Philadelphia Obituaries
In the heart of Philadelphia lies a tapestry of stories, memories, and legacies woven together through the obituaries featured on this page. Here, amidst the bustling cityscape, we pay tribute to lives lived and loved, each of these Philadelphia obituaries serving as a poignant reminder of the impact individuals have had on our community.
With each name etched in these digital pages, every life is cherished, every story is valued, and every legacy is celebrated. Join us in remembrance and reverence, honoring the lives that have left an indelible mark on our city.
Barbara Anne Shaw
Barbara Anne Shaw (nee Kliwinski) passed away peacefully on July 21 with her devoted husband and
caregiver Larry by her side. Barbara was born November 22, 1946, in Trenton, NJ to Stephen Kliwinski
and Anne Kliwinski (nee Albanowski). Barbara was the force majeure in her family and a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She was an avid poker player and played many tournaments online; a bingo enthusiast (who could play 24 cards with no chips); and a joyful casino patron. She was a wizard at crossword puzzles and most brain games and was active in solving them even in her final days. Barb was a hard worker who at a young age held three jobs at the same time. She studied auto mechanics for a while, and before (and during) raising her family, she held jobs in retail, accounting, and seasonal jobs with the IRS. She was an expert on the tax code and helped her family members with their yearly returns. Her penchant for sometimes outrageous clothing styles and rotating hair colors is legendary. Barbara was anything but a boring person; she was filled with passion, intelligence, concrete opinions, and above all, love for her family which was paramount in all she did.
Barbara is survived by her husband Larry of 45 years; their children Wade and his wife Brandi Shaw,
Lauren Shaw, Michael Shaw, Gary, and his wife Eileen Shaw; her grandchildren Lincoln and Liberty Shaw, Kira-Shae and Xavier Mickles, and Evelyn, Thomas, Annabelle, and John Shaw. She is also survived by her sisters Sharon ‘Pat’ Kliwinski and her partner Jane, Alison ‘Cookie’ Bailey, and Virginia ‘Ginger’ Kliwinski; her brothers Joseph and his wife Kirsten Kliwinski and Leonard Kliwinski and his partner Mark; sister-in- law Maureen Kliwinski; ex-son-in-law Adam Mickles; loving nieces and nephews and cousins, especially Lorraine and Fred Babbitt, Terry, and Kim Beam, and devoted friends. Barbara is predeceased by her
parents; brothers Walter, Robert, and Michael Kliwinski; sister Karen Kliwinski; and father-in-law Irving
Shaw.
All are invited to Barbara's viewing and funeral, on Tuesday, July 30th at McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc. 6711 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19135 (between Unruh & Knorr Sts.) There will be a viewing from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. There will be a service in the funeral home at 11:00 am. Burial to follow in Magnolia Cemetery. There will be a private reception for the immediate family after services.
Edward J. Murphy, Jr.
Edward J. Murphy, Jr., formerly of the Mayfair section of Philadelphia, graduate of St. Timothy Grade School and Father Judge HS (class of 1988), passed away on July 19, 2024, at age 55. He is survived by his son, Shaun Murphy. Sadly missed by his mother, Marie Murphy (the late Edward, Sr.), his sisters, Chrissy Dooley (Tommy), Regina Gannon, and six nieces and nephews. In keeping with the wishes of Ed's family, there will be a private service to honor Murph's life. Please keep them all in your daily prayers.
Mary Elizabeth Somerville “Bessie”
Mary Elizabeth Somerville, known affectionately as "Bessie," passed away peacefully at 99 on July 21, 2024. She was born on December 30th, 1924, in Tacony, Philadelphia, to James and Elizabeth Murphy (nee Christie). Bessie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Leo Somerville, in 1978.
Bessie grew up in Tacony on the 4500 block of Unruh Avenue and graduated from Frankford High School in 1942. In 1990, at age 66, Bessie moved to North Wildwood, where she found great joy in her new community.
Bessie was an active member of the North Wildwood United Methodist Church choir, where her love for singing brought joy to many. She also had a passion for bingo, often enjoying the game with her family. Her sweet tooth was well-known, with chocolates being her favorite treat. Bessie had a green thumb and took pride in her garden in Wildwood, where she spent many hours tending to her plants.
Bessie is survived by her three daughters: Beth Lukasik (Ted Lukasik), Peggie Somerville (Mike Bechta), and the late Cheryl Gittleman (the late Alan Gittleman). She was a loving grandmother to Jim Lukasik, Mark Lukasik (Chrissy), John Lukasik, DJ Kinney (Lisa), Brian Gittleman (Liz), Michael Bechta, and Paul Bechta (Tim Brown). Bessie was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren who brought her much happiness.
She was preceded in death by her brothers: William "Bill" Murphy, Herbert Murphy, Joseph "Bud" Murphy, and James "Jimmy" Murphy.
All are invited to Mary's viewing and funeral on Monday, July 29th at McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc. 6711 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19135 (between Unruh & Knorr Sts.) from 9:30 am-11:00 am. There will be a service in the funeral home at 11:00 am. Burial to follow in Forest Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SPCA or the North Wildwood United Methodist Church (139 E 2nd Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 08260). For donation instructions, please contact the pastor of the church.
Brian I. Wood
Brian I. Wood, age 66 of Erdenheim, Pennsylvania passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, with his loving wife and best friend Dot (nee Palardy) by his side. Brian was born in South Philadelphia and later moved to Willingboro, New Jersey with his parents. Brian and Dot met in 1993, and he moved to Conshohocken, PA in 1994. In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his sister Andrea (Rick Carragher), his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Joy Barby (George deceased), Mark (Diane) Palardy, Bill (Angie) Palardy, Marcy (Frank) Guyon along with many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his best buddy, his fur baby Cooper, and is together again with his fur babies who passed on: Maxy and Rocky. Brian was an avid Philly sports fan of the Eagles, Phillies, and Sixers. There was not a time in the fall that you could not find him sitting in front of the TV in his favorite recliner rooting for his favorite team, The Philadelphia Eagles. Brian’s favorite sport to participate in was deep sea fishing which brought him boundless joy, and relaxation, and shared a lot of laughs and memories with his fellow mates. It was Brian’s wish to be cremated (arrangements by McCafferty Funeral Home, Philadelphia, PA). A Celebration of Life gathering in his memory will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in Brian’s name (in memory of Matthew Guyon) to “The Pink Elephant Movement” (a Philadelphia non-profit organization assisting children and families who have been affected by the opiate epidemic). Please visit Pink Elephant Movement or mail to c/o Reenie Heary, 2729 East Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125. Please consider donating to this charity that Brian and Dot supported.
Tributes and Remembrances
Within the pages of obituaries in Philadelphia, PA, we find more than just names and dates; we discover the power of storytelling.
Obituaries are more than mere announcements of passing; they are heartfelt tributes, preserving memories, and celebrating lives well-lived. Through the delicate art of storytelling, we weave together the threads of individual journeys, honoring the triumphs, the joys, and the sorrows that have shaped each life.
In these pages, we find solace in remembrance, comfort in shared stories, and strength in the legacies that endure. Join us as we celebrate the lives that have touched our hearts and left an indelible mark on the fabric of our region.
Supporting the Bereaved
In the wake of loss, navigating the tumultuous seas of grief can feel overwhelming. At McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc., we extend our heartfelt support to those touched by loss, recognizing the profound impact of Philadelphia obituaries in marking the passage of loved ones.
With compassion as our guiding light, we offer a sanctuary of solace, providing resources and support to individuals traversing the labyrinth of grief. From grief counseling services to bereavement support groups, we connect bereaved individuals with the compassionate care and understanding they need to navigate this journey.
In these moments of profound sorrow, we stand as pillars of strength, offering a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. Let us walk this path together, offering comfort, solace, and unwavering support to those who mourn the loss of their loved ones.
Sharing Memories
Amidst the pages of these Philadelphia obituaries, we find not only the stories of those who have passed but also the countless lives they have touched. We invite you to share your own memories, stories, and reflections about these individuals, contributing to the collective celebration of their lives and legacies.
In sharing our personal experiences and fond memories, we breathe life into the narratives of those who have left an indelible mark on our hearts. Together, let us honor their lives, celebrate their legacies, and find solace in the bonds of shared remembrance.
Community Connections
Here, amidst the ebb and flow of grief, we create a compassionate online community where individuals can find understanding, empathy, and solidarity. It is in sharing our burdens and our sorrows that we discover the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Together, let us forge bonds of compassion and support, reaching out to one another with kindness and empathy. In this community of shared remembrance, may we find solace in the knowledge that we are not alone, and that together, we can navigate the journey of grief with grace and dignity.
Honoring Legacies, One Life at a Time
With unwavering dedication, we provide a dignified and respectful platform for these obituaries, ensuring that every individual is remembered with the reverence they deserve. It is our commitment to uphold the values of compassion, empathy, and sensitivity in every aspect of the webpage’s content and interactions.
At McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc., we are here to support you during this difficult time. Whether you are considering a traditional burial, exploring options for cremation, or looking for guidance in planning a service, our compassionate team is ready to assist you.
We also specialize in providing veteran funeral services, ensuring that every detail honors the service and sacrifice of your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a meaningful tribute.