Archive for June, 2019

Maria Margot (Schmit) Zammit

Maria Zammit passed away at the age of 83, on Thursday, June 27, 2019, in Silver Spring, Maryland.  She was the beloved wife of the late Philip John Zammit. Loving mother of Mike (Aimee Henderson) Zammit, Rose Zammit Mellies, Jim (Cindy) Zammit, Carmen (Anthony) Mulea and Sue (Paul) Boyer; and grandmother of Roland (Van) and Waverly Mellies, Brandon and Kendall Zammit, Gregory and Nicole Mulea, and Tim Boyer.

Maria was born and raised in Luxembourg with two older brothers.  In her early twenties, she followed her brother to Canada with the intention of staying for a few years and then returning home.  While in Canada, she met her husband, Philip and together they immigrated to the United States in 1959.  They settled in Maryland and lived in the same home for over 55 years.  Maria was a proud American and always put the needs of her husband and five children ahead of her own.  She enjoyed sewing and raising her children, and through her successful home custom drapery and accessory business was able to spend her time doing both.  Some of her favorite pastimes in retirement were watching the birds gather at her bird feeders, gardening, doing puzzles on her iPad, and spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at St. Andrew Apostle Church, 11600 Kemp Mill Rd., Silver Spring, MD, Friday, July 5, 2019, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM.   Inurnment immediately following at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrews Apostle School, c/o of the Rectory, 11600 Kemp Mill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20902  www.standrewapostle.org/School-WP/  or to HealthWell Foundation, 20440 Century Blvd., Suite 250, Germantown, MD 20874 www.healthwellfoundation.org

RALPH C. KIRBY

Ralph C. Kirby, a career metallurgist and long-time employee of the U.S. Bureau of Mines died at his home on June 24, 2019. He was 93. A native Washingtonian, after graduation from Eastern High School he joined the Army, serving from 1943 to 1945. He was with the First Infantry Division in Belgium and Germany and was wounded in the Battle of Hürtgen Forest.

Kirby graduated magna cum laude from the Catholic University of America in 1950. At the Bureau of Mines he became the Bureau’s principal authority on technology, research, and development of metallurgical processes. He was named Assistant Director-Metallurgy in 1976.

He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Metallurgical Society of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, belonged to the Sigma Xi honorary society, and is the author of more than 30 publications.

A long-time resident of Leisure World-Maryland, he was very active in community affairs. He is survived by his wife, the former Madge Barbour, and his son, Charles, of Columbus, Ohio.

Memorial Service will be held at Inter-Faith Chapel, 3680 South Leisure World Blvd., Silver Spring, MD, on Monday, July 1, 2019 at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army NCAC, 2626 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington D.C. 20037, or Interfaith Chapel 3680 South Leisure World Blvd., Silver Spring, Maryland 20906.

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JACQUELINE OLSON PADGETT (Age 69)

Professor Emerita, Phi Beta Kappa
Trinity Washington University

On Saturday, June 22, 2019, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved wife of James Padgett; mother of Daniel, Nathan (married to Timara), Michael, Matthew, and Andrew. Also survived by her brother Roland Olson (married to Donna), three grandchildren, and an extended family in France. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Thursday, June 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Church, 12319 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, on Saturday, June 29, at 10 a.m. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Institutes of Health.

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HILDA J. PHILLIPS “Billie” (Age 95)  

On Saturday, June 22, 2019, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved wife of the late Edward James Phillips; mother of E. Keith Phillips and Collette P. Evanko (Paul). Also survived by eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren and other loving family and friends. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Wednesday, June 26, from 7 to 9 p.m., where funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 11 a.m. Interment Parklawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital , Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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ROBERT JOSEPH GOSS (Age 94)  

On Saturday, June 15, 2019, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved husband of Elizabeth Ann Goss; father of Michael Goss (Jane), Andrew Goss (Piper), Cindy Snowden (John), Vicki Goss, and Christopher Goss (Gail); grandfather of Robert, Laura, Diana, Travis, Patrick, Dan, Julia, Katie, John, and Lenora and seven great-grandchildren; Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Friday, June 28, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial Mass at Our Lady of Grace, 15661 Norbeck Blvd., Silver Spring, MD, 20906 on Saturday, June 29, at 10:30 a.m. Interment Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850.

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GERALD J. BOYLE

On Wednesday, June 18, 2019, Gerald James Boyle, 65, beloved partner of Brenda D. Testa passed away at the Washington Hospital Center, after a long battle with lung disease. He was born on November 28, 1953 in Washington, D.C. to the late James and Mary (Ruane) Boyle of Kensington, MD. He graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Wheaton, Maryland in June 1971. A member of the Phi Eta Sigma Fraternity, he graduated, with a B.A. (History) with honors from University of Maryland at College Park in May 1975. He attained a Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law in May 1978. After admission to the Bar in November of 1978, he worked in public and private practice. He also worked for many years as a Steam/Operating Engineer at various buildings in Washington D.C. for Blum, Frank & Kamins Company Inc.

A devoted animal lover, he enjoyed years of companionship with his many cats and will be sorely missed by Toots, Bella and Hannah. He had many talents. He was a voracious reader and a history buff, spoke fluent Spanish, was so handy that he could fix anything, although it had to be done his way. His creativity and wit were unequaled and he was always providing Brenda with amazing computer assistance for any last-minute project request that came along. Some of his favorite hours were spent on his porch with family and friends, listening to favorite musical selections with a MGD in his hand. God speed, Miracle Man!

Survivors include two brothers, David and Brian Boyle; and two sisters, Eleanor (Mike) Duckett and Bridget Boyle and sister-in-law Barbara Anne (Schick) Boyle, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, James and Daniel Boyle, Mary (Tootsie) Boyle, Alice Boyle Fisher and sister-in-law Barbara Ullmann. The family would like to express their appreciation to the caring ICU and Palliative Care Team at the Washington Hospital Center.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Xaverian Brothers  www.xaverianbrothers.org , the College Park Animal Hospital www.collegeparkanimalhospital.com, or the Burtonsville Rescue Squad www.bvfd.com.

The family will receive friends at the Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd, West, Silver Spring, MD on Sunday from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial at St Catherine Laboure Church, Viers Mill and Claridge Rd., Wheaton, MD, on Monday, June 24, 2019 at 11 am. Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Kevin Richard Kenealy (Age 62)

On Tuesday, June 18, 2019, of Silver Spring, MD.  Beloved husband of the late Megan Regina Leary Kenealy;  father of Kelly, Caitlin, and Patrick;  grandfather of Jack;  brother of William J. (Joan), Thomas V. (Kathleen), and Michael A. (Mary Ellen) Kenealy;  Also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.  Relatives and friends may call at St.  Andrew Apostle Church, Kemp Mill Road and Arcola  Ave., Silver Spring, MD, 20902, Thursday, June 27,  from 5 to 8 pm where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 28, at 10:30 am.  Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN, 38105.  www.stjude.org

Geneva Marie Taylor (Age 34)

On Monday, June 17, 2019, Geneva Marie Taylor.  Beloved Daughter of Brenda Zupancic and W. James Taylor; Sister of Briana Skye Taylor and Darin Clarke. Beloved partner of Randy Butts. Godmother to Jase Morris, as well as her beloved dog Graycie Mae. Geneva grew up in Silver Spring Maryland, graduated from Wheaton High School, Class of 2003. In school she enjoyed track and cheerleading. Geneva was very creative and artistic, teaching and directing at children’s art camps with her sister and father. She loved reading, writing poetry, and spending time in nature. She was a Girl Scout and Girl Scout leader. She loved children and worked in early childhood development. Geneva is a lively spirit. She was always the life of the party and she will be missed dearly. Relatives and friends may call at  Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Friday, June 28, 2019, 7 to 9 pm.  Continued visitation on Saturday, June 29, 2019 from 12 to 1 pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 1 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness www.namimc.org

CHARLES ALFRED “BUD” ROWZEE

Just four days after his 96th birthday, Charles Alfred (“Bud”) Rowzee of Burtonsville, Maryland passed away peacefully on May 6, 2019 surrounded by his family. Bud is survived by his beloved wife of 76 years Doris Theresa (Chicca) Rowzee, daughters Jeanne Marie Rowzee and Joanne Patricia Rowzee, granddaughter Casey Jo Rowzee and grandson Kyler Charles Rowzee. He was predeceased by his father Charles Curtis Rowzee, his mother Florentine (Albert) Rowzee, his brother Richard Rowzee, and sisters Katherine (Rowzee) Kaufmann, Helen (Rowzee) Hambleton and Elizabeth (“Betty”) (Rowzee) Keller. He is also survived by 38 nieces and nephews.

Bud was born on May 2, 1923 in Washington, DC. He graduated from Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC in 1941, married Doris Chicca in 1943, and with the outbreak of World War II joined the United States Army Air Corps (later the United States Air Force). He trained in the Pilot, Navigator and Bombardier Program at various training facilities stateside, attaining the rank of Corporal in a very short time.

At the end of the war, Bud enrolled at Catholic University in Washington, DC. He graduated from Catholic University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1949, and began his long career at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory (later the Naval Surface Weapons Center) (“the Center”) in White Oak, Maryland. In 1954 Bud and Doris built their dream home on Greencastle Road in Burtonsville, Maryland, which is the family home still today.

As a civilian working in the Department of the Navy, Bud was a recognized leader in the mine development program at the Center for years. He was awarded the Management Improvement Certificate by the President of the United States, and was recognized by the Department of the Navy with their highest award for Superior Civilian Service. He was renown for his technical expertise in developing innovative mine mechanisms, often by recycling spare parts into new uses that no one else had envisioned. He holds numerous patents awarded for the Mk 20 and Mk 37 Firing Mechanisms, and the Mk 39 and 49 Control Boxes. Amazingly, numerous devices that he envisioned and created are still being utilized in the Navy’s Fleet today.

The History Channel and several publications have credited Bud’s groundbreaking devices to mine Haiphong Harbor as deterrents that brought about the release of many American Vietnam War POWs.

Bud retired from the Navy in 1980 and worked as a consultant for defense contracts Aerojet General, Burroughs and Westinghouse for many years thereafter. He absolutely loved what he did.

Bud coached his daughters and others on numerous St. John the Baptist basketball and softball teams, as well as Academy of the Holy Cross softball teams. His greatest love was his family, and he also played a vital role in the development of two Catholic parishes, St. John the Baptist in Silver Spring, Maryland and the Church of the Resurrection in Burtonsville, Maryland.

Bud was known for always smiling and whistling. He will be greatly missed, but we know that he is watching over us as he smiles and whistles for the angels.

There will be a memorial service and celebration of his remarkable life on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 12 noon at the Church of the Resurrection, 3315 Greencastle Road, Burtonsville, Maryland, followed by a reception in the Amadeo Room at the church. Everyone who knew and loved Bud is welcome to join us to remember this remarkable man.

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Helen Ann Korba Cesari 

ELEANOR LEE O’SULLIVAN (Age 77)

On Thursday, June 13, 2019, of Rockville, MD.  Beloved wife of William Charles O’Sullivan; mother of Sharon Lee Von Bokern and William James O’Sullivan;  grandmother of Michael Adam and Andrew James O’Sullivan;  sister of the late James, Virginia, John and Thomas.  Relatives and friends may call at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1513 Dunster Road, Rockville, MD 20854, Tuesday, June 25, 2019 from 10:15 to 11 a.m., where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m.  Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20906, Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Catholic School, 15643 SW Oregon Street, Sherwood, OR 97140, or to St. Raphael School, 1513 Dunster Road, Rockville, MD 20854.