Month: May 2018

Kenneth J. Miesmer, 71, of Garnet Valley, PA (formerly of West Hartford, CT), died at home, surrounded by loved ones, in the early morning hours on Saturday, May 19.

Born on Feb. 21, 1947, he was the son of the late Robert and Marjorie Miesmer.

Ken graduated from LaSalle High School in Cumberland, MD and attended the University of Maryland. He graduated from Central Connecticut State University. Ken was employed by The Travelers Insurance Company for 25 years, and was also employed as a consultant by Price Waterhouse Coopers and IBM.

Ken is survived by his wife, Mary (Parsons); his daughters, Sharon (Kevin) Murphy of Mount Royal, NJ; Maureen Miesmer (Joshua Hurvitz) of Washington, DC; his brother, Thomas (Susan) of Melbourne, FL; his sister, Kathryn (Bruce) Atwood of Shoreham, VT. In his retirement, Ken most enjoyed time spent with family and friends, and he was able to live fully in the lives of his four beloved grandchildren: Jack and Kellen Murphy, and Matthew and Anna Hurvitz.

He was a vocal cheerleader at his grandsons’ baseball games, spent hours inventing with them in his workshop, and loved reading to his “princess” and taking her out for milkshakes. Ken is also survived by five nieces and nephews, three great-nieces, and two great-nephews. Ken was also actively involved throughout his life in The Boy Scouts of America, both during his time in West Hartford and most recently as Advancement Chair for Pack 59 in East Greenwich, NJ.

At his request, his remains were donated to the Humanity Gifts Registry of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

A memorial service will be held at a time convenient for his family. Ken was also pre-deceased by his very dear friend, Ron Foley.

With the hope that someday cures may be found for both pancreatic cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, memorial donations may be made to either The Ron Foley Foundation (www.ronsrun.org) or The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org). During this brief period of illness, Ken was cared for by the medical staff at Chester County Hospital, the Jefferson Washington Township Hospital, Neighborhood Health Hospice Services, and the Pennsylvania Agency of Nurses. His family is deeply grateful for the kindness, compassion, and care shown to Ken and his loved ones during this difficult time.

Kenneth J. Miesmer R.I.P.

Faith Ryan Whittlesey, who chaired Delaware County Council in the late 1970s and was an integral member of Ronald Reagan’s campaign team and senior staff, died today, May 21.

She was 79.

She also served as the U.S. ambassador to Switzerland during the Reagan administration and represented the 166th District in the Pennsylvania State House.

She was a great conservative and hated by the liberals of her day.

Faith Ryan Whittlesey R.I.P.