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FUNERAL HOME

Chadwick & McKinney Funeral Home, Inc.

30 East Athens Avenue

Ardmore, Pennsylvania

WESLEY EMMONS Obituary

EMMONS

WESLEY, 83, of Center City, Phila., died on May 23, 2011, at home with his family at his bedside. He is survived by his wife and muse, Ellen (nee Kehne); sons, Wesley W. Emmons, III, M.D., and Hoyt Emmons; and 4 grandchildren, Gwen, Natalie, Hoyt II, Marissa. His Viewing will be held on Thurs., May 26th, from 12 Noon to 2 P.M., and 4 to 5:45 P.M., in Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut St., Philadelphia PA, followed by his Funeral Service at 6 P.M. Thurs. evening. Burial will be private, in the family plot at Mount Olivet Cem., Frederick MD. In lieu of flowers, contri-butions in his honor may be made either to the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut Street, Phila. PA 19103 (www.lutheran
churchphiladelphia.org), The Curtis Institute of Music, 1726 Locust St., Phila. PA 19103 (www.curtis.edu), or to the University of the Arts, c/o the Wesley and Ellen Emmons Scholarship in Jewelry/Metal-smithing, 320 S. Broad St., Phila. PA 19102 (www.uarts.edu)CHADWICK & McKINNEY F.H.
www.chadwickmckinney.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News from May 25 to May 26, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for WESLEY EMMONS

16 Entries

lynn maust

April 17, 2025

So sorry to learn of Wesley's passing......I knew him through my PCA boyfriend, Michael Crush, who was apprenticed with Wesley in 1962. Michael made two silver rings, one being an engagement ring he gave me on Valentine's Day on 1963 and another arty ring and a pin of my initials. During this time, I saw Wesley's workshop in the basement of his town house in Philadelphia which I believe was on Pine St.,not far from PCA . (Philadelphia College of Art). I can imagine Wesley is still greatly missed even in April of 2025.

Pam Cowie

May 19, 2020

Hello Ellen, Wesley and Hoyt,

The last time I saw Ellen was at my Father, Carter Merbreiers funeral. I was in a bit of a state with the media bearing down and also the stark reality of being there having travelled from England where I have made my home. But just know a little bit of Wesley is always with me and my husband Ian in the wedding rings he made for us in 1971 and when Daddy died I became the custodian of the special pectoral cross Wesley made for Daddy. I know all too well the memories of the passing of someone so precious and so remember meeting Wesley at his studio in center city where he made our wedding rings. All the best wishes to all of you as you recollect a special man to you and many others. RIP Wesley, warm regards, Pam Merbreier Cowie

Faye Parrett(Delgado)

November 4, 2011

Ellen, The internet is a great source of information, but not always good news. I just came across Wesley's obituary and I'm sending this message with my condolences to you, Wesley III, and Hoyt. My years in Philadelphia seen a lifetime ago, but you and Wesley were always gracious and thoughtful and that always was greatly appreciated. Hope this finds you and yours doing well. Fondly,

ann marie olsen

October 26, 2011

what a great talent and character he was. and a wonderful family. my thoughts are with you hoyt and your fam.

Tony Jones

October 3, 2011

I've only just found out about Wes's passing.

It is given to few people to make a lasting impression on everyone whose life they touch. Wes was one of those few.

I first met him in 1981 when he came across the pond to Nottingham for the 6 day race. He was a welcome house guest subsequently and I also had the pleasure of meeting Hoyt one year too.

I have so many fond memories of Wes's gentle humour and polite demeanour just from those few weeks I spent with him over the years he came to England.

I always intended to make a surprise visit one day. Sadly I've left it too long. My condolences to you all.

Stephen Leon

August 10, 2011

I have a pipe he cast in silver back in 1968 with his jewelers mark, the E and W back to back, I Treasure it.
Stephen Leon

Hratch Babikian

May 31, 2011

Dear Wes and Ellen I heard the sad news through a freind who owns one of Wes's rings,my thoughts and memories went back to 1980 when i first heard of the Jogging jeweler, on classical radio, and it turned out he was an alum at the school i was going to, and after a few years we met while i was working for Franco american, Wes would come in for a cup of jo and chat with Symour and gang. I will always have you in my thoughts,specially when i am working on my waxes with the brown dental wax that you introduced me to that has been an amazing material to work with, just like every pearl of wisdom you gave,your humor and phylosophy on jewelry making will be missed, please say hello to Dick Reinhardt for me when you two are sitting at the work bench and playing with metal again up there.Dear Ellen may he always be in your positive thoughts and memories , My deepest condolences to you and the family.
May your soul travell by the eternal light of the heavens and may you rest in peace Dearest Wesley

Giovanna

May 27, 2011

I was the one who spoke today at the funeral with the Kiss jacket.

Got a little choked up and couldn't finish the story.

I called him "WE" and he got a kick out of it. Told him his logo was great and it said "WE".

The rest of the story:

I would pass the "Spruce Market" and I would see "WE" coming out of the market. I would ask what he was doing in the market. He would say I got "lost" and I thought I would buy some fruit. I always asked to see the fruit.

Well, he went to the market to buy "smokes". I would tell him how bad they are for him and why did he buy them. He would say "the devil makes me do it".

Or, he would say I got "lost" and thought I would buy some fruit but they insisted I should have "smokes".

I would always extend my arm and ask if he wanted a lift home.

When we got to his step "ME" (Mrs. Emmons) was there and I would say he got "lost" and got these "smokes". She would always smile and say "I know"!

For some reason he loved my Mickey and Minnie earrings I wore and he told me I should always wear them because they made him smile. I told him I made them from figures that were on hair ribbons and I added a jump ring and made earrings.

He was a masterful jeweler yet he saw fun in my simple earrings. I wore them today so I could smile remembering him.

I gave the earrings to his son but he thought his mother would appreciate them more.

He has a wonderful family who will carry on his easy smile and friendly way.

I did my usual wave and didn't realize it would my last. He is in heaven and I hope he meets my parents who are both there. His joking always reminded me of my dad!

All my love to his family,

Giovanna

(from Neat Stuff)

Mara (Guzzi) Still

May 26, 2011

I remember sitting on Wes's lap as a child as he showed me how to polish jewelry. He let me hold gems in my hands and told me what they were. I have wonderful memories of visiting Wes and Ellen, Wesley and Hoyt. Wes loved people and loved to talk; I enjoyed his stories and how he listened to me, patiently and with love. My world is smaller with him gone, but my heart is so full with all I remember.

maddy gold

May 26, 2011

wesley will be greatly missed.he brought joy to all who knew him.it was an honor to call him a friend.wesley and ellen are a beautiful love story we can all learn from.we send you love and prayers dear ellen. love forever maddy gold and victoria brownworth

maddy gold

May 26, 2011

i loved wes . he was a joy to know. he brought out the best in all the many lives he touched..ellen and wes are a beautiful love story.i send you my love and prayers ellen. love you forever maddy gold

May 26, 2011

My wife and I have so many fond memories (going back nearly
50 years)of this dear friend and his family. He was truly a very
special person.

Martin Brown

Mike Delgado

May 26, 2011

Wesley was family to me, teacher, friend and I will miss him forever.

Ron Attarian

May 25, 2011

Wonderful man, dearly missed. Many, many great memories.

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