Compiled by
Angela Arrington
Francis P. Burbidge Sr.
Francis P. Burbidge Sr. died on Aug. 6, 2008. He was the son of the late Joseph and Annie (nee Farrell) Burbidge and husband of 56 years to Shirley (nee Lilley) Burbidge. He was predeceased by two brothers, Gerald and Joseph Burbidge. The funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, Aug. 11, 2008 at St. Anastasia Church, Newtown Square. Interment followed at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield. He is survived by his sons Francis P. Burbidge and the Most Rev. Michael F. Burbidge, his grandchildren Kelly, Christine and Francis, and many nieces and nephews.
Joseph J. Ciminera Sr.
Joseph J. Ciminera Sr., after a long illness, died Aug. 3, 2008 peacefully at his home. He was 79. He was born to the late Mary (nee Gaudioso) and Pasquale Ciminera. He graduated from Bartram High School in 1947, worked at General Electric and enlisted in the Korean War. He was a decorated Air Force veteran, having flown 26 combat missions in a B-29 Superfortress. He always remained humble about his military record. He attended vocational school after the war, where he later met his wife, Dolores Steffo, with whom he raised six children. He became a realtor, life insurance agent and tax accountant for the firm which bears his name, Ciminera & Associates. He served many residents throughout the region, often pro bono, with the highest level of integrity and personal attention that earned him their respect and friendship through his illness. He was a parishioner of his original family parish, the former Our Lady of Loreto in Southwest Philadelphia, where he served on the finance committee for many years and attended daily 6:30 a.m. Mass. His Italian heritage was a source of great pride. Both his parents were from the town of Nusco in Italy. He enjoyed visiting often, and upon his return home, he loved sharing the beauty, history, art, architecture, music and the wonderful Italian cuisine. A funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, Aug. 7 at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, Swarthmore. Burial followed at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon. He is survived by his wife Dolores (nee Steffo) Ciminera, his children, Patrice, Tina, Jennie, Joseph Jr., Gregory and Valerie; his sister, Betty and brother, Pat; and aunt, Jean; nine grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
James McIlmail
James McIlmail died July 11, 2008 at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook. He was 89. He was a proud graduate and active alumnus of Northeast Catholic High School. He retired after 20 years as an agent for Prudential Insurance Co. He later worked an additional 15 years and retired from Archbishop Ryan High School as the unofficial photographer for all of Ryan’s sports’ games, programs and events. He was always happy to see the bright smiles of those students who were in his pictures. He is predeceased by his wife, Thelma J. (nee Markowska) McIlmail. The funeral Mass was held on July 15, 2008 at St. Christopher Church in the Somerton section of Philadelphia. Burial followed at Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem. He is survived by his children, Maureen, Sharon and James J. III; his grandchildren, Todd and Eric; and his brothers, William and John.