May 27, 2026

Brian M. Shappell of West Grove

Brian M. Shappell, 49, of West Grove, died peacefully after his courageous battle with cancer on Monday, May 11, at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born in West Chester, he was the son of Kathy (Buffington) Shappell and the late Bob Shappell.

Brian M. Shappell

In addition to his mother, Brian is survived by his children, Molly and Liam Shappell, his sister Amy Vandercapellen and her husband Butch, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Especially close to Brian was his nephew, Erik Vandercapellen.

Brian worked for over 30 years at Southco, Inc., located in Concordville, starting in the shipping department while he earned his degree at Neumann University. Following graduation, he held various positions in the accounting department, where he built lasting friendships and was known for his dedication and hard work. Brian considered his co-workers at Southco his second family.

In his spare time, Brian was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, especially the Phillies, Eagles, and the 76ers. He loved going to Phillies games, as well as watching all sports on TV. He also enjoyed collecting baseball cards and getting autographed baseballs with his dad, spending time at the beach, and coaching youth baseball. More than anything, Brian loved watching and cheering on his children, Molly and Liam, at their sporting events and activities.

He will be remembered for his selflessness, his kind and quiet demeanor, and the love he had for his family. Brian had a way of making people laugh with his quick wit and sense of humor. His presence and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family wishes to thank Willow Tree Hospice staff for the kindness, care, and compassion they showed Brian and his loved ones during his final days.

You are invited to visit with Brian’s family and friends from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, June 5th, at Penn Oaks Golf Club located at 150 Penn Oaks Dr, West Chester. His Celebration of Life will follow at 11. Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch afterwards in the Gold Ballroom. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to: Kennett Area Community Service (KACS), PO Box 1025, Kennett Square, PA 19348. https://kacsimpact.org/ or The Colorectal Cancer Alliance. https://colorectalcancer.org/

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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Police Log May 25: Shoplifting, child endangerment

Police Log May 25: Shoplifting, child endangerment

Pennsylvania State Police

Media Barracks

Troop K, from the state police Media barracks, will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint during the weekend of May 29 through May 31.

A 45-year-old woman from West Chester, not identified in the report, was arrested for shoplifting at Wegmans on May 23. Police said she tried to get away with $316 worth of merchandise.

State police are investigating a shoplifting case at Marshalls in Concord Township. According to the report, two people, a man and a woman, placed two Breville Bambino Espresso machines in a shopping cart, then went to the food department and removed the Electronic Article Surveillance systems, and then fled the scene. The value of the loss is $800.

Police said Richard Davis, 42, of Upper Chichester, was arrested for DUI. The incident happened on April 4, but neither the location nor the reason for the traffic stop was mentioned in the report.

Avondale Barracks

No names were given, but state police from the Avondale barracks cited one driver for backing his car into another on Cossart Road on May 16. According to the report, the driver in question was stopped at the stop sign at Cossart and S. Creek Road. A second car was stopped behind him. The driver in question eased forward into traffic, but due to traffic flow on S. Creek, he put the car into reverse and ran into the car behind him.

Police said Joshua M. Haburay, 45, of Wilmington, was charged with careless driving after he struck a guardrail on Route 1 near Kendal Drive on April 25.

Kennett Square Police Department

On Sunday, May 3, shortly after 5 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Center Street for a report involving a male subject, identified as Alejandro Cortez-Villagomez, who was intoxicated, attempting to fight another resident, and had broken a window. Upon further investigation, it was determined that Cortez-Villagomez had an active arrest warrant and was taken into custody and transported to Chester County Prison. While gathering Cortz-Villagomez’s belongings, drug paraphernalia was located. A criminal complaint was completed with the above-mentioned charges in relation to this incident.

Police said Jose Zavala-Silva, 27, of Kennett Square, was arrested and charged with DUI and related traffic offenses after the 2007 Lincoln he was operating was involved in a vehicle accident. The incident occurred on May 17, at approximately 9:50 p.m., in the 100 Block of W. South Street. After making contact with Zavala-Silva, indicators of intoxication were observed, and field sobriety tests showed impairment. He was taken into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and submitted to a chemical test of his breath, resulting in a 0.205 percent blood alcohol level. He was processed and later released at his residence pending issuance of a summons.

According to a police report, Jose Zamudio-Reyes, 36, was arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The report said police were assisting the fire company with an alarm. The person reporting the problem said water was leaking through. their fire alarm from an upstairs apartment. During the investigation, police found two juveniles, ages 4 and 7, who had clogged the bathroom sink. The investigation revealed that the juveniles were left unattended inside the residence while their father, Zamudio-Reyes, was at work. The Kennett Square Police Department would like to remind the community of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. It is crucial that parents and guardians provide adequate supervision and care to prevent situations like this from occurring. Zamudio-Reyes was arrested on May 22.

An Arrest Warrant was issued on May 21 for Devon Moses-Johnson in connection with a May 5 incident. Moses-Johnson, the report said, tried to purchase a firearm at a gun shop, but was denied because of a background check. Charges were filed in District Court 15-3-0.

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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