Obituaries - December 19, 2025

Marylin M. Searby

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, Marylin M. Searby (nee Ripperger) loving wife of the late Arthur J. Searby, mother of Cynthia Searby and Martha Pompeo (Douglas), passed away peacefully in Wilmington, N.C.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 19, 1930, and raised in Garden City, NY.

In addition to her husband, Arthur, she was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary “Willa”  Ripperger, and her brother, Joseph Ripperger. 

She is also survived by seven nieces, three grandchildren, many cousins and other family members.  

Her joys in life were cooking, traveling, boating, fishing, bowling, gardening and entertaining.  

She and Arthur were avid golfers and played all over the world. She also enjoyed needlework, cards, Mahjong and Mexican Train.  She was a strong contributor and supporter of SUNY Oneonta, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Shriners; and she was proudly influential in creating the New Hanover Friends of the Library.

During her 34-year career as an elementary school educator, she met and married the love of her life, Arthur. 

She will be remembered by many family and friends for her quick wit, fun-loving, generous and spontaneous personality.  Marylin, a woman of diverse interests each dear to her heart, will be missed.

Service details will posted soon.

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Mary Ann (Henry) Fratellone

Mary Ann (Henry) Fratellone, cherished wife, devoted mother, and beloved grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, in Jacksonville, NC, at the age of 64. Born on July 26, 1961, in Yonkers, NY, she carried her New York roots with pride and grace throughout her life.

Mary Ann's career as a medical receptionist at East Brown Medical in Stroudsburg PA was marked by her dedication and professionalism. Her warm smile and compassionate nature made her a comforting presence to all who entered the office. She continued to provide excellent care and service at Physical Therapy of Wilmington, Porters Neck for the past few months.

A remarkable cook, Mary Ann, was known for her delectable chicken parmesan and mouth watering meatballs. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, and she delighted in sharing meals and creating memories with family and friends. Her home, affectionately known as "the frat house," was a haven for all who entered, offering comfort and acceptance to everyone. She took great pleasure in ensuring no one ever left her home hungry.

A lover of literature, Mary Ann was an avid reader, particularly fond of the works of Dean Koontz and Stephen King. Her expansive vocabulary and love of words were evident to all who knew her. Her evenings were spent watching Wheel of Fortune with her husband and listening to music.

Mary Ann was a strong yet loving mother, whose sweet and caring nature was complemented by her sassy spirit and honest demeanor. She had a hard exterior but a soft, nurturing inside.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, Paul Fratellone; her daughter, Danielle of Hillsborough, NC; her sons, Paul James (wife, Brielle) of Commerce City, CO and Sean (wife, Deanna) of Riverton, UT. She was a proud grandmother to Reagan and James. MaryAnn is also survived by her sister, Maureen Ferguson (husband, John) of Yonkers, NY, aunt Judy Henry of Yonkers and an uncle Frank Caron of Massachusetts.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date in Yonkers, NY, memories of Mary Ann will linger in the hearts of all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a reminder that life is best served with a side of sass.

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Danielle (Yellie) Calcasola

Danielle (Yellie) Calcasola,40, passed on December 15,2025 after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

She was known for being a "Rockstar" never letting cancer get her down. She is survived by her loving husband, Jonathan Garavito, her beloved dog, PanPan, her parents, Carl & Bonnie Calcasola, her "fur" brother, Dusty and her brother, Jamie Calcasola.

Donations can be made to : Gofundme for her husband: help-danielles-husband-through-financial-hardship or the American Cancer Society.

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