In Memoriam

Collin Abrams | Drummer Lambertville-New Hope Rescue Squad EMT Member since 2012 Collin Michael Abrams of Washington Crossing, Pa., died on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at the Capital Health Hopewell Campus. He was 21. Known to family and friends as “Bud,” Collin was born in Abington, Pa. He lived in Titusville, before moving to Washington Crossing in 2007. He was a professional emergency medical technician with the Lambertville-New Hope Rescue Squad. A certified firefighter and EMT in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Colin had also earned his certification as a swift water rescue technician. Collin continued his family’s proud tradition of volunteer service as a firefighter with the Titusville Union Volunteer Fire Company and the Upper Makefield Volunteer Fire Company. Collin was dedicated to fire service from an early age and his dedication was recognized by several awards. He received an award for Outstanding Junior Firefighter from the Congressional Fire Service Institute and the outstanding community service award from the Union Fire Company. After being nominated in a letter from his father, Collin was selected from many applicants to be honored as a Dunkin Brand Serving Hero sponsored by the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology and the Dunkin Doughnuts Brand “Serving Heroes” Program. His achievement was honored by proclamations from the Pennsylvania State Senate, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the National Junior Volunteer Fire Council, and a resolution from the Board of Supervisors of Upper Makefield Township. Collin was also selected to participate in an internship with the Raritan Township Board of Fire Safety. His successful completion of this program earned Collin a proclamation from Hunterdon County and a Resolution from the Raritan Township Committee and the Fire Safety Bureau of Raritan Township for outstanding community service. Collin’s commitment to emergency services has led to proclamations and honors from many area organizations and political institutions. Colin was a member of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipe and Drum Band and was “kilted” posthumously by the band. Collin was number 124 on the City of Philadelphia’s Fire Department’s hiring list and was preparing for admission into the City of Philadelphia’s Fire Department Academy’s class 186 or 187. Collin Abrams was on the path to fulfill his dream of being a firefighter in the City of Philadelphia. A 2010 graduate of Council Rock High School North, Collin was taking fire science courses at Bucks County Community College and Mercer County Community College. He was a volunteer with International Fireworks. An outdoorsman, Collin enjoyed fishing, hunting, and riding his dirt bike and a motorcycle. He loved animals and cheered for the Philadelphia teams, the Phillies, the Eagles and the Flyers. He especially loved spending time with his family. Collin was predeceased by his grandparents, Alice E. “Lovie” Abrams, Sheila Rhoda Revill and John J. Abrams; and his aunt, Donna M. Gazzillo. Collin is survived by his loving parents, Michael V. and Cherryl L. Thorneycroft Abrams, of Washington Crossing; his dear cousin, Erin N. Abrams and her partner Sean Walker of Lambertville; his grandfather, Ivan E. Thorneycroft of Nottingham, England; his uncles, Frank Abrams of Levittown, Pa. and Mark R. Thorneycroft of Nottingham and his aunt, Susan Bumby, of Harrogate, England. The funeral mass will be offered on Saturday, July 21, at 10:30 am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 44 Bridge Street, Lambertville. Interment will follow at the Holcombe-Riverview Cemetery, Delaware Township. Calling hours at the Lambertville-New Hope Rescue Squad, 70 Alexander Ave., Lambertville, on Friday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. and Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday morning from 8:30-9 a.m. Donations in Collin’s memory may be made to the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipe and Drum Band, 8501 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136. Arrangements are under the direction of the Van Horn-McDonough Funeral Home, 21 York Street, Lambertville.

Tim Bennett | Piper Warrington Twp Police Officer Member since 2005 The members of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums wish to extend their deepest condolences to the Bennett Family. Tim joined the band in 2005. He quickly became a valued player and friend. His playing ability and dedication to the music was admirable. Tim was a member of the music committee, and was instrumental in the development and implementation of new music. His willingness to help others and his dedication to the band will be sincerely missed, along with his sense of humor and animated personality. Although Tim is gone, he will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

John Lonergan | Piper Pennsylvania Parole Officer Member since 1996 The members of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums wish to extend their deepest condolences to the Lonergan Family. At approximately 5:17 PM On October 8th 2019 our Pipe Major Emeritus was called Home. John Lonergan was a Charter Member of our band and our second, and longest to date, Pipe Major. John was a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He returned to Philadelphia to raise a family and serve as a Pennsylvania Parole Officer. He took on a leading role in his Fishtown neighborhood to memorialize and honor our men who never returned home and helped create and maintain The Cpl. Charles J. Glenn Memorial. John’s love of country, community, family and friends was unmatched, as was his friendship, loyalty and devotion to others. With a war wound that would bring him pain for much of his life he still joined a marching band, became an excellent piper, and took on a leadership role as Pipe Major. He would say “lace my boots tight, the band needs me” when we would go out to events and when John was no longer able to march he took on the important role of our Beginner’s Instructor. The majority of pipers in our band received their first lessons from John as he found he had a genuine gift for teaching. Old and new pipers alike can still hear his famous “Hoooooold” as he struggled with the patience of a Saint to make police officers and firefighters into musicians. As John was preparing to come to band practice that day, God had other plans for our good friend. Thank you John for your service, your leadership, your instruction, and most of all your friendship. In the words of the Irish Blessing; “May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind always be at your back, may the sunshine warm upon your face, may the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

William Francis Donovan III | Piper Philadelphia Fire Dept – Retired Member since 1998 The members of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipeband would like to extend their deepest condolences to the Donovan Family. Bill joined the band in 1998. He was an inspiration to every band member. The tenacity that he displayed in learning to play the bagpipes was unmatched. Bill would never give up and became a valuable asset to the band, both as a player and a friend. His sense of humor and irish pride were his trademarks (and his onion joke!). He cared deeply about the success and image of the band, everyone in the band and their families. He was relentless in his efforts to move the band in a positive direction. He was loved by everyone and will be remembered by everyone in the band. You will be deeply missed for your sense of humor, laugh, and your loyality and friendship.