May 25, 2025

Dr. Richard Feree Lamb, age 95, of 1 Woodchuck Way, Kennett Square, died after an illness on May 2.

Richard was born in Palisade, Neb., a small community, on July 13, 1929. His father, Ivan Lamb, was the town doctor, serving a population under 1000. Richard’s primary education was in a small school with multiple grades in each classroom.

Growing up Richard spent summers working on the family farm in Queen City, Missouri. Following in his father’s footsteps, he was educated at KCOS (Kirksville College of Osteopathy and Surgery).

While in Kirksville, Richard met his wife, Carole Couch. Married in June 1953, they later moved to Denver, Colo. Once in Denver, Richard studied to become an osteopathic physician with a specialty in anesthesiology. With children born in 1954 (David), 1957 (Julia), and 1962 (Brian), Richard and Carole were busy with their family and a burgeoning interest in antiques. They made their first pilgrimage to New England in 1964. Tying Winsor chairs to the top of the station wagon and trekking home must have been a sight to see.

In 1974, the family moved to the Kennett Square, area, purchasing the Woodchuck Way property in 1975. After installing a large vegetable garden and cut flower gardens, the property soon became a breeding ground for trees, flowers, and assorted plantings. The house, built in 1963, is a reproduction Pennsylvania stone farmhouse, sitting on a hill surrounded by trees. Richard and Carole fell in love with the property at first sight, purchasing it in August 1975. With such esteemed organizations as Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Museum, and Brandywine River Museum for inspiration, it’s easy to see where their ideas came from to furnish their home, inside and out. While taking in lectures at Winterthur became routine, Carole became a fixture at the Brandywine River Museum, being a tour guide for over 40 years. She is a Thursday Girl, marking George “Frolic” Weymouth’s influence at the museum as inspirational.

In the last few years, Richard loved when the daily mail was delivered. Pouring over the newspapers and periodicals was the highlight of his day. After the mail, his novels were constantly open. Also at his side was his pocket edition of the U.S. Constitution.

Richard and Carole had been married for 72 years. They marked four seasons of 50 years at the Woodchuck Way property.

Dr. Lamb is survived by his wife, Carole, his three children, David Lamb, of Fort Collins, Colo.; Julia and spouse Jay Maier, of Knoxville, TN; and Brian Lamb and spouse Lori, of Hockessin, DE. In addition, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren survive.

A small memorial was held on the property on May 15, 2025. White peonies and ferns were prominent, while the sun shone through the trees as the family bid farewell and Godspeed.

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To share a memory with Richard’s family, please visitwww.griecofunerals.com

Anthony Edward Umlah, 70, of Landenberg, died on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. He was the husband of Kathy (Manista) Umlah, with whom he shared 41 years of marriage. Born in Wilkes Barre, he was the son of the late Edward Umlah and Gertrude (Wojciechowski) Umlah.

He graduated from Bishop Hoban High School, Wilkes Barre in the class of 1972. He then went on to earn his Mechanical Engineering Degree (BS) from Pennsylvania State University and Widener University.

Tony spent much of his career working for the DuPont Company as a Senior Development Engineer. After that, he went into Packaging with Bemis and Mann-Pak for the remainder of his career.

In his spare time, Tony was a very community-minded person and volunteered his time in a number of ways throughout his life. He was a volunteer coach for his daughters’ softball and basketball teams, never missed a field trip as a chaperone when they were younger, and was an active member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in West Grove. Tony was a member of the Knights of Columbus at Assumption, serving as the Grand Knight for four years, and sang in the church choir, among other things.

In addition to his volunteer activities, Tony was an incredible musician and played the guitar and sang. He loved to perform when given the opportunity. He had a lifelong passion for racing and cars, never missing a chance to see the races on Sundays or attend a local hill climb. He also loved to travel and made it to 58 countries and all 50 states. He took his family to dozens of National Parks and many Islands, sharing his love of travel with his family.

The most important thing in Tony’s life was his family. He adored his daughters and grandchildren and will be dearly missed by all of them.

Tony will be remembered as a person who “never met a stranger”.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Kate Risher (John) and Julie Menseck (Kennedy); his grandchildren, Harrison, Grant, Joanna, Liliana, and Grace; his sisters, Jean Page (Walt) and Nina Evans (Ed); his brother-in-law, Tom Manista; and a number of nieces and nephews.

You are invited to visit with Tony’s family and friends from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 300 State Road, West Grove, PA 19390. His funeral mass will follow at 1 p.m. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tony’s memory can be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org/ or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org/.

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com

Michael Paul Graves, “Mike/Dad/Pop”, 72, of Kennett Square, and Ocean City, N.J., died Monday, May 19, , at his home in Kennett Square surrounded by his family after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Mike was the devoted husband of Nancy (Singley) Graves, with whom he shared 50 years of loving marriage. Born in Springfield, Ohio, Mike was the son of the late William Paul Graves and the late Emma Katherine (DeMaster) Graves.

Mike discovered his passion for serving others as a member of the Leaders Club at the Springfield YMCA in Ohio — an experience that inspired him to pursue a BS in physical education in schools and community at Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he was also a proud member of the swim team. It was there that he met the love of his life, Nancy. They were married on a snowy day on April 19, 1975, in Ithaca, N.Y. They joyfully celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by their children and six grandchildren. Mike later went on to earn his MBA from the University of New Haven in Connecticut.

Following the launch of his YMCA career in the Leaders Club, Mike continued serving at the Springfield Y through high school and college, followed by serving at YMCAs in Norwalk, Greenwich, and New Canaan, Connecticut. In 1987, Mike’s career brought him to the YMCA of Delaware, where he served as the President and CEO for 26 years. In retirement, Mike closed out his career as a security guard at Longwood Gardens.

Mike has created an incredible legacy where he will be remembered for his unwavering faith, principled character, and tireless service and advocacy. A lifelong champion of aquatic safety, child sexual abuse prevention through the Redwoods Foundation, and substance abuse recovery, Mike dedicated himself to improving the lives of underserved communities and promoting wellness for all — in spirit, mind, and body.

Mike fostered and developed a multitude of communities, through service on numerous local and national boards and committees, including the Association of Professional YMCA Directors, YMCA-USA Swimming and Diving, Springfield College, Wilmington Rotary, North American Urban Group, Y Metro 30, Y-USA, his church, and the Kennett Consolidated School District as a dedicated school board president. He was a thoughtful voice in his profession, writing and teaching extensively on the YMCA’s most pressing ethical challenges. Mike’s leadership extended internationally through YMCA statesmanship and diplomacy, including representing the United States Olympic Committee, presenting on ethics at the International Olympic Academy.

Mike will be deeply missed for his boundless kindness and humor, his joyful music as an enthusiastic banjo player, his handmade gifts as a skilled woodworker, his delicious Karevei and sourdough bread and pretzel bites as a baker, and his love of sailing at Camp Tockwogh. Most of all, he will be missed as a steady, loving presence in the lives of all who knew him. Mike lived a life rooted in service, always making sure those around him felt cared for, supported, and deeply loved. On any given weekend, you might find him pulling the “grands” around the yard on his lawn tractor, riding bikes with family along the Ocean City boardwalk, crafting something special in his woodshop, or picking a banjo tune that made everyone want to get up and dance.

In addition to his wife, Nancy, he is survived by his children Kristian Michael Graves (Neilly), Meghan Sullivan, and Caitlin Hendelman; his grandchildren, Luke, Theo, Charlie, Paul, Hannah, and Huck; his sisters, Patty Shaver and Paula DeCarlo; and numerous nieces and nephews and other dear family members.

You are invited to visit with Michael’s family and friends from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. on June 1, 2025, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 730 South New Street, West Chester, PA 19382. His memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to:

YMCA Camp Tockwogh donate.ymcade.org/donation/ or YMCA Camp Toghwogh, 24370 Still Pond Neck Road, Worton, MD 21678 (Note: In memory of Michael Graves when giving.)

Or Calvary Lutheran Church, 730 South New Street, West Chester, PA 19382. (Please note “In memory of Michael Graves” when giving.)

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square. (484-734-8100) To view Michael’s online obituary and leave condolences for the family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com