Archive for October, 2019

Philip Steven Payne (Age 66)

On Friday, October 11, 2019, of Rockville, MD. Beloved husband of Melanie Payne; father Kevin Payne; brother of the late Richard, Jr. and Dennis Payne; brother in law of Karen Payne and Minday Abrams-Payne; uncle of Allison Carew and Carly Gomez; great uncle of Holden Carew and Emma and Stella Gomez. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, Thursday, October 17, 2019, from 12:30 to 1 pm, with Funeral Service at 1 pm. Interment Cedar Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made American Lung Association

Anna P. Skrinjar (Age 94)

On Wednesday, October 9, 2019, of Bethesda, MD.  Beloved wife of Joseph R. Skrinjar ; mother of Christine (Randy Vincent); grandmother of Lauren and Matthew Vincent. Also survived by nieces and nephews.  Relatives and friends may call at  Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Wednesday, October 16, 2019, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral Service  at  Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 11:00 AM.  Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to  JSSA Hospice, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852, Attn: Hospice Director or Humane Rescue Alliance, Development Office, 71 Oglethorpe Street NW, Washington, DC 20011.

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Nancy Alice Vendetti (Age 46)

On Thursday, October 10, 2019, of Olney, MD. Beloved daughter of Lewis A. and Mary Alice Vendetti; sister of Michael Vendetti, Edward Vendetti, Mary Ferguson, Theresa Tkacik, Vincent Vendetti, Fr. Thomas Vendetti, LC, and Catherine Vendetti; niece of Sr. Linda Vendetti, CSJ, and Joan Shariat; also survived by 24 nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call at St. Patrick’s Church, 4101 Norbeck Rd, Rockville, MD, on Tuesday, October 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 16, at 11 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

ELTHEA “ELLIE”
BERNADETTE CECILIA JACOBS
Age 21

On Tuesday, October 8, 2019, of Olney, MD. Beloved daughter of William Andrew Jacobs and Monica Cecilia Kenney-Jacobs; sister of Vivian Patricia Jacobs. Also survived by loving family and friends. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, on Sunday, October 13, from 10 to 11 am, where service will follow at 11 am. Interment private.

Sofia Gonzalez (Age 89)

On Wednesday, October 9, 2019, of Frederick, MD. Beloved wife of the late Secundino Mestre Ortiz; mother of Martha Mejia and Martha Alicia Carrero; sister of Juan Gonzalez; also survived by 4 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Visitation at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, Monday, October 14 from 12 to 1 p.m. with Graveside Service to follow at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD.

“JOE” Agatino Michele Joseph Torre (Age 81)

On Monday, October 7, 2019, of Sebastian, FL originally from Washington, D.C. Beloved husband of Rose M. Torre; loving father of Mike (Holly) Torre and Lisa Torre (Ron) Fiorille. Brother of Armond Torre, Deanna Sterling, and Martin Torre. Grandfather of Maigan Joyce (Billy) Pechnik and Nikole Irene Torre. Great-grandfather of Hudson Michele Pechnik.

Joe was instrumental in transforming mens and womens hairstyling in the early 1970’s and was known to be the best at his art. He owned and operated the Torre De Roma hairstyling in the Georgian Towers Silver Spring, MD. He was the featured artist of many hairshows and instructed many students on the art of styling hair for both men and women. He had a magnetic personality and no one was a stranger to Joe.

Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Sunday, October 13, 2019, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, Memorial & Tribute Processing Ctr., 4217 Park Place Court,,Glen Allen, VA 23060.

DANIEL PETER DATO (age 94)

1925 – 2019

Daniel Dato, 94, died peacefully on Sunday October 6, 2019 in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Daniel was born in Hoboken, New Jersey surrounded by a strong Italian community speaking both English and Italian.  As a child he worked in the family-owned butcher shop alongside his older brother Tony, mother Louise, and father Carmine. He enjoyed regaling funny stories about the shenanigans behind the counter and the people who shopped there.  It was also his responsibility to help move tenants in and out of their family-owned apartment building while his sisters Faustina, Mary and Phyllis helped with its maintenance.  In this community he learned the value of hard work, good food & people and the passionate Italian Culture that he embraced throughout his life.  His love of languages and learning was born!

At the young age of 18, “Danny” enlisted in the Navy where he achieved the rank of Radioman Second Class and served during World War II on the USS Kephart (DE 207).  Surviving Kamikaze attacks and the Battle of Ormack Bay he returned home in 1946.   As a Veteran he continued his education, achieving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Arts & Sciences from Rutgers University in 1951, a Master of Arts Degree in Latin from Middlebury College in 1952, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Cornell University in 1959 where he managed to both realize his PhD AND court his wife “Ginny.”

Daniel had many accomplishments in his long career.  As a Professor at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, he impassioned his students in the academia of Neurolinguistics (how the brain acquires language).  Other points in his career included research, writing and teaching at Universities and Colleges nationally and internationally.  Middlebury, NY, San Francisco, CA, Albuquerque, NM, Rockville, MD, France, Italy, Spain, and Japan to name a few.

His love of learning and languages drove him to interesting places where his ability to combine creativity with scientific research highlighted his uniqueness.  Living two years in Spain, Daniel, his wife Ginny, and their children Michael and Gina all participated in his groundbreaking study on second language acquisition in children.  This resulted in authoring several publications, which are still recognized in Certification Programs today – some 50 years later.

Daniel continued his pursuit of knowledge with additional degrees and certificates as he and Ginny raised their family together in Rockville, MD. He received a Fellowship in Pediatrics-Hearing and Speech from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a Master of Arts Degree from George Washington University.  Bestowed with the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Pathology from the American Speech and Hearing Association he became a Board Certified Speech Pathologist and began his second career.  He and his wife founded the non-profit organization Bilingual Language Speech and Hearing Association (BiLasha) and the publishing company Bilingual Communications, Inc. (Bicomm).  As President of these organizations and engaging his wife and three children in the process, he produced materials that assisted Speech Pathologists and language learners in standardizing their English Language.  Dr. Dato was well loved by his University Students, workshop participants, and clients as they loved his methods incorporating language and culture with learning – often as dinner guests in the family home in Rockville, MD.

Daniel loved his parents and siblings and grieved each one‘s passing before him while continuing to shine his light in pursuit of excellence. After 41 years of marriage and grieving the 2001 death of his loving wife, he returned his focus to living a life filled with music, learning, and companionship.  Knowing that he wanted to meet an Italian woman who shared his love of music, Italian culture and food, he entrenched himself in learning to play piano and developing a new program, Italian for Opera Lovers.  A successful plan, this is where he met the second love of his life Eleanor DePolo.  As companions, they shared 15 years of love, laughter and fun!

Now an Elder, Dan developed enriching relationships at his new community in Silver Spring, Maryland. Riderwood was chosen for its international residents and staff so he could continue communicating in Italian, French, Spanish, and English within its diverse culture.  He became close with many of his aides who assisted him during injury recovery and his declining health. His relationships with his son Michael and daughter Gina became even richer as the parent/child roles of care giving reversed.

Daniel was devoted to his wife and children, and succeeded in instilling his most passionate Italian traditions: family business, music and language, food, love, and family. His memory is etched in the lives and memories of his family; wife the Late Mary Virginia McClaren Dato, children; the Late Michael Dato (Leslie), Gina Dols (Stuart) and Anna Maria Dato (Mark); and his grandchildren Stephanie, Chase & Sydney Dato and Amanda, Angela, and Anthony Dols.

Mass of Christian Burial at Church of the Resurrection at Riderwood Village, 3110 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, MD on Friday, October 11, at 2 p.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ on Saturday, October 12 at 11:45 a.m. Reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Strathmore Hall Foundation in memory of Daniel Dato, Attention The Development Office, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, N. Bethesda, MD 20852 or online at www.strathmore.org.

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Yi-Chau Lee (Age 63)

On Monday, September 30, 2019, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved father of Margaret Lee; former husband of Cheng-Rei Ruth Lee; brother of Elaine Chan. Also survived by many loving family members and friends. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, 20901 (valet parking), on Friday, October 11, from 2 to 4 pm. Private Interment at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Margaret Lee.

Robert Harris Meredith (Age 84)

On Wednesday, September 18, 2019, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved husband of the late Virginia Meredith; father of Mike & Shelley Meredith.  Service will be held at Oakdale Emory Methodist Church, 3425 Emory Church Road, Olney, MD 20832, on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 11:00 AM.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Oakdale Church to the Meredith Memorial fund.

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Walter A. Nelson Sr. (99)

Walter Albert Nelson Sr., age 99, a former member of the Senior Executive Service with 40 years of service with the Veterans Administration, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2019 with his family by his side.

Mr. Nelson was born and raised in Natick, MA. He was employed by the Norfolk Paint Company of Quincy, MA.  They manufactured paint and varnish and operated stores mostly in the New England area.  Mr. Nelson worked in their stores in Framingham, Waltham, Fitchburg, Salem and was the manager of their Lawrence, MA store.

After Pearl Harbor he entered the service on April 1, 1942 at Fort Devin’s, MA.  Mr. Nelson was then shipped to Camp Lee, VA for basic training in the Army Medical Corp. After basic training he was transferred to Camp Pickett, VA as part of a cadre to assist in the opening a new Station Hospital.  He was assigned to the headquarters of the hospital.

He applied for and was accepted to Officers Candidate School (OCS) at the Adjutant School, Fort Washington, MD where he graduated as a Commissioned Officer.  Mr. Nelson was then sent to the Army Exchange School at Princeton University, Princeton, NJ. From there he was sent to the First Service Command and subsequently to Camp Edward and then to the Air Force base on the Canadian border in Houlton, Maine.  This was a Prisoner of War Camp (POW) with camps throughout northern Maine where he activated and operated Post Exchanges and Canteens at various locations.

After the war he returned to Natick to join his wife and new daughter, June Nelson.  Millions of military personnel were returning to civilian life and veterans needs and benefits were expanding rapidly.  President Truman appointed General Omar Bradley as the Administrator of Veterans Affairs.  The need for the VA services were urgent and General Bradley embarked on many new programs that included setting up a VA type Post Exchange service.  A Public Law, PL636 79th congress, was passed and the service established.

Mr. Nelson joined this new service at the VA’s Branch Office in Boston, MA and was involved in setting up this service in compliance with this new legislation.  While living in Natick he became a charter member of the Kiwanis Club, sang in the Congregational Church Choir and served as an officer in the American Legion Post 107.

The VA went through a reorganization and closed the Boston office and Mr. Nelson transferred to New York City. He subsequently transferred to the Washington, D.C. Central Office in 1963.  While in the Central Office he headed various divisions and eventually became the Director of the Service.

His service was commended in many ways.  He was awarded the Administrator’s Distinguished Career Award, commended by Congress in the Congressional Record for his contribution to the VA’s mission, chaired the VA’s 50th anniversary celebration held in the Pension Building, and received a letter of appreciation from the Chairman and Member of Veterans Affairs Committee among others.

For a period of time Mr. Nelson, operated a real estate brokerage business.  He was a member of the American Legion, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), Mended Hearts, a former hospital visitor at the Bethesda Naval Hospital and the Washington Adventist Hospital, a former member of the Association of Military Surgeons of the US and a member of Federal Consumer Alliance of Maryland and Environs.

His hobbies were swimming at the Olney Swim Center, Romeo’s (Retired Old Men Eating Out), golf, investing, gardening, Elderhostel’s, adventurous adult children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, garage sales, and owning a home.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife Janet who died in 2002, Barry, an infant son, who died shortly after his birth in 1946 and his oldest daughter, June, who died in 1999. Survivors include his six children, Walter Jr (Terry), Jill, Joyce, Wayne, Kevin, and Carl along with

15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends of Walter Nelson may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Monday, October 14, from 7 to 9 p.m.  A Memorial Service will be held at Hughes United Methodist Church, 10700 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, MD, on Tuesday, October 15, at 11 a.m. followed by a reception at 12:30.  Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to JSSA Hospice or Mended Hearts.

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Juan Enrique Alonso (Age 79)

On Saturday, October 5, 2019, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved son of the late Juan Francisco Alonso and Olga Dolores Perez. Survived by cousins, nephews, nieces and grand-nephews. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Sunday, October 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Shrine of St. Jude, 12701 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, MD, on Monday, October 14, 2019 at 11:30 AM. Interment private.

Anthony J. Salamone (Age 93)

On Wednesday, October 2, 2019, of Fort Myers, FL. Beloved husband of the late Sarah Salamone; father of Daniel (Bella), Joanne Oleske, Harry (Edith), and Dennis Salamone; grandfather of Mianna, Dawn, Michael, Jennifer; great-grandfather of Kaitlyn, Lennon, and Kellan; brother of Cosmo (Mary Ellen) Salamone. He served in the US Army during WWII. IBEW Member from 1953-2002. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Thursday, October 10, 2019, from 2 to 4 pm. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, Norbeck & Muncaster Mill Roads, Rockville, MD, on Friday, October 11, 2019 at 11 am. Entombment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

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Mark A. Schindler (Age 19)

Suddenly on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved son of Max A. Schindler, Laura Marie Schindler and Ronald G. DeWald; brother of Andrew J. Schindler and Chris Schindler; nephew of Anthony P. Dubinski, Jr.; grandson of Max J. Schindler; great-grandson of Elaine B. and Max A. Schindler and the late Mary Rita and Anthony P. Dubinski, Sr. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Monday, October 14, from 7 to 9 p.m. where Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 15, at 11 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

David Arnoldo Caceres (Age 78)

On Monday, October 7, 2019, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved husband of Rosa Maria Caceres; father of James Caceres and his wife, Carly Caceres; grandfather of Diego Caceres, Leila Caceres, Isabella Caceres and Jameson Caceres. Also survived by his siblings, Anna , Adolpho, Gloria, Elizabeth and Alberto. Relatives and friends may call at  Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Wednesday, October 9, from 7 to 9 p.m.; where the Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 10, at 11 a.m. Interment Parklawn Memorial Park.

In Ok “Lee” Chase (Age 60)

On Saturday, September 28th, 2019 of Bowie, Maryland, born in Jeonju, South Korea. She is survived by her beloved husband Mark Chase, son Jonathon Chase (Sarah Anderson), daughter Christine Chase, grandchildren Kaylee and Zachary as well as other beloved family members and friends. She was a proud employee of Giant Food since 2000, serving 7 years as the bakery manager at Store #2360 in Bowie, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that general donations may be made to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation or to her son Jonathon’s fundraiser for Extra Life 2019 supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (link: https://www.extra-life.org/participant/Xtralife4Strike)