February Issue Obituaries

MADEN – Kay Marie Maden, 43, formerly of Bridgeport, passed away Dec. 18, 2013 in Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, due to cancer.

She is the beloved mother of Thomas Haddock, daughter of Kathleen McCann and sister of Richard Maden, Jr.

Kay attended St. Michael’s School, graduated from Paulsboro HS and Gloucester Count Vo-Tech. She worked at the Mayfair Diner in Philadelphia.

To share condolences www.landolfifuneralhome.com.

DALTRUI – Lorraine Daltrui, (nee Phiffer) age 90, of Mullica Hill, died on Dec. 20, 2013. Formerly of New York.

Loving wife of the late George P. Daltrui. Loving mother of Anthony G. Daltrui. Cherished grandmother of 4 and great grandmother of 14.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Lorraine Daltrui.

DICKSON – David A. Dickson, of Woolwich Township, beloved husband of Gloria (Hoag) Dickson, passed on to eternal rest on Dec. 26, 2013. He was born on Oct. 26, 1929, in Plattsburgh, NY and enjoyed his 84 plus years to the fullest.

David was a graduate of Rouses Point High School (Class of ’47). After graduation he worked for several years for Ayerst Laboratories in Rouses Point NY until being drafted.

He served in the United States Army (1951-1953) during the Korean conflict; and was a past member of the American Legion Post #912 in Rouses Point, NY.

After his Army service he attended The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

David retired from US Airways, in Albany, NY in May of 1991 with 35 years of service in the airline industry. The first half of David’s airline career was based in Plattsburgh, NY, later transferring to Albany, NY.

David and Gloria had recently relocated to Woolwich Township from their home of nearly 39 years in Stillwater, NY to be closer to family.

David was an active member of the Mechanicville, NY United Methodist Church.

He was a life-long New York Yankee fan, an all-around sports enthusiast and an avid golfer. His other interests included hunting, fishing, and bowling. He was also a history buff, particularly of the American Civil War era.

David was predeceased by a brother, Warren Dickson and a sister Wilma Dickson. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gloria (Hoag) Dickson; son and daughter-in-law, Randall and Julie Dickson and grandchildren, Thomas and Katherine Dickson all of Woolwich Township; his sister, Dorothy Wright of LeCanto, FL, as well as several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Services were held at the Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Memorial donations in David’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) will be appreciated. Tell a great story of David at lifecelebrationsutdio.com.

TAICHANG – Hsiuyin Taichang, age 95 years, of Clarksboro died Dec. 26, 2013 in Vitas Hospice, Stratford, surrounded by her loving family. She was born and raised in Shanghai, China and in 1949 she moved to Taiwan. In 1992 she moved to Clarksboro to live with her son. She was well known as the friendly greeter at Dragon Nest Restaurant in Clarksboro. Mrs. Taichang enjoyed cooking and sharing her recipes at the restaurant.

She is survived by her children, Bob and Erica Tai of Taiwan, Teli and Alice Tai of Clarksboro, Janet and Albert Tsai of Clarksboro, Tyrone and Tammy Tai of Clarksboro, Terry and Willem Veldstra of Rotterdam, Netherlands; 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Services were held in McBride-Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro.

LaPALOMENTO – Joseph J. LaPalomento, age 97 of the Center Square section of Logan Township passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Born in Philadelphia, he was 7 years old when his family moved to Center Square to begin a life of farming. Joseph was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, the Logan Twp. Senior Citizens. He was dedicated to his family and to his love of farming.

Joe and his wife of 70 years, Grace (nee Spina) operated a produce stand in Center Square. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Carol (Robert) Leonetti, Sharon L. (Ralph) Dinwiddie, Robert (Carol) and David T. (Charlotte) LaPalomento. Also 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, with 2 more on the way. His sister Catherine Bende and was predeceased by siblings Anna LaPalomento, Mary LaGreca, Elizabeth DiBella, Ann Chipparoni, Theresa Willard, Anthony and Charles LaPalomento.

Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Woolwich Township. Services were held in the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro. Contributions in his memory to the American Heart Assoc., PO Box 417005, Boston MA 02241-7005 or the Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Michael’s Church, 313 Memorial Ave., Gibbstown, NJ 08027 would be appreciated. Share memories at www.cheegafuneralhome.com.

SZCZEPANSKI-MANN – Meryl Szczepanski-Mann, of Mullica Hill, died suddenly at her home on Jan. 1, 2014 at the age of 55.

Beloved wife of 10 years to Stephen Mann; devoted daughter of Ruth Szczepanski (nee Scherer) and the late Robert Adam Szczepanski; dear sister of Christopher. Meryl is also survived by her other beloved mother, Linda Szurek and many loving friends.

With a sunny disposition and a sharp sense of humor, Meryl was a generous lady who was always there to help those in need. She enjoyed biking, tending to her garden, reading and running.

Born in Mineola, NY, Meryl was a resident of Mullica Hill for 20 years. She graduated as a registered nurse in 1982 and has worked locally at Cooper Trauma Center, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Kennedy Medical Center and most recently Virtua Surgical Center.

Donations may be made to Greater Woodbury Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry, 330 E. Barber Ave., Woodbury, NJ 08096.

Tributes and memories may be shared at www.mcgfuneral.com.

MARTZ – Rebecca Ann “Becky” Martz of Clarksboro, formerly of Brookville, PA, passed away on Jan. 2, 2014 at the age of 60.

An active member of St. John of God Community years ago, Becky worked in the gift shop there before working at Nine West in West Deptford for 10 years. Becky enjoyed making crafts like pot holders and placemats and loved to read books by Danielle Steele. She adored being in the company of others and cherished her sweets. When Becky wasn’t working, you could find her listening to her John Denver tape collection.

Loving daughter of the late Dale and Betty (nee Campbell) Martz; devoted sister of Randolph (Barbara) Martz and Steven E. Martz; dear aunt of one nephew, three nieces, and great aunt of 2 great nephews and 2 great nieces.

Interment Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro. Memorial donations may be made in Becky’s memory to St. John of God Community, 1145 Delsea Drive, Westville, NJ 08093. Tributes and memories may be shared at www.mcgfuneral.com.

GRASSO – Thomas M. Grasso, age 83, of Mickleton, passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his devoted family. Tom was born and raised in Mickleton and began a lifelong career of farming there. He was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, a church usher at the St. Joseph Church Site, a member of the St. Alfio Committee and his voice would echo throughout St. Joseph’s Church with Viva St. Alfio on the feast day of this special saint. Tom also rode with the saints during the procession of the statues of St. Alfio and his brothers throughout the streets of Swedesboro. He was on the Board of Directors for the Swedesboro Auction, a member of the NJ Farm Bureau, the Swedesboro Farmers Hunting Club, and the Sons of Italy, Carmel S. Morina lodge #2580, Paulsboro, Past Vice President of the NJ Vegetable Growers Assoc. And past member of the exec Committee of the Gloucester County Board of Agriculture. He was devoted to his family, his Church and his farming. Tom was an avid hunter and traveled across the US and Canada several times on hunting trips.

Tom is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lorraine (nee Ermelin), his children, Mary Kay Grasso, Carolyn Grasso and her husband Mark Kehoe, Fran DeFiccio and her husband Jerry. His grandchildren, Andrew, Sarah, David, Nicholas, Philip, Nicolas, and Matthew, a great granddaughter Aliyah. His brothers, San and Betty Grasso, John and Mary Ann Grasso, a sister-in-law, Lucy Grasso and was predeceased by his brother Fred Grasso. Also many devoted nieces and nephews.

Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Woolwich Township. Arrangements by the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro. Contributions in his memory to Friends of Fr. Vincent Project, c/o 407 Weatherby Ave., Swedesboro, NJ 08085 would be appreciated. Share memories at www.cheegfuneralhome.com.

HARRISON – Dorothy L. “Dot” (Cassidy) Harrison, age 88, died Jan. 7, 2014 surrounded by her loving family at her home in Woolwich Township. She was born in Philadelphia to the late John and Elizabeth (Murphy) Cassidy as the fourth of nine children. She graduated from West Catholic Girls High School in 1943, “GO WEST!” Dot resided with her husband and girls at Brandywine Summit in Glen Mills until she moved to Woolwich Township 24 years ago. She retired from I.A. Construction where she worked for 25 years. A devout Catholic, Dot was an active volunteer and parishioner at all of her former parishes.

She was the wife of the late William F. Harrison who she lost at the young age of 35.

Survivors: 2 daughters: Dorothy L. “Dottie” Harrison of Boothwyn and Mary Ellen DeAngelo (Dennis) of Woolwich Township. She was a devoted and loving grandmother to her 3 grandchildren: Michael (Bridget), Nicholas, and Danielle, and to her one precious great grandchild Elise DeAngelo. In addition she is survived by her brother Michael Cassidy and her two sisters, Elizabeth Courter and Mary Hudome. She was also a beloved aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made to West Catholic Preparatory High School, Attn: Develop Office, 4501 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139-0191.

CORR – Adrian Edward Corr, 38, of Swedesboro passed away on Jan. 9, 2014 after a long illness. A 1993 graduate of Woodstown High School, he is survived by his mother, Joan Kelly of Swedesboro, father, Kenneth Corr of Woodstown, Brothers Christopher and Andrew Corr both of Swedesboro, sister, Katherine Adams and her husband Jud of California as well as many more aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

ADRAGNA – Helen Adragna, of Woolwich Township, passed away on Jan. 11, 2014 at age 94. Mrs. Adragna was born in Crafton, PA to the late Joseph and Jenny Santavicca. She and her husband resided in Carnegie and Scott Township PA before moving to Woolwich Township 16 years ago.

Mrs. Adragna was a devoted Catholic and founding member of SS Simon and Jude Parish, which was established in 1955 in Scott Township. Through SS Simon and Jude, she was an active member of Christian Mothers, where she served as president and various committee chairs. Mrs. Adragna also was an active member of The Legion of Mary of SSJ serviced as president, vice president and secretary.

An avid student of history, Mrs. Adragna often shared memories and stories of pre- and post-WWII days. While living in Swedesboro, she loved going to Botto’s Italian Market every Saturday, relishing in her family heritage. She also was a member of the Swedesboro Library Book Club and had a life-long love for words and reading, which she continued to enjoy on her Kindle and through crossword puzzles – even at age 94. Additionally, Mrs. Adragna enjoyed gardening and quilting, creating many quilts and embroidery pieces for family and friends over the years. Mrs. Adragna will be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as a devoted friend.

Mrs. Adragna is predeceased by her husband James V. Adragna, who she was married to for 63 years. She is survived by three daughters and one son: Patricia A. Blum of Myrtle Beach, SC, Maureen (Rick) Fraser of Lilburn, GA, James V. of Imperial, PA, and Gemma (Bill) Ivol of Woolwich Township; sister Rose Bellon; brother Albert Santavicca; 10 grandchildren: Robert and David Blum, Beth Whetsell, Dianne Pieterse, Lauren and Kristen Fraser, Jimmy and Angie Adragna, and Allie and Glen Ivol; seven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

The family has requested that donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at cff.org. Memories and condolences may be shared at daviswagner.com.

ADAMSKI – Rosemary A. Adamski (nee McCallion) died on Jan. 13, 2014, of Mickleton, formerly of Washington Township. Age 66. Beloved wife of Robert B. McCleish III and the late James J. Adamski. Devoted mother of James J. Adamski (Michelle), Rosemarie Parker (Jeff) and the late Stacey Adamski and step-mother of Daniel Youngkin, Robert B. McCleish IV, (Maureen) and Brian McCleish. Loving grandmother of Ryan, Kevin, Shane, Michael, DJ, Bobby, Travis, Curtis and Jack. Dear sister of Raymond McCallion (Fran), James McCallion (Kathy), Elizabeth Giannone, Robert McCallion, Joseph McCallion (Lisa), Kathleen Bradley, Daniel McCallion and the late Arthur McCallion and Joan Corozo. Also survived by sister-in-law Marie Adamski and many nieces and nephews.

Rosemary retired from the County of Gloucester after 23 years of service. She lived her life in love and service to her family and friends. Rosemary treasured special moments with her grandchildren, whom she adored.

Family and friends may share memories at www.gardnerfuneralhome.com.

KAFKA – P. Nicholas (Nick) Kafka, 95, was peacefully ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Jan. 14 in his home. Nick was predeceased by his wife of almost 60 years, Cynthia, as well as his brother Mike, and a sister, Kay Dersch. He is survived by his sisters, Rose Lyons and Eleanor Schoener.

Born in Clarksboro, Nick bought the house next door and so has lived on the same acre of land his entire life. He attended Swedesboro High School, graduation in 1936. He served in the Signal Corps in California during World War II as a company clerk and met Cynthia his wife on a train while on furlough before and courting her in San Francisco. He was an accountant at the Texaco Eagle Point Plant in Westville for 32 years until his retirement in 1980. Nick and Cynthia traveled the world together but he was equally content “Puttering around in the yard”, which was his favorite pastime.

He was a lifelong member of the Evangelical United Methodist Church and served as treasurer for many years. He was always active in civic affairs, served as a member of the East Greenwich Board of Education and an original member of the Kingsway Regional Highs School Board of Education.

His greatest legacy would be the family God blessed him with. His active example of kindness, love and faith in God will be missed by his children: Linda and Robert Wehrle, Robert and Pamela Kafka, Diane and Edward Howell, and Donna and Daniel Little.

He faithfully prayed for and followed the activities of all 24 of his grandchildren and their spouses: Michael and Lisa Wehrle, Steven Wehrle, Christopher and Emily Wehrle, Jesse and Courtney Kafka, Kathleen and Steve McDaniel, Amy and Jamie Crichlow, Molly and Alex Rogers, Elizabeth  Kafka, Ted and  Kate Howell, Cari and Jason Detwiler, Patrick  Howell, Emily and Tom Bouve, Kim Howell, Casey Howell, Rebekah Howell, David and Lindsay Little, Andrew and Gwen Little, Jonathan and Maria Little, James Little, Benjamin Little, Danielle Little, Christiana Little, Rachel Little, Sara Little. Nick  was also blessed with 16 great-grandchildren: Noah Levi Wehrle, Graham Wehrle, Grace, Evangeline, Adelaide and Jude Kafka, Jack, Liam and Claire McDaniel, Melina Crichlow, Silas Howell, Cambria and Afton Detwiler, Penelope Little and Asher Little.

Interment Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro. Arrangement by McBride-Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Contributions can be made in his memory to the General Fund of E.U.M. Church, PO Box 238, Clarksboro, NJ 08020. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.

STEFAN – Gloria Stefan (nee Seamster) age 63 of Bridgeport, passed away on Jan. 16 at home.

She was born in Templehof, Germany to John Seamster (Clover, VA) and Anneliese Voight (Templehof, Germany).

Gloria worked for the LTMUA in Logan Township before taking ill.

She is survived by her husband Josh E. Stefan, her eight children, Michelle Permenter, Tammy Justice (Curtis), Angeline Santiago (Armando), William F. Quattrochi, Jr. (Amy), Anneliese Hauber (Jarrod), Michael Butz, Jessica Stefan, and Joie Stefan, 19 grandchildren, Robert Seamster, Jeffery Saul, Tom Waller Jr., Michael Heiber, Amanda Waller, Rebecca Butz, Ryan Pilkiniton, Cheyenna Santiago, Caitlyn Chrismore, AJ Santiago, Haley Butz, Karrigan Burrows, Makayla Butz, Jeffery Taylor, Alyssa Taylor, William Quattrochi 3rd, Shila Quattrochi, Joey Taylor, Julianna Hauber and seven great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister Monica Rutter and brother Michael Seamster.

She was predeceased by her sister Cora-Jean Cononico.

Gloria was detailed in everything she did. Nothing was ever too much. She loved home, plants and reading, but mostly, caring for her children. She will be missed, but not forgotten.

www.ashcraftfuneralhomes.com.

SPARKS – Elizabeth “Liz” Sparks. Though she was a refined lady, her roots were as a tomboy on the farm. Liz drove tractors when her feet could barely touch the pedals and as a young child she’d bump the trucks up in line at auction. Store bought vegetables were out of the question: she put up so much that she rented two lockers to house her inventory. Liz even made her own juices long before infomercials. She liked heading down to the shore but shunned the beach for fishing with her son in law. Liz kept her hands busy sewing and crocheting. She made everything from her kids’ dresses and christening outfits to three dimensional tablecloths and doilies. Her work was meticulous, she detested mistakes. Liz’s garden was a sight to behold, neighbors would stop by just to catch a peek. It was a 50/50 project: Liz would point where she wanted her plants, Rock would plant them.

A young man named Rock (Robert) had soured on blind dates, but a friend insisted that he meet Liz. He took no chances and spied on her. Having found her more than attractive they set out on what became a 54 year marriage. They were blessed with 4 children, Jane Lippincott (Richard), Karen Newman (Jeff), Kelly Moore (Joe), and the late Robert Steven Sparks and 5 grandchildren, Richard Lippincott, Kate DeMartini, Ryan Newman, Allyson Moore and Zachary Moore. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Helen Jane Ahern.

Services were held in the Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Interment Lake Park Cemetery. Donations to the American Diabetes Foundation, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Philadelphia, PA 19004 will be appreciated. Tell a great story about Liz at lifecelebrationstudio.com.

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