URBAN — John Richard Urban passed away suddenly on April 7 in the comfort of his own home. Born to Richard and Dorothy Urban on July 27, 1951 in Erie, PA, he graduated from Cathedral Prep in 1969 and continued on to be an alumni of Temple University in 1974 with a Master’s Degree in Geology. A former employee of ECDI for 29 years he was a lover of family, friendship, food, fishing, animals and sports.
He was preceded in death by his wife Joanne Urban, his parents Richard and Dorothy Urban, and his sister Susan Urban as well as many other beloved family members and friends. He is survived by his daughter Lanielle Phelps, her husband Martin Phelps Jr., three grandchildren Mason, Ethan, and Milania Phelps. His brother and sister in law Scott and Gabrielle Urban and their daughters Sasha and Sonya. As well as his mother in law Audrey Vieira, her sister Shirley Vincent and his sister in law Teri Vieira. He was extremely loved and will be missed tremendously by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial service contributions can be made to the family at: gofundme.com/qqzgjex6.
—
GRIFFIN – Adelaide M. Griffin (nee Payne), age 94, of Richmond, VA, went home to be with the Lord on April 16, following a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Rev. Leslie F. Griffin, Sr., and a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was the daughter of the late John C. Payne, Sr. and the late Naomi Staton Payne of Woolwich Township. She was born in Atlantic City, and lived there with her family until her late teens when they relocated to Woolwich Township.
A graduate of Shaw University in Raleigh, NC, Mrs. Griffin was a high school teacher for many years in the Virginia school system. She was also a talented seamstress and a gifted artist. She also worked with and supported her husband, who in addition to being a pastor for many years in Farmville, VA, was a prominent civil rights activist, and led the fight to integrate the schools in Prince Edward County, VA, in the 1960s.
She is survived by five children: Leslie F., Jr. (Lynette) of Massachusetts; Naja Griffin-Johnson of Los Angeles, CA; Cocheyse Epps of Columbia, MD; Charles of Richmond, VA; and Rev. Eric (Rev. Renee) of Greensboro, NC. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Mrs. Griffin was predeceased by a daughter, Mignon Bailey; her twin sister, Grace Murphy; a sister, Gloria McGhee; and a brother, Rev. John C. Payne, Jr. who resided in Woolwich Township.
The funeral service and interment were held on April 23 in Farmville, VA.
—
LEAP — Gladys B. Leap, 96. From the days of her youth in Swedesboro, she was a girl on the go. Gladys once roller skated all the way to Woodstown. She was the best female athlete at Swedesboro High School in 1938, but, of course she never lost her competitive edge and didn’t like losing at cards. When not competing she liked to check in on her Phillies, travel and listen to a little Elvis.
Gladys and her husband were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Swedesboro. Hardly ones to just warm the pews, they kept the church running like a clock.
A cousin would introduce her to a guy from Woodstown. Though Gladys was unimpressed by his overalls when they first met, the late Milt cleaned up nicely. He was dressed to the nines for their first date. They got engaged on the day she graduated from high school. When a reporter once asked what the secret to 72 years of marriage was, Gladys jokingly replied that he didn’t say too much. At 92 her hand shot up first to ride on a Harley.
She is survived by two sons, Milt Jr. and Jim. She spoiled them with her cooking. Though they’ve located the recipes, no one has been able to duplicate her dishes. Gladys is survived by a sister, Betty Beal, and was pre-deceased by three brothers, Mike, Bill and Ed Barber, and three sisters, Mary Barber, Letty Richman and Lena Dupper.
Contributions to First Presbyterian Church, 1526 Kings Highway, Swedesboro 08085 or Friends Village, One Friends Drive, Woodstown 08098 will be appreciated.
—
MYERS — Patricia M. Meyers “Patty” of Mullica Hill and formerly of Deptford, died on April 26. Age 67.
Daughter of the late Raymond R. Meyers Sr. and Mary A. (nee Jackson). Sister of Mary Anne Baccile (John) of Turnersville and Raymond R. Meyers Jr. (Rose Marie) of Turnersville. Niece of Frances Thomas of Gettysburg, Pa. Aunt of Raymond R. Meyers III (Traci), Chad, Jessica and Stefanie (Chuck). Great Aunt of Jencyn, Hayden, Brandon and “one on the way.”
Patty was a sales clerk for over 46 years for Fashion Bug Stores.
Donations may be made to American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Blvd., Cherry Hill, N.J. 08034. To view Patty’s Video Tribute visit www.boucherfuneralhome.com.
—
HENCH — Jacqueline D. Hench age 94, of Washington Twp. formerly of Mullica Hill, passed away on April 26. Born in 1922 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Philadelphia, she grew up in Willow Grove, PA. Jacqueline married her husband Charles William “Bill” Hench after WWII and they were married for 65 years.
She is survived by her sons, Dr. Bill Hench of Livermore, CO, and Jack Hench of Hillsborough, NC, her daughter, Jan Cloutier of Mobile, AL, four grandchildren, and one great grandson.
Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
—
ROSELLI — Joan E. Roselli (nee Tulina), 82, of Mullica Hill, formerly of Mantua, passed away on April 27 at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Beloved wife of Pasquale L. Roselli for 61 years. Devoted mother of Mark Roselli and his wife Susan of Haddon Heights, and Kim Lawlor and her husband Kim of Woodbury. Loving grandmother of Aaron, Erin, Jonathan, Ryan and Sarah. She was predeceased by her parents Louis and Edith (Hoffman) Tulina, and her sisters Lorraine, Dolores and Honey.
Contributions in Mrs. Roselli’s memory may be made to Samaritan Healthcare and Hospice at https://www.samaritannj.org/memorial-gifts. Thoughts and prayers may be extended to the family at www.FERTIGFUNERALHOME.com.
—
VIENS — Rene Viens, 84, of Clarksboro, passed away peacefully April 29 at home surrounded by his family. Rene was born May 28, 1931 in Pawtucket, RI to Harry and Eva Viens, the youngest of eight children. On November 3, 1951, he married the former Helen Wacker in St. Patrick’s Church, Woodbury. He retired from PSE&G in 2000. He was an avid amateur artist and member of the Gloucester County Art League. He was also a devoted saltwater fisherman.
In addition to his loving wife Helen, he is survived by two sons, Michael (Becky) and Mickey, a daughter, Cathy (Bruce), five grandchildren, Alex, Allison, Amanda, Brian and Jeffrey, and four great grandchildren, Alyssa, Jackson, Jonathan and Riley.
Contributions may be made to St. John of God Community Services, 1145 Delsea Dr., Westville, NJ 08093. A special thank you to the Heartland Hospice and Always Best Care for their loving care and support. Thoughts and prayers may be extended at www.FERTIGFUNERALHOME.com.
—
SINQUETT — Caroline Everett Sinquett, known to all as Carrie, age 98, of Mt. Royal passed away peacefully on Monday, May 2 at Shady Lane Nursing Home in Clarksboro, with her family by her side.
Carrie was born June 25, 1917 in Philadelphia, PA to Thomas and Nettie Dallas. She lived in Philadelphia during her younger years and married Frank W. Sinquett, Sr. Carrie lived in Mantua Terrace NJ until 1960 when she, her husband, and family moved to the farm on Mantua Road, Mt. Royal. Carrie resided at the Shady Lane Nursing Home for the last three years of her life.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Frank, her brother Thomas Dallas, Jr., her sister Edna Trano, her brother Charles Dallas, and her son-in-law Norman Marzell. Carrie is survived by her children Nancy J. Marzell of Mt. Royal, Joan D. and husband Wesley J. Topeka of Mantua, and son Frank W. Jr. and wife Patricia A. Sinquett of Brick, NJ. Also survived by her grandchildren Kenneth L. and wife Susan Souder of West Deptford, Keith B. Souder of Clarksboro, Natalie J. Topeka and partner Krystal D. Turner of Atlanta, GA, Wesley Joh and wife Wendy S. Topeka of West Deptford, Frank L. Sinquett of Springfield, NJ and Jaclyn Sinquett and husband Rick Libensperger of Howell, NJ, and by her five great grandchildren Samantha N. Souder, Rebecca M. Topeka, Matthew W. Topeka, Salem H. Turner and Gracin R. Turner. Carrie is also survived by her youngest sister Nettie Kircher of Mantua, along with many loving and devoted nieces and nephews.
Carrie had only a grade school education but was wise far beyond her schooling. She was an avid reader and had many talents and interests. She was an excellent seamstress and baker. Her elaborate, multi-tiered cakes were a centerpiece of many family weddings and celebrations. Blessed with a sweet soul Carrie was loved by all who knew her and will be sorely missed.
Small in stature she was strong in heart both figuratively and physically. After her husband died she lived alone in her big farmhouse for 25 years until the age of 96. She vowed that she would “leave this house when the ants carry my body through the keyhole.” But finally, age and frailty caught up to her and she went to reside at Shady Lane.
Shy to new folks but easily liked, she made many new friends there among the staff and residents. Her good-heartedness provided inspiration to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all who knew her. She was a strong example of the proper way to conduct our lives.
The family respectfully requests that donations be sent to the Shady Lane Nursing Home, 256 County House Road, Clarksboro, NJ 08020. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
—
LINDLE — Edward M. Lindle, age 88 years, of Clarksboro, died May 7 surrounded by family in his home. Mr. Lindle was born in Swedesboro and raised in Bridgeport and he was a veteran serving in the United States Navy during World War II. Mr. Lindle retired as a pipefitter after 40 years of service with DuPont Repauno Works, Gibbstown.
He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Bridgeport; past Chief of the Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Company and a member of the Clarksboro Masonic Lodge No. 87 F. & A.M. Mr. Lindle enjoyed fishing, working on small engines and tending to his lawn. He was also proud of his Mercury!
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Janet Lindle (nee Cahill) of Clarksboro; his sister, Janice Simmler of Pitman and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Lindle was predeceased by his sister Barbara Conaway and his brother, William Lindle. Arrangements were by the McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Contributions can be made in his memory to Holy Redeemer Hospice, 160 E. Ninth Ave., Suite B, Runnemede, NJ 08078. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
—
DERSCH — Mildred J. Dersch, 85. Most knew her as Honey. The town of Swedesboro was the source of most of her joy. Born at Mae Haffey’s: that kind of Swedesboro. For a short period of time she moved to Alaska. Better views but she preferred the camaraderie of her hometown neighborhood. While in Alaska she was the head housekeeper for a retirement settlement called Pioneer Home. Eventually she would return to Swedesboro and her family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Henry, Stephanie, Jo Ann Burke, Danny, Susan Conway and Gordon; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her grandson, John Burke.
—
PAPPAS — Helen Pappas (nee Fasilis), age 93 years, of Mickleton died Friday May 6 in Inspira Hospital, Woodbury. Mrs. Pappas was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio and moved to Philadelphia after her marriage to the late Mitchell Pappas. They later raised their family in the New Hope and Yardley area until she retired to Mickleton five years ago. She was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Trenton. Mrs. Pappas enjoyed needlework, was an avid reader and treasured time with her family.
She is survived by her daughters, Peggy Mastoris of Mickleton, Diane Pappas of Owings Mills, Maryland; her grandchildren, Nicholas and Patti Mastoris, Michelle and David Connor; her great grandchildren, Tara, Alanna, Alexander, Elizabeth, Jonathan, William and Melina and her great great grandchildren, Mary Claire and Reilly. The funeral service was held at the McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Contributions can be made in her memory to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1200 Klockner Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08619. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
—
MILLER –Cynthia Marie Miller, age 51, of Woolwich Township passed away Friday, May 6. Cynthia grew up in Elk Township, graduated from Delsea Regional High School Class of 1982, and has lived in Woolwich Township for approximately 20 years.
Cynthia is survived by her parents, Sandra A. (Vanlier) and Russell C. Miller, grandmother Dorothy Brown, sister Barbara Raubertas (Edward), nieces and nephews, Roman, Christian, Summer, and Sara. Predeceased by grandparents, Walter Vanlier, Marjorie Meyers, and Russell L. Miller.
Donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
—
LACOVARA — Nicholas A. Lacovara, a retired municipal court judge, 90, of Mullica Hill, died on Tuesday, May 10 at the Elkton Transitional Care in Elkton, MD.
Beloved husband of Frances (nee Gomel). Devoted father of Nicholas (Cheryl) Lacovara, Richard (Debra) Levey, Thomas Lacovara and the late Jonathan Levey. Loving grandfather of Nicholas, Catherine, Jonathan, Zachary and Jacob.
At 90 he lived a long and full life. He was born in a home on 9th and Catherine Street in Philadelphia in 1925. He was the first to go to college and the first to go to law school in his family. His youth started in the great depression and his teenage years occurred at the outbreak of the World War II. He served in a covert operation in the Philadelphia shipyards at the age of 18 and was later rejected from official military service.
Left handed with excellent handwriting he was a phenomenal baseball player in his youth. Even in his 60’s he still had amazing hand eye coordination and could catch a fly in his bare hand. He had two dogs and a chipmunk as a pet growing up in the city.
He wrote music and was self taught on the piano. One of his songs “Let Me Go Lover” was recorded by a popular singer in the 50’s. He worked in a factory after high school where his father worked. In less than a year he changed course and went to college. He worked his way through college and then law school. In the summer he worked on the railroad as a brakeman. During one run he was responsible for the train backing off the tracks and across Ninth street in Ocean City. Since the train went back on to the track easily he kept his job.
He loved animals and as a young attorney he purchased a farm in a sleepy little area at the end of Monroe Township. His children grew up with horses, goats, ducks, geese and other animals. He bought a bulldozer and dug a lake and stocked it with fish all while he was a practicing attorney.
He was a gadget person and had the first home computer and projection TV available. Later he became a phenomenal Tetris player beating all comers handily. He tinkered with computers and eventually taught himself to build computers and install software. His idea of auto repair usually involved a hammer and was remarkably successful considering the pitfalls of such an approach.
As an attorney in South Jersey he ran a very successful law practice. As a municipal court judge for over 38 years he demonstrated fairness and compassion for people that came before the court. Beyond that he helped many people both inside and outside the court room.
He had a very forceful yet compassionate personality and a unique perspective on the world. His family and friends gave him the nickname “Fearless Leader” later shortened to just “Fear”. He was always a loving father and grandfather and rejected the lack of physical contact of his family growing up but instead showered his family with hugs and kisses. Despite his tough guy image, his family always knew they were loved.
The family request donations be made to Macula Vision Research Foundation at the following address: One Tower Bridge, 100 Front Street, Suite 300, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.bell-hennessy.com.
—
BRUNO – Leonard J. Bruno, of Mullica Hill and formerly of Mantua, died on May 13. Age 85.
Loving husband of the late Marian Bruno (nee Leone). Loving father of Stephen (Eileen), Carla Casell (Tim), and Paul (Lisa). Cherished grandfather of Nicholas, Sean, Lauren, McKenna, Nicholas, Samantha, Antonio, Giorgio and Julia. Dear brother of the late Vincent Bruno (surviving Rita).
Leonard proudly served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was the co-owner of Bruno-Mease Advertising Agency in Philadelphia for over 40 years, where he worked as a commercial artist. He was a faithful, devoted parishioner of Church of the Incarnation for over 60 years. Leonard was an avid Philadelphia sports fan and loved spending time with his family and friends.
Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice: 190 N. Evergreen Ave., Woodbury, NJ 08096. In the memo, please write: Leonard J. Bruno. Condolences and memories may be share at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Leonard J. Bruno.
—
CURCHIN — John F. Curchin of Woolwich Township, passed away at his home on May 14 at the age of 76. He was born in Middleport, NY on June 20, 1939. John graduated from Brockport State University in 1961 with a degree in Physical Education. After graduation, John was a Captain in the United States Marine Corp from 1961-1967. He received the following military citations: Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal with four stars and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. In 1968 John joined Eastern Airlines as a pilot and retired as Captain in 1992.
He is survived by his wife Betty Ann of 47 years. John is also survived by his sister Sandra Curchin, his son Derryck (Anna) and daughter Cathleen (Matthew). He adored and was so proud of his four grandchildren Alex, Oscar, Ryan and Meredith.
John was a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Southern New Jersey Chapter #1068. Contributions can be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #1068. 10 Kennedy Blvd. Somerdale, NJ 08083.
—
RODGERS — Warren Jay Rodgers Jr., of Logan Township. Ten percent of any group does ninety percent of the work. Jay was always the 10 percent. Logan Township was graced with his energy for 43 years. He was Deputy Mayor, on Council, started Logan Basketball League, coached soccer, was a swim timer at Peachwood Swim Club, served on Logan Elementary School Board, was liaison for Logan at Kingsway Regional High School, and was Past President of Beckett Homeowners Association. In his spare time Jay coached the tennis team at Widener University and wore many hats at Living Hope Worship Center.
Jay graduated from Howard University and started his career as a bank examiner for the Federal Reserve. He later owned a company, Flexible Service, a record storage and shredding firm. His days started with coffee on the front porch and ended with a cold one as he greeted neighbors.
He was smitten by a girl named Sylvia Dunlap. Initially she wasn’t so impressed with him but he won her over with his gentlemanly ways. They celebrated 42 years married last August 11. They were blessed with a son, Steve (JoAnn) and daughter, Renee.
He is survived by his brother, Byron, Mother in Law, Corine Dunlap, and was the best Pop Pop to Myles, Preston, Ava, and Hope. Jay was predeceased by parents, Warren and Geneva.
Donations can be sent to Fulton Bank of NJ, 22 Village Center Dr., Logan Twp., NJ 08085, for the grandchildren’s trust fund.
—
KODLUK — John R. Kodluk, John, Mr. Kodluk, Mr. K, Coach, Kuds, Kuddles, Uncle John, Johnny, Boss, Dad and of course Dadd-E-O passed away on May 18 in Logan Township. Dad turned 57 in February, and has a loving family, phenomenal friends, tremendous students and fantastic athletes who cannot help but smile at the thought of him.
Please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
—
