Published on: Wednesday, December 12, 2012

By Mary McHale

Morningside’s Tommy Warren inducted into Fire & Rescue Hall of Fame

Morningside VFD President David Hansen made a surprise announcement during their regular monthly business meeting on Dec. 6: One of their own, life member Thomas “Tommy” Warren, has been inducted into the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association Hall of Fame.

Tommy joined the Morningside Fire Department in 1982 and has served as firefighter, line officer, director of the Board of Directors, and treasurer. As it says on the department’s website, “He has truly exemplified the meaning of our slogan: Pride, Honor, Tradition.”

Even after 30 years, he is still active with the Department. We in Morningside and Skyline appreciate his years of dedicated service. 

Ronald Ellis, Morningside firefighter, dies at 71

Ronald C. “Sleepy” Ellis, retired ironworker and life member of the Morningside Volunteer Fire Department, died Nov. 26.

Ronald was born in Washington on Jan. 13, 1941, the son of Dorothy Reher Pfeil. He met and married a Morningside girl, Karen Beardmore, in May 1966 and they made their home on Maple Road in Morningside.

He was a member of Iron Workers Local #5, retiring in 2001. He enjoyed motorcycles, cars, trucks and guns. In addition to being a life member of the Morningside Fire Department, which he joined in 1960, he was a member of the Moose Lodge of Upper Marlboro and the Phantom’s Motorcycle Club. Karyn Stewart wrote in his Memorial Book, “I will remember him every time I hear a Harley’s muffler.”

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Karen Ellis; daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy and Danny Collins, Dina and Russell Wells, and Beth and Jason Printz; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sister Nancy MacWelch; Beardmore brothers-in-law and their wives, Larry and Jean, Johnny and Kathy, and Billy and Rickie; and his Phantom’s Brothers. In his honor, a gathering was held at the Morningside firehouse following funeral services.

Neighbors

Former Morningsider Jean Davis fell at her assisted-living home on the Eastern Shore. She had a small screw put in her hip for a small fracture. Thankfully, it wasn’t worse as she is 92. She is in rehab now. You can send a card to Jean Davis, c/o Mr. & Mrs. Robert Davis, 2310 Hope Road, Centreville, MD 21617.

Condolences to Dr. Kelvin McCune, pastor of Suitland Road Baptist Church, on the death of his mother. Marjorie McCune. Pastor McCune has flown to his native Trinidad for the funeral.

My former neighbor Pat Rosa dies

Blanche Patsy Catherine “Pat” Rosa, 74, of Upper Marlboro and formerly of both Morningside and Skyline, died Nov. 16 at home with her family and her faithful puppy Sissy by her side.  

She was born in Hancock, one of the four children of Esther and Raymond Barr. She married an Air Force man, Antone “Tony” Rosa, and traveled with him to bases around the world.

They moved to Pine Grove Drive in Morningside in 1961 and to Pine Lane Drive in Skyline in 1982. Tony died in 1998, and a few years later Pat moved to the Marwood Retirement Community in Upper Marlboro.

As her son Tony told me, she was a homemaker and a homebody. She enjoyed working in her flower gardens, and she loved to entertain her family with great meals, cakes and desserts. Her granddaughter Amy especially remembers the éclairs.

Survivors include her children, Debra Ann, James Anthony, Anthony Joseph, Katherine Leah, and Dean Raymond; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and siblings, Raymond Barr, Kay Ann Stout and Michael Brown. Burial will be at Arlington Cemetery with Tony.

Hospital meeting changed again

MedStar, the new owner of Southern Maryland Hospital, has decided to revert to its planned Dec. 18 meeting, but with a change of time: noon to 1:30 p.m. They ask you to RSVP if you will attend, at 301-952-8885.          

Christmastime

The Hansel & Gretel Tea Party at Darnall’s Chance House Museum in Upper Marlboro is at 2 p.m. Saturday. Listen to the story of Hansel and Gretel, participate in two holiday craft projects, and enjoy tea and dessert. The event is for children age 5 and up. Fee is $12. Make reservations at 301-952-8010.

Macy’s invites you to write a letter to Santa and drop it in the Mail Box at Macy’s. I saw two children writing their wish list when I was at Macy’s in Marlow Heights this week.

The Festival of Lights at Watkins Park continues, 5 to 8:30 p.m. daily, through Jan. 1.

Milestones

Happy birthday to Linda Gryskewicz, Dec. 15; Erin Nicole Brown-Sandoval, Dec. 16; Bradley Wade and David Williams III, Dec. 17; my son-in-law Jim Shearer, Charlene Baker and Paul Ratliff, Dec. 18; my grandson Michael Gallegos, Dec. 19; and Ricky Nichols, Dec. 20.

Happy anniversary to Johnny and Helen Richardson, Dec. 14; Margaret and Leslie Greene, their 69th on Dec. 18; Bill and Betty Malkowski, their 60th on Dec. 20; and Ray and Betty Call, Dec. 20.