Francis P. Chiaramonte Jr., MD -   Surgeon, Hospital Founder, Philanthropist

Francis Paul Chiaramonte Jr., MD of Camp Springs, Maryland, died Sunday, May 19, 2013 at the age of 84.

The son of Italian immigrants, he was born on November 30, 1928 to Francis and Teresa Chiaramonte of Shelter Island, NY. Dr. Chiaramonte was raised on his family’s Shelter Island farm, where he developed his lifelong love of fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and all things outdoors. He graduated from Shelter Island High School in 1946 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University in 1950. Dr. Chiaramonte then served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1953. He went on to attend Columbia University, earning a Master of Public Health degree in 1954, and Georgetown University School of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree in 1958.  

He married Dorothy Ann Scuderi in 1957, and they resided in Marlow Heights, MD before relocating to Camp Springs, MD in 1965. Together they raised six children, three girls and three boys.

 After concluding his internship as a Commissioned Officer in the US Public Health Service, Staten Island, NY, in 1959, Dr. Chiaramonte completed his residency training in general surgery, with a specialization in urological surgery, at Georgetown University in 1963. He then joined the faculty at George Washington University Hospital (GW) as an Assistant Clinical Professor, and held this position until 1969.  During that time, he was also Director of GW’s Urological Residency Program.

Dr. Chiaramonte was the first full-time urological surgeon in the Southern Maryland peninsula, having established his practice therein 1968. Demand for his care was immense, and large numbers of patients who loved him traveled from the lower counties of Southern Maryland for treatment. To house his burgeoning practice, he developed the Marlow Heights Diagnostic Center in Marlow Heights, MD. As a result of working with his patients, he learned of the great unmet need for advanced clinical services that could only be provided by a full service general hospital.

Determined to “bring healthcare back to the bedside” and provide the advanced medical care his patients sorely needed, Dr. Chiaramonte founded Southern Maryland Hospital Center, which opened in November 1977, in Clinton, Maryland. The 300-bed hospital and related system of health services provided over two thousand jobs and became the largest private employer in the region. Despite overwhelming challenges, his extraordinary vision and boundless passion for the provision of quality healthcare compelled Dr. Chiaramonte to realize his dream.

“Dr. C,” as he was affectionately known by so many of his employees and patients, continued his urology practice even while serving as the hospital’s President and Chairman of the Board.  Through the hospital, services as varied as interventional cardiology, stroke care, obstetrical services, inpatient psychiatry, neurosurgery, and advanced emergency medicine were introduced for the first time in southern Prince George’s County, and hence became available to all Southern Maryland residents.

In the following years, Dr. Chiaramonte expanded the organization’s healthcare offerings to include home-based nursing care and medical supply, outpatient imaging, community primary care, outpatient physical therapy, and cardiac rehabilitation. Because he passionately believed in community healthcare access, he introduced free mobile clinic screening and primary care across the region. Perhaps most significant for the community’s access to advanced medical care was the arrival of hundreds of physician specialists who worked in the hospital, many of whom did so out of regard for Dr. Chiaramonte. Upon completion, his healthcare campus included a hotel for patients’ families, medical office buildings for physicians, and a townhouse community for employees.

Numerous civic awards and community recognitions were bestowed upon Dr. Chiaramonte. Significant among these are the American Medical Association Physician Recognition Award, the Governor’s Salute to Excellence Award presented by William Donald Schaefer, the National Italian American Foundation’s Man of the Year Award, the Distinguished Service Award from Greater Southeast Community Hospital, the Lions Club President’s Award, and the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award.He was selected as the Honorary Commander of the 79^th Medical Wing of the United States Air Force, Joint Base Andrews. Dr. Chiaramonte was a member of numerous medical professional organizations, and was appointed to several community and civic leadership boards. His achievements are recorded in the Congressional Record.

Dr. Chiaramonte was also a generous benefactor and patron.  Among many philanthropic endeavors, the advancement of education and the conservation of natural resources were the major focus of his giving.

Dr. Francis Chiaramonte, MD is survived by his wife, Dorothy Chiaramonte, and five children:  Francis Chiaramonte, Ph.D. (Jennifer); Claire Chiaramonte Wagner (Daniel); Cathe Chiaramonte, MD, (Richard Baum); Michael Chiaramonte, MBA (Elizabeth); and Mark Chiaramonte, Esq. He was predeceased by his daughter, Diane Teresa Chiaramonte.  He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Colleen, Caroline, Daniel, Zachary, Catherine, William, Elizabeth, Garrett, Sophia, Emma, Alexander, Samuel, Juliana, and SaraClaire.    

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Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, at 12:00 pm, May 25, 2013 at St. John’s the Evangelist, Catholic Church, Clinton, Maryland.

The Reception, in Celebration of Dr. Chiaramonte’s life, will follow at 1:30 pm, at the Colony South Hotel, Clinton, Maryland.

Flowers may be sent to:  the Colony South Hotel, 7401 Surratts Road, Clinton, MD 20735.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to a charity of your choice focusing on education or the conservation of natural resources.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

JEANNE RITA WIMAN

Jeanne Rita Wiman of Edgewater, Maryland passed away peacefully on May 17, 2013 at the age of 86.

She was born on August 5, 1927 in Washington, DC to Cecil V. and Alice L. (Van Sant) Wiman.

She was the loving aunt to Alicia Wiman and her husband, Sherman Powelson; Deborah Wiman; Pamela Wiman; the Late Leslie Mills and her husband, Kevin; Karen Weaver and her husband, Francis; Jack Wiman and his wife, Jeannette; and Michael Wiman and his wife, Susan.  She was the great-aunt of Kerri Weaver and great-great aunt of Avri Sepuveda.  She is also survived by numerous other family members and friends.

Services and inurnment will be held at a later date.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

JEANNE RITA WIMAN

Jeanne Rita Wiman of Edgewater, Maryland passed away peacefully on May 17, 2013 at the age of 86.

She was born on May 8, 1927 in Washington, DC to Cecil V. and Alice L. (Van Sant) Wiman.

She was the loving aunt to Alicia Wiman and her husband, Sherman Powelson; Deborah Wiman; Pamela Wiman; the Late Leslie Mills and her husband, Kevin; Karen Weaver and her husband, Francis; Jack Wiman and his wife, Jeannette; and Michael Wiman and his wife, Susan.  She was the great-aunt of Kerri Weaver and great-great aunt of Avri Sepuveda.  She is also survived by numerous other family members and friends.

Services and inurnment will be held at a later date.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

Page Darby

1939 – 2013

Page Darby, 73, of Andrews Air Force Base, MD on Wednesday May 15, 2013 in Harwood, MD. He was married to Chin (Lien) Darby and they would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary next month. Page retired from the United States Air Force with the rank of CMSGT after serving for 28 years. He is survived by his wife and many many friends. He will be deeply missed. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery and will be announced at a later date.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

Recknor – Mary Louise Vaccaro Recknor, age 98, of Macclenny, Florida passed away May 15, 2013 at her residence with family by her side.  She was born in Washington DC on May 31, 1914 to the late John Vaccaro and Josephine LoBanco Vaccaro.  Mary has been a resident of Baker County since 1985 after moving from Maryland.    She retired after many years of dedicated service from the Naval Receiving Station as a Clerk.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she sang in the church choir for many years.  She enjoyed attending the Council on Aging activities, crocheting, sewing, and gardening.   She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Albert Recknor; her daughter, Carolyn Hurley; her son-in-law, Roy Roberts; her 3 brothers; her 2 sisters; and her grandsons, James McNey and Christopher McElyea.  

Mary is survived by her loving daughters, Mary Jeanne Roberts of Macclenny, FL, Adele Martin and Florence Hogan both of Maryland; her 19 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, and 18 great-great grandchildren.  

Mass will be held on Monday, May 20, 2013 at 11:00 am at Jesus the Divine Word in Huntingtown, MD with Father Larry Swink as celebrant. Interment will follow at George Washington Cemetery in Aldephi, MD.  The family will receive friends on Friday, May 17, 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm with Rosary starting at 7:00 pm at V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services.  The family will also receive friends on Sunday, May 19, 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Lee Funeral Home in Owings, MD.  

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

Rachel Mae Everstine, 91,

born March 26, 1922, of Upper Marlboro, MD died peacefully in her home Saturday, May 11.  She married the late Harold Everstine in 1959 and they were together for 48 years.  She and her late husband loved traveling in their motor home and spending time with their beloved pets, most recently a sheltie dog, Sophie and a quaker parrot, Robbie.  Rachel is survived by her sister, Pat Weil, brother-in-law & sister-in-law Roger and Violet Everstine and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

 In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to Fellowship Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

 Diane Karen Allen, age 61, of Dunkirk, MD passed away on Monday, May 13, 2013 in Annapolis, MD.

She was born in Clinton, MD on Oct. 30, 1951, to the late Mary Janet and George Melvin Tayman. She graduated from Surratsville High School in Clinton, MD.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Donald Lee Allen, Sr.; daughter Virginia Lee Allen-Anderson; son Donald Lee Allen, Jr.; son-in-law Brian Thomas Anderson; granddaughters Courtney, Shelby and MaKenzie Anderson; brother Melvin “Bub” George Tayman, Sr. and sister-in-law Bonnie Lou Tayman.

Diane devoted her life to taking care of her husband and children and in later years, enjoying her three granddaughters and spending time with extended family and friends. She worked in the family automotive business and was still working from home.

Family and friends may call at the Lee Funeral Home 6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Rd. Clinton, MD 20735 on Friday, May 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. where services will be held on Saturday, May 18 at 9:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery 8000 Woodyard Rd. Clinton, MD 20735.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

Lois Anna Blake was born on February 6, 1926 in the farming community of Bells Corners, Ontario, Canada just outside of Ottawa.  She was raised on a dairy farm and at the age of eighteen she moved to WashingtonDC where she was employed by the Canadian Embassy and supervised Embassy Records Section.  While employed at the embassy she established, owned and operated a Day Care Center in WashingtonDC until she married her late husband Howard S. Blake Sr. in 1947.  Howard served in the U.S.Air Force at Bolling AFB Washington DC.  They had two children, a son Howard S.”Spud” Blake Jr. and a daughter, Barbara Ann Blake.

Lois was a charter member of the CorcoranMemorialMethodistChurch in Temple Hills, Md. 

In 1957 Lois and family lived in Japan for three years and subsequently moved back to Temple HillsMd. where she opened and established the Den Lee Acres Day Nursery in 1965.

Lois and Howard moved to Englewood, Florida in 1970 where she was active in the Englewood American Legion and was a member of the EnglewoodMethodistChurch.

She volunteered and served in the “Meals On Wheels Program for 15 years.  Howard, her beloved husband of almost 40 years passed away on October 17, 1986. 

In 2003 Lois moved to Huntingtown, Maryland to be near her family and she became a member of the HuntingtownMethodistChurch.  She loved to bake and do volunteer activities for the church and community.  Lois was one of the founding members and supporters of the Chrome City Ride for the Benedictine Community which is a fundraiser that benefits developmentally disabled children and adults. 

Her hobbies included gardening, baking, volunteering, working with the developmentally disabled and most importantly spending time with her family.  

She is survived by her son Howard S. “Spud” Blake, daughter in law Christine Blake (Morningstar) and her daughter Barbara Ann Blake and many nieces and nephews. Lois was deeply loved by her friends and family. 

Friends will be received on Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Lee Funeral Home Calvert, P.A., 8200 Jennifer Lane (Route 4 and Fowler Road), Owings, MD 20736; where funeral services will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at 11:00 am.  Interment in Arlington National Cemetery will take place at a later date. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benedictine Foundation, 14299 Benedictine Lane, Ridgely, MD 21660.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.