Mom Dies In Fatal Pennsylvania Apartment Fire, Community Rallies To Help Family Mom Dies In Fatal Pennsylvania Apartment Fire, Community Rallies To Help Family
Mom Dies In Fatal Pennsylvania Apartment Fire, Community Rallies To Help Family After the death of a Berks County mom in an apartment fire, the community has rallied to help her grieving family. Amy Valentine couldn't escape from her burning apartment building in the 3400 block of Kutztown Road in Muhlenberg Township on Friday, Nov. 1, a GoFundMe campaign started by Valentine's daughter, Lexi Shuey, states. "I'm raising funds for my mom's funeral. These are words no child should ever have to say," Shuey said on the campaign page.  Valentine had a partial handicap and lived alone when the fire tore through her apartment building, according to Shuey. The cause…
PA Mall Santa Charles ‘Chuck’ Brack Passes Away, Leaving Legacy of Joy and Service PA Mall Santa Charles ‘Chuck’ Brack Passes Away, Leaving Legacy of Joy and Service
PA Mall Santa Charles ‘Chuck’ Brack Passes Away, Leaving Legacy of Joy and Service Just over one month before Christmas, Central Pennsylvania has lost a beloved grandfather who worked as a mall Santa Claus for over 18 years.  Charles Marvin Brack, affectionately known as “Chuck” and recognized by many as Santa Claus in the Lancaster Park City Mall, passed away, leaving a legacy of joy, warmth, and community service. Born on September 19, 1942, in Allentown, Georgia, Brack’s life was marked by dedication to family, friends, and the communities he served. Brack, who delighted countless children each holiday season as Santa, lived a colorful life filled with adventure a…
Philadelphia 5-Year-Old Girl Dies Suddenly, Community Rallies For Family Philadelphia 5-Year-Old Girl Dies Suddenly, Community Rallies For Family
Philadelphia 5-Year-Old Girl Dies Suddenly, Community Rallies For Family A Philadelphia 5-year-old girl died suddenly in her sleep and now her community is rallying for her family, according to multiple fundraisers.  Olivia Joy Spotts "passed away peacefully" and "surrounded by love" on Tuesday, Oct. 22, as written in her obituary posted on Galzerano Funeral Home website.  She "found delight in the simplest pleasures—her obsession with school buses and fire trucks, her beloved stickers, the joy of bubbles dancing in the air," as stated in the obituary. She like to watch the Mickey Mouse Club House, riding her bicycle, and spending time with h…
PA Mayor's Death Leaves 'Legacy Of Selfless Service': Officials PA Mayor's Death Leaves 'Legacy Of Selfless Service': Officials
PA Mayor's Death Leaves 'Legacy Of Selfless Service': Officials The current Coplay Borough Mayor Burker passed away over the weekend, the Lehigh County Coroner's Office announced in a release on Monday, Oct. 21. The Honorable Stephen J. Burker was pronounced dead from natural causes in his home on Saturday, Oct. 19, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio detailed in the release. "His loss is sure to be felt by all, whether you knew him or did not," the Borough of Coplay posted on its Facebook page. Coplay Borough and Coplay Police Department is saddened to learn of the passing of Mayor Steve Burker. Burker passed... Posted by Borough of Coplay on …
Family Grieves Loss of David Brown After Fatal Dump Truck Crash Family Grieves Loss of David Brown After Fatal Dump Truck Crash
Family Grieves Loss of David Brown After Fatal Dump Truck Crash The family of a North Whitehall Township man is grieving their loss following a fatal dump truck crash that took his life on Tuesday, Oct. 15. David A. Brown, 68, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash that happened when the dump truck he was driving in the 2700 block of Valley Road struck an embankment. Brown was employed as a machinist and mechanic at Nestle Purina, formerly ALPO, for 43 years before his retirement in 2022, according to his obituary from Heintzelman Funeral Home. He was a member of Jordan United Church of Christ in Allentown. He is survived by his wife, Debra…
Northampton Woman Known As 'Beacon Of Positivity' Remembered By Family Northampton Woman Known As 'Beacon Of Positivity' Remembered By Family
Northampton Woman Known As 'Beacon Of Positivity' Remembered By Family The family of a woman known to them as a "beacon of positivity" is celebrating her life following a fatal crash in Heidelberg Township. "We celebrate the beautiful life of a beloved, daughter and sister, Raquel Muneca Monique Perez, who passed away on Oct. 2," her family said in an obituary they shared with Daily Voice. Perez, 26, of Wilson Borough, died in a tragic crash when her vehicle struck a tree in the 5000 block of Route 309 in Heidelberg Township on Wednesday, Oct. 2. She was pronounced dead at Lehigh Valley Hospital at 4:34 p.m. on the same day. She was a charismatic, determined …
Legacy Of PA's Daniella Amato's Kindness, Grace Continues Through Family's Fund Legacy Of PA's Daniella Amato's Kindness, Grace Continues Through Family's Fund
Legacy Of PA's Daniella Amato's Kindness, Grace Continues Through Family's Fund Daniella Amato, a 23-year-old New Jersey native, died on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at home in Pennsylvania, her obituary on the Freeman Funeral Homes website says. Daniella graduated from Allentown High School in 2019 and went on to study dietetics at West Chester University, her obituary says. She worked as a server at White Dog Café in Chester Springs, PA, and was a fitness enthusiast who loved to cook, was passionate about horses and dreamed of being an Olympic rider. "Daniella’s big, beautiful personality, and sense of adventure, garnered a group of devoted friends, colleagues an…
Family Suffers 'Unimaginable Burden' After Motorcyclist Dad Killed In Lehigh County Crash Family Suffers 'Unimaginable Burden' After Motorcyclist Dad Killed In Lehigh County Crash
Family Suffers 'Unimaginable Burden' After Motorcyclist Dad Killed In Lehigh County Crash The family of a Bethlehem motorcyclist and Camden, New Jersey native killed in an Upper Saucon Township crash is grieving the loss of a dad, son, brother, and friend. Jorge Pickett, 34, died after striking another vehicle at West Saucon Valley Circle and Center Valley Parkway on Friday, Oct. 4, according to authorities. He died at St. Luke's University Hospital soon after the crash. Pickett was born in Camden, New Jersey, the obituary states. He was also working as a supervisor at Old Dominion Trucking Company. He is survived by his wife, Lauren; two children, Caleb and Emma Rae; mother, M…
PA Dad Killed In NJ Motorcycle Crash Survived By Young Family PA Dad Killed In NJ Motorcycle Crash Survived By Young Family
PA Dad Killed In NJ Motorcycle Crash Survived By Young Family A Pennsylvania man killed in a tragic motorcycle crash in New Jersey leaves behind his young family. Rayvaughn Webster, 43, of Easton, was died in a crash while operating his motorcycle on Route 78 in Springfield Township, NJ on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Webster leaves behind his wife of 20 years, Katie Webster, and their three children: Braeden, Harley, and Maverick, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized by Katie Webster and Timothy Maddox. The GoFundMe was started to raise funds for funeral expenses and provide assistance for the family, the campaign page says. The campaign has raised $32,48…
US Army Paratrooper, Philly Dad Of 3 Killed In Crash, Ex-Wife Says US Army Paratrooper, Philly Dad Of 3 Killed In Crash, Ex-Wife Says
US Army Paratrooper, Philly Dad Of 3 Killed In Crash, Ex-Wife Says  A US Army paratrooper and father of three was tragically struck and killed by a bus, according to a GoFundMe campaign started by his family. Christopher "Chris" McGarvey was killed in a crash at 11:47 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, his ex-wife, Coleen McGarvey, said in the GoFundMe.  "Chris was a veteran who served multiple tours overseas with the US Army," according to the GoFundMe campaign. "If you knew Chris you were lucky, because you knew that you had a good friend! You would also know how much he loved his kids." GoFundMe/Coleen McGarvey McGarvey, a Philadelphia resident,…
Popular PA BBQ Pitmaster Mike Wister Of NJ Dies From Short Illness Popular PA BBQ Pitmaster Mike Wister Of NJ Dies From Short Illness
Popular PA BBQ Pitmaster Mike Wister Of NJ Dies From Short Illness A Pennsylvania BBQ pitmaster and business owner with roots in New Jersey has died suddenly, according to his obituary posted by Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home. Michael "Mike" C. Wister, 58, originally of Elizabeth, NJ, but most recently of Lansdale, PA, passed away suddenly after a short illness at home on Saturday, Sept. 28, as detailed in his obituary. For 20 years, Mike ran small roadside BBQ stands, then he ran Wister’s Barbecue on Main Street for five years before moving to Broad Street in Lansdale where it's been for over two years, as explained in his obituary.  In his spa…
$90K+ Raised For Springfield Family After Fatal Hit-Run I-95 Crash $90K+ Raised For Springfield Family After Fatal Hit-Run I-95 Crash
$90K+ Raised For Springfield Family After Fatal Hit-Run I-95 Crash A community is mourning their loss after a 32-year-old woman died due to a traumatic brain injury following a hit-run crash on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia.  Tess Kathryn Fox, most recently of Springfield, Pennsylvania but formerly of West Deptford, New Jersey, died on Saturday, Sept. 14 as a result of the crash on Interstate 95 near Philadelphia International Airport on Saturday, Sept. 7,  Pennsylvania State Police told Daily Voice on Thursday, Sept. 19, and as detailed in obituary published by McGuinness Funeral Homes. She was an organ donor, according to the obituary.&nbs…
Drexel Student Raises $102K After NJ Crash That Killed Parents, Teen Sister Drexel Student Raises $102K After NJ Crash That Killed Parents, Teen Sister
Drexel Student Raises $102K After NJ Crash That Killed Parents, Teen Sister On Tuesday, Sept. 17, Max Dryerman said his final goodbyes to his parents and his younger sister. The college student from Woodcliff Lake lost his entire immediate family in a crash on the Garden State Parkway over the weekend. A joint funeral service was held for David and Michele Dryerman, both 54, and Brooke Dryerman, 17, Tuesday morning at Temple Emanuel of Pascack Valley. A burial service followed at Sharon Gardens on Lakeview Avenue, in Valhalla, NY. Max, whose LinkedIn shows he's studying engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, launched a GoFundMe page to help put himself t…
Star Philadelphia Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dead At 29 Star Philadelphia Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dead At 29
Star Philadelphia Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dead At 29 Michaela DePrince, a professional ballerina with roots in South Jersey and Philadelphia, has died at 29 years old. UPDATE: Late PA Ballerina Michaela DePrince's Mom Died Less Than 24 Hours After Her Michaela's passing was announced in a post on her Instagram on Friday, Sept. 13, and has since been confirmed by the family to Daily Voice. The family says Michaela passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 10.  A full statement from a representative of the family has been posted on Facebook.  OFFICIAL FAMILY STATEMENT UPDATE 9/14/24: Michaela DePrince Elaine DePrince Thank you to…
Vietnam Veteran, PA Firefighter, Blaine Horn, Dies On 9/11 Vietnam Veteran, PA Firefighter, Blaine Horn, Dies On 9/11
Vietnam Veteran, PA Firefighter, Blaine Horn, Dies On 9/11 A former firefighter in multiple counties in Pennsylvania and a Vietnam veteran died on Wednesday, Sept. 11, his former station announced. Blaine W. Horn, 75, of Slatedale, passed away at his home, according to his obituary posted on Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc.'s website.  He was known in his community as the former Fire Chief of Citizen’s Fire Company #1 for over 40 years and the current Fire Marshal of Slatedale, but his service to his community dates back much further.   Blaine has been an active member of various fire services for over 60 years, according to his obituary. "He served…
Coroner IDs Motorcyclist, 68, Killed In MontCo Crash Coroner IDs Motorcyclist, 68, Killed In MontCo Crash
Coroner IDs Motorcyclist, 68, Killed In MontCo Crash Officials have identified the 68-year-old Lansdale motorcyclist killed in a crash on Monday, Sept. 9. David F. Yacko died in the crash at Geigel Hill and Cafferty roads in Lansdale on Monday, Sept. 9, Bucks County Coroner Patricia Campi tells Daily Voice. A Philadelphia native, Yacko was passionate about cars, and worked as a skilled mechanic for more than 50 years, according to an obituary published by Huff and Lakjer Funeral Home.  "He was known by all for his ability to fix or make anything that you could need," it reads. "From birdwatching, to te…
Sydney Ritter, Norristown Area HS Grad Dies, 18 Sydney Ritter, Norristown Area HS Grad Dies, 18
Sydney Ritter, Norristown Area HS Grad Dies, 18 Family and friends are mourning the loss of 18-year-old Sydney Ritter of Montgomery County who died on Tuesday, Sept. 3, according to an obituary published by Boyd-Horrox-Givnish Funeral Home. A photo on her Instagram page shows her holding degrees from Norristown Area High School and Central Montco Tech. "Joy is happiness that does not depend on what happens. If you are lucky enough to be blessed with a child, your heart is full of JOY," the obituary reads. She loved makeup, finding just the right outfit and "blinging out her car," her obituary reads. "She just shined. She loved sw…
Legendary Philadelphia Soul Singer, Frankie Beverly Of Maze Has Died Legendary Philadelphia Soul Singer, Frankie Beverly Of Maze Has Died
Legendary Philadelphia Soul Singer, Frankie Beverly Of Maze Has Died The funk band Maze's lead singer, Frankie Beverly, died on Tuesday, Sept. 10, his family shared on social media the following morning. Beverly was 77 and a Philadelphia native who attended Germantown High School. He was known as a legendary R&B artist, songwriter, and producer. "During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way," the family wrote. "This period for is one of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated as we honor the…
Volunteer Firefighter, Chief In PA, MD Dies Suddenly, Fund Says Volunteer Firefighter, Chief In PA, MD Dies Suddenly, Fund Says
Volunteer Firefighter, Chief In PA, MD Dies Suddenly, Fund Says A volunteer firefighter serving in Maryland and Pennsylvania for over 40 years has died "unexpectedly", a GoFundMe launched to help launch his family announced on Saturday, Sept. 7.  Chief Tracy L. Tomlinson, 57, of Kirkwood, passed away at Lancaster General Hospital on Thursday, Sept. 5, according to his obituary posted on Shivery Funeral Home, Inc.'s website. He was born in West Grove and was a graduate of Solanco High School. The Robert Fulton Fire Company explained his career as follows: "He became a member of Robert Fulton Fire Company in September of 1983, joining…
Daughter Of Caitlin Smiles Founder, 22-Year-Old Abby Hornung Dies Suddenly Daughter Of Caitlin Smiles Founder, 22-Year-Old Abby Hornung Dies Suddenly
Daughter Of Caitlin Smiles Founder, 22-Year-Old Abby Hornung Dies Suddenly The youngest daughter of the nonprofit Caitlin Smiles founder, Abby Hornung, has died suddenly, her family announced in an obituary posted on the Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home website. Abigail "Abby" Caitlin Hornung, 22, of Dauphin "passed away unexpectedly" on Thursday, Sept. 3, as stated in her obituary. Her older sister, and her middle namesake, notably died of a cancerous brain tumor at the age of seven in 2000— two years before Abby was born. In 2004, her mom Cheryl launched Caitlin Smiles to make sure her eldest daughter's "smiling spirit is kept alive through the work of Caitlin’s Sm…
Youngest Shot Survivor Of PA Amish School Shooting Dies From Wounds Youngest Shot Survivor Of PA Amish School Shooting Dies From Wounds
Youngest Shot Survivor Of PA Amish School Shooting Dies From Wounds A young woman who was shot while she was held hostage with 10 classmates at the West Nickle Mines Amish School in 2006 has died from her injuries according to public records and her obituary published by Furman Home for Funerals on Tuesday, Sept. 3.  Rosanna King was just 6 years old when she was shot by Charles Carl Roberts IV along with 10 other school girls — five died inside the one-room school house before Roberts took his own life on Oct. 2, 2006, according to numerous reports at the time. Rosanna was the youngest victim of this school shooting.  When pol…
Champion HS Wrestler, Business Owner 47-Year-Old Andrew Cook Dies Suddenly Champion HS Wrestler, Business Owner 47-Year-Old Andrew Cook Dies Suddenly
Champion HS Wrestler, Business Owner 47-Year-Old Andrew Cook Dies Suddenly Andrew C. Cook, of Chester Springs, died suddenly on Friday, Aug. 30, according to an obituary published by James J. Terry Funeral Home. He was 47 years old. Andy was a champion wrestler at Ridley Park High School, his obituary said. He ran a successful landscaping business for many years, according to his obituary. A GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $26,000 for his family as of Tuesday, Sept. 3. "Andrew found his passion in the financial world as an accountant for Fearless Restaurants," as noted in his obituary. He had a gift for mathematics and numbers. Andy loved being…
PA Police Officer, HS Coach, Arty Erle Dies From Illness PA Police Officer, HS Coach, Arty Erle Dies From Illness
PA Police Officer, HS Coach, Arty Erle Dies From Illness A police officer, high school baseball and wrestling coach, middle school baseball and volleyball coach, as well as the founding member of a non-profit, has died.  Arthur R. “Arty” Erle, 52, of Springfield formerly of Glenolden passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, according to his obituary posted by Lombardo Funeral Homes.  The Drexel Hill native graduated from Interboro High School in 1990, and a 1998 graduate of the Philadelphia Police Academy who went on to serve as a Corrections Officer at Delaware County Prison, and as a Police Officer for Upper Darby Township for the past…
Mom Killed In Hatboro Crash Was Medical Technician, 31 Mom Killed In Hatboro Crash Was Medical Technician, 31
Mom Killed In Hatboro Crash Was Medical Technician, 31 The 31-year-old victim of a three-car crash in Hatboro was pursuing her bachelor's degree in nursing, according to an obituary published by Campbell and Thomas Funeral Home. "She not only was my best friend she was also a mother to a 4-year-old baby girl who now has to continue her life without her mommy," said a GoFundMe organized by Kaylee Graham of Northampton Township. "Gabrielle’s journey through life was marked by her compassion, humor, and unwavering loyalty to those she loved," her obituary said. Gabrielle followed her passion for caring for others by becoming a CNA/Medical Te…
'Life's Too Short To Be Unhappy' PA Mom Killed Breaking Up Fight Wrote On Facebook 'Life's Too Short To Be Unhappy' PA Mom Killed Breaking Up Fight Wrote On Facebook
'Life's Too Short To Be Unhappy' PA Mom Killed Breaking Up Fight Wrote On Facebook A 41-year-old mother killed by gunfire in Philadelphia this week was merely trying to break up a violent situation, her family said. On a GoFundMe page, they said Kelly Kane "was stolen from us as she was intervening to avoid violence." Police did not detail the circumstances of her death, only saying that she was shot in the arm shortly after midnight on Monday, Aug. 26 on the 2500 block of Kensington Avenue. Kelly's bio on Facebook shows she had a positive outlook on life: "Life’s too short to be unhappy. Do what makes you happy."  The GoFundMe added: "We are seeing the silver lining in…
'I Lost My First True Love:' Victims Of Deadly I-81 Crash Remembered 'I Lost My First True Love:' Victims Of Deadly I-81 Crash Remembered
'I Lost My First True Love:' Victims Of Deadly I-81 Crash Remembered The lives of two Maryland men were cut short in a crash on I-81 last week in Pennsylvania, and now, their loved ones are rallying to give them proper burials. Diamonte Drequan Disney, 25, and Tiheen "Tizzy" Justice Nathaniel Matthews, 20, both of Hagerstown, MD, both died in the crash Wednesday, Aug. 21 in Antrim Township, as previously reported by Daily Voice. The pair were in a black 2012 Infiniti G37 that lost control, left the roadway, hit the guidewire in the median, and then rolled over, PA State Trooper Ruiz said. Disney and Nathaniel were among the four people who were ej…
Bucks SPCA's Tanya Garcia Dies, 38 Bucks SPCA's Tanya Garcia Dies, 38
Bucks SPCA's Tanya Garcia Dies, 38 Tanya Smakula Garcia, of Telford, formerly of Sellersville, died on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, according to an obituary published by Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home. She was 38 years old. Tanya graduated from Pennridge High School, class of 2004, according to her obituary. She was an avid cheerleader for seven years. She worked in retail sales and was a member of the Bucks County SPCA. Tanya was a devoted and compassionate mother who enjoyed cooking, her obituary said.  Tanya loved animals, especially elephants. She also enjoyed watchi…
Cpl. Monteé Atkins, 28, Marine Corps Veteran Dies Suddenly Cpl. Monteé Atkins, 28, Marine Corps Veteran Dies Suddenly
Cpl. Monteé Atkins, 28, Marine Corps Veteran Dies Suddenly Monteé Curtis Atkins, a native of Norristown, died suddenly on Thursday, Aug. 8, according to an obituary published by Volpe Funeral Home. He was 28 years old.   Monteé was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and honorably discharged as Corporal Atkins. He enjoyed hanging with his friends; spending quality time eating, laughing and joking with his family, his obituary said. Facebook Monteé was an enthusiastic gamer who also loved to sing and dance, according to his obit. He pursued becoming a tattoo artist along with a passion for cooking and grilling. "Known for hi…
13-Year-Old Found Dead ID'd As Shippensburg University Football Coach's Son 13-Year-Old Found Dead ID'd As Shippensburg University Football Coach's Son
13-Year-Old Found Dead ID'd As Shippensburg University Football Coach's Son A 13-year-old child was found dead in Shippensburg has been identified by his family late on Wednesday, Aug. 21.  Levi James Maciejewski "went to be in the arms of Jesus" on Tuesday, Aug. 20, his family wrote in a statement.  Pennsylvania State Police had been called to investigate the death of the 13-year-old in the 300 block of Britton Road in Shippensburg around 2:08 p.m. on Aug. 20, as Daily Voice previously reported.  "There are no other details available at this time," PSP Trooper H PIO Megan Frazer said, adding that "The investigation is ongoing." The Shippensburg Sc…
Funeral Details For Beloved PA Track Coach, Dad Of 2 Released Funeral Details For Beloved PA Track Coach, Dad Of 2 Released
Funeral Details For Beloved PA Track Coach, Dad Of 2 Released The funeral details for a 34-year-old father of two young children who was killed in a crash have been released.  Ryan Peck, 34, of Forks Township, died from blunt force injuries following a crash near the 5600 Block of Kesslersville Road in Plainfield Township on Aug. 15, as Daily Voice previously reported. An investigation into the accident is ongoing by Slate Belt Regional Police and the Northampton County Coroner’s Office. Peck was a 2008 graduate of Nazareth Area High School where he went on to coach soccer and basketball at the school after graduated with Bacholer's of Science a…
PA Mom Of 15 Children Dies 3 Days After Son Killed In Motorcycle Crash PA Mom Of 15 Children Dies 3 Days After Son Killed In Motorcycle Crash
PA Mom Of 15 Children Dies 3 Days After Son Killed In Motorcycle Crash A York County native and mom of 15 children has died just three days after one of her children.  Nancy A. (Reinhold) Markle, 88, of York, passed away at UPMC Memorial Hospital on Thursday, Aug. 15, according to her obituary posted on John W. Keffer Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc. Her surname may sound familiar to Daily Voice readers as her 63-year-old Donald "Donnie" Markle died in a motorcycle crash on Aug. 12, as we previously reported. Donald Markle  Facebook/Donald Markle She was predeceased by her husband Spurgeon Leon Markle and her sons Donald, Robert, …