Chapter Eternal - Fieni ‘52, Barron '60 & Wells '68

We have been honored to call these men our Brothers. The condolences of Theta Chi’s extended worldwide family are offered to the family and friends of our deceased brothers.

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of:

Fred P. Fieni ‘52
Alexis Barron ‘60
Joel K. Wells ‘68

Fred P. Fieni, a beloved and life-long resident of Kennett Square, passed away on Wednesday morning, August 13, 2025 at his home, as he wished. Born in Kennett Square, he was the son of the late Antonio Fieni and the late Armida Astolfi Fienni.

Fred graduated from Kennett Consolidated High School lettering in three sports. He received the Senatorial Scholarship leading him to Penn State where he graduated majoring in Horticulture and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. After graduating, he married the love of his life, Rose Marie Basilio. Fred honorably served in the United States Army and was a member of the American Legion. After serving his Country, Fred returned home and became a mushroom grower and worked at Grocery Store Products then at Amycel/Spawn Mate until retirement. Fred enjoyed golf, fishing, horseshoes, cornhole, shuffleboard, ping pong and pool. He loved playing pinochle with his family. Fred had a lifelong love affair with Penn State sports and all Philly sports. The highlight of his life was giving the blessing at family and friends weddings and birthdays.

Fred was the beloved husband of Rose Marie Basilio Fieni for 71 years; father of Regina Lafferty (Mark Stump), Janet Zagorskie (Chuck), Fred P. Fieni, Jr. (Sally), Edmund Fieni and Diane Kidd (Greg Lau); grandfather of Stephen Lafferty, Joseph Lafferty (Melissa), Brian Lafferty (Samantha), Caitlin Biondo (Joseph), Kristen McKinnon (Jeff), Kara Zagorskie, David Fieni (Brittany), Samantha Fieni, Sarah Kidd and Alan Kidd; brother of Anthony "Junior" Vito Fieni. In addition to his parents, Fred was predeceased by his siblings, Ernest Fieni, Dino Fieni and Filomena Matani.

A viewing will be from 8:30AM to 10:30AM on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the LONGWOOD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION of MATTHEW GENEREUX, 913 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Fred's name may be made to St. Patrick Church, click here or KACS, click here to donate

Alexis Barron, Esq., 87, of Philadelphia and Lake Waynewood, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, at Honesdale Memorial Hospital, PA, surrounded by family.

Born in Olyphant, PA, Alexis graduated from Penn State University in 1960 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. The same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Martha Belle Bovard and the two moved to Philadelphia where Alexis earned a Juris Doctor degree from Temple University School of Law in 1963. He practiced intellectual property law for nearly 50 years at Synnestvedt & Lechner, LLP, where he served as Managing Partner, before concluding his career with Fox Rothschild, LLP.

A drive for hard work was instilled in Alexis from a young age. He was an excellent student; he served as an Altar Boy at All Saints Russian Orthodox Church in Olyphant; he earned an Eagle Scout badge by identifying and counting birds on the fields up the hill from their home in Peckville; and he was the president of Blakely High School Class of 1955. During high school he worked at the soda fountain at Pronkos drug store. Every summer while he was in college and law school, he lived and worked at Linn Lake Lodge in Canadensis, PA as the right-hand-man to the resorts owner.

In Philadelphia, Alexis was devoted to public service and the arts. He served as a Republican Committee Chair for over 40 years, was active at Oak Lane Presbyterian Church, and held leadership roles with the Bach Festival, The Philadelphia Singers, and Chorus America. He and Martha shared this passion for classical music, and together they enjoyed countless orchestral, choral and opera performances.

Committed to cultivating beauty, Alexis became an expert in growing hybrid tea roses, created a Monet-like oasis of azaleas and built a perennial garden to be enjoyed by generations to come. Alexis was an avid sports fan, eventually, if not reluctantly, expanding his fandom beyond his first love, the Boston Red Sox, to include the Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles and Sixers and of course, Penn State football. He was beloved member of the Lake Waynewood community for more than six decades, where he spent summers with family and friends, holding court around the large dinner table, taking early morning swims and playing many hours of tennis.

In addition to his wife, Martha, Alexis is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law: Margaret Lynn Barron Born, Scott G. Born, Linda Elizabeth Barron Geisler, and Lila Alix Barron Davenport and Edwin B. (Ted) Davenport; He was the proud grandfather, a.k.a, Sir to Kristen Martha Born, Andrew Alexis Born & Kaitlyn OHara Born, Stephen Donald Born & Julia Vogt Born, Margaret Barron Geisler, Gwendolyn Barron Geisler, Chase Alexis Davenport, Elizabeth Barron Geisler and Alexandra Lynn Davenport. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Barron of Denver, CO. He was predeceased by his parents, Olga and Andrew Barron, and his brother Andrew.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 12 p.m. at The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, at 21st & Walnut. Anyone wanting to make a charitable donation in memory of Alexis might consider an arts organization of your choice or the Waynewood Memorial Fund, 16 Waynewood Road, Lake Ariel, PA 18436.

Joel Kenneth Wells, known affectionately to all as Joel, passed away peacefully of natural causes on July 1, 2025, in Delaware County, PA. Born on December 23, 1946, in Olney, PA, Joel's journey through life was marked by dedication, love, and a warm spirit that touched everyone he met. His 78 years were rich with experiences that shaped him into the remarkable man we remember today.

Joel's early life was rooted in the close-knit community of Olney, where he attended St. Aloysius Catholic Elementary School. His academic and athletic prowess shone brightly at Olney High School, leading to his acceptance into Penn State University in 1964. It was there that Joel's talent on the football field flourished as he played cornerback, starting for two years under the legendary coach Joe Paterno. His time at Penn State culminated in a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, a degree that reflected his interest in people and their well-being.

After college, Joel served his country with honor as a marksman in the Army, a role in which he demonstrated the same commitment and excellence that marked his entire life. In 1974, destiny smiled upon him when he met Barbara Gibbons. The two quickly became inseparable, and their marriage was a testament to enduring love and mutual respect.

Professionally, Joel's sociology degree opened doors to a fulfilling career that allowed him to connect with and serve others. His work was more than just a job; it was an extension of his caring nature and his desire to make a positive impact on the world around him.

A devout Christian, Joel's faith was the cornerstone of his life. It guided his actions and gave him strength, especially during life's challenging moments. His church community benefited from his active involvement, where he was a beacon of hope and kindness.

Joel's greatest joy, however, was his family. He was a loving husband to his wife, Barbara L. Wells, and a devoted father to his children, Diana Durrani and Donna Durrani. His grandchildren, Jaqueline, Jessica, Jamie, Jenna, William, and Matthew, were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment he spent with them. The birth of his great-grandchildren, Sean, Harlynn, Joshua, Jaxon, and Westyn, brought him immense pride and happiness.

His interests outside of family and work were a reflection of his sociable and active nature. Joel loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren, whether it was at family dinners or during golf outings. Each moment with friends and loved ones was treasured, and his presence at these gatherings was always a source of joy and laughter.

Joel's legacy is one of love, service, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community. He lived a life full of purpose and passion, leaving behind memories that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Today, we say goodbye to a man who was not just the patriarch of our family but also a friend, mentor, and shining example of goodness in the world.

As we mourn the loss of Joel Kenneth Wells, we also celebrate the remarkable life he led. We take comfort in knowing that his spirit lives on in each of us, guiding and inspiring us to live with the same grace and integrity that he embodied every day. Joel will be deeply missed, but his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Tuesday July 8th from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Church of St. Joseph, Woodlawn Ave., Collingdale. Followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joel K. Wells, please visit our Tree Store.

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