Joseph Prunty
beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, died October 9, 2006, at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Joseph W. Prunty was born on February 7, 1926 in Jamaica, New York to Peter and Elizabeth Prunty. One of fourteen children , he grew up on Long Island where he met and married his beloved wife of 55 years, Rosemary on April 28th, 1951. Joseph and Rosemary had three children together, Jacqueline M. Simmons (Robert) of Indiana, Peter James Prunty who lives in California and Laura-Lee M. Kelsey (Arthur III) who resides in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Joseph’s legacy continues with his nine grandchildren, Meredithe Simmons Carnes, Maureen Simmons Westfall, John J. Simmons, Brian Bronte, Kelly Bronte, Arthur F. Kelsey IV, James P. Kelsey, Joseph W. Kelsey and Quinn M. Kelsey. There are also 3 great-grandchildren; Brenna, Robert and Caitlin Carnes. Joseph served proudly in the Navy during WW II in the Pacific. He followed the war years working for the family oil business and Mobil Oil Corp. He later joined Ford Motor Company in the real estate division and moved from New York to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He was active in St. Owens Parish and also St. Regis Parish in Birmingham. Shortly after retiring in 1989, Joseph and Rosemary moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina where Joseph joined the Knights of Columbus rising to a Knight of the Fourth Degree, Council 1103. He was very active in St. Mary’s Parish in Pinehurst and contributed much of his time to the construction of a new church for the congregation of St. Mary’s. Ever challenged, but always enjoying, Joe was an avid golfer and was on the links with his friends as much as possible. Never let us forget that his other passion was riding his horse, Sailor and his interests in the history of the American Cowboy. He studied the American Civil war in depth and could be counted on as a great source of information on this topic. Joseph remained close and in touch with his large extended family all his years and was known to family and friends for his love of life and an impish sense of humor as well his generosity to his church, family and friends. Funeral at St. Regis Church, Lahser at Lincoln, Bloomfield Hills, Friday 10:30am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 10am. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, 1368 N. Crooks Road (Between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Wednesday 4-7pm and Thursday 2-8pm. Memorials appreciated to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mt. Elliott Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207-3485.
Henry F. Noonan
age 81, died October 27, 2006 at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn. Mr. Noonan was born on February 19, 1925 in Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. Noonan received his Bachelor’s Degree from Harvard in 1949 and his MBA, also from Harvard in 1950. While a student at Harvard, he was a member of the football team. Mr. Noonan was a resident of the Birmingham – Bloomfield area for 25 years. He retired as a purchasing agent from Chrysler in 1992 and also worked at Ford Motor as a product planner and American Motors as a purchaser. Mr. Noonan was a member at Holy Name Parish and member of the Birmingham Senior Men’s Club. He was an avid stamp collector. Mr. Noonan was the former president of the Dearborn Heights School Board and a Little League Coach in the Dearborn Heights area for 12 years. Mr. Noonan is survived by his children, Henry P. (Gail) and R. Brian Noonan; grandchildren, Sean, Kristen, Jeremy, Henry, and Audrey; and sister, Lucille Blue. He is predeceased by his wife, Jane, and children, R. Michael, and John P. Funeral at Holy Name Church, 630 Harmon, Birmingham, Tuesday 10am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 9:30am. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Rd., (between 14-15 Mile Rds.), Monday 3-9pm. Interment at White Chapel Cemetery, Troy, Michigan. Memorials appreciated to the National Emphysema Foundation, 15 Belden Ave., Norwalk, CT 06850.
Sally F. Fox
age 80, of Farmington Hills, died July 27, 2005 at the Fountains of Franklin in Southfield. Mrs. Fox was born September 7, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. Mrs. Fox graduated with a Bachelors Degree from Brooklyn College in New York and a Masters/PhD in Psychology from Wayne State University in Detroit. Mrs. Fox enjoyed collecting antiques, reading, traveling and maintained a large and diverse circle of friends. Mrs. Fox is survived by her children, Amy (Erick) Ryberg of Farmington Hills, Dr. Gordon (Kathy Whitley) Fox of Tampa, Florida and Barbara Fox of New York City. She is also survived by her grandson, Ben Ryberg; two nieces and one nephew. Mrs. Fox is preceded in death by her husband, Henry J. Fox. A memorial service will be held at the Fountains of Franklin, 28301 Franklin Rd., Southfield, Saturday(September 10th) at 2pm.
John J. MacAloon, Sr.
age 87, formerly of Birmingham, died August 28, 2005, at his home in West Bloomfield. Mr. MacAloon was born July 1, 1918, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. A WWII veteran, he served in Europe as a United States Army Sergeant. Mr. MacAloon worked over 40 years for the J. L. Hudson Company, later the Dayton Hudson Company, retiring in 1980, as Vice-President, Stores Group. He served as Vice-President and General Manager of Northland, opened the Oakland, Dearborn, and Briarwood Hudson's branches, and was the last general manager of the downtown Hudson's store that he fought to save. Mr. MacAloon was known for his merchandising expertise and his human relations skills, inspiring loyalty and affection from employees. He was chairman of the Hudson's United Way campaign for several years. Mr. MacAloon was a member of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce and the Birmingham Lions Club. Mr. MacAloon is survived by his wife of 59 years, Madelyn and children, John, Jr. (Sara) of Evanston, Illinois, Susan of Pensacola, Florida, Donald (Kellie) of Bloomfield Hills, Martha of Oak Brook, Illinois and Deborah (Keith) Gantenbein of Golden, Colorado. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren. Funeral from Holy Name Church, 630 Harmon, Birmingham, Friday lOam. Friends may visit at church beginning at 9:30am. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (Between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Thursday 2-8pm. Prayers Thursday 7pm. Interment in White Chapel Cemetery, Troy. Memorials appreciated to charity of donor's choice.
Janet Louise Lewis-Scallen-Gwynn
age 75, formerly of Birmingham, died August 24, 2005, at her home in Florida. Janet was born August 22, 1930, in Detroit. She was a graduate of Redford High School, class of 1949, and remained active in the alumni association until her death. After high school, she went to work for the Ernst Kern Co. Department Store where she worked her way up from secretary to Richard Kern, to assistant sportswear buyer. Armed with the valuable experience she gained at the Kern Co., Janet was hired by former Detroit personality, Louis J. Gordon, as a sales representative for White Stag Sportswear. Eventually, the White Stag Company hired her directly as their sales rep for the state of Michigan where she thrived until 1972. Janet was a real pioneer in the women’s workforce since the 1950’s. In 1959, Janet married Paul F. Scallen and in 1965, they had a daughter, Lisa Marie, whom she considered a “dream come true”. After a 10 year marriage, they divorced. In 1971, she married Robert D. Gwynn, formerly of Birmingham. Together they opened a fine women’s clothing store called Nell Gwynn, which Janet ran for 7 years. After it closed, she went to work for their men’s clothing store, Gwynn’s. In 1989, Janet and Bob retired to Pompano Beach, Florida, where she became very active in the Republican Party for which she received many awards and accolades. She ran for and was elected to the office of precinct committee person by 77%. She was also appointed to the Parks and Recreation board as well as the Education Advisory Board of Pompano Beach. After a 25 year marriage, Janet and Bob divorced and she moved to Melbourne, Florida to start fresh and live a quiet life. She considered it great country living. Janet was a very ambitious, artistic woman with many diverse talents. She excelled in every endeavor she undertook. She loved entertaining and was known by her friends and family as a great cook. Janet loved working with stained glass and needlepoint and made many lovely things. She had a special passion for gardening, especially her beautiful roses which she cultivated and cared for until her death. Janet lived her life to the fullest. Everything she did, she did with great passion. She was an accomplished business woman, an artist, a political activist and most importantly, a wonderful mother. Janet will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Janet is survived by her daughter, Lisa Marie Miller (nee Scallen) of Lafayette, CO, sister, Beverly Jane Powell of Villa Rica, GA, 1 niece, 2 nephews, 2 step-children and former husbands, Paul Scallen and Robert D. Gwynn. She is preceded in death by her parents, Inez and Charles C. Lewis. Funeral from St. Alan Church, 2345 Coolidge, Troy, Monday, August 29th at 11am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 10:30am. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (Between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Saturday 5-8pm and Sunday 3-8pm. Interment in Sydney Cemetery, Greenville, Michigan. Memorials appreciated to Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., P.O. Box 631047, Baltimore, MD 21263-1047.
Patricia F. Henry
age 81, died at her home in Bloomfield Hills, August 18, 2005. Mrs. Henry was born November 19, 1923, in Boston, Massachusetts. Mrs. Henry is survived by her children, Patrick J. Henry, Susan (John) Robertson, Blaise Henry, Noel (Bobbie) Henry and Christine (Michael) Accavitti. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Henry is preceded in death by her husband, John. Memorial mass at National Shrine of the Little Flower, 12 mile @ Woodward, Royal Oak, Saturday, August 27th at 10am. Memorials appreciated to Cranbrook House & Garden Auxiliary, P.O. Box 801, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48303 or William Beaumont Hospice, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073-9952.
David Schiefer, radio name, Dave Shafer
Written by Susan Whitall, Detroit News. Former Detroit air personality Dave Shafer, whose voice and name are well-known from his stint as a jock at CKLW-AM (800), died Sunday in Florida of complications from outpatient surgery. He was 73. Shafer was probably best known as one of the original Big 8 jocks during the Windsor station’s fabled tenure as the flame-throwing 1960s musical powerhouse of the Midwest. CKLW was big and loud, and the voices like Shafer’s that introduced the music were memorable even in the 30 seconds they had between records. But before he hit the Big 8, Shafer had already made his mark in Detroit radio at a more leisurely pace. The Rochester, N.Y., native came to Detroit in 1961 to work as a record librarian at WJBK-AM, then known as “Radio 15,” a top pop radio station. Later that year , he was tapped to be the nighttime jock, “Jack the Bellboy,” on WJBK, a franchise that started years earlier with Ed McKenzie. Shafer’s laid-back personality was a winner with fans. As a music jock, he also was known for the record hops he hosted, giving early exposure to Motown acts Stevie Wonder, the Supremes and Martha and the Vandellas. By May of 1963, Shafer had moved across the Detroit River to do afternoons at the pre-Big 8 CKLW, then known as the somewhat sleepy “Radio 80,” with the jocks known as “The Good Guys.” Shafer left CK in ’68, then returned in the ‘70s as program director. “I first met Dave Shafer when I started on the switchboard at CKLW,” said Rosalie Trombley. “Eventually, I ended up working for him when I became music director. Dave was one of the good guys. He was always a gentleman, he had a great sense of humor.” That sense of humor got Shafer in hot water one time with CKLW’s notoriously difficult program director, Paul Drew. As former CKLW jock “Big” Jim Edwards tells it, Shafer was working a weekend shift and decided to bring in a lawn chair so he could do his show reclining in comfort. Drew often made surprise visits to the studio to check on the jocks, and he stopped by on this particular day. When he saw Shafer in the lawn chair, Drew went ballistic. “Such a humble man, he was loved by everyone who knew him,” said Edwards of Shafer. Later in his career, Shafer served as a program director at radio stations WCAR, WOMC, and WCZY in Detroit. At last September’s Radio Reunion in Novi, which Shafer attended, another former CKLW colleague, Dick Purtan, brought the house down when he remarked: “Dave was an unusual program director in that he actually liked people.” On Monday, Purtan remembered Shafer’s facility for dialects. One time, Purtan had conducted a “Ghandi Look-alike Contest” for his CKLW morning show. The winners, as well as the station staffers and their spouses, all traveled to New York to see the somewhat risqué show “Oh! Calcutta.” During the play’s infamous nude scene, “you could hear a pin drop,” as Purtan recalls. “All of a sudden you hear this very deep voice say, in a German accent, ‘Vat is dis?’ We all laughed so hard and for so long that the people in the audience started yelling at us to leave the theater, and we did. All because of Dave. “Dave was funnier off the air than he was on,” Purtan recalls. “He got caught up in the restrictive format at CKLW. I escaped that and somehow got away with doing my own thing.” CKLW’s “Brother” Bill Gable called Shafer “my earliest mentor.” “Dave was effortlessly funny. He would crack all of us up in the hallways.” Shafer retired 14 years ago, living just south of Tampa and playing golf four times a week. A Detroit memorial service is planned for May 23, at Lynch & Sons, 1368 N. Crooks Road in Clawson, with visitation at 11 a.m. and the service at 1p.m. Shafer is survived by wife Kathy, sons Michael and Terry, daughter Tammy and seven grandchildren.
Eugene W. Preston
Eugene W. Preston, age 76, of Bloomfield Hills, died May 3, 2006, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Gene was born to James and Pearl Preston on March 25, 1930 in Wyandotte, Michigan, and graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High at the early age of 16. Six years later, Gene graduated from University of Detroit Law School, becoming the youngest person in Michigan to pass the bar. Gene established a successful private practice, but was quickly approached by Ford Motor Company and accepted a position in Industrial Relations. For the next 35 years Gene would remain with Ford, becoming a key member of the national and international labor relations team. Gene was introduced to his future bride, Mary Lou Sullivan, by Roseanne and Bill Calahan – and he knew he had found the love of his life. They were married at St. Charles Church, Detroit, in 1955. During their first five years of marriage, Gene and Mary Lou had five children. The next 45 years of Gene’s life were spent loving his children and grandchildren, and celebrating life with his wife and family. Always ready for a good story and to share a laugh, Gene loved life and all things Irish. He had a passion for music (his own peculiar mix of rhythm & blues, Willie Nelson and Irish folk songs), Notre Dame Football (after all they are The Fightin’ Irish) and his potluck group of 45 years. But more than anything, Gene loved his wife, children and grandchildren. To celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary, Gene and Lou took the entire family to Ireland. For their 50th everyone gathered in Maine, where Gene and Lou once again exchanged wedding vows. Mr. Preston is survived by children Michael (wife Amy), Kathleen Boadway (husband Tim), Margaret MacEachern (husband Duncan), Mary Joanne Smith (husband Larry). Gene is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelsey, Chase, Timmy, Blake, Austin, Michael, Meagan, Oliver and Preston. Gene is preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Lou, his son, Daniel Dunbar Preston and grandson, James. Funeral from Church of St. Owen, 6869 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills, Monday 10am. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Sunday 2-9pm. Prayers Sunday 7pm. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.
Kelly L. McCusker
age 51, died May 3, 2006, at her home in Royal Oak. Kelly was born December 24, 1954, in Pontiac. A 1973 graduate of Waterford Kettering High School in Waterford, Kelly was married April 14, 1989. She worked as a paraprofessional with the Royal Oak Schools. Kelly enjoyed gardening, collecting angels, Pistons basketball and her dogs, Riley and Bailey but she especially enjoyed time spent with her family. Kelly is survived by her husband, Steven and children, Mandy (Rob), Jason (Monika) and Steven, Jr.. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Corrine and Madison, mother, Louise Judge, sister, Connie Gerchow and brother, Martin Everett. Kelly is preceded in death by her father, Robert Everett. Funeral from Starr Presbyterian Church, 1717 W. 13 Mile @ Crooks Road, Monday 10am. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (Between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Saturday 5-9pm and Sunday 2-5pm and 6-9pm. Interment in White Chapel Cemetery, Troy. Memorials appreciated to Beaumont Foundation – Royal Oak Cancer Resource Center, 3577 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073.
Paul Mart
age 84 of Bloomfield Township died May 4, 2006. Mr. Mart was born on May 10, 1921 in Kitchener, Ontario Canada. He emigrated to the United States in 1954 and later became a U.S.citizen. He worked most of his life as an automotive pattern maker. After retiring from the auto industry, he kept busy by working part time at Damman Hardware, where he became a favorite employee because of his eagerness to be helpful. He loved to fix things and tinker in his garage workshop. Paul always had a soft spot for children and animals. Every dog in the neighborhood knew that he always carried dog biscuits in his pockets. His only grand child, Olivia was the joy of his life, even when his memory began failing, he quickly would light up when she walked in the room. His other joy was music. He was an accomplished musician and had an incredible talent for playing music by ear. His favorite instrument was the mandolin, which he played everyday. He had a wonderful sense of humor and had a warm, caring way that made him so likeable. Paul was a kind and gentle person. He loved to feel useful and would help anyone. He was very generous and always put other people ahead of himself. His kind generous ways will be missed by all who knew him. Paul's family would especially like to express their deepest gratitude to all of you who took the time to help him out over the past years of his illness. Whether it was an offer to drive somewhere, a kind word from a neighbor, or just checking in with mom to see if she needed a hand with something, they appreciated knowing that you were there for them. They are very touched by everyone's kindness. Paul is survived by his wife of 56 years Anna. Paul and Anna enjoyed this time of year because they were avid gardeners. Every year they spent long hours working in their vegetable garden. They enjoyed taking walks in the neighborhood where they have lived for over 40 years and visiting with neighbors. Paul also had 2 daughters, Patsy who resides in California and Cathie who lives in Birmingham with her husband Brian and daughter, Olivia. Paul's number one priority was his family; he was always there for them. A memorial service will be held for Mr. Mart at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Rd. (between 14-15 Mile Rds.), Tuesday 6pm. Family will receive friends beginning at 5pm. Memorial contributions to The Dorothy and Peter Brown Center, 29699 Southfield Rd., Southfield, MI 48076 appreciated.
Alfred William Rich
age 75, of Bloomfield Hills, died March 28, 2005 at William Beaumont Hospital, Troy. Mr. Rich was born November 29, 1929 in Depue, Illinois, son of Agnes and John Resetich. Mr. Rich served in the United States Military during the Korean War. Mr. Rich attended Bradley University and graduated from the University of Marquette with a masters degree in chemical engineering. Mr. Rich moved to the Birmingham area where he met his wife, Mary Kay Whiting. Mr. Rich started his own business, Precision Coatings, Commerce Twp. in 1969. Mr. Rich was a member of Holy Name Church of Birmingham, Orchard Lake Country Club, Delray Dunes Country Club in Florida, Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois and he was also a member of Legatus. Mr. Rich loved to travel, play golf and work in his yard playing with his tools. The thing that meant the most to Mr. Rich was his family. He was very proud of his Slavic background and quietly helped the less fortunate to achieve their dream or get back on their feet. Mr. Rich is survived by his wife, Mary Kay Whiting Rich; children, Mary Beth (Keith) MacGuidwin, Andrew Whiting (Anne) Rich, Richard John (Kim) Rich, Amy Claire (Kevin) McCarthy, Patrick Michael (Delores) Rich, Christopher Ryan (Fiance, Christine McGowan) Rich; grandchildren, Meaghan and Sarah MacGuidwin, Jennifer, Drew and Parker Rich, Morgan, Jonathan, Grace and Georgia Rich, Shea, Reilly, Mary Claire, Casey, Grace and Brady McCarthy and Rachael Rich; sister, Mary Wiernik and brothers, Anthony Rich, Richard (Nancy) Resetich and John (Ellen) Resetich. Funeral from Holy Name Church, 630 Harmon, Birmingham, Friday 10am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 9:30am. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Rd. (between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Thursday 2-8 pm. Prayers 7pm. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield. Contributions appreciated to Oakland Family Services, 23332 Orchard Lake Road, Suite A, Farmington Hills, MI 48336.
Margaret "Peggy" Egan
Peggy Egan, age 81, died April 6, 2005 at Botsford Continuing Care, in Farmington Hills, Peggy Egan was a long-time resident of Clawson. Peggy was born on October 26, 1923 in Kinloch, Co. Leitrim, Ireland. She was named Margaret Ellen Veronica Devlin. She joined siblings Kathleen, Frank, Maura, and Paddy. Her father, Paddy, moved to the United States to find work when she was an infant. She was raised on a farm, and her grandparents owned prize apple orchards. Peggy moved to England for work in 1943. She often talked about her experiences in London during World War II. It was there that she met her future husband, Patrick Joseph (PJ) Egan. They immigrated to the United States in 1948, arriving in New York City. PJ was unable to find employment there, so they continued on to Detroit, where Peggy's father found him a job. They were married on February 5, 1949. At first, Peggy worked as a sales clerk at Hudson's Department store, and then worked as a book keeper and key punch operator in an office. She spent a month in Ireland and England visiting family every two years until her mother died in 1973. Peggy has always been creative - she used to make all her own clothing, and had knitting and crocheting projects going much of the time. After she quit work, she was very generous with her time. She took her "little old ladies" from nursing homes to church and to doctor's appointments. She said she never knew she would have such a good time with her "little old ladies." Animals have always been a special love of Peggy's, especially dogs. PJ and Peggy always had a dog, and many times, more than one. PJ would use the dogs for hunting, and Peggy would give them all her love and attention at home. She says she doesn't care for cats, but "she could get used to them." PJ died after a short illness in October, 2003, precipitating many changes in her life. She is close to her sister-in-law and her many nieces and nephews, here in America, as well as Canada, Ireland, England, and Australia. Several have made the trip overseas to see her at Botsford, and many keep in touch by card and letter. Peggy is survived by her sister In-law, Patricia Bertucci. Also, survived by nieces & nephews in US, Ireland, Canada, England and Australia. Also, blessed with many caring family, friends and neighbors. Mrs. Egan is preceded in death by her loving husband Patrick Egan. Funeral from Guardian Angels Church, 581 E. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson, Monday 10am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 9:30am. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Rd. (between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Sunday 1-5pm and 6-9pm. Rosary 7pm. Interment in White Chapel Cemetery, Troy. In lieu of flowers contributions appreciated to Hospice of Michigan, 400 Mack Avenue Detroit, MI 48201.
