In Memory of Sergio Pugnoli
Sergio Pugnoli
Spouse: Iryna Myketchenko
Children: Christopher and Gabriel
Birthdate: October 10, 1955
Blessing: January 05, 1989
Ascension: April 13, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: June 11, 2022
A beloved brother, Sergio Pugnoli, made his transition to the eternal world on April 13, 2022 after a nearly two year struggle with multiple health issues.
Sergio was born in Milan, Italy on October 10, 1955. His father, Giovanni, served in the military while his mother, Sofia attended to the home and family. Sadly, Sergio’s father passed away when Sergio was not yet four years of age. He was sent to live with his grandparents in a small village near Lake Como while his older brother, Alberto, remained in the care of his mother in Milan. Sophia found caring for two small boys and working as a concierge challenging and felt Sergio would benefit from being in the small, tight knit community. Sergio returned to Milan when he was seven years old, as his grandparents were struggling to care for a growing, energetic boy.
Moving from the idyllic small village life to a bustling city like Milan was a bit of a shock. Although he had relatives and uncles in the area, he certainly missed the benefit of a stable father figure. After graduating high school, Sergio’s quest for a spiritual path became a needed journey to escape the materialistic and often drug-oriented lifestyle of many of his peers. He served Italy by joining the armed services for two years.
In 1983, Sergio joined the Unification Church in Varese, Italy. He spent time in Turin, Italy, where he participated in fundraising and witnessing for about four years before being asked to join other European members in coming to the United States in 1987. Sergio lived at a center in Stockton, CA and continued to fundraise and witness. He also worked extensively with ministers in the area.
Sergio later moved to Bush Street in San Francisco, where he continued to participate in UC activities. In 1988, the matching was held in New York City, where he was engaged. In 1989 he and his wife received the Blessing in Korea. His wife joined him in the Bay Area where they both worked at Project Volunteer in Oakland, CA and started their family life. In 1990, a son, Christopher, was born.
In 1992 the family moved to Tucson, AZ to be near his wife’s mother. Their second son, Gabriel was born in 1993. The family lived in Tucson, and occasionally traveled to Italy to visit Sergio’s family. Sergio and his wife participated in local UC activities in Tucson, occasionally traveling to Phoenix to attend Holy Days with the church there. The marriage was extremely challenging and eventually was dissolved after 14 years. He and his former wife developed an amicable relationship, and the sons frequently saw their father.
Sergio had strong sales skills and worked at a Toyota dealership in Tucson. He was introduced to a woman from Russia whom he later married. Their marriage lasted about 10 years. After his second marriage ended, he married Iryna Mykytchenko from Ukraine and took responsibility to co-parent Iryna’s daughter, Margherita.
Sergio was essentially an easy-going fellow and loved to prepare traditional Italian meals. He had diverse musical tastes and was a big soccer fan—he served as a soccer coach for Gabriel’s soccer team. Although he loved his native country, Sergio became a U.S. citizen. But his greatest pride and life’s accomplishment were his two sons, Christopher and Gabriel.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: June 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM MST
Location: 6902 E. Edgemont Street, Tucson, AZ 85710
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held as a small, intimate family and friends’ event on June 11th in Tucson, AZ. No formal Go Fund Me has been organized; the AZ Family Fed and the BAFC assisted with donations to help pay some of the funeral arrangements.
Any donation, however small, can be sent to Kate Pugnoli at 6902 E. Edgemont Street, Tucson, AZ 85710 and applied to the cost of the cremation, urn, flowers, and a meal for friends and family. Any remaining funds will be given to Sergio’s widow and sons.
In Memory of Pedro Morales
Pedro Felipe Morales
Spouse: Akemi Morales
Children: Victoria, Catherine, Gloria, and Sungduk
Birthdate: June 5, 1958
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: May 30, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: June 4, 2022
Pedro Felipe Morales Manzano was born on June 5, 1958 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Pedro was the youngest of four siblings. He was the little Benjamin of the family. For that reason, he was always loved and surrounded with so much heart and care.
As a young boy he loved to read the Bible and studied about the life of Jesus. In fact, he has been writing a book about John the Baptist for the past 20 years. Unfortunately, he didn’t have time to finish.
Some special ladies in Pedro’s family laid a foundation of faith in Christ and prepared him to meet the Lord of the Second Advent.
First, he was very close to his grandmother's aunt (titi Mencha) who lived in their house, and she taught him how to pray. As a child he would suffer from asthma attacks and sometimes he needed to stay in the hospital to receive oxygen treatments. His grandmother, Maria Luisa, lived with them and took care of him when he was sick while his parents (Pepin and Alida) were busy working during the day. He learned how to sacrificially love others from his grandmother. Pedro grew very attached to his grandmother and his grandmother's aunt.
On the weekends he and his brother, Jose, would travel to Caguas, a town outside the city, to visit their great-grandmother, Jacoba. They loved visiting, and their great-grandmother would give them candy that she used to sell to the neighborhood kids from her homemade shop. They also visited their other grandmother's aunt (titi Quiteria) who was blind and lived nearby.
All these special ladies nurtured his ability to love from God’s viewpoint. From his father, Pedro inherited his strong will and calmness. From his mother, he inherited her heart of loving other people.
When Pedro was in 10th grade, his family moved to New York City. Pedro, Jose and their twin sisters loved walking on the sidewalk next to the Hudson River. God was preparing the environment for his family to meet the Lord of the Second Advent.
One day a Japanese brother and sister came to visit their apartment on 90th Street, the East side of Manhattan. Noburu and Kuniko invited Pedro and his brother, Jose, to attend a weekend workshop in Tarrytown, NY. At the workshop, they had deep experiences hearing the Divine Principle. They were in awe of the beauty and depth of this truth and decided to investigate even further.
After the workshop Pedro joined HARP (High School Association for the Research of Principles) while he was in high school. Eventually, they both joined the Unification movement and moved to California to work in CARP, LA (Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles). While working with CARP, Pedro and his brother joined a Karate team led by Takao Onoda.
Pedro and Jose taught Karate at three universities and one high school in California and witnessed on campuses to help young people. Pedro was very smart, and he could give deep Divine Principle lectures conveying the heart and truth of God. In 1982 Pedro completed his degree in Marketing at the California State University, LA campus.
In 1982 Pedro was blessed in Madison Square Garden with a lovely Japanese sister named Akemi Arashiro. As a life-long learner, Pedro enrolled at UTS in 1988 and graduated in 1990. Being a person who was always seeking to become the best he could be, he later enrolled in the Doctorate program at UTS in 2021 seeking to attain the skills needed to accomplish his portion of responsibility for heaven. He had completed 2 semesters before passing to the spiritual world.
Shortly after his graduation in 1990, True Father sent Pedro and Akemi to Puerto Rico as leaders. Along with another sister who had been working many years in Puerto Rico, he prepared many activities. Pedro and Akemi worked together for many years in Puerto Rico, teaching the Divine Principle and loving people with a parental heart. It is here they raised their family.
It wasn't an easy path, and Pedro had many challenges that seemed to come like the ocean waves pounding against the shore. But Pedro never gave up and was deeply motivated by the words True Father said to him: “Puerto Rico belongs to you.” Pedro repeated those words often. Pedro was a very honest and righteous man of God.
Pedro was pastor in Puerto Rico from 1990-1997 and became state leader in 2014 until his passing. He is survived by his wife Akemi and his children Victoria, Catherine, Gloria, and Sungduk.
His brother, Jose, shares this about Pedro:
“What I admired most about my brother was his unflinching spirit and determination to serve and love God, True Parents, and people. He always had a grateful heart towards God and True Parents and a profound desire to become a true son of filial piety. He was a good son, a good brother, an excellent husband, and a great father. We definitely will miss him, and we pray for him to have a wonderful transition between earth and heaven and a good journey ascending to our Heavenly Father.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 1:00 PM (Viewing will begin at 12:00 PM)
Location: Ehret Funeral Home (Urb. Antonsanti #4 Calle Brema, Rio Piedras, P.R. 00927)
Join the ceremony by Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82476217939
Meeting ID: 824 7621 7939
Donations accepted to support the Seonghwa and burial cost: https://gofund.me/fd37aa72
In Memory of Kevin McCarthy
Kevin McCarthy
Spouse: Carol Ann McCarthy
Children: Stephen (Rorie Dean), Hannah, Charlanne, Morla (Daniel)
Birthdate: April 27, 1951
Ascension: May 21, 2022
Rev. Kevin McCarthy is well known as one of America’s premier Divine Principle lecturers. Having joined the Unification Movement in 1972, he has taught alongside the likes of Rev. Ken Sudo in the 70s. Then, in the 80’s, as the main lecturer, he taught over 7000 clergy in Korea and Japan during the Interdenominational Conferences for Clergy (ICC). He was a pastor, teacher and great family man. Along with being a warm and loving brother and dedicated citizen of this country of America, he was gifted with an extraordinary ability to discern exactly which Biblical verse and Principle texts were needed, to help the lectures come to life, and he did it with amazing humor to bring the points home. Due to his firm stances and dignity of convictions, True Parents referred to Kevin as “The American Buffalo.”
Rev. Kevin Charles McCarthy, 71, of Woodbridge, Virginia, died May 21, 2022 at Inova Fairfax Hospital.
Born April 27, 1951, in Neptune, New Jersey, Kevin was the son of the late Gladys Delores Skehan and Edward Albert McCarthy. Raised in Freehold, New Jersey, the family moved to Aberdeen, North Carolina in 1958.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Carol Ann McCarthy; a son, Stephen McCarthy and his fiance Rorie Dean, both of Maspeth, New York; daughters, Hannah McCarthy of Tucson, Arizona, Charlanne McCarthy of Richmond, Virginia, and Morla McCarthy and her husband, Daniel McCarthy of Stafford, Virginia.
He is also survived by his sister Katherine Ann McCarthy and her husband, John Faulkner, of Arlington, Virginia; a brother, Richard McCarthy of Abereen, North Carolina; and a sister, Linda Pedersen of New Jersey.
Kevin began his scouting career as a cub scout and worked his way up to Eagle Scout. He received his certificate in 1965. He enjoyed sports and was an avid fisherman and golfer. At Aberdeen High School, he was on the track team, on the junior varsity football team, and later named captain of the varsity team. He graduated in 1969. He studied philosophy at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina.
While living in Charlotte, North Carolina, during his early years, he worked for the Charlotte Observer Newspaper.
Kevin was the author of several books, including “Realizing Jesus: What the Bible Really Tells Us About Jesus.” His author page on Amazon, under KC McCarthy, includes the following words:
“I’m not a theologian. I’m not a scholar. I’m just an ordinary person who has happened to have lived a very eclectic life. I’ve been a seeker of truth since I can remember. Perhaps, being born in New Jersey to an Irish-Catholic family and then moving to the Protestant rural South of North Carolina at age 7, I was forced to contemplate the sometimes-dire consequences of being the only Roman Catholic Yankee in town. Having to explain to my classmates why I could eat a hot dog any day except on Friday was always a daunting task that probably set my course toward seeking deeper truths and clearer explanations beyond the accepted dogmas.
“At college I became a student of the religions of the world and was always amazed in discovering the essential similarities of the various religions even though they were founded at different times and places. It made me realize that there was a great universal truth about the one God and that we all were only subject to various amounts of that whole truth.
“It seemed in those years, seekers such as I, ended up either marching against the war, smoking copious amounts of weed or were searching for and finding a new expression of God that was being offered by the array of new religious movements. I was no different. My path was toward the spiritual and for the next thirty years of my life I was given the opportunity to engage in dialogue and fellowship with literally thousands of clergy, priests and teachers of most all of the faiths of the world. This indescribably rich experience is truly the foundation of this book.”
A professional photographer, he specialized in Real Estate photography, specifically in the high-end luxury market in Northern Virginia. He also served as photographer for several non-profit organizations and provided graphic design work for The Washington Times, Times Color Graphics, the Global Peace Foundation, Westar Mortgage, and a wide assortment of local Prince William County and Northern Virginia clients. (www.kcharlesphoto.com)
A private graveside service was held Saturday, May 28th, in the Historic Stonewall Memory Garden, Manassas, VA., surrounded by Manassas National Battlefield Park.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Donation Link
Please use this GoFundMe link to help the family with funeral and other expenses: https://gofund.me/0bfda1ca
If you would like to purchase his book, Realizing Jesus, it can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/Realizing-Jesus-Bible-Really-Tells/dp/1677845465
Write Tribute Stories
Due to the overwhelming response, the family created an easy place for folks to share their many stories about our dad. We have loved reading everyone’s memories with him. Please submit your stories at this link: https://forms.gle/NreJEXHg9pQn5Ne67
In Memory of Alina Scanlan
Alina Keyung Scanlan
Children: Ana Maria
Birthdate: November 23, 1993
Ascension: May 22, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: May 26, 2022
Alina Scanlan (28) was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was the first daughter of three siblings, Casey, Sean and Hogan. As the only daughter, she has always been devoted to being a wonderful and supportive elder sister to her three brothers. Her parents were John and Mitsuyo Scanlan. She is survived by her daughter, Ana Maria (6).
During Alina’s childhood she enjoyed sports and was involved in the Japanese Okinawa Drum group. She also loved spending time with friends. She went to Emmerich Manual High School, where she created lifelong friendships and graduated in 2012.
Alina is also a healthcare hero and spent most of her professional life working as a Certified Nurse Assistant for patients with dementia. She sincerely took care of them even though it was hard work. Alina was also an essential healthcare worker during the COVID-19 pandemic and cared for patients at a nursing home. The elderly patients were hit hard during the early days of the pandemic, and Alina assisted patients even while attending classes online and looking after Ana.
She also worked as a receptionist in an office and cooked for Ocean World. Aline was planning to graduate this summer with a certificate to be a Specialist in Medical Office & Billing. She was so excited to pass her last class and celebrate with Ana.
Alina loved Ana with her whole heart and wanted the best life for her. Ana is also Alina’s inspiration and motivator in life, and her mother supported her desire to learn by encouraging her to be involved in many activities. She would take Ana to play volleyball, gymnastics, dancing, tutoring at Kumon, shopping, and fun places like the State Fair. They had a very special relationship and an unbreakable mother-daughter bond.
Words to best describe Alina are loving, hard working, caring, and a genuine good soul. She had a big heart. Her smile and laugh was contagious. She had aspirations of traveling more and one day get married and attend the blessing. She always made goals for herself to grow, to live a very healthy and happy life, and devote her life to being a wonderful mother to Ana and making many special memories with her.
She was a loved daughter, sister, mother, and friend. She will be missed by so many people, and her kind-hearted spirit will live on with each person she touched.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Thursday May 26, 2022 11:00 AM (Closed Casket viewing will begin at 10:00 AM)
Location: Harry W. Moore Chapel (8151 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46250)
The ceremony will proceed to the burial at 12:30 PM at Carmel Cemetery (1000 North Rangeline Road, Carmel, Indiana 46032)
Reception and Reflection at 2:00 PM at the Indianapolis Family Church (404 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205)
Go Fund Me for Alina and the Scanlan Family: https://gofund.me/942b39b4
In Memory of Tomiko Nojima
Tomiko Nojima
Spouse: Cheol-Hi Lee
Children: Chris and Paul
Birthdate: November 11, 1941
Blessing: December 1974
Ascension: May 13, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: May 28, 2022
Tomiko was born in Kochi, Japan on November 11,1 941 as the youngest child of Tamotsu and Hideko Nojima. From a young age, she had a passion for music, piano, and history. She was also spirited, confident, and absolutely certain that she wanted to forge her own path in life.
After high school, her path led her to meeting Noriko Oyamada who introduced her to Rev. Sun Myung Moon and the Unification Church, which sparked a life-long devotion to God and to living for the greater good.
In December 1974, Tomiko was blessed in marriage with Cheol-Hi Lee, and together they had two sons—Chris and Paul.
She followed her life-long mentor, Mrs. Mee-shik Choi, to the San Francisco Bay Area upon the birth of her second son, and it was with her support that she raised her young family. As a young mother, she worked hard to raise her growing boys while earning a degree in English Literature from St. Mary’s College.
Throughout her life, Tomiko has been as generous with her time as with her resources. After her boys had grown, Tomiko spent a year in Washington DC working to further the mission of the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), an organization started by Rev. and Mrs. Moon. She was inspired by the many projects that WFWP members had started in order to serve others around the world. Upon her return to her local chapter, she worked consistently to lead the annual fundraiser for The Sun of Mozambique Secondary School in Beira, Mozambique. She also was inspired to support the Leda project in Pantanal, Paraguay.
Tomiko’s devotion to God also led her to become an active participant in the Bay Area interfaith community, and she started the non-profit Women’s Interfaith Circle of Service—a member of the United Religions Initiative Cooperation Circles. Through this, she supported the efforts of many local charitable organizations.
One of Tomiko’s greatest joys was returning to Japan for regular trips with her long-time friends, Kazue Short, Ikue Ohta, and Noriko Oyamada. These last months of her life have been a testament to their enduring friendship, and we are grateful for their support and for the support of the Bay Area Family Church community in aiding Tomiko’s ascension to the spirit world.
For the past two and a half years, Tomiko battled a recurrence of breast cancer. At midnight on May 13, 2022, she ascended peacefully at her home.
Tomiko will be laid to rest at Oze Memorial Park in Japan alongside her beloved mother, Hideko.
Tomiko is survived by her two sons, Chris (Laura) and Paul (Kaz), and four grandchildren—Tomo, Haruka, Emme, and Lisey.
The path that she has forged for us and the legacy that she leaves is to live for the sake of others, believing the truth that human beings belong to one family under God.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday, May 28, 2022 5:00 PM
Location: Bay Area Family Church (2305 Washington Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577)
Livestream: https://www.facebook.com/UnificationChurchBayArea/ (The live video will be on the top-left of the screen with the word LIVE on top. Click the video to launch the video display.)
Flowers for the ceremony can be sent to the Bay Area Family Church.
Donations in memory of Tomiko Nojima can be made to Women’s Federation for World Peace (wfwp.org), Leda project (ledaproject.com), or United Religions Initiative (uri.org).
If you are attending, please observe the Seonghwa Ceremony attire:
Men: Dark suits
Women: White or cream color clothes
In Memory of Brenda Elaine Miller
Brenda Elaine Miller
Spouse: Paul Clark Miller
Children: Young Min Miller
Birthdate: July 26, 1952
Blessing: August 25, 1995
Ascension: May 11, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: May 19, 2022
Brenda Elaine Miller lived a life full of love united with True Parents and with concern for others. Brenda was always active in church projects and the providence. She was part of the founding of the Racial Reconciliation Group with several other members of the Maryland community. Her passion was working toward elevating Native American causes, and she was honored by being given a Native American name, “Shining Spirit Woman.” Brenda never took the easy way but was always committed to true restoration of the heart.
Brenda was born on a farm outside of Vermillion, South Dakota. She attended elementary school in the last one-room school house in South Dakota and was in the final 8th grade graduating class before the school closed. She graduated from high school in Beresford, South Dakota. Brenda attended Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and graduated with an associate degree in Fashion Marketing.
While she was in Sioux Falls, she met Barbara Masuyama, the first Unification missionary to South Dakota, who taught her the Divine Principle. Brenda became the first member to join in South Dakota.
From South Dakota she did witnessing and fundraising for a while and then was chosen, along with other members, to join the first Global Team. Brenda was able to travel to Japan and Korea participating in witnessing and church activities. She had the honor of being at the Yoido Rally in Seoul, Korea in 1975.
When she returned to America, Brenda continued witnessing and fundraising. In 1982 she was matched and blessed to an African American brother. They started family life, but unfortunately her husband passed away. Brenda worked as staff at the New Yorker Hotel, which at the time was called World Mission Center, and also used her business school training to work as an executive assistant for a New York law firm.
It was while working at the law firm and living in Brooklyn that she met her current husband, Paul Miller. They were blessed in Korea in 1995. In 1996 she moved to Maryland to join her new husband.
Brenda was always active in church projects and the providence. She became part of the Reconciliation Group, which was started by Joe and Debby Taylor and Bob and Angelika Selle—a weekly black white prayer and discussion meeting that was able to open the hearts and minds of many people and promote understanding on a deeper level. Brenda was considered by the others in the group as the one with the deepest mother’s heart, always keeping the others focused and properly centered.
Brenda also became active in the Native American community and attended a number of Pow Wows in the Maryland and Virginia area and in Oklahoma. She had connected with the Native American spirit and the plight of the Dakota tribes while she was growing up. At a gathering in Southern Virginia, she was honored by being given a Native American name “Shining Spirit Woman.” In 2013, June 7–15, Brenda, along with Reiko Jenkins, Claire Daugherty, Katherine Cromwell, Sandra Lowen, and Joy and Joseph Williams embarked on a prayer journey retracing the Trail of Tears. She created a photo album to commemorate that time.
By far the greatest joy in her life was when a beautiful baby, whom she and her husband named Young Min David Miller, came into her life. Young Min was an offering child graciously given by Jack and Yukari Whedbee. The raising of Young Min to be a strong, smart, moral, and handsome man has been the culmination of her life’s work. This fine young man will be a diadem in her crown in heaven.
Brenda Miller is survived by her husband, Paul Clark Miller; her son, Young Min David Miller; and her three siblings, Carol Nixon, Sandy Lawrensen, and Barry Lawrensen.
Brenda’s husband’s tribute.
“Do not mourn for the rose that has bloomed and withered
for it has spread its glory upon the world; rather weep for
the bud that will not bloom.”
—Paul Miller
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Thursday, May 19, 2022 11:00AM (Viewing starts at 10:00 AM)
Location: Beall Funeral Home (6512 Crain Highway Bowie, MD 20715)
The ceremony can be watched on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/618147675 (Passcode: 2027)
Won Jeon Ceremony: 2:00 PM at Fort Lincoln Cemetery (3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood MD 20722)
Reception to follow at approximately 3:30PM (3600 New York Ave. NE Washington, DC 20002)
Donations accepted to help Brenda Miller's Family and her Beloved Causes: https://gofund.me/e5432486
Condolence Cards may be sent to:
The Miller Family
7504 Garrison Road
Hyattsville MD 20784
In Memory of Denis Fellenz
Denis Fellenz
Spouse: Nancy Fellenz
Children: Denis Jr., Dorothy and Andrew (Eungyeong Jeon)
Birthdate: November 16, 1941
Blessing: April 7, 1989
Ascension: May 1, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: May 7th, 2022
Denis and Nancy are pillars of the early previously married couples to join our Unification Movement. They worked as homembers under Dr. Bo Hi Pak in the 70's and eventually brought many from their own family to understand the Divine Principle and True Parents' mission of bringing the Kingdom of God on Earth. Denis had many skills and was always making new friends through his work and through teaching golf, especially with members of the Army and Department of Defense. Their family is a shining light for many in the Northern Virginia area.
Denis Fellenz was born at Edgewood Arsenal, MD on November 16, 1941. He was the third of six children. He had two older sisters, Dorothy Fellenz and Genie (Fellenz) Burn, followed by three younger siblings: a sister, Andre, and 2 brothers, Bruz and John.
His father was career military, and Denis always looked forward to the adventure of living in many different places. His favorite base was Fort Monroe, VA (located on the Chesapeake Bay), where at fourteen he learned to play golf. Golf became his lifelong passion (he eventually became a PGA Teaching Pro and taught golf as a side career for well over twenty years).
At age nineteen Denis entered the military as an academy prep student where he studied for two years, then studied for a year at the University of Utah, after which he enlisted in the Army. He served for three years, including a tour in Fort Campbell, KY, in the 101st Airborne’s Screaming Eagles, where he trained as a paratrooper. His experience as a paratrooper left him with a lifelong fear of flying, and he never willingly flew anywhere again if he could drive or take a train.
After an honorable discharge, Denis decided he wanted to give his life to God. He joined a Catholic Seminary, The Oblates of Mary Immaculate, in San Antonio, TX. During his summer break in May of 1967, while staying in VA with his sister Dorothy, he met Nancy Allen, a stewardess with United Airlines (who had wanted to be a nun). He decided he’d rather have a wife than be a priest.
In the Fall of 1967 Denis and Nancy were married in the Catholic Church with Claire (Allen) Daugherty, Nancy’s younger sister, as her maid of honor. By 1973 Denis was the father of 2 children, Denis and Dorothy, and also had custody of Nancy’s youngest sister, Mimi (Allen) Dempsey. At the time, they were living in Arlington, VA when Claire introduced them to the Unification Church. They joined as a family, including Denis’ sister, Genie — thus becoming the original “home members,” serving the church community while maintaining their families and homes.
Denis’ career included pioneering the computer field as a programmer and systems analyst, working at Control Data, Amtrak, the U.S. Congress, Florida Power and Light, and finishing his career by returning to Capitol Hill and the office of House Information Systems. He led the team that changed the voting system on the Representatives’ side from a paper vote to a computerized vote that was instantly public.
In 1989, after twenty one years of marriage, Denis was given three days notice that his couple was eligible for the Blessing. Denis and Nancy were blessed by True Parents on April 7th at the New Yorker Hotel. On August 30, 1990 they had a son, Andrew Allen Fellenz.
On May 1, 2022, Denis ascended leaving behind his wife of fifty five years, Nancy; his three children, Denis Jr., Dorothy and Andrew (blessed to Eungyeong Jeon), and a foster son, Ryan; as well as five grandchildren, Tristan, Anya, Leza, Seva, and Misha. Every one of them was precious to him in a unique way.
Denis’ daughter, Dorothy, created a tribute booklet for her father, titled, “Time to Go.” You can view it here.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: May 7, 2022 at 3:00 PM
Location: 3600 New York Ave NE Washington, DC 20002 (The Arbor Ballroom of The Washington Times Building)
The ceremony can be watched on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/618147675 (Passcode: 2027)
The inurnment of his remains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in the Columbarium at a later date.
The Fellenz family requests donations can be made in Denis' name to: www.thekingmakerfoundation.org
In Memory of Jeddie Collins King
Jeddie Collins King
Spouse: Elma King
Birthdate: November 9, 1934
Blessing: January 31, 2009
Ascension: April 17, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: April 23, 2022
Rev. Jeddie Collins King was born in Kissimmee, Florida in 1934 to loving parents Ellis and Emma King. He grew up with five siblings. In 1961 he moved to Queens, NY and in 1975, met and joined the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity (Unification Church). Rev. King served in The International Family Association (IFA) in 1976, an organization formed to connect with parents of members to counter the negativity towards the Unification Church and take care of those who could not be full-time members. In 1977, he converted his garage into a church and started Home Church in the United States. He founded and guided the Interfaith Community Church in Queens, NY from this store-front church for many years. One of his early spiritual daughters, Angie Moore, baked cakes for True Parents.
Realizing that before the leaders in the Unification movement could gain any recognition from Christian churches, Rev. King introduced the use of the title “Reverend,” as it is an important title in Christian churches. In 1981, he spoke at the “‘We Shall Overcome’ - Protect Religious Liberties and Minority Rights" Rally in Foley Square, NY to protest the unfair persecution of Father Moon.
In 1983, Rev. King was ordained by the Ethiopian Orthodox Coptic Church, where he gained the title Priest. From 1984 to 1988, he worked with the Interdenominational Conferences for Clergy (ICC), which brought more than 7,000 pastors to South Korea and Japan. Rev. Kind also served as ICC coordinator in the New York Church and as Assistant Pastor in the Unification Church in Queens, NY.
Around the year 1990, True Parents encouraged members to go back to their homes and start Tribal Messiahship. In 1992, Rev. Kinng made the move back to his hometown, Kissimmee, FL, and continued Home Church in his family home. After his parents passed away, he renovated his parent’s home on 1513 Central Ave. in Kissimmee, which now stands as a historical landmark, and started the Interfaith Community Church in Kissimmee.
Since childhood, Rev. King wanted to be independent and productive. He went above and beyond to care for family members who needed his care. As such, he was appointed Orlando City Leader for FFWPU from October 1996 to December 2005, and in 2002 he and his wife, Elma, were appointed ACLC co-coordinators. They produced many powerful Prayer Breakfasts and Pastor’s Forums from June 21, 2007 to December 9, 2010, working to serve 10 established churches in America. From there, Rev. King went on to work in radio with the Ministry Hosting of “The Kingdom Comes,” an International Radio Broadcasting Ministry sharing the words of True Parents across the world. The Roadside Blessings, founded by Elma, was an outreach service they both served in which they provided free clothes, food, toys, Blessings and prayers.
Rev. King is the Vice President of TP of TF Foundation, which helps provide lights for schools, churches and homes in Cap-Haitien in Haiti, and clothes, food and toys for the orphanage. Rev. King is also the President of the Interfaith Community Centre.
With all of this, Rev. King finished his autobiography on Aug. 28, 2014 entitled, “JC, A King’s Story,” which can be found on Amazon. In December 20, 2015 he started a video series depicting his early years and completed it in 2016. The videos can be purchased at the King’s Home Church in Kissimmee. The King’s Home Church was converted in 2021 to King’s Heartline Holy Community. As a Tribal Messiah, Rev. King and Elma have worked with Rev. Emmanuel and Rev. Victorine Souck to help build and complete a center for service in their hometown of Cameroon, Africa.
Rev. King is a pastor, a counselor, and a Divine Principle lecturer. Over his many years of service, he has received certificates of achievements, as well as recognitions, awards, and gifts for his hard work and unwavering service. However, more than anything, Rev. King has been hard at work to fulfill his responsibilities as a Tribal Messiah. Having traveled on missions all over the world, he visited six countries: Japan, Brazil, Paraguay, Israel, Korea, Bulgaria, and Bahamas. His mission countries were Bulgaria and Brazil, where he traveled at the risk of his life. He also traveled extensively in many states across the United States.
Rev. King and Elma founded a new Center in Kissimmee, FL following True Mother’s direction for members to launch 5,000 churches in America. Together, they lived for the sake of others, wishing to bring all of their families and tribes into the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. They were one of the 12 couples who answered the first call to come to Korea in 2017 with the completion of their 430 couples blessing. After returning home, they embarked on a mission to complete another 430, and went on to do even a third 430 couples. With an urgent call to show love and respect for their ancestors, they liberated 430 generations and celebrated their homecoming on Nov. 15, 2019.
On November 16, 2019 Jeddie and Elma celebrated their 43 couples at the beautiful Belinsky Community House with the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Rev. King and Elma were thus blessed with the title of Tribal Messiah Representatives in Florida. With this title, they have helped many Blessed families over the finishing line of 430 couples and helped one Blessed family to finish their CheonBo couple mission.
He and his wife have purchased 7 lots where they will build a new Interfaith Community Centre in Kissimmee in an effort to leave a legacy of love on earth and to help fulfill God’s dream.
On Oct. 9, 2020, Rev. King and Elma became a CheonBo Couple and were inducted into the Heavenly Hall of Flame. His promise was to work until his last breath for the providence, and he did. Learn more about his life in his book “JC, A King’s Story,” and his CD “Jeddie King - The Early Years.”
Rev. King has also been at the forefront of the Blessing of Marriages Movement in the Southeast Region (SR2) of the United States. His heart of devotion, concern and love for all people has come through at every level of his and Heavenly Elma King’s ministry together. Their Roadside Marriage Blessing Movement and Kings Home Church created a vibrant blessing community in Florida and was recognized by our National and International movement as exemplary examples of the path for Heavenly Tribal Messiahship. Through his unique skills, passion and talents, Rev. King lived a long and productive life of service and love.
Reflections from Rev. King’s wife, Elma King:
Rev. King’s life as a son was led with a heart of filial Piety to his parents since childhood to his parent’s death. At an appointed time in his life, he was the person who took responsibility at his Uncle Rufus Aker’s final days. Also, he took responsibility for his aunt Mattie Wilson as a legal guardian in her final days, so she could be surrounded by family. He felt honored to make those commitments to his brothers and his elders. He is a father of five children, and he has kept his commitments as a father, and also as a grandfather to his grandchildren, to the very best of his ability. He has been a point of inspiration in the lives of many. Rev King Loved God and people. He worried about the lost ones—if God had 100 sheep and one was lost, he would leave the 99 in search for the one. Rev. King never gave up searching for that one. He has brought so many sheep back to God’s embrace. He cared very deeply about the broken hearted, always trying to bring them back and show them True Love as a parent. He prayed and cried on his pillow many a night to be able to live to see that one family under God as God envisioned.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday, April 23rd at 11:00 AM EDT
Location: St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church (400 East Columbia Ave., Kissimmee, Florida 34744)
Wonjeon service: Rose Hill Cemetery (1615 Old Boggy Creek Rd., Kissimmee, FL 34744)
The ceremony can be watched on live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stlukechurch.florida/
You may send cards and messages to: elmaking39@gmail.com OR
Elma King
3400 Suzette Drive
Kissimmee, FL 34746
In Memory of Susan Lee
Susan Lee
Spouse: Ki Ryong Lee
Children: Peter Lee, David Lee
Birthdate: April 17, 1941
Blessing: January 11, 1989
Ascension: March 31, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: April 9, 2022
Mrs. Susan Lee was a beloved figure in the Southern California faith community and a friend to each person she met. She was born on April 17, 1941 in Seoul, Korea to her father Kim Deok-won and mother Kang Soon-ae. Her father was an independence fighter who campaigned for Korea's independence from Japan. Her mother established a church in the early days of the Korean Unification Church and played a major role in the Unification Church in Los Angeles, living and working from True Parents’ home in Pasadena.
In 1960, Susan entered Yonsei University in Korea. She participated in the 4.19 Student Movement and contributed to the democratization movement in Korea.
She came to America in 1971, and has consistently provided volunteer work in the Korean-American community in Los Angeles. Mrs. Lee served as the Secretary-General of the Korean Association of Southern California; the Director of the Association of Korean Women Entrepreneurs in Los Angeles; the President of the Association for the Bereaved of American Independence Merit; and as a member of the Korean government's Peace and Unification Policy Advisory Committee.
Mrs. Lee was Blessed in marriage to the late Ki Ryong Lee on January 11, 1989.
Mrs. Lee also served as the team mother of her dream baseball class and focused on the education of her second generation. She also opened the Sunhwa Korean Language school at the Los Angeles Family Church, where she worked hard to teach Korean, the mother tongue of True Parents (1998~2008). As an Ambassador of Peace, she recruited peace ambassadors throughout Southern California and continued to promote church activities. During the Little Angels Consolation Performance for Korean War Veterans (2012), she worked as a preparatory member to promote the activities of True Parents.
She has a family of two sons (Peter Lee, David Lee), and she has also maintained a close relationship with her three brothers (Keon Young Kim, Ho Young Kim, Sam Young Kim).
Mrs. Lee ascended on March 31, 2022 at 10:05 AM at the Alcott Rehabilitation Hospital (Los Angeles) at the age of 81
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: April 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM PDT
Location: Han Kook Mortuary (2045 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018)
In Memory of Bob Randolph
Bob Randolph
Spouse: Valerie Randolph
Children: Julie (Se Gil) Feldsott, Emily Randolph
Birthdate: October 1, 1952
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: March 30, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: April 1, 2022
On October 1, 1952, Robert “Bob” Arn Randolph was born and his fight began. Born a twin prematurely two months early, he went from two pounds down to one in his first week as an infant. Yet his will to survive was strong even then.
Growing up with slightly premature eyes that caused a handicap of partial-blindness in one eye didn't make things easy for Bob. He was heavily teased and bullied by other kids for wearing quarter-inch thick glasses, but he developed a keen sense of how to ward off bullies and exerted himself in order to prove to other kids he was no different than them. At age 9, his dad suddenly died of heart failure, leaving him, his sister and his brother alone to raise themselves.
Public school was a breeze for Bob, but as he approached his high school graduation, there was no one pushing him to pursue a college degree or an ambitious career. Nevertheless, Bob felt there was something beyond his hometown calling his name. As a teenager, Bob visited a medium, just for fun, where he was told, "You will marry a girl named Valerie."
Searching for meaning years later at age 22, Bob met the Unification Church in Boulder, Colorado. But the way Bob was introduced to the church felt more like a job interview. After completing his first workshop he asked, "Did I get the job?"
After years of battling shyness on MFT, Bob was thrilled to be called to the 1979 matching. Yet when True Father saw him, he told Bob to sit down. The next matching in 1980 had the same result. Finally, in late June 1982, on the second day of matchings, True Father found Bob's Minnesota bride, Valerie, and they were Blessed in Marriage the next week on July 1, 1982. They spent the next 40 years raising two daughters, Julie and Emily, and building a life together in a large suburb in PG County, Maryland, then in their dream home in Milton, DE.
Bob never let his limited eyesight hold him back as he worked tirelessly for the success he built for himself and his family. After working his way up the ranks at the Washington Times for 10 years, Bob worked at Green Peace for a time and completed his career with 15 years at National Public Radio, working in an office on the top floor of the NPR DC headquarters. Just before retiring, at age 59, he suffered a sudden arrhythmic heart attack, followed by years of surgeries. On March 30, 2022, at age 69, he passed from congestive heart failure.
Bob was a kind and adventurous soul and will be remembered by his love of family, friends, country, and God's Will. In spite of hardship, Bob was always positive. He always took the opportunity to do and to defend what was right. He was a remarkable person.
A private Seonghwa Ceremony was held for Bob on April 1st, 2022 in the home of the Randolph family. A "celebration of life" event will be held in Milton, Delaware on Sunday, May 1st, 2022.
Please reach out to Val Randolph if you'd like to attend: valrandolph22@gmail.com
You may send cards or letters to:
Val Randolph
220 Chandler St
Milton, DE 19968
In Memory of Theodore Casten
Theodore Casten
Birthdate: July 8, 1938
Blessing: February 8, 1975
Ascension: March 12, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: April 2, 2022
Ted Casten passed away at the age of 83 on March 12, 2022. Ted was the beloved son of Bill and Ella Casten, and brother of Ruth Casten Kreier, who preceded him in death.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, on July 8, 1938, he enlisted in the Air Force after graduating high school, where he received training as a bookkeeper. He became a member of the Unification Church shortly after leaving the Air Force in the late 1960’s. He was blessed in 1975 as part of the 1800 couples Blessing.
Ted worked for many years through the Church in financial administrative positions in the seafood industry in Kodiak, AK and Seattle, WA. At company Christmas celebrations in Kodiak, Alaska, Ted was "hands down" the best Santa Klaus for the children of the families working with him. He loved all the kids, and they sure enjoyed him.
Ted was active in church activities in Seattle, involving himself in witnessing, minister work, small group study and community service. He was a man of prayer and true concern for others. Ted was one to consistently show up for church activities, and it was evident that participating truly mattered to him. He remained a dedicated member of the Seattle congregation until his death.
He found a happy home for three decades at Northaven Senior Living Community in Seattle's Northgate neighborhood. Ted would often share about his Northaven neighbors and his concern for them. He got involved in many group activities there and often reached out to inspire his neighbors with words of encouragement. He moved to Edmonds Bowl Adult Family Home in 2021 where he was known and cared-for as Uncle Ted.
Ted was a gentle, unassuming man, a passionate baseball fan (and a keen student of statistics about minor league players on the feeder teams for the Seattle Mariners), and an avid reader and writer of poetry. Emily Dickinson was his favorite. He was an inspiration and a pleasure to be around. Ted will be truly missed!
He is survived by his niece and nephew, Rachel and Jesse Kreier.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: April 2, 2022 at 11:30 AM (reception at 12:30 PM, Wonjeon at 2:00 PM)
Location: Evergreen Washelli Chapel (11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133)
Flowers can be ordered from Rose Corner Florist at 206-361-5051 (have the flowers delivered to Theodore Casten's funeral at Evergreen -Washelli)
In Memory of Andrew Vance
Andrew Vance
Spouse: Shiho Vance
Birthdate: March 30, 1958
Ascension: March 17, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: March 26, 2022
Andrew Vance was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on March 30, 1958, which was Palm Sunday that year. Andrew was always a very active and curious boy. He loved the outdoors so much that he earned the nickname “nature boy.” In particular, Andrew marveled at lightning bugs and appreciated finding box turtles in the woods near his home. He even marked the turtles’ shells with a piece of masking tape so he could identify them if he found them again after release.
Andrew loved fishing at Tanglewood Park Lake with his dad, a precious bond which continued throughout his life. There were many deep-sea fishing trips with his friend “Hammer” in Miami. Riding bicycles in the neighborhood, sledding in winter, and camping trips to Myrtle Beach were also a big part of his childhood. Andrew was an amazing athlete—he was a star baseball pitcher and also played first base. His father coached the winning Jonestown Orioles, and the team went on to play in the Little League World Series. He loved those times dearly. At R.J. Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, he continued to play baseball, but soon basketball became his primary sport, playing with a Championship-winning team in both 1976 and 1977.
After high school, Andrew attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh and majored in engineering. He later transferred to Weber State University in Ogden, Utah on a basketball scholarship. While in Utah, he got back into nature as a ski instructor at Snowbird Ski Resort in the Rocky Mountains. Prior to working full time as an account manager for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in Houston and in North Miami Beach, Andy traveled to Mexico for an extended stay and enjoyed scuba diving and fishing there. He lived in the Los Angeles area for some time and often joined the local surfers at the nearby beaches. Andy then found himself in Phoenix for golfing and later in Chicago. Wherever Andy traveled, he always managed to fit in his love of nature, the great outdoors, and was active in sports as much as possible.
After graduating from the college, as part of Andy’s spiritual journey, he met the Unification Church in San Francisco and joined National MFT. He eventually went out on his own and moved around for several years, taking on different jobs and activities which ultimately led him back to the church community in Miami, Florida. During this time of renewal, he supported the church leader and community activities. He also did security several times when True Parents visited Miami.
On July 25, 2004, Andrew met his wife, Shiho, and they participated in the International Blessing of 400 Million Couples held in Asan City, Korea. They began their family life in Miami, Florida in December 2004. Their beautiful blessed child, Victoria, was born in January, 2008.
The family then moved to Riverview, Florida, where Andrew had been working on his business. At some point his health started declining after he contracted Covid-19 two years ago and was in and out of the hospital. He fought through his health difficulties many times over the last few years. However, on March 17, he peacefully passed away with his wife at his side, with a smile and a heart of gratitude.
We are raising funds through GoFund Me for Andrew’s Seonghwa related expenses and for his family at this difficult time: https://gofund.me/b4bd3b92
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: March 26, 2022 at 3:00 PM (viewing starts at 2:00 PM)
Location: Southern Funeral Care and Cremation Services, Inc. (10510 Riverview Drive, Riverview, FL 33578)
The ceremony can be watched on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82476217939
In Memory of Gregory Leonard Carter
Gregory Leonard Carter
Spouse: Rachel Dunphy
Children: Enya Jung Mi Carter
Birthdate: August 20, 1956
Blessing: October 14, 1982
Ascension: March 5, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: March 27th, 2022
Gregory “Greg” Leonard Carter was born to the late Theodore R. Boyland and Jean A. Carter in Memphis, Tennessee on August 20, 1956. He lived in Memphis for six years before relocating to Chicago, Illinois with his mother, sister, Sheryl, and stepfather, Robert L. Johnson, where he spent the remainder of his childhood years immersing himself in his studies and developing his talents in music and basketball.
After graduating from Tilden High School in 1975, Greg joined the United States Navy where he committed the next four years of his life in service to this country. While in the Navy, he reactivated his love for basketball by joining the U.S.S. Proteus “Packers” basketball team. They won first place in the 1977 COMNAVMARIANAS All-Navy Basketball Championship Tournament. Greg was so proud of this achievement, because he was representing the Navy with something he loved—basketball.
Greg and Rachel Dunphy were united in marriage on October 14, 1982, while participating in the International One World Crusade. Shortly after their union they relocated to Columbus, Ohio, to continue their ministry work with CARP, the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles.
Greg studied at the Unification Theological Seminary in Barrytown, NY, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree on June 24, 2000. He was enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry Program and was working on his final dissertation. Greg traveled all over the country with Rachel doing missionary work. In 2001 they settled down in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area where he continued to work for the Unification Church and supported other faith communities. Apart from his missionary work, Greg served as the Co-Director of the Washington AIDS International Foundation (WAIF). In that capacity, he provided education and training on HIV/AIDS prevention, character education, abstinence, and life skills development to school nurses, high school and middle school students. He also developed and conducted educational programs for faith communities.
He traveled to many states, helping to establish chapters of WAIF and the WAIT (Washington AIDS International Teens) Team. On the international level, he worked with embassies in Washington, DC, traveled to the Caribbean, and helped to raise funds for countries such as Uganda, whose first lady he co-hosted with the Institute for Youth Development (IYD).
On July 4, 2002, Greg and Rachel were blessed with a beautiful daughter whom they named Enya Jung Mi Carter. They absolutely adored their daughter and raised her to love God. After the passing of his dear wife, Greg and Enya grew closer together. Greg would often say that his daughter (Sweetie) was his blessing.
Greg never gave up his passion for sports, basketball in particular. For many years, he brought many Unification and Christian Church teams to compete at the World Culture and Sports Festival in South Korea, winning many medals, including goal medals for the US Christian basketball team. He continued that passion outside of the church by recruiting athletes for the Greenbelt Lady’s Angels and the Greenbelt men’s basketball team to compete in the Canadian Basketball League in Montreal, where they won several championships.
Greg worked as the Building Manager of the United Federation of Churches and as the Chief Liaison Officer for all the Washington, DC, properties for over fifteen years. Greg was immersed in the Christian community and this became his service unto the Lord. He gladly found ways to give whatever he could back to the people of God, sometimes to the point of giving his very last to a person in need.
Greg truly embodied the soul of a loyal servant to God, one that did not mind spending time devoting his life and service to God. Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore, Jean and Robert, and his devoted wife, Rachel.
Greg’s life will always be remembered and cherished by his loving daughter Enya, his siblings, Sheryl (Jonathan) Lott, Robert Johnson Jr., Debra (Bernard) Coble and Marc Johnson, his nine nieces, five nephews, close cousins, extended family, and friends.
Funds are being raised through GoFundMe to support Greg’s daughter, Enya, as she navigates this difficult time: https://gofund.me/7c79f055
You may also send cards and donations to:
Miss Enya Carter
4F Southway
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: March 27, 2022 at 10:30 AM (viewing starts at 10:00 AM)
Location: Beall Funeral Home in Bowie, MD (6512 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD 20715)
The ceremony can be watched on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/618147675 (Passcode: 2027)
In Memory of Mark Collins
In Memory of Mark Collins
Mark Collins
Spouse: Kazuko Collins
Birthdate: August 30, 1965
Ascension: March 4, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: March 10, 2022
Mark was born in Virginia but spent most of his youth in Georgia. In 2004, he worked for a trucking company teaching new truck drivers how to drive efficiently and safely. One day, a new driver joined him: Bornface Mubuso. Although Mark’s parents were strong Christians, Mark was inconsistent in his search for God. Eventually, he felt the need to join a church. He felt church was an opportunity to recharge his spirit.
“When Bornface entered my truck for his driving lesson, I asked him if he knew of a good church in Atlanta. Bornface invited me to attend the Atlanta Family Church with him. There was a friendly atmosphere and a church leadership of diverse cultures and nations.”
Mark joined the Unification Church because it met his desires. He wanted a church community where he could recharge his faith and where he could meet a good woman who believed in the sanctity of marriage and family.
In 2005, he went to Korea where he was matched to Kazuko by Rev. Moon. They were Blessed in marriage that same year. He and his wife decided to live in Japan. They stayed there for 12 years. Mark shared that it was difficult at first to learn each other’s language. But they learned to love one another. When the couple lived together with Kazuko’s mother, Mark helped Kazuko’s sick mother very lovingly.
In 2018, he moved back to America. Kazuko had stayed behind in Japan, while Mark earned enough money to bring her to America. But, in August 2021, Mark learned that he had stage 4 cancer.
He and Kazuko decided they would unite strongly to defeat the disease. He said, “When we act as one, our unity makes us stronger, and we can overcome many difficulties. I want to share with others what we have learned on this journey. With God’s help and a loving relationship with your spouse, you can live longer. With faith in God and a strong supportive relationship with your spouse, you determine to live as long as possible for your spouse.”
Many people who met Mark and Kazuko commented on their loving relationship. Even nurses in the hospice center were inspired by them.
Mark Collins passed into the spiritual world on March 4, 2022 at 4:30 AM in Atlanta Georgia after battling stomach cancer. His Seongwha Ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Georgia True Family Community Center, 3060 Bouldercrest Rd. Ellenwood, GA 30294.
Mark is survived by his loving wife, Kazuko, his elder brother Lee, and his younger sister, Nicole.
Despite having stage four cancer, he had a strong desire to encourage others who are in similar circumstances to overcome obstacles and persevere to win victory for God and True Parents. Pastor Luke Higuchi at Mark’s request helped him create videos of the story of his journey.
Video in English: https://youtu.be/J6rcqESa1
B0 Video in Japanese: https://youtu.be/1d0ikgeCIto
We are raising funds through GoFund Me for Mark’s Seonghwa related expenses and for his wife, Kazuko who sacrificed her job and living situation in Japan to come to America. https://gofund.me/dcce23c5
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: March 10, 2022 at 9:30 AM (viewing starts at 8:30 AM)
Location: Georgia True Family Community Center (3060 Bouldercrest Rd. Ellenwood, GA 30294)
The ceremony can be watched on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9639637000
In Memory of Amarjit Takhar
In Memory of Amarjit Takhar
Amarjit Takhar
Spouse: Carol Takhar
Children: Phillip, James, Sarah
Birthdate: October 20, 1958
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: February 26, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: March 6, 2022
Amarjit (AJ) Takhar lived a full life and passed away in his sleep at age 63. His loved ones remember him as a loving and committed husband, father, brother, and friend who dedicated his life to God, True Parents, and his family.
AJ was born in 1958 in a farming community in Samrai Village in Punjab, India. His parents, Mohan and Harpal, raised AJ and his sister, Sarbjit, in the Sikh religion. Their family lived lives of faith centered on a God of love and goodness. When he was 12, AJ’s family moved to Gravesend, England. AJ worked hard to learn English quickly to catch up in school and adjust to a new life in a new country. He did extremely well in his studies and managed to obtain a place at Kent university studying aeronautical engineering. Having always dreamt of being a pilot he also started taking flying lessons weekly.
AJ’s love for God led him to search for a religious community where he could connect to his sense of purpose. He met the church in England at the end of 1979, where he met his lifelong best friend, Godwin Da Silva. In 1980, AJ came to America to join MFT and began building Good Go boats. During this time AJ had the opportunity to go see Annie in the movie theater with True Parents.
AJ was Blessed and married to his wife Carol at the 1982 Blessing at Madison Square Garden. Right after they were matched, Carol and AJ squeezed into a phone booth to share the news with her mother. Carol explained that they would be married in three days. Her mother asked, “well, does he love you?” Carol handed the phone to AJ, who went red in the face and said, “Of course I do!” They were Blessed and married three days later; Carol’s mother and sister attended the ceremony. After the Blessing, AJ and Carol popped into a Carl’s Jr. for their first date and a bite to eat. Carol suspects they chose Carl's Jr. because it was one of the few places you could get a cup of hot tea at the time. As an international couple, their course was not easy in the early years of their relationship. Over time, their families came to recognize the deep love and appreciation they had for one another. Having cute and well-mannered children didn’t hurt either.
They moved to Seattle in 1989, where AJ began working for True World Foods (then called Happy World). They had their first son Phillip in 1989 and moved to Los Angeles, California soon after. AJ always held a love for Punjab in his heart and always said that California reminded him of Punjab. Their son James was born in 1991, followed by their daughter Sarah in 1995. AJ was an attentive and caring father to his children. Some of their favorite family activities were going to the zoo and playing mini golf together, activities that the Takhar children still love to this day.
In May 2019, AJ suffered from a series of heart attacks and strokes, including undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Despite the odds against him, AJ pulled through. With significant support from his family, AJ’s health improved over the following months. While his condition required him to retire from his prior career, AJ’s improving health meant that he could spend more time with his family. He made many trips to his favorite places, including Palm Springs for vacation, IHOP for breakfast, and the beach.
All who have met AJ reflect on his quiet warmth and tremendous strength of character. His passion for God and True Parents guided his adult life. AJ worked hard to support his family and participated in church activities as much as possible in order to strengthen the LA community. As a delivery driver and eventually Vice President of Human Resources at True World Foods, AJ demonstrated steadfast loyalty to the company. He dedicated himself to support True Father’s vision for the seafood industry and went out of his way to support brothers and sisters when he could. His colleagues have shared the sense of respect they had for the way AJ did his job. He always took pride in his work and was able to do difficult things well.
AJ led a disciplined life of faith and worked hard to create a better world for his children. He dreamed of True Parents frequently and kept a strong connection to God’s heart. A close family friend shared that she recently asked AJ, “what makes you happy?” He responded, “When I feel God’s love.” No matter the circumstances, AJ chased after God’s love and dream for this world with his whole heart, mind, and body.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: March 6, 2022 at 9:00 AM (PT)
Location: Online at facebook.com/lafamilychurch
In Memory of Rukchlvan Ntumba
In Memory of Rukchlvan Ntumba
Rukchlvan Ntumba
Parents: Kabamba & Esther Ntumba
Sibling: Sun Mi
Birthdate: June 17, 2003
Seonghwa Ceremony: February 27, 2022
Rukchlvan Matthieu Ntumba was born on June 17, 2003, in Atlanta, GA. He is the son of Kabamba Ntumba from Congo and Esther Banda from Suriname and the brother of his older sister, Sun Mi with whom he had an inseparable bond.
Ever since he was young, Rukchlvan has been an easy-going person. He got along with everyone, no matter the age. If Rukchlvan was going to be at a social gathering, you could count on him to bring the energy. He loved to make people laugh. His humor was top tier. He wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time.
One of his many hobbies was basketball; he was always the best player on every team. He had a competitive drive and always gave his all in everything he was passionate about.
Rukchlvan had a huge heart towards his family and friends, especially his mother and sister. He did his best to make the family feel whole after the death of his father in 2007.
Rukchlvan was loved within his community and had a heart of gold. Those who had the privilege of knowing him personally knew that beneath the tough boy persona that he jokingly presented, there was a soft, tender heart. Often being involved in church events such as camp and workshops, it was clear that he was very family orientated; many of his friends would attest to that. Rukchlvan was loved and adored by many. Forever and always will he be in our memory and most importantly our hearts.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Georgia True Family Community Center (3060 Bouldercrest Rd, Ellenwood, GA, 30294)
Live Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9639637000
Passcode: 7000
GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/51d7f278
In Memory of Katharina Stinard
In Memory of Katharina Stinard
Katharina Stinard
Spouse: Jim Stinard
Children: Melanie, Andrew, Patrick
Birthdate: December 23, 1950
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Seonghwa Ceremony: February 12, 2022
Katharina Stinard was born in Irschenberg, Germany on Dec. 23, 1950 to Anian and Katharina Bacher. She has two older brothers and a younger sister. Kathy grew up on a small farm in southern Germany and helped her siblings and father with the chores, where they milked the cows and harvested crops. They had a large apple and pear orchard from which the harvest was sold in a local market and also made into distilled beverages. Also, the family maintained a large number of beehives from which they harvested honey.
Kathy was a good student and was very active in her church and youth groups. She loved to bicycle with her friends and play the zither and flute and to sing. She also enjoyed bicycling and hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains. She graduated from high school in 1969 and afterward attended business school where she studied business administration and accounting. Upon completion of this training she was an executive secretary for a manufacturing company from 1972-1974.
In Nov. 1974, she joined the Unification Church and helped with religious education programs in Munich before going for missionary training in Frankfurt. It has always been Kathy’s desire to help people in different countries, so she was very pleased to join two other missionaries, one from Japan and one from the United States, to do missionary activities in Ghana. This was a challenging but enriching experience for her. She was Blessed in marriage to Jim Stinard in 1982 and in 1983 he joined her in the mission field. They worked in both Nigeria and Ghana and brought many people to a greater understanding of God and Christ. Kathy was also very instrumental in setting up and implementing a relief program, called the International Relief Friendship Foundation, IRFF, in Ghana.
In 1998 Kathy and Jim returned to the United States and joined the Belvedere Unification community in Tarrytown, New York where they have been participating in church projects and activities over the years. Kathy worked as a sales representative at United Vision Sales and as a team leader in their distribution center. Also, for many years she served as the Human Resources Specialist for the United Peace Federation.
Kathy is known for her cheerfulness and her kind and loving heart. She was always willing to step in and help wherever it was needed. Kathy passed away on February 5th, at age 71, having succumbed to multiple health issues. She is survived by her husband Jim, their three children, Melanie, Andrew, and Patrick, and her sister Maria, brother Alois, and nephews and nieces.
Donations to help cover funeral and burial services can be sent to the GoFundMe link at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-katharina-stinard
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday, February 12 at 9:00 AM
Location: Edwards Dowdle Funeral Home (24 Ashford Ave., Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522)
Zoom Broadcast for Remote participation will begin at Saturday 9 AM
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82864791809
Meeting ID: 828 6479 1809
Won Jeon Burial
Will take place immediately after Seonghwa Ceremony at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (540 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591)
Prayers, Condolences, and Gifts
Prayers
24-Hour prayer vigil will take place from our homes
Sign up for a 1-hour prayer slot in this [LINK]
Flowers
Flowers can be sent to the Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home.
Flowers should arrive in time to be set up before the 3:00 PM Viewing on Friday.
Gifts
Checks and Love Offerings can be made out to James Stinard.
GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-katharina-stinard
Or send by Zelle to: stinard@aol.com