RANDALL — Chester W. Randall, Sr. of South Harrison Township passed away on Aug., 18, at Inspira Hospital in Woodbury. He leaves to cherish his wife of 48 years, Sarah Randall (formerly Wallace), children: Chester Jr. (Helen), Eric, Michele, and Brian, and a host of family and friends.
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JESTER — Rose Jester (nee Davis) age 76 years of Repaupo died Aug. 21 in her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Miami, FL and lived in Repaupo for the last 19 years. Mrs. Jester worked in the catering department at Rode’s for several years and she enjoyed being at home and playing solitaire.
She is survived by her children, Cindy Dick of Atco, Dennis Jester of Repaupo, Steve Jester of Smyrna, Delaware, Robert Jester of Repaupo; 13 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and her sister, Mary Mann of Carneys Point. Mrs. Jester was predeceased by her husband, Earl S. Jester Sr. and her son, Earl “Butch” Jester Jr.
Services were held at the McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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ISAAC — Michael G. “Turtle Mike” Isaac Jr. age 66 years of Mt. Royal died Sunday, Aug. 28 in West Florida Hospital, Pensacola, FL.
Mike was also known to many as “The Bazooka Man”. He was a veteran, proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1969 – 1975. In the mid to late ’70s, he led a group of instructors teaching hunter education and firearms safety to the public for the NJ Division of Fish and Game. He spent many years as a pipe designer for various engineering contract firms and he also served as a patrolman for the Boro of Wenonah for twenty years. He was a current member and past adjutant of the PFC Daniel Giordano Detachment of the Marine Corps League in Somerdale and also a long time member of the National Rifle Association. Mike loved the outdoors and spent his free time hunting, trapping and fishing.
He is survived by his daughter, Leah A. Isaac of Mt. Royal; his sisters, Frances Traband and Patricia and Charles Murschell, both of Gibbstown, and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Ruby L. and Michael Isaac Sr.
Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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TRUHAN — Ethel E. Truhan “Nan” age 93, of Clarksboro formerly of Westville passed away Aug. 29. Born in Oaklyn, she had been a resident of Westville for 63 years. Wife of the late Robert C. Truhan Sr. “Pop”, she is survived by her children; James Truhan and his wife Barbara, Robert Truhan, Allen Truhan, Karlynn Hamilton and her husband Gregory, her daughter-in-law; Sheila Truhan, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ethel was also predeceased by her children; Dorothy and Lewis Truhan.
As an expression of sympathy, contributions can be made to Evangelical United Methodist Church, 14 W. Cohawkin Road, Clarksboro, NJ 08020. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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DODSON — Kathryn S. Dodson, of Mullica Hill, passed away peacefully on Aug. 29 surrounded by her children. Kathryn was born in Wilmington, Del., on July 12, 1931, to the late William and Killena (Short) Smith. She graduated from P.S. DuPont High School, Wilmington, and attended Moore College of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of Art in Philadelphia and studied under Frank Schoonover and Carolyn Wyeth. She worked as a freelance artist doing commissioned portraits of children and dogs. Kathryn loved spending vacations with her family at their home in Ocean City, N.J. As a fulltime resident in late ’60s, she was director of the Ocean City Cultural Art Center.
In 1975, the family moved to Mullica Hill. Kathryn served as museum curator of the James and Anne Whitall House, Red Bank Battlefield in National Park, for 15 years, retiring in 2000. Kathryn was a former president of the Harrison Township Historical Society, 10-year member of the board of trustees of Friends School Mullica Hill and member of Mullica Hill Friends Meeting. She enjoyed walking her beloved miniature dachshund, Liesl, and most of all, loved sitting on her porch.
Kathryn is survived by her three children: Karena “Kary” Wilson Dunkel (James), Andrew W. Dodson (Stephanie), Jennifer Dodson Dubler (Andrew); four grandchildren: Luke, Sam, Annika Dubler and Nicholas Dodson. She was predeceased by her son, John “Tad” M. Wilson II. Donations in Kathryn’s name may be made to Mullica Hill Friends Meeting House, PO Box 67, 2 Woodstown Rd., Mullica Hill, N.J. 08062. Condolences may be made at ciavarellifuneralhomes.com.
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THOMPSON — Carol Thompson (nee Fones) age 70 of Mickleton, died Thursday Sept. 1 in her home. Born in Wilmington, DE, Carol was a resident of Mickleton/East Greenwich for 70 years.
Carol was predeceased by her father, Albert Fones, her mother, Mary Fones, her sister, Elaine Futia and step sister, Florence Blankenbeker. Carol is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Bruce Thompson; her daughter, Trish Thompson of Mantua; her sons, Bruce Thompson Jr. of Gibbstown, Brian Thompson (Barb) of Mantua and Barry Thompson (Anne) of Mickleton; her grandchildren, Michael Favacchia (fiancee Ashley Smith) and Anthony Favacchia of Williamstown, Deanna Pooley (Jason) of Westville, Darius Thompson of Mantua, Cecilia Arangio of Logan Township, Brandon and Katelyn Thompson of Mickleton; her great grandchildren, Jason and Davonie Pooley who she was blessed to meet; her brother, George Carney of West Deptford, Kenny Fones of Portgage Lake, ME, Charles Fones of Mickleton; her sisters, Phyllis Fones of Seminole, FL, Claire Dunn of Palm City, FL; her brother in law, Dixon Thompson (Pat) of Woodbury. She is also survived by a large number of friends who have surrounded Carol and her family with so much love and kindness, especially in these past few months.
Carol was a graduate of Kingsway Regional High School and Gloucester County College and a member of the International Professional Secretaries. She worked for E.I. DuPont for 21 years as an administrative assistant until retirement. She worked part time for Harrison Township as a secretary. She was a member of the Zion Community Church where she was an active member participating in many activities. On any given Sunday, Carol could be found singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school or sharing lunch with her church family after a special service. Carol’s greatest passion after her faith was her family. A devoted sibling and daughter who reached out to help any family member in need purely out of her own kindness, taking care of her family was what made Carol happiest.
Carol loved the time she shared with her husband and her extended family during holidays and special occasions. As much as she loved her children and grandchildren, the love she shared with Bruce was legendary. Carol truly enjoyed the 52 years she was blessed to be Mrs. Thompson. She could recount every detail of her wedding day happily, as if it were just yesterday. She had a best friend, a travel partner and a creator of mischief in her sweetie and it was a true joy to watch them together. She still laughed at all of his crazy jokes and until the day she left she still looked at him with absolute admiration. Her absence will leave a huge void in all of our lives. Carol will be lovingly remembered in the smell of salt air and in sand on your feet, in the sound of church bells ringing, in a bite of perfect potato salad, or on a chilly day when you reach for a blanket. Do something kind in her honor. That is how she would truly like to be remembered. Services were held at the McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Contributions can be made in her memory to Zion Community Church, 242 Kings Hwy., Clarksboro, NJ 08020. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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VISALLI –Charles J. “Chuck” Visalli, age 59, of Mullica Hill died Sunday, Sept. 4 after a brief battle with renal cancer. A 3rd generation farmer, he lived in Mullica Hill all of his life and was proud to currently be farming with his son ‘CJ’. Chuck was a 1975 graduate of Clearview Regional High School and also attended Gloucester County College and Gloucester County Vo-Tech. Born and raised in the Roman Catholic faith, he joined Trinity United Methodist in 2003. As an active member of Trinity Church, he was a member of the choir and Synergy Praise group. He also served on the Pastor-Parish Relations committee was part of the Stephen Ministry and was currently the Chairman of the Building Committee. Chuck had fond memories of a mission trip to Florida and did a lot of local mission work wherever he saw a need.
From 1993-2003 he served on the Harrison Township Committee and was Mayor of Harrison Township from 1997-2002. Prior to that, he also served on the Harrison Twp. Planning Board. Chuck was an active volunteer with NJ State Special Olympics and served on the Bowling Committee for the 2014 USA Special Olympics national games.
Chuck was the loving husband for 35 years to Carlene (nee Smith), devoted father to Charles J. “CJ” Visalli Jr. and Rebecca “Becky” Visalli, and beloved son of Joseph and Grace (nee Vasta) Visalli. He is also survived by brothers, Joseph (Kristin) Visalli, Michael (MC) Visalli and their children.
Memories and condolences may be shared at smithfhmantua.com. Contributions to the Building Fund of Trinity Methodist Church, 284 Cedar Rd. Mullica Hill, NJ 08062, in Chuck’s memory would be appreciated.
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RACITE — Dominic “Mickey” Racite, 72, of Logan Twp., passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side. Born in Woodbury, Mickey was a life resident of the Swedesboro area. A farmer all his life, he was a graduate of Swedesboro High School, Class of ’62, a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, a former Special Police Officer for Woolwich Twp. A loving family man, hard worker with a good sense of humor and enjoyed practical jokes. He was constantly motivated, working on several ideas all at the same time.
Mickey is survived by his wife, Kathleen (nee Stelmach), his children, David, Jennifer, Joanne, Dominic and Jena, six grandchildren and his sister Sue Catalano. He was predeceased by parents Joseph and Mary (nee Mangano), his sister Angela Day and brother Joseph Racite.
Services were held at the Cheega Funeral Home. Contributions in his memory to Abramson Cancer Center, c/o Development Office, 3535 Market St. Ste 750 Philadelphia, PA 19104 would be appreciated.
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HIGGINS — Eda Lou Higgins, 68, of Mullica Hill, died Sept. 10, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Providence, RI, Eda Lou attended East Greenwich High School in Rhode Island, graduating with the class of 1966. She later attended and graduated from the Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing in 1969. She loved nursing and worked as a nurse for the majority of her career before retiring in 2015.
In her retirement, Eda Lou loved watching college basketball (go Nova!), football (We Are!) and golf (where she had a soft spot for Phil Mickelson). She was an avid bird watcher who made sure her birds were fed and happy year round for her grandkids to see. Eda Lou enjoyed many glasses of wine by the fire and sharing late summer sunsets with her family in the backyard. Eda Lou was an active member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and loved singing in the choir.
Eda Lou was the loving mother of three sons, Matthew (Andrea), Mark (Noelle) and Andrew Bramblett. She was the adored grandmother to Tyler, Austin, Addison and Owen.
Donations can be made to St. Stephen’s Musical Ministry (care of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 51 N. Main St., Mullica Hill, NJ 08062) in Eda Lou’s name. Thoughts and prayers may be extended to the family at www.Fertigfuneralhome.com.
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WINGATE — Jean Marie Wingate, (nee Morgan), 79, lifelong resident of South Harrison Twp., passed away peacefully on Sept. 12 at her daughter’s home in Bridgeport.
Jean was most recently employed with Cowtown Farmer’s Market as a receptionist, and was a founding member of the Unity Service Ambulance of South Harrison and served for over 10 years as an EMT. She was a loving mother and devoted grandmother.
Predeceased by her beloved husband Willard Wingate, she is survived by her dear children Donna Jean Zangari (James) of Bridgeport and David M. Morgan (Shirley) of South Harrison Twp. Devoted grandmother of Arianna M. Davis, Amanda J. Davis and Ava Zangari. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her husband, Jean was predeceased by her oldest son Warren J. “Buddy” Morgan, parents Warren and Clara (Cruse) Morgan, and siblings Joseph, George, Warren and Dorothy.
Thoughts and prayers may be extended to the family at www.Fertigfuneralhome.com.
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PAYNE — Kenneth R. Payne Sr. age 64, of Mullica Hill passed away Sept. 13 in Woodbury. Kenneth was self-employed with Ken’s Lawn Care. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, and working in the Golf course business at Woodbury and Westwood Country Clubs.
Kenneth is survived by loving wife Linda (nee Oliver), sons Kenneth (Jen) Jr., Brian (Angel), Stephen (Jill), Jason (Becky), and Bradley (Erica). Also by 13 grandchildren, four brothers and two sisters.
Please make donations to American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd. Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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LLOYD — Dina Lloyd (nee Andricola) age 86, of Mullica Hill, formerly of Oceanview, NJ passed away on Sept. 13. Born in Philadelphia to George Andricola & Carmela (nee Ruggiano). Dina married her husband Thomas in 1952 and became a devoted mother who loved her family and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband; Thomas Lloyd Sr., five children; Thomas Lloyd Jr. and his wife Carol of St. Paul, MN, Mark Lloyd and his wife Evelyn of Media, PA, David Lloyd and his wife Claire of Philadelphia, Michael Lloyd and his wife Mary of Mullica Hill, and Ann Marie Lloyd Shiff and her husband Steven of Finksburg, MD, seven grandchildren; Dina, Jena, Samantha, Emily, Sarah, Curtis and Michael, two great grandchildren; Jessica and Tony, her brothers; Joseph Andricola and his wife Marie, and Cataldo Andricola, her sister; Antoinette Andricola, and many nieces and nephews.
As an expression of sympathy, contributions can be made to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 910 Watkins St., Philadelphia, PA. 19148. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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ZLATKIN — Our angel, Clara Ellen Zlatkin, went to her heavenly home in the loving arms of her parents Karen and Marc Zlatkin of Woolwich Township on Sept. 14. Clara Ellen was born on June 26, 2015. In Clara’s short life her smile melted the hearts of all who knew her and brought incredible joy and happiness to family and friends. While we say our tearful goodbyes and we are comforted knowing that families are sobbing tears of joy for Clara’s heroic organ donation which will provide new life to children in need.
Clara is forever loved by her parents Marc and Karen (nee Baker) Zlatkin, sisters Kayla Jane and Lily Stacy, maternal great-grandparents, Dorothy and Karl Baker, Sr. and Paul and Charo Bowden, maternal grandparents Anita Gates and Karl Baker and paternal grandparents Paula and Ira Zlatkin. Also survived by many uncles, aunts and cousins.
Donations in Clara’s memory may be made to Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19123 or www.donors1.org.
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SUESSMUTH — Robert A. Suessmuth age 73, of Mickleton passed away on Sept. 22. Born in 1943, he was the son of the late George Suessmuth and Doris (nee Kane). Bob completed his secondary education at Morrison Academy in Taiwan where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for athletics. He received an undergraduate degree from Eastern University in St. Davids, PA where he also competed in soccer, basketball, and baseball. Furthering his schooling at Glassboro State College, Bob received the Master of Arts degree in Administration.
He began his career in education as a middle school history teacher in Camden. After five years, he was promoted to Assistant Personnel Director for the district. In 1974, Bob accepted the role of Personnel Director for Gloucester Township Public Schools, eventually becoming the Superintendent of Schools in the same district. Since his retirement in 2005, he has served as Interim Superintendent for Elk Twp., Gibbstown, Waterford Twp., Lower Alloway Twp., and most recently, West Deptford Twp.
Bob’s interests outside of education included coaching youth soccer and softball in East Greenwich Twp. and refereeing soccer matches, for which he was inducted into the South Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame. Being a man of strong faith, Bob served as Elder, Sunday School teacher, and Worship Leader at Southward Baptist Church in West Deptford, NJ.
He is survived by his wife Sharlene L. (nee Baumiester); children Todd Suessmuth and wife Kelly of Manheim, PA, Heather J. McCarthy and husband Edward of Savannah, GA, and Troy J. Suessmuth and wife Debrah of Pottstown, PA; and grandchildren Tyler, Jackson, Madison, Jake, Ethan and Micah. Bob is also survived by sisters Judith Lease and Janet West and husband John. Bob was predeceased by his granddaughter Kelsey Nicole Suessmuth.
As an expression of sympathy, contributions can be made to Seeds of Hope Ministries at 1702 Broadway, Camden, NJ 08104. Memories & condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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LaPENNA — Athena D. LaPenna, on Sept. 23, of Woolwich, born and raised in Manhattan, NY. Age 69. Beloved partner of MariaElaina Turse. Devoted mother of Athena and Alexandria (Bryan Tracy).
Athena was a dedicated nurse at Underwood Memorial Hospital (Inspira Medical Center) for over 20 years. She loved gardening and cooking. Athena left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Family and friends will share memories at www.GardnerFuneralHome.com.
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HONSELL — Harry L. Honsell, age 86, passed away Sept. 23. Harry proudly served in the US Navy and retired from DuPont Corp. A lifelong resident of Mullica Hill, he volunteered with the Harmony Fire Company for 53 years and was an active member of American Legion Post 452.
Harry is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Pierce) Honsell, children Denise (Paul) Avis, Tammy (Al) Sweeney, Deborah (Don) Clift, Richard (Angela) Friedrich, and Steven (Shelly) Friedrich, 10 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, brother Fred (Inez) Honsell, sisters Pearl (Rocky) Fithian, Linda Johnson, and many nieces and nephews.
Donations can be made to: Trinity United Methodist Church Building Fund, 284 Cedar Road, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 or Harmony Fire Company, 4 South Main Street, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
