Obituaries

Phyllis A. Sirorine

Born in 1958, Penny was a vibrant and compassionate woman who touched the lives of many. A devoted daughter, sister, aunt, family member and friend. Penny was known for her warm smile, generous heart and unwavering love for her family and friends. She was a talented singer, dancer and musician. Penny recently retired from the Police and Fire Federal Credit Union as Sr. VP of Support Services of 40-plus years.
Penny was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Elizabeth Sirorine. She is survived by her siblings, Harold (Tamara) and Cynthia (Michael), extended family Kathleen McClune (Paul), Deborah Purvis (Jeffrey), MaryBeth Scott (David), Mark Morrow (Jennifer) and Vincent. Nieces and nephews Mickey, Elizabeth, Paul, Keira, Emma, Jeffrey, Sean, Kathleen, Allison, Haley, Ava, as well as many great nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing 10:00 am Saturday April 19th, 2025, folllowed by a celebration of Penny’s life at 11:00 am at John F. Fluehr and Sons Funeral Home, 3301 Cottman Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19149. 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to American Association for Cancer Research and American Diabetes Association.

Celeste Tate

Celeste Tate (née George), a loving and selfless soul, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, in Huntingdon Valley, PA. with her family by her side, at the age of 87. Born on January 30, 1938, in South Philadelphia, PA, Celeste lived a life rooted in faith, family, and compassion. She was the cherished daughter of the late John and Rumza George.
Celeste shared a devoted marriage with her beloved husband, Bob Tate, Sr., and together they built a close-knit family in Mayfair that was the center of her world. She was a proud and nurturing mother to five children: Deb Charley, wife of Joe Charley, Donna Lattanzi, wife of Bob Lattanzi, Bob Tate, Jr., husband of Christy Tate, Michael Tate and John Tate, husband of Lourdes Tate. Her legacy continues through her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom she held close to her heart. Celeste was a beloved aunt to Patti and Frank Altamuro and held special places in the hearts of many nieces and nephews. Her gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to others made her a guiding light in the lives of all who were fortunate to know her.
Family and friends are invited to honor Celeste’s life at her Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 14, at St. Hilary of Poitiers Church, 820 Susquehanna Rd., Rydal, PA 19046. A viewing will be held at the church prior to the Mass from 9:00 to 10:45 AM. Celeste will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem, PA. In keeping with Celeste’s giving spirit, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation in her memory. https://www.kidney.org

Charles Stanley Zimecki, Jr.


Charles S. Zimecki, Jr., of Philadelphia, passed away on December 30, 2024, at the age of 75.

Charles was the loving husband of Linda (Nee Geary) Zimecki, the devoted of father Eric (Kathleen) Zimecki, Loving grandfather of Shane and Hazel. They were the light of his life...they called him Charlie..it's what he wanted them to call him.
Charles loved animals and nature. He will be miss by all that knew him. 
Services for Charles were held privately by the family.

John P. Monaghan

John P. Monaghan passed away on March 24th, 2025 with his family by his side. He was 84 years old and the beloved husband of Mary (Bonnie) Bell.

John was the devoted father to Colleen Monaghan, Christine Gariano (the late Dave), Susan Stier (Bill), Thomas (Nicole), and Helen Karwoski (Billy). He was the caring and proud grandfather to Dylan (Molly), Danny, Jake, Matty, Tommy, Lauren, Keira, Jessica and great-grandfather to Liam and Emma. He was also survived by his sister Maureen Shaw (Wynn).

John was predeceased by his sons John and Michael and his son-in-law Dave Gariano

John was a Philadelphia Police Officer for 27 years. He then went with the Marshall Service in Camden, NJ for 15 years. He loved watching the Phillies and the Eagles games.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend John's Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 31st, 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 3000 Cottman Ave., Phila. PA 19149, where a viewing will be held from 9-10:15 a.m. John's interment will be private.

Michael W. Murphy, Sr.


Michael W. Murphy, Sr., passed away on March 7, 2025, in Philadelphia, PA, at the age of 70. Born on July 18, 1954, he was the beloved son of the late John and Sally Murphy. Michael was known for his thoughtful, friendly, and kind nature, touching the lives of many with his warm presence.  
 
Michael is survived by his loving son, Michael W. Murphy, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Maggie Murphy. He was a devoted grandfather to his step-grandson, Ryan. He is also survived by his brother, John Murphy (The Late Carole) , and sister, Sally Woods (Michael). He was preceded in death by his sister, Maureen Murphy Wilkes.  
 
 Michael was a cherished uncle to Carole Ann Dalesandro (Larry), John Murphy (Denise), Dennis Murphy (Karen), Sara Woods, Michael Woods (Emily), Allison Wilkes, Andrew Wilkes and Shannon (Joe) McGovern. 
 
He will also be deeply missed by his many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. 
 
Family and friends are invited to Michael's viewing 9:30 to 10:15 am on Friday, March 14, 2025 followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30am at St. Albert the Great Church, 212 Welsh Road, Huntingdon Valley , PA 19006. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Michael's name.

Joseph R. Devanney

Joseph R. Devanney, age 88, passed away peacefully on March 5th, 2025. He was the beloved husband of the late Frances L. Devanney.
Devoted father of Joseph R. Devanney Jr. (Terri), Diane McDermott, Michael Devanney (Angela) and Stephen Devanney (Sharon). Devoted grandfather of Heather Devanney, Robert McDermott, Christina Cummings, Michael McDermott, Ryan Devanney, Julia Devanney, Stephanie Devanney and Stephen Devanney Jr. Great-grandfather of Alaina, Lucas, Jackson, Charlee, Skyler, and predeceased by Keegan. Loving brother of David G. Devanney and his late sister, Doris Devanney (Gaskill).

Joseph was born on August 23rd, 1936 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Joseph J. Devanney and Gladys Swavely Devanney. Joseph R. Devanney took pride in his time being a Police Officer and retired as a Staff Inspector.  

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Joseph’s Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 at 10:30AM at St. Matthews Catholic Church, 3000 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia PA 19149. A viewing will be held prior to Joseph's Mass at John F. Fluehr & Sons, 3301 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149 from 9:00AM - 10:00AM. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem, PA.

Selma DePanfilis (nee Rosenberg)

Selma DePanfilis (need Rosenberg) (Previously Swain)
Selma passed away on March 1st, 2025 at the age of 78. She was the devoted daughter of the late Ben and Pearl Rosenberg. Loving wife of Alfred A. DePanfilis and dear stepmother of Dawn Braun (Tom Farina) and Kim DiStasio (Christopher). Step-Grandmother of Nicolas DePanfilis, Amber Braun and Giana DiStasio.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Selma's graveside service on March 17th at 11:30AM (Please arrive at 11:15AM) at Washington Crossing National Cemetery located at 830 Highland Rd., Newtown, PA.

Aracelis Pastrana Perez


Aracelis Pastrana Perez, of Philadelphia, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025 at the age of 70.
Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing, Thursday, March 13, 2025, 10:00 to 11:00 am,
followed by her 11:00 am funeral service, at John F. Fluehr Funeral Home, 3301 Cottman Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA. 19149. Interment will take place at Greenmount Cemetery, 4301 Front Street, Philadelphia,
PA 19140.

William E. Park


William E. Park, Jr., of Philadelphia, PA , passed away on February 23, 2025, surrounded by family, at the age of 76.

He was born on 11/22/1948 to the late William E Park, Sr. and the late Doris (Gannon) Park.
He is predeceased by his sister Sally Park.
William, the beloved husband of 35 years to Eileen B. Park, the devoted father of Tricia Sambrano (Stephen), Pamela Ardell, Sarah Gessner (AJ), and William E. Park III,  Loving grandfather of Alex, Eve, Quin, Vivienne, and Asher. He is also survived by his great-granddaughter Lyla, and many nieces and nephews,
Tommy Forever25 (deceased), Holly (Tristan), Devon, Daniel (Danielle), Jackie (Will), Candie (Michael), Lilly, Caslon, Slate, Collin, Wyatt, Elowyn, Griffin, Declan, Alora, Adam and his Brothers-in-law & Sisters-in-law Michael Brown, Thomas and Joanne Brown Miller, William Brown, Art Groves and the late Tibby Brown Groves.

William was predeceased by his sister Sally Park.

William graduated from George Washington High School with the class of 1966. He attended Thomas Jefferson University where he earned his Associates Degree In Criminology.

William wore many hats.  He served proudly with the United States Marine Corps; had a long career with the Philadelphia Police Department, where he served as a stakeout officer as well as the Police Chaplain. He worked in the Calvary Chapel Bookstore, served as a Home Fellowship Leader and Volunteered with the Red Cross as a Spirtitual Care Liaison. In his own words, he was a retired Police Chaplain, Husband, Dad, Follower of Jesus Christ, American Patriot and a Pop-Pop (Bulgogi)

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation 11:00 am, Friday, March 7, 2025 followed by his 12:00 pm Memorial Service at the Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia, 13500 Philmont Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19116. Interment will take place at Washington Crossing at a later date.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to Tunnel to Towers (T2T):
https://t2t.org/donate/

Rose C. McGee

 

Rose Conchetta (nee Gambardella) McGee, of Philadelphia, passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 92.

Rosie was the devoted wife of the late Bill McGee, Sr.; cherished mother of Bill (Marita) McGee, Jr, Jay (the late Donna) McGee, A.J. (Davette) McGee and Matt (Stephanie) McGee; adoring grandmother of Ashley (Trent), Billy (Stephanie), Kasey, Jade, Jenna (Bobby), Trevor, the late A.J.Jr., Carly, Caroline, Maggie, Jack, Sophie, Olivia, Will, Andrew and Matt. Great-grandmother of Mya, TJ, Parker, Indy, and Navy; dear sister of Sammy Gamardella and Emma Barousse. Rosie will also be missed by her nieces and nephews, especially Peggy Narasaki who was like a daughter to Rosie.  

She was predeceased by her siblings; Nicholas Gamberdella,  Mary Gamberdella,  Vincenza Carinelli and her twin sister, best friend and life companion Annie Huggins.

Rosie was the daughter of Felicietta and Pietro Gambardella. She grewup in West Philadelphia and went to Overbrook High School with Wilt Chamberlin.

Rosie and Bill raised their four sons in Morrell Park. Rosie loved her sons more than anything in the world until the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along. Mommom’s house was where all the cousins got together to make memories. Drinking coffee and watching Jerry Springer at the island while Poppop played solitaire in the back, playing on the steps despite the multiple reprimands. The countless family parties and holiday meals shared in a full, loud home with Rosie as the host. 

 As a small, 100% Italian grandmother, she was known for her delicious meals. Parties, holidays and dinners were incomplete without Mommom’s meatballs (although she was a vegetarian), lasagna and fried cauliflower. She would gladly cook for anyone and offer, or force, food on guests. However, she was not as quick to share a recipe. If she did share a recipe with you, an ingredient or two was left out so your dish wouldn’t taste quite as good as hers.  

Rosie and her twin sister Annie were the ultimate dynamic duo. In grade school, they attended opposite classes, tricking their teachers to help each other in the subjects they were strongest. They dated together, found their husbands together and even got married on the same day: February 4th, 1956. Rosie and Annie worked together for years and raised their children as one big family. After their husbands passed, Rosie and Annie lived and shared their final years together. They will be laid to rest together along with their husbands.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Rosie’s family on Tuesday, March 4tt from 10-10:45am at  St. Ephrem’s Church, 5400 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA where her funeral mass will immediately follow at 11am. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Rosie’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help). 


John F. Fluehr & Sons, Inc.

Funeral Home Serving Families Since 1898

3301 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia PA 19149

215-624-5150
215-624-3302

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