Obituaries

Catherine “Kate” Lanno, age 34 of Ridley Park, passed away on July 9, 2025. She went to Ridley High School, liked attending concerts, and always tried to be a good mother. She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Bogdan and Elsie Petryk; and her paternal grandparents, Daniel and Elizabeth Lanno. Kate is survived by her beloved daughter, Sophia Lanno; husband, Jeffrey Harmon; her parents, Tim and Eileen Lanno, her siblings, Timmy, Danny, and Gina and her nieces and nephews.

Paul Douglas Petrillo, 68, of Upland, Pa, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at Riddle Memorial Hospital. Paul was born on April 12,1957, in Germantown. Pa. Raised in Toby Farms, Brookhaven Pa. He graduated from St. James High School in Chester, PA. Following in his father's footsteps, Paul pursued a career in pharmacy, earning his degree from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. After graduating, he joined his parents at their well-loved community business, Petrillo’s Highland Pharmacy, located on 9th and Highland Avenue in Chester, Pa. Paul remained there until his parents’ retirement, in 1996, serving customers with care and commitment.

Jacqueline “Jackie” L. Nagy, age 81, a lifelong resident of Upland, passed away on June 30, 2025. She loved spending time at her summer home with her family in Indian Acres, Md. Jacqueline was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth E. Nagy, Sr, and her children, Kenneth E. Nagy, Jr. and Kathleen Nagy.

Joseph F. Soha, Jr. (Joe/Jojo) 69, passed away on June 8, 2025, at Riddle Memorial Hospital, after a brief illness. He was a lifelong resident of Brookhaven, PA, and was a graduate of Sun Valley High School.  

Walter S. “Wally” Caber, Jr., 70, originally of Boothwyn, PA passed peacefully March 2nd in Indiana, PA where he recently moved to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren. He married Sherrie Ann Morgan in 1977. Wally was known as a Gentle Giant who would do anything for you. He dedicated many hours and years developing his firefighting skills and training for service to his community through the Reliance Fire Co in Boothwyn. Wally served as past president at Reliance and also recently joined the Camden Wyoming Fire Co as an associate member. He served as a Cub Scout leader for his nephews Aaron and Paul. Wally enjoyed hunting, fishing, travel, spending time with his family and cheering for his favorite sports teams, the Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers.

Patricia Ann Bantum, 72, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025 at Jefferson Hospital. Born and raised in Avondale, PA, she has most recently been a resident of Chester, PA. She was a graduate of Kennett High School and went on to earn her Nursing degree. She worked for Bayada Nurses. She was a member of New Hope Missionary Family Church.

Joan L. Howarth (née Peterson), 93, of Woodlyn, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, at Riddle Memorial Hospital. Born in Marshfield, Massachusetts, Joan was the beloved daughter of the late Roy and Emily (Nickerson) Peterson. She spent her early years in Marshfield and later made her home in Woodlyn for 28 years with her husband, Jack, where together they built their dream home—on a lot lovingly chosen by their grandson, Louis, when he was just four years old.

Lawrence Sweeney (known worldwide as Uncle Larry), age 82, passed away peacefully in Garnet Valley surrounded by his family. He was reunited in heaven with his wife Mary, who passed away in 1996 - and is he in big trouble. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, previously lived in Aston, and resided in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, until the October 2022 hurricane. Larry was one of three children, the son of the late Lawrence and Anna (Mullen) Sweeney. He graduated from South Catholic High in 1961, and then LaSalle College in 1965. After that he married Mary Scott on May 21, 1966, at Good Shepard Church in Southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was employed by Medtronic in medical sales for most of his working years and retired soon after the passing of Mary.

Michael Beyba, 74, a longtime resident of Brookhaven, passed away peacefully at home on April 13. Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, Michael attended St. James High School and later earned his bachelor's degree from Widener University. He dedicated many years of service as a security officer for Delaware County before retiring. Michael had a deep love for the outdoors. He found joy in kayaking on local lakes and took pride in tending to his vegetable garden. He is survived by his sister, Helen (Mark) McGinley of Glen Mills and nephew, Evan McGinley

Robert James Smith, 76, passed away at home on April 14, 2025. Bob, as he was known to those close to him, was born in Philadelphia, raised in Folcroft, and was currently residing in Glen Mills with his wife, Joann (Nestor) Smith. Bob graduated from Sharon Hill High School in 1966 and earned degrees (including his Master’s) in electrical engineering from Widener University.