Patricia “Patsy” Anne Irby Cheseldine, 79 of Leonardtown, MD, formerly of Avenue, MD peacefully passed away on March 31, 2022, at home. She was born March 26, 1943, in Farmville, VA she was the daughter of the late Fannie Mae and Sam Moses Irby. Patsy was the loving wife of John William “Billy” Cheseldine, Sr, who she married on September 16, 1961, at Holy Angels Church in Avenue, MD. She is survived by her children Johnny (Beth) Cheseldine of Clements, MD, Gary (Michelle) Cheseldine of Hollywood, MD, and Scott (Christina) Cheseldine of Aberdeen, MD. She is also survived by her 8 grandchildren, Desiree Nuckols, Ivy Cheseldine, Colin Lorah, Mason Cheseldine, Tricia Cheseldine, Kaylee Cheseldine, Olivia Lorah and Ashley Cheseldine. In addition to her parents Patsy was preceded in death by her amazing husband Billy and her 9 siblings. Patsy moved from La Plata to St. Mary’s County in 1961. Patsy was a devoted wife and a boys’ mom. She always put her husband and children before herself. She retired as the Director of Medical records after 30 years at St’ Mary’s hospital. After leaving the hospital, she worked at the Cheseldine Auto Group until she fully retired in 2017. Through […]

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William Douglas Hill, Jr., known as “Billy” to nearly everyone, died peacefully at his home in Helen, Maryland in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 2, 2022. Billy was born in an old farmhouse in Maddox, Maryland on August 21, 1937. He and his twin brother Joseph Albert Hill, “Joe”, were the first of eight children born to William D. Hill, Sr. “Willie”, a sharecropper and waterman and his wife Anna Louise Hill, nee Morgan. His grandparents were Joseph Dixie Hill and Ida Hill, nee Thompson, and William Lee Morgan and Anna Morgan, nee Russell. Billy and his brother Joe received most of their education from the St. Mary’s County public schools, except for the second grade when their parents had saved enough money to send the twins to Catholic School. Not long after the beginning of the school year, the boys decided that they did not like the new school, so they simply stayed on the school bus and went to their old public school. It took a week or so before the Catholic school called home and asked Mrs. Hill why her children had not been to school. The boys had a lot to answer for when […]

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It is with a heavy heart that the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department announces the passing of Board of Director George Earl Newton. Obituary, funeral and service information will be provided when they become available. All photos are thanks to the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department. Please keep the Newton family in your thoughts and prayers.

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Keith Thane Wellons, 62, of Lexington Park, MD, formerly of Columbia, SC, passed away at his home on April 3, 2022. Born on December 15, 1959, in El Paso, TX, he was the son of the late Helen Rodger Wellons and Marshall Wellons. Keith is survived by his son Courtney Wellons of Columbia, SC, along with his siblings Terence Wellons of Pittsburg, PA, Pamela Winder of Lexington Park, MD, Kenneth Wellons of Waldorf, MD, and Mark Wellons of Bakersfield, CA. Keith graduated from Washington High School in 1977. He was a Correctional Officer for the state of South Carolina. Keith served in the United States Army for 11 years from May 26, 1978 to September 27, 1990. While serving in the Army, he earned the Army Lapel Button/Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, “1” Army Achievement Medal with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), Marksman, (M-16 Rifle), and Driver, Badge-Wheel. Keith was stationed in Ft. Riley, KS, and Korea. A Graveside service will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022, at 1:45 PM in Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD.

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Margaret (Betty) Elizabeth Dean was granted her angel wings on April 5, 2022. Betty was born on March 27, 1931 and just recently celebrated her 91st birthday. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Betty had touched in some small way throughout her very memorable life in St. Mary’s County, MD. Betty married her late husband Lemuel Caleb Dean on September 14, 1948. Betty was a homemaker, babysitter, and housekeeper. She was the adopted daughter of the late Elwood and Mary Schaffer. In addition to her late parents and husband, she is preceded in death by seven siblings, Paul Schaffer, Fred Schaffer, James Bernard Russell, Sidney Lewis Russell, William Claude Russell, Albert John Russell, and Mary Russell Quade. Surviving Betty are her five children, Diane Elizabeth Standish (John) of Mechanicsville, MD, Wendy Louise Wright (Ken) of Sandusky, OH, Yvonne Carol Dean of Kensington, MD, Gerald Elwood Dean (Cynthia) of Mechanicsville, MD, and Dale Robert Dean (Debbie) of Mechanicsville, MD. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 21 great-great-grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her grandson, Gene Aloysius Cusic, Jr., and great-grandson, Steven Allen Cusic, Jr. Betty loved her sports! She played women’s […]

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Jean Margot Finelli, “Sweetie Pie,”88, of Waldorf, MD, formerly from Clinton, MD, passed away on April 6, 2022 in Frederick, MD. Born on February 25, 1934 in Washington, D.C., she was the loving daughter of the late Mary Christine Middleton Welch and Aloysius Casimir Welch, M.D. Jean was the loving wife of the late Don Anthony Finelli, whom she married on February 20, 1955 in St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Washington, D.C., and who preceded her in death on July 31, 2003. Jean is survived by her daughter Linda J. Wells, sister Victoria Elizabeth Welch of Germantown, MD, her grandchildren Larry Emralino (Erika Joy), Alan Harris (Kelly), great-grandchildren Cyrus and Bryce Emralino and Aidan Harris, as well as nephews Keven Welch (Ann) and their children Adrienne, Riley and Bridget, and niece Ann Marie Goldhammer. She was preceded in death by her daughter Brenda J. Harris and sister Ann Christine Goldhammer. Jean graduated from Lucy Webb Hayes School of Nursing in 1956. She worked as a registered nurse at Sibley Memorial Hospital and Southern Maryland Hospital. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 11, 2022 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of […]

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Pamela Kay Quade, 62, of Mechanicsville, MD, formerly of Winchester, VA, passed away on April 13, 2022 in Mechanicsville, MD. Born on March 10, 1960 in Winchester, VA, she was the daughter of the late Minnie Ashby and the late Jesse Ashby. Pamela was the loving wife of Gregory M. Quade, whom she married in Leonardtown, MD. She is survived by her children Rocky Buckler of Mechanicsville, MD, Stoney Buckler of Mechanicsville, MD, and April Quade of Mechanicsville, MD, her brothers Randy Ashby of Winchester, VA, Robert Ashby of Winchester, VA, and Mike Ashby of Winchester, VA, as well as one grandchild. All services will be private. Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

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The College of Southern Maryland mourns the passing of CSM Board of Trustee Samuel C. Jones. Jones, who passed away April 12, had served and led the college and its students since 2013 when he was appointed by then Governor Martin O’Malley. “We are grieving Sam’s passing and share our deepest sympathies with his beloved wife Jean and their family,” said CSM Board of Trustee Chair Jay Webster. “Sam brought a keen and diverse perspective to CSM’s Board of Trustees for nine years, and from the start was a revered, trusted, and treasured member of our CSM family. He was also my good friend.” “We are heartbroken,” shared CSM President Dr. Maureen Murphy. “Sam was unwavering in his commitment to our students’ success, and we could always count on him to keep us focused on our goals, lively in our discussions, and purposeful in our actions. It has been an honor to work for him and learn from him.” Jones joined CSM’s Board of Trustees while serving as the division chief of Economic Programming with the U.S. Census Bureau. He served in several senior leadership positions over the course of his 40+-year career, retiring as the assistant director for Economic […]

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James Michael “Jimmy” Brown, 79, of Leonardtown, MD passed away peacefully on March 24, 2022 at his home with his loving family at his side. He was born on May 11, 1942 in Park Hall, MD to the late James Harden Brown and Laura Mildred Wise Brown. Jimmy was born and raised in St. Mary’s County.  He was a 1961 graduate of Leonardtown High School. On December 11, 1985 he married his beloved wife, Marilyn Sue Brown in Compton, MD. Together they celebrated over 36 wonderful years of marriage. He operated several businesses in St. Mary’s County.  He was a farmer for awhile when he lived in Grampton Rd, he operated a Western Auto Store in Lexington Park, MD; B & B Liquor Store in St. Mary’s Square, he was partners with Eldred Greenwell at Leonardtown Sunoco and Country Store in Medley’s Neck, MD.  He also did construction with his friend Leo Klear at Brown & Klear Construction.  When he finally retired he had his garden and his bestest buddy, his Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Temujin his 130 pound lap dog! He was a member of the Thomas J. Shryock Masonic Lodge 223 for over 50 dedicated years. In addition to […]

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Brian Anthony Flannery, Jr., 64, of Hughesville, MD, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2022. On December 21, 1957, Brian was born to Brian and Magdalene Flannery in Baltimore, MD. Brian was a natural-born salesman and spent most of his career in the automotive industry in aftermarket sales. He enjoyed socializing, skiing, fishing, boating, riding his dirt bike, and more recently, designing and crafting natural wood tables and clocks. He is survived by his daughters Kara and Sara, grandchildren Logan, Bodhi, Isaac, his father Brian, and his sister Erin. Brian was predeceased by his daughter Krysta, his mother Magdalene, and his brothers Dennis and Shawn. All services will be private. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. All arrangements have been made at Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., Charlotte Hall, MD.

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Clifford Elmer Berry, 76, of Pomfret, MD, passed away on March 30, 2022. Clifford was born on July 26, 1945, to Willard and Clara Berry in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Cliff was a welder and equipment mechanic for the DC Government.  After retiring from the government he went into business for himself repairing and installing commercial laundry equipment. Cliff was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He met the love of his life Donah and they wed in 1968 and together had three children Brian Berry of Waldorf, MD, Darlene Hazelwood (Dennis) of Waldorf, MD, and James Berry of Pomfret MD. He also has 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Cliff loved his country and served in the military branch of the Army. He was the happiest spending time outdoors.  Over the years he would go to the river to camp, he loved hunting, fishing, grilling, and sitting around a campfire with an ice-cold beer family and friends.  Going to The Jamboree In The Hills in Ohio several times over the years was one of his all-time favorite things to do with his family and friends. He loved being out in the sun and loved his suntan days. Crabs and oysters […]

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Mabel Loretta Cheseldine Hayden, 99, of Leonardtown, MD passed away peacefully on April 4, 2022 with her loving family at her side. She was born on March 2, 1923 in Avenue, MD to the late Garrett Cheseldine and Mary Lillian Gass. She loved God and her family. At the age of 7 she began playing the organ for services at Holy Angels Church in Avenue, MD. After marriage she moved to Leonardtown to raise her family. She then played for St. Aloysius Church and was a member of The Catholic Daughters for decades. She worked at, and retired from, the Safeway Grocery Store in Lexington Park, MD. At Safeway, she met her longtime friend, Virginia Gragan. Mabel is a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County. On December 29, 1942 she married her beloved husband John Joseph Hayden at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue, MD. Together they celebrated over 60 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on March 2, 2003. Mabel is survived by her sons, Charles Hayden (Patricia) of Hollywood, MD and James R. Hayden (Mary “Puddin”) of Bushwood, MD; her grandchildren: Brandon Hayden, Jamie Hayden, Jesse Hayden, Jody Hayden, and Jennifer Campbell; and eleven great grandchildren: Mykayla, […]

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Ronald (Ronnie) Albert King, Sr., 75, of Hughesville, MD formerly of Golden Beach, Mechanicsville, MD passed away peacefully on April 7, 2022. Ronnie was born on February 23, 1947, in Washington D.C. to Charles Harold King and Elsie Mae (Seaborn) King and was one of eleven children. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret Marie (Dyck) King of Solomons, MD; sons Ronald King, Jr. (Janice), Wayne King (Jackie), and Michael King; grandchildren Mathew King (Christi), Amber Best (Shaniece), Robert King (Amber), Emma King, Rachel King, Jacob King, Colin King, David King, Daniel King, Jamie Larson (Tom), Jodi Gardiner (Brian), and Michelle Burtnett (Kevin); great-grandchildren Arabella Pinkney, Peyton King, Rhett King, Bobby Best, Jocelyn, Drew and Tommy Larson, AJ and Sydney DeVincent, Jacob Gardiner, Kevin (Alexis), Gabriella, Vivian, Brendan, Genevieve, and Audriana Burtnett. He is also survived by his brothers Herbert (Marion), Kenneth (Ruth Ann), Richard (Dolly), his sister Margaret Grierson, his sister-in-law Cathy Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both of his parents Harold and Elsie King; his brothers Charles, George, Robert, and William; and his sisters Rosemary, Betty, and Edith. Ronnie began working at a young age, first as a […]

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Edward Robert Gryszkiewicz, Jr. passed away on April 1, 2022. He was born on November 27, 1957, to the late Delores Gryszkiewicz and Edward R. Gryszkiewicz, Sr. Ed was a resident of St. Mary’s County with his wife Cyndi, the love of his life for 22 years. Ed drove trucks his whole life and was the owner-operator of Cherokee Transport. He leased to Baltimore Tank Lines, Inc. for 27 years delivering petroleum products to various locations in Maryland and Virginia. Anyone that knew Ed, knew his love of dogs, you never saw him without his dog Colt. Ed enjoyed eating crabs, fishing, riding his Harley, tinkering in his garage, and working on his cars and trucks. He always had a project going. Ed is survived by his wife Cyndi, stepchildren Justin Thompson (Kat), Bryan Dedo, and Jamie Gibson. Step grandchildren William, Lauren, Cynthia, Drew, Alanna, Megan, Zoe, and Derrick. His brother Mickey (Wanda), nephews Jason, Robbie, Mitchell (deceased), and niece Haley. There will be a “Celebration of Life” arranged in his honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to Tri-County Animal Shelter, 6707 Animal Shelter Rd, Hughesville, MD 20637 in his name. […]

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Frederick John Pelican, 70 of California, MD passed on April 1, 2022 at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. He was born on January 16, 1952 in Natrona, PA to the late Theodore Pelican and Ann Witucki. Frederick lived in St. Mary’s County, MD for the last 15 years moving from Germany. He married Marianne in 1986 and spent 26 years together before her passing in 2014. He entered into the Air Force in December 1972. He proudly served until retirement in November 1994. He worked in Logistics for the Government for 26 years. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor; he loved making people laugh. He is survived by his brother, Jim Pelican of Beaverton, OR. Services will be private. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.

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Donald Eugene Mastracco, Jr., 70, of Piney Point, MD, passed away on April 3, 2022. Donald, known as “Don” or “Butch”, was born on January 23, 1952, to Donald and Betty Mastracco in Washington, D.C. After graduating from Crossland High School in 1970, he went on to study at Frostburg State University. Don would later have three children; Daniel Mastracco of Phoenix, AZ, Laura Gardiner of Mechanicsville, MD, and Robin Endress of Aldie, VA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Debra Pentz. After retiring from Giant Food following 30 years of service, Don spent time enjoying his family, working on model airplanes, watching his beloved Capitals and Nationals, exploring national parks, and taking in the beautiful waterfront scenery that he’d come to love in Southern Maryland. He is survived by his children; Daniel Mastracco of Phoenix, AZ, Laura Gardiner (Mike) of Mechanicsville, MD, and Robin Endress (Joe) of Aldie, VA, and his grandchildren William Raley, Jr., and Olivia Endress. The family will be accepting friends for Don’s Visitation at Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A. at 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD on Monday, April 18, 2022, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with […]

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Ralph Joseph Russo, of Valley Lee, MD passed away on April 6, 2022 at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, MD surrounded by his family. He was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Joseph John Russo and Philomena Mae (Mancini) Russo. Ralph proudly served in the U.S. Navy for four years and then served in the Reserves for 12 years. He graduated from Temple University.  He worked as a Medical Engineer for 36 years.  Family and God were very important to him. He and his family loved being outdoors, cruising on the boat or camping. They took many trips all over the world. He was a skilled carpenter and spent much of his time building projects in his wood shop. Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Eleanor Ruth “Ellie” Fox; along with three children, nine grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.  He loved being a father, grandfather and great grandfather.  The family will have private services at Holy Face Catholic Church. Pallbearers will be John Chapman IV, Russell Murray, James Barnes, Jr., Matt Spalding, John Chapman III, and Ralph Thomas Russo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Second District Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box […]

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On April 4, 2022, Joseph B. Baker Sr. passionately known as “Mickey” passed away peacefully at the age of 80, at his home in Clements, Maryland surrounded by his beloved wife and children.  Joseph was born August 3, 1941, in Chaptico, Maryland to the late James Richard and Catherine Countiss-Baker, raised as the seventh of eleven children, he loved and admired all ten of his siblings. Joseph “Mickey” was educated in St. Mary’s County Public School System and graduated from Banneker High school in Loveville, MD.  He started his career with various jobs but invested his time with Buck Quade Farming Company.  He expanded his skills, knowledge, and devotion at Bullock Construction Company as a Superintendent where he endured for fifty-one (51) years until his time of retirement. On June 12, 1965, Joseph married the love of his life and soulmate; Agnes Marie Banks, he was a caring, loving, and devoted husband for 56 years. You could always find Joseph busy with his hands doing yard work, cooking with a passion on the grill, or building home projects. He also enjoyed watching his favorite football team, the Baltimore Ravens, with a cold beer.  His love and support for his family […]

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Cyril Paul Gerek, 62 of Fairfax, VA passed away suddenly at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital on March 25, 2022. Paul was born on January 8, 1960 in Fairbanks, Alaska to Gloria Jeane Bowles Gerek and the late Cyril Patrick Gerek. After graduating Ryken High School in Leonardtown, MD, Paul worked at various automotive shops;  Pat’s Speed Shop, Aldridge Ford, and Ted Britt Ford.  He moved to Fairfax, VA where his love of the water and boating, along with his mechanical background, prompted him to open his own marine repair business, “Paul Gerek Enterprises”. Along the way, he achieved his Charter Boat Captain’s License. Paul is survived by his mother Gloria Jeane Gerek of Park Hall, MD, his sisters Deborah Gerek-Larsen (Ty Larsen) of Arizona, Cheryl Helene Gerek (Chris Woodburn) of Ridge, MD, his nephew Wyatt Christopher Woodburn of Kodiak, AK and his two nieces, Stephanie Gagliano, of Rockville, MD and Sarah Helene Woodburn of Ridge, MD. He is also survived by extended family Greg Madjeski, James Fenwick, Chuck Helton and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his dad, Cyril Patrick “Pat” Gerek. Paul was a hard-working man who would give you the shirt off his back […]

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James Wingfield “Jim” Harrison 78, of Mechanicsville, Maryland, passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2022. He was born in Bedford, VA, March 14, 1944, to Sarah Evelyn Wingfield Harrison and Thurman Lee Harrison, Jr. Jim grew up in Lexington Park, and California, MD. During his teenage years, he worked for his father, T.L., at the four local movie theaters in St, Mary’s County to include, Park, Plaza, New, and 235 Drive In. As a young man, he played baseball in local leagues and football and basketball in high school. Jim was a very good athlete.  After graduating from Great Mills High School in 1962, he joined the United States Air Force, and trained at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He then attended and graduated from the United States Air Force Technical School in Amarillo, TX. Later, he was assigned to P6937th Communications Group, United States Air Force, Peshawar, Pakistan as a Communicative Center Specialist. After completing a tour in Pakistan, he was assigned to the Air Force Special Security Office Headquarters, European Security Region in Wiesbaden, West Germany.  While there, he met and married the love of his life, Margaret Caroline “Carol” Testerman in 1966. In 1967, they […]

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