February 11, 2026 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Serene Chadds Ford landscape with 'In Memoriam' text overlay.

Kimberly Anne Collins-Neil of West Grove

Kimberly Anne Collins-Neil, 54, of West Grove, died Monday, Feb. 2, at her home in West Grove, surrounded by her family and friends. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Carlton and Elaine Collins of Galloway, N.J.

In the early part of her life, Kim earned a law degree and worked as an investigator for the Department of Labor in Washington, DC.

While Kim enjoyed her career, her greatest joy was becoming a mother, to not one, but two beautiful children, Isabella and JT Neil. Kim also was a loving “Mom” to a multitude of animals, too many to list by name, but she loved all of them equally and passionately.

In her spare time, Kim loved to travel and see new places. She visited countless countries and went on many road trips with her children.

Kim was a trained singer and loved music tremendously. She was also someone who loved to learn as evidenced by the piles of books all around her house.

Kim will be remembered as a very caring, nurturing, and thoughtful person. She was loved by many, many people, and the world is a lonelier place without her in it and here with all of us. She will be missed for her beautiful smile, her wit and sense of humor, and her ability to “take the high road” in stressful situations, almost always, lol.

Kim is survived by her children, Isabella Neil and Jeffrey “JT” Neil; her “stepson”, Zac Pappas; her best friend since Day One, Alysia Price; her brother Michael Collins, sister-in-law Cristi Collins and her “bestest buddy” nephew, Mikey Collins; many close friends; several loving cousins; and last but certainly not least, her two lovable and stinky furry companions Tux and Stiffie.

It goes without saying that we will miss Kim immeasurably. She touched all of us deeply and loved each of us unconditionally.

You are invited to visit with Kimberly’s family and friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Loch Nairn Farm 514 McCue Road, Avondale, PA 19311. Her life celebration memorial service will begin at 2.

Contributions in her memory may be made to a fundraiser for the benefit of Isabella and JT https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/support-isabella-and-jt-neil/15454/

Or to Willow Tree Hospice through the Amedisys Foundation www.amedisys.com/about/foundation/ or checks can be made out to “Amedisys Foundation” and mailed to Willow Tree Hospice 415 McFarland Road, Suite 104, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

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

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

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New RTV, fitness equipment at UCF

Business

rtv-buy — New RTV, fitness equipment at UCF

The Unionville-Chadds Ford Board of Education will be voting on two facility upgrades when it meets on Feb. 18. The board will look to vote on a new RTV and some new fitness center equipment.

The RTV, a rough terrain vehicle, is for the Grounds Department and would replace a 30-year-old Cushman work vehicle. The cost of the new RTV is $28,615 and is being offset by the trade-in of our old Cushman for $1,500. The total cost is $27,115. The amount is funded through the Long-Range Facilities Plan.

According to Director of Facilities James Whitesel, “This new RTV will provide additional work flexibility that the current vehicle does not.”

The sale is from Stoltzfus Farm Service, Inc.

Also up for a vote next week is the proposed replacement of fitness center equipment for the high school. The proposal includes two replacement weight training equipment units and two replacement treadmill units. This equipment is frequently used in our PE programs.

“The total cost of the equipment is $20,298 and is based on the PA State Costar’s pricing. The proposal includes freight, delivery, installation and removal of the old equipment. We recommend approval to Webster Fitness Products for the noted price,” Whitesel said.

This purchase is also funded through the Long-Range Facilities Plan.

The board’s next meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 18. There’s no meeting on Feb. 16 because of Presidents’ Day, and no meeting on Feb. 17 because of the Lunar New Year.

About Rich Schwartzman

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Police Log February 11: Weapons, Fraud, Assaults

Local News

A 38-year-old man from Glen Burnie, Md., was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon in Chadds Ford Township on Jan. 20. Police identified the man as James Henry Johnson. According to police, the man was stopped for an illegal U-turn at Route 202v and Dilworthtown Road. It was determined that he was carrying two concealed firearms without a valid concealed carry permit in Pennsylvania and was arrested.

Police said Matthew J. Smolens, 34, of Glen Mills, was cited for driving too fast following a two-car crash on Route 202 near Smithbridge Road on Jan. 7. According to the report, the crash happened when Smolens rear-ended another car that had stopped for a red light at the intersection.

Car Care Auto and Tire was the victim of wire fraud, police said. According to police, the perpetrators bought a total of eight tires worth approximately $4,736, who then picked up the tires from the business and requested to buy another eight tires. The business had received a notification that the payment was fraudulent and was charged back. PSP Media is currently investigating.

DSW Shoes was ripped off on Jan. 10. A suspect wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and black pants stole four pairs of men’s Nike V5 RNR sneakers valued at $369.84

State police from the Media barracks are investigating a case of identity theft at Mari Grove. An unknown person posed as being from Norton Security, requesting that money refunded in the amount of $29,000. The victim provided his bank account information.

Avondale Barracks

Shane M. McMunn, 19, of Kennett Square, was cited following a one-car crash on Baltimore Pike on Jan. 2, police said. According to the report, McMunn was traveling south in the left lane, but lost control while trying to merge into the right lane and crashed into the curb.

Police said Ashton S. Krug III, 20, of West Chester, was cited after a one-car crash on Upland Road in East Marlborough Township on Feb. 1. Police said Krug was eastbound on Upland when he failed to negotiate a left turn due to excessive speed. The car left the roadway, striking a guard rail and utility pole before flipping over onto its roof. The driver fled, but was later found at his residence.

A 28-year-old woman from Chester, not identified in the report, was arrested for DUI in East Marlborough Township on Jan. 16

Kennett Square Police Department

Police said Gildardo Vasquez-Morales, 34, of Kennett Square was arrested a variety of charges, including assault, strangulation, and endangering the welfare of children following a domestic dispute on Jan. 31. According to the report, upon contact with the female victim, officers observed facial and neck injuries such as handprints and finger outlines around her neck, consistent with injuries to someone being strangulated and scratched around her chest, neck, and face. Vasquez-Morales was taken into custody and transported to Central Booking at Chester County Prison.

About Rich Schwartzman

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