Obituary

Jane Gillespie Marko

Jane Gillespie Marko, of the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia, formerly of the Kensington section, sadly passed away on May 7, 2024, at the age of 59. Daughter of the late William and Mary Gillespie. Loving wife of the late Anthony Marko. Beloved sister of John Gillespie, Kristine Amato (Dennis) and William Gillespie. Aunt of Shannon, Candis, Thomas, Nyasia (Richie), Billy, Seamus, and the late John Jr. As well as several great-nieces and great-nephews. Cherished niece of Frederick and Patricia (Anthony).

David Robert Grant “Dave”

David Robert Grant “Dave,” of Northeast Philadelphia, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family, on May 4, 2024, at the age of 68. Son of the late Edwin and Elizabeth Grant. Beloved husband of 13 years to Rosa Pereira. Loving father of Lori (Marc), David, Rosa (Jose) and Ray (Judy). Cherished pop pop of 10 grandchildren. Brother of Edward (Rita), Beth and Karen (Bob). He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his cousin Harry (Kelly), who he loved like a brother. All are invited to Dave’s memorial on Monday May 13th at McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc. 6711 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19135 (between Unruh & Knorr Sts.) from 9:30am-11:00am. There will be a prayer service in the funeral home at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Dave’s name to Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Elizabeth Ewing

Elizabeth Ewing (formerly Strobel) passed away on April 29, 2024, at the age of 97, affectionately known as Betty. She is survived by her children Susan and David (Tina) and remembered fondly as a cherished grandmother to Christopher, David Jr, Jennifer, Frank, and Brian, as well as a beloved great-grandmother (G.G.) to Maddie, Bryce, Nora, Noah, Carleigh, Kaden, and Kodi. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Paul. Throughout her life in Philadelphia, Betty was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and a passionate supporter of the Mummers. She held various careers, including positions in banking and the railroad industry. She had a lifelong love for travel, often regaling others with tales of her adventures. Dancing was another of Betty’s joys, and she could often be found spending evenings out with friends, dancing until her heart’s content. A private service will be held on Monday, May 6th, 2024, at Sunset Memorial Park for invited guests. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church at 3101 Tyson Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149.

Joanne M. Ford

Joanne M. Ford (nee Stevens), a longtime resident of the Mayfair section of Philadelphia, passed away surrounded by her loving family on April 30, 2024, at age 86. Beloved wife of the late Thomas J. Ford, Sr. Loving mother of Kelly Ann Fenn (Mark), Eileen Marie Ford, Thomas J. Ford (Heather), John Ford (Amy), Jennifer Shannon (Steven) and the late Patricia Tomes (Joseph). Devoted of Nana of Erin, Shannon, Joseph, Padraig, Katherine, Aiden, Madeline, Stephen, Matthew, Christopher, Sean and Maura. Also survived by her siblings, Arlene Pinto (Gene) and Michael Stevens (Kathy). Family and friends are invited to attend her memorial gathering and funeral on Friday, May 3rd, at McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc. 6711 Frankford Ave. (between Unruh & Knorr sts) You may visit and comfort Joanne’s family during the visitation from 9:00am – 11:00am. There will be a prayer service at 11:00am. Further arrangements will be held in private by her family. Please omit flowers and kindly consider donations in Joanne’s memory to The Alzheimers Association. Russell was the owner of a Northeast Philadelphia favorite for hand-carved beef and Italian food – Vinnie’s. Cooking and feeding everyone was his way of expressing his love and deep friendship. He loved to travel to warm climates and try new restaurants. Russell was a fan of the Phillies and Eagles. You could hear him rooting for them at the best and worst of times. He will be deeply missed by many. Family and friends are invited to attend his viewing and funeral on Thursday, May 2, in St. Katherine of Sienna RC Church, 9700 Frankford Ave. You may visit and comfort Russell’s family during the viewing from 9:15am – 10:15am in the church. There will be a funeral mass at 10:30am. Burial will be held at a later date. Russell will be laid to rest with military honors in Washington Crossing National Cemetery.