January 8, 2024

Andrew John Vannoy, 39, of West Chester, died on Monday, Jan. 1, at his home.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bernard Vannoy Sr. and Dorothy (Hilton) Vannoy; and his maternal grandparents, Lonnie Hughes and Mary (Willen) Hughes. He is survived by his parents, Parke C. Vannoy and Teresa (Hughes) South; one sister, Debra Sadler; two brothers, Brian L. South and Eric D. South; and two children, Adalynn J. Vannoy and Aven J. Vannoy.

“Drew” lived every day for his children. He was an avid Eagles fan. Contributions in Drew’s memory can be made to the Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church, 408 Bayard Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at the Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church, 408 Bayard Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. The visitation with the family will be from 11 a.m. to noon. The service will begin at noon and interment will follow at Union Hill Cemetery, 424 North Union Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Andrew’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com

Phillip Patrone, 88, of West Chester, died Sunday, Jan. 7, at Merrill Gardens in West Chester.  Born in Marcus Hook, he was the son of Antonio and Rose (Fecondo) Patrone. Phil is survived by the love of his life, Rosemarie (Cleary) Patrone, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. In addition to Rosemarie, he is survived by his son, Michael Patrone, Michael’s wife, Jun and his daughters, Riley and Leah; his son Phillip Patrone, his wife, Michelle (Chronister), and their two sons, Sam and Alex; and his sister, Anna Marie Scone, and her husband, Allan.  Phillip was predeceased by his brother, Benjamin.

Phil graduated from Eddystone High School in 1953 and shortly thereafter became a carpenter in the commercial construction industry.  As his career progressed, Phil worked as an estimator, superintendent, and project manager but always preferred being outside and working as a superintendent.  Over the years, he developed expertise in building hospitals such as Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Suburban Community Hospital in Norristown, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, N.J.  He worked for just two companies over his 54-year career:  J.J. Deluca Company and Nason & Cullen Inc. He retired from the construction industry at the age of 72.

He served our country in the Army and Army National Guard from 1960-1965 in support of and following the Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba.

He was an active member of Saint Agnes Catholic Church in West Chester, PA.  He and Rosemarie enjoyed many deep friendships they built there.

Phil had a love for all Philadelphia sports; after many years as a season ticket holder, he became a passionate Eagles fan. He also cheered on the Phillies and Flyers.  Phil loved to cook, travel and find new “outstanding” restaurants which he recommended to his family and friends.  He shared his enthusiasm for golf with his buddies, sons and grandchildren.

His greatest enjoyment came from being a loving husband, and a very involved Pop Pop, father, and friend. As he grew older, his biggest pleasure came from family gatherings centered around meals. He taught his children and grandchildren how to prepare homemade pasta and the Feast of Seven Fishes Christmas Eve meal.

You are invited to visit with Phil’s family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, 233 W. Gay St., West Chester, PA 19380. His mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 am.  Interment will follow at Birmingham Lafayette Cemetery, 1235 Birmingham Rd., West Chester, PA 19382. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/.

Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square.  To view his online tribute, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

Shirley Porter VanSant, 89, of West Grove, died peacefully and surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 3.

Born to parents Warren and Ethel Porter on Sept. 18, 1934, Shirley Ann was the oldest of six children. A West Grove native and a graduate of Avon Grove High School, she had several jobs throughout her life including bank teller, secretary at Suburban Propane, and later sharing her love of cross-stitch working at a cross-stitch store. Her favorite and most rewarding job were that of the family matriarch caring for her children and grandchildren.

Lovingly called “Mommom” she was the heart of the family. She enjoyed birdwatching, cross-stitching, crafts, card games, bingo with her sister, cooking and baking, gift-giving, and card-making. Her love language was sending homemade cards to family and friends for every birthday and anniversary and spoiling loved ones with an abundance of homemade treats. Her favorite moments with family included holidays, annual vacations to the beach, and a bucket list trip to Ireland.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband Richard VanSant, brother Daniel Porter, cherished sister and best friend Naomi Hogan, and beloved son Darren VanSant.

She leaves behind a family who adored her: daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Tom Talley, daughter-in-law, Kim VanSant, three brothers, Warren Porter, Donald Porter (Phyllis), David Porter (Elwanda), brother-in-law Martin Hogan, five granddaughters, Kara Phipps (Jason), Elisha Deni (Justin), Laura VanSant (Rob), Alyssa Kilby (Jason), Megan Monte (Quentin), seven great-grandchildren, Julia, Derek, and Natalie Phipps, Brielle and Camryn Kilby, Everly Deni, Cordelia Monte, and numerous treasured nieces, nephews, and friends. She will also be missed by her constant canine companion, Lily.

She was a testament of the strength of family bonds and traditions, and her legacy will be continued through the family she leaves behind.

You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at the New London Presbyterian Church, 1986 Newark Road, (Route 896), New London. Her Funeral service will follow at 11. Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in her memory to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 E. Cypress St. Kennett Square, PA or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To view Shirley’s online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com

Arrangement by the Foulk Funeral Home, West Grove.