordano, Jr.

Vincent A. Giordano, Jr. passed away at home with his wife, son, and dog (Dok) by his side on October 18, 2024. 

He was the loving husband of Kathleen (Patton) Giordano for 53 years. He is survived by his son, Nicholas R. Giordano and Nick’s fiancée Jamie Sellers. 

Vince was born in Philadelphia in 1952 and moved to KIrkwood, Pa. in 1978. He was the son of Vincent A. Giordano, Sr. and Livia M. (Zappitelli) Giordano. 

Vince is also survived by brother-in-law, Cliff Patton, two sisters-in-law, Arleen Patton and Barbara Drumm, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Livia M. Giordano. 

Vince graduated from Northeast Catholic High School and attended Drexel University. He was employed by Philadelphia Electric Company/ Exelon/Constellation, where he retired at the age of 65. He served in the Naval Air Reserves and was honorably discharged after six years of service. 

Vince, aka Vinny, was a faithful fan of all Philadelphia sports teams. He enjoyed being the “fix-it guy.” He could repair just about anything and totally enjoyed doing it. He loved animals, photography, boating, and playing sports. 

He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by many. 

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made In Vince’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.  


Joseph R. Bauer, Jr.

Joseph R. Bauer, Jr., of Oxford, passed away peacefully into the arms of his savior Jesus Christ on February 27, 2025. He was 85 and passed away at Lancaster General Hospital.

He was the husband of the late Juanita L. Cave Bauer.

Born in Aldan, Pa., he was the son of the late Joseph R. Sr., and Virginia Barrington Bauer.

Joseph was born and raised in Aldan, Pa. and graduated from Upper Darby High School, class of 1957.

He was a member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church and enjoyed serving as a Liturgist and Elder.

Joseph was employed as a computer programmer analyst for many years and after retirement he worked part-time as a parts driver with Federated Auto in Quarryville.

He served on the board of the Upper Oxford Planning Commission, East Nottingham Township Planning Commission and the Open Space Committee and the Oxford Area Recreation Authority. Joseph also volunteered for over 20 years with the Brandywine River Museum’s annual train display at Christmastime.

He was active with the Boy Scouts and was a high school band parent and he loved trains, gardening, reading and working in the yard.

He is survived by four children, Suzanne J. Herr (Larry) of Oxford, Joseph R. Bauer, III (Lisa) of Oxford, Jeffrey M. Bauer of Peach Bottom and Jason S. Bauer of Seattle, WA, a sister, Jill P. Heinold (Lynn) of Naples, Fla., a brother, Wayne D. Bauer (Joyce) of Drexel Hill, and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by sister, Nancy B. Butler.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, April 12 at Waterway Church, 550 Waterway Road in Oxford. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and the service will begin at 2 p.m., followed by a fellowship reception.

Interment will be private.

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


Richard Clendening, IV

Richard Clendening, IV, age 78, of Villas, NJ, passed away on February 27, 2025. 

He is survived by his children, Richard Clendening V, Jaime Wright and their spouses, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila, his sister, Mary Atkins and parents Richard Clendening III and Helen Clendening. 

Richard was an avid fisherman. He loved spending time on the water fishing, surfing, kayaking and swimming with friends. He had a green thumb and would always share his garden’s harvest with friends and neighbors. 

He served in the Army’s 285th Engineer Detachment in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968. 

Richard stayed busy during his retirement and made many friends that he adopted into his extended family. 

Services are private.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to the Disabled American Veterans DAV Chapter 44 1010 Bayshore Rd, Del Haven NJ 08251.

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


Lois Jean Lantz

Lois J. Lantz, a beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Lancaster on March 12, 2025. She was born in Oxford, the daughter of the late Robert L. and Beatrice (Reeves) Wolfe.

A 1950 graduate of Solanco High School, Lois went on to work in various roles throughout her life, most notably in the housekeeping department at the Holiday Inn of Lancaster and Conestoga View, where she was known for her dedication and warm personality.

Lois had a heart as big as her kitchen, where she poured her love into every meal she made, especially during the holidays. Cooking was more than just a skill for her; it was an expression of love. Her desserts were legendary, and anyone fortunate enough to taste her creations knew they were made with joy and care. Her cherry pie could rival even Martha Stewart’s!

Outside the kitchen, Lois found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid reader, often getting lost in the thrilling pages of a James Patterson novel. She loved watching The Young and the Restless, The Voice, and a good cop show. Her sense of humor was infectious, and she never missed a chance to share a joke or enjoy a Kevin Hart comedy. As spring arrived, Lois delighted in choosing flowers for her garden, always eager to bring new colors and life into her home.

A woman of strong faith, Lois was a dedicated member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she served as the corresponding secretary for the missionaries. She was part of the Knit Wits knitting group, and played an integral role in the Kitchen Crew. She gave her time and energy to her church family, always with a warm smile and a giving heart.

More than anything, Lois was a devoted mother, a loving sister, and a cherished friend. Her kindness, laughter, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughters, Lynn Schnupp of Lancaster and Arden Lantz of Delaware, her brother, Robert Wolfe (wife Judy) of Truce, her nieces Stacey Missouri (husband Brandon), Nicole Beaden (husband Claude) of Florida, and Sharron Purnell Mayer (husband Andrew) of Philadelphia, her great-nephew Jordan Wolfe of Willow Street, as well as many great-nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. 

She is preceded in death by her beloved sister, Yvonne Wolfe.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 21 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 701 North Lime Street, Lancaster. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. before the service. 

Interment will take place at 11a.m. on March 22 at Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lois’ honor may be made to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or Momma C’s Kitchen, 701 North Lime Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford.  

 

Allan Richard Shoemaker, Jr.

Allan Richard Shoemaker, Jr. 59, of Quarryville, Pa., passed away on March 13, 2025 at Lancaster General Hospital.

He was the husband of Leesa Wyatt Shoemaker, with whom he shared 11 years of marriage.

Born in Kirkwood, Pa., he was the son of Mary Neff Shoemaker and the late Allan Richard Shoemaker, Sr.

Allan was employed with Shoemaker Trucking and Excavating, Kirkwood.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, Oxford.

He enjoyed snowmobiling, motorcycle rides and bowling.

He is survived by his wife; his mother; one son, Allan Michael Shoemaker; six siblings, Bill Shoemaker, Jim Shoemaker, Andy Shoemaker, Laura Shoemaker, Aaron Shoemaker and Joe Shoemaker; and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19 at Christ Community Fellowship Church at 356 Chatham Road in West Grove, where friends and family may visit from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Interment will be in Christ Community Fellowship Cemetery.

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


James D. Elliott III

James D. Elliott III, of Kennett Square, passed away while at his residence on March 10, 2025. He was 52.

James, who was commonly known as JBob, was born in Logan, OH. He  was the son  of James D. Elliott, Jr., and the late Barbara Huddy Elliott and his stepmother, Francine Abbett Elliott.

In his younger years, he was a athlete and electrician. He loved music, the Green Bay Packers and spending time with his friends.

Later in his life, he spent his years with his best friend and stepmother, Francine Elliott, his father, nieces and nephews.

JBob’s comical personality and appreciation for life affected everyone he met, and he will be missed by all.

In addition to his father and stepmother, he is survived by two sisters, Jama Elliott of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Lora Elliott of Lionville, Pa., one niece Cristal Richman and one nephew, Lucas McMahon.

His service and burial will be private.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family , please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.


Jane Ann Piscoglio

Jane Ann Piscoglio, of Oxford, passed away at home with family at her side on March 12, 2025. She was 87.

She was the wife of Joseph Piscoglio, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage.

Born in Downingtown, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Angelo and Jennie DiPietro Poluch.

She is a graduate of Downingtown High School, Class of 1956, and was an active member of the reunion committee for many years. 

Jane and husband Joseph owned and managed Sante’s Card and Candy Corner in Coatesville. 

She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford. Jane enjoyed cooking for her family and many friends. She also enjoyed crocheting many blankets for all occasions for her friends and family.

She is survived by her husband Joseph Piscoglio and her four children, Tina (Barry), Jeanine (Tony), Joseph Jr. (Sharon) and Santa (Michael), 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and her brother, John Poluch of Glenmoore.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Anthony Poluch.

A Catholic Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on March 20 at Sacred Heart Church, 203 Church Road in Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at www.themmrf.org or Penn Medicine Hospice Friends Fund at giving.apps.upenn.edu.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford.