CENTURIONE — On Oct. 24, Anne Vasta Centurione passed away peacefully at the venerable age of 97 years. Anne was the widow of Frank Centurione who predeceased her in 1990. For the first eight years of her life Anne lived in South Philadelphia among her many relatives who had immigrated from Sicily. But during those summers, the Vasta’s would come across the Delaware and work on the farms in Swedesboro. Eventually, the family moved to Swedesboro, started a grocery store and a new life. Anne graduated from Swedesboro High School in 1938. Around that time her parents Alfia and Mario Vasta also ran a small restaurant called Mary Anne’s after their two daughters. While working at the restaurant Anne met her future husband Frank, in town to apply for the Swedesboro Auction Master position. They were married on December 28, 1941 and for the next 49 years Anne dedicated her life to her family, supporting her husband in his produce brokering career and shaping the lives of her children with love, a sense of humor and encouragement to succeed in the challenges of life. Her warmth, spirit and creativity characterized her personality. She was a wonderful artist and her creativity was reflected throughout the house with her paintings, flower arrangements, gardening, sewing, home decorating and cooking. Of course cooking was always the day’s main activity and Anne made sure nutritional goals were met with plenty of broccoli rabe, pasta and a fantastic meatball recipe!
More changes and adventures awaited her later in life. For eight years Anne lived in Maryland with daughter Gina and for the last five years became a “California Girl” in San Diego with daughter Pat. Whether on the East or West Coast, Anne easily made many new friends, sharing fun times, eagerly discussing politics, impressing all with her culinary talents and adding to her garden of memories. She was beautiful, bright, inspirational and ageless. She has been lovingly cared for and her devotion to the Rosary over the years filled her spirit with peace, especially during those last days as her strong heart finally came to rest.
Anne will be deeply missed by her family, friends, caregivers and all who knew her and remember her independence, strength, humor and endless love.
Anne is survived by her son Joseph Centurione (Fran) and daughters Gina Centurione Sinha (Christopher), and Patricia Centurione; grandchildren Stephani Bartkovich (Steve) Matthew and Nicholas Centurione, Troy and Tristan Sinha.
Those wishing to honor Anne in lieu of flowers may donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org.
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CLINE — Donald A. Cline, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully Sunday October 1, 2017 in Orange Park, FL at the age of 80. Don was born in Swedesboro, NJ to the late Adam H. and Marie (Milewski) Cline. A lifelong resident of Paulsboro, NJ; he was a graduate of Paulsboro High School in 1954. Don served in the United States Army from 1954-1957 before attending Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. He worked as a chemical operator for E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co. in Deepwater, NJ for 35 years. Don enjoyed the simple things in life, fine cigars, classical music, crossword puzzles, and baseball. He was also an avid reader of world history and crime novels. A loving husband, father, and grandfather; with a kind and charismatic personality; he was loved by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Janice, son Adam Cline and his wife Nicole, daughter Mary Cline; grandchildren Ryan, Brianna, Aiden, Isabella, and Chase. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM Friday October 27, 2017 in St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. John the Evangelist Church, 647 Beacon Ave, Paulsboro, NJ, 08066. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Friday morning after 9:30 AM in the church until Mass time. Don will be laid to rest at Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro, NJ. Arrangements by McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Haven Hospice, 745 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, Fl, 32065 or via www.beyourhaven.org. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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MARCONE — Marian L. Marcone, (nee Contarino) age 90, of Mullica Hill, passed away on Oct. 22. Donations may be made in her name to benefit the animals she loved at the Precious Love Fund, 1800 Clements Bridge Rd, Deptford, NJ 08096, www.preciouslovefund.com. Share the memories share love ShareLife with McGUINNESS FUNERAL HOME at mcgfuneral.com
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SCHOBER — K. Marie Schober, age 96, of Mt. Royal passed away on Saturday, Oct. 28. As an expression of sympathy, contributions can be made to First Baptist Church of Woodbury, 544 N. Broad Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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WOOD — Robert J. Wood Robert was an amazing man. What was most amazing about him is he always had a smile on his face – despite his condition. He was so positive and really should be an inspiration to all of us. He had a laugh that would light up a room and make anyone laugh even if you were in the other room. He had a big smile and an even bigger heart. He had great stories to share. They were usually about his younger days – when he swam, played football, his time as a cop – and even funny stories about how he would play different tricks on people at work, something he still enjoyed now. Also he enjoyed telling stories about David and Michael growing up. He was also someone that you could talk to; he would really listen and have good advice to give. He loved his old TV shows; they were always on. He said the stuff today is “junk!” Unless it was The Price is Right, Let’s Make a Deal, or HGTV – he loved those. He loved taking long car rides through the countryside while listening to oldies, of course.
He loved his family so much. He especially adored his grandkids, and they adored him just as much. He turned into a big playful teddy bear anytime they came around. He always knew how to make them laugh. He was a man who didn’t want children, until they came along. Once a Dad he was fun, tough, and fair with sons; his house run with military precision. Robert was a hands on dad teaching his sons how to box and swim. His kids knew they were in trouble when their dad told them they were grounded until they were married with children.
He served our nation in the Army during the Viet Nam era, stationed in Korea. It was good training for his future job working for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service as a Sergeant in the uniform division.
Robert had his eye on the beautiful Debra Quigg for quite a while. When the opportunity arose, he swooped in and captured her heart. Their marriage was blessed with sons: David (Natalia), and Michael (Gina) and 5 grandchildren. And of course he was thrilled that his boys served in the Air Force and that Michael could swing a hammer with the best of them.
Donations to St. Judes Hospital (stjude.org) will be appreciated.
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RANDALL John Randall, 80, of Mullica Hill, departed this life on Monday, Oct. 30.
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CALTABIANO — Tammy Sue Caltabiano age 39, of Mullica Hill passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Born in Stratford, NJ, Tammy was a graduate of Clearview Regional High School Class of 1996 and earned her nursing degree from the Nursing Program at Gloucester County College. Tammy became a Registered Nurse working in the emergency room at both Underwood Memorial and Cooper Hospitals. Tammy was a caregiver, enjoyed crabbing with her dad, and going to the beach to work on her tan.
She is survived by her parents, Ronald and Sue Caltabiano (Musumeci), her children, Shawn, Dylan, and Taylor Fanslau, three brothers, Ronald Caltabiano (Jennifer), Ryan Caltabiano (Christina), and Michael Caltabiano (fiance Tisa Riccardi), and her beloved nieces and nephews, Gio, Liliana, Luca, Josie, and Gisella.
The family is respectfully asking you make donations towards the funeral expenses. Checks can be made payable directly to Smith’s Funeral Home LLC. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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SWAIN — Joseph M. Swain age 99 years of Woolwich Township died Thursday Nov. 2 in his home. Mr. Swain was born in Bridgeport and owned and operated Swain’s Friendly Service in Logan Township for 35 years. He was a veteran serving in the Army Air Force with the 8th Air Force, Squad 388 as a B17 Bomber Pilot in the European Theater. He was a 5th generation member of Repaupo United Methodist Church and a Life Member of Repaupo Volunteer Fire Company.
Mr. Swain enjoyed cross country travelling and crossed the country 28 times. He started the Throttle Benders Mechanic Club; enjoyed woodworking and making clocks for his family; was an avid reader and liked ballroom dancing. Mr. Swain also made crafts and attended craft shows for many years and taught himself how to use a computer when he was eighty.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Helen Swain (nee Glass) of Woolwich Township; his sons, Steven Swain of Glassboro, Jim Swain Sr. of Hernando, Florida, Bob and Gerri Swain of Pine Ridge, Florida; his grandchildren, Jim Jr. and Corrine, April, Amber, Jeffrey and Colleen; his great grandchildren, Evan, Maddie, Holly, Summer and one on the way and his good friend, Mabel Gaventa and her family.
The Funeral Service were held at the McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Contributions can be made in his memory to the Repaupo U.M. Church, c/o Alice Montagnoli, 112 Sherwin Rd., Mullica Hill, NJ 08062. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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CLERECUZIO — Lewis (Lew) Wittick was born on August 13, 1936 in Mt. Royal to Helen (Carty) and Lewis Wittick. As a boy, he lived in Arizona for two years, but after his father left, returned to his roots in NJ with his mother and sister, Cass. In 1955, Lew joined the US Army and was a paratrooper in the 101st 82nd Airborne Divison for three years, spending one and a half years in Japan keeping the peace after WWII.
Lew met his loving wife Jackie in 1957 while home on leave and they were married soon after his discharge on September 27, 1958. Lew greatest love was his family. Lew and Jackie had four beautiful children and for 21 years lived on Mt. Royal Road in Mantua in a house that he built himself before moving to Washington Township. While they raised their children, Lew worked hard and held multiple jobs at the same time throughout much of his life in order to make sure that his family was well provided for.
Lew was also a dedicated member of his community. He was a lay speaker at the Barnsboro Methodist Church, EMT for the Barnsboro Ambulance Squad, Indian Guides Leader, Boy Scout Scout Master and a member of the Manuta Masonic Lodge #95.
Known as ‘The Man Who Could Do Anything’, Lew was very handy. He had experience with carpentry, masonary, leather work, wood working, welding, autobody and engine repair. Lew was never afraid to tackle anything. If he didn’t know how to fix it, he figured it out. His family nickname was ‘Macgyver’.
Lew held a multitude of jobs throughout his life and also had some of his own business ventures. An autobody repairman by trade, he worked for George’s Autobody in Pitman, NJ, Evergreen Autobody in Woodbury, NJ and then as an autobody repairman for the US Postal Service in Bellmawr, NJ for 20 years until he retired in 2001.
Lew loved keeping busy and had many varied interests and hobbies. An avid outdoors man, he enjoyed camping with his family, hunting rabbits with his beagles, Duchess and Peggy, and fishing on his boats. He also restored several antique vehicles, collected trains and belonged to a model airplane flying club. Lew also enjoyed music, especially country music. He played the harmonica, banjo and acoustic guitar and was in a country band called ‘The Strings of Time’ along with his sister Dot.
As time passed and his children blessed him with grandchildren, Lew’s focus remained on his family. He adored his family and did anything he could for all, always there to lend a helping hand and provide love and support. A devoted husband, loving father, and adoring grandfather, he will forever be in our hearts and so deeply missed.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Jacqueline Wittick (nee Garrison) and their children Sandy Knopka of Pennsville, Kathy Spiritoso (Lou) of Bellmawr, Dave Wittick of Paulsboro and Steve Wittick (Natalie) of Bridgeton and his grandchildren Tori, Adriana, Bill, Dante and Courtney. He is also survived by his sisters Dorothy Smith and Catherine Mihlebach.
Contributions can be made to Evangelical United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 14 W. Cohawkin Road, Clarksboro, NJ 08020. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com
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BUCK — John P. Buck, age 79, of Mickleton passed away Thursday, Nov. 2. John was born in Philadelphia and was a resident of Gloucester County for over 50 years. He retired from Underwood-Memorial Hospital after more than 20 years of service.
John was proud of his family, his country, his God and his service in the Army’s 25th Infantry Division. He was an active member of the Elks, the Army/Navy Garrison and the American Legion.
He is survived by his wife, Florence C. (nee Deal), children, Jim Buck and Roseann Mike (Joseph), grandchildren, Steven Wren and Lauren Buck; sisters, Hazel Witzell (Kenneth), Cheryl Weaks (William), Clara Burkhardt. Predeceased by siblings, Virginia, Doris and William. Donations in his name can be made to American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 or St. John of God, 1145 Delsea Drive, Westville, NJ 08093. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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DILL — Daniel Carl Dill, 29, U.S. Coast Guard information systems technician 2nd class, passed away on Nov. 5. Daniel was born in Chester, PA, and lived in Logan Twp. until after graduating from Kingsway High School in 2006. He joined the USCG in October 2006. He was stationed on the USCG Cutter Bear out of Portsmouth, VA where he met and married Natalie. Daniel also served on the USCG Cutter Campbell out of Portsmouth, NH, before returning to Portsmouth, VA.
He is survived by his wife, Natalie Rocha Dill; parents, Denise Fullem Dill and Christopher J. Dill; siblings, Kelly Dill Vazquez and husband, Robert; Ryan Dill Hoover and husband, Adam; Christopher Dill Jr. and wife, Melissa; Zachary Dill and wife, Alicia, and grandparents, Marilyn Laurmann Fullem and Lucille Reynolds Dill. Daniel was predeceased by his grandparents, William R. Fullem and Walter R. Dill.
Online condolences may be made at LovingFuneralHome.com.
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OLIVERA – Angel A. Olivera Sr., 86, of Logan Township, passed away Nov. 11 at his home. Born in Penuelas, Puerto Rico, he resided in Logan Township since 1977. He was an Army Careerman, retiring after 27 years of service including two tours during the Korean Conflict and a tour in Panama. Angel enjoyed working in his garden, was a great sports fan, and was a former baseball player while he was in Texas. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and VFW while in Panama.
Angel is survived by his wife of 64 years, Alicia, his children, Myrta A. Guerra, Angel Jr. and his wife Mary, and Rubin and his fiancée Teresa Dimitri, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two sisters, Ada and Palmira Olivera.
Arrangements handled by the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro.
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VICTOR — Warren H. Victor, 82, of Logan Township, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 11. He was the husband of Dianne E. Brokenbaugh Victor, (Mickey), father of six, grandfather of many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, two sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, God-children, and friends. He was the son of the late Enoch and Bessie Jenkins Victor of Paulsboro, NJ. Warren was a member of the many Military, service and civic organizations.
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DARE — David P. Dare, Jr., age 80 of Pilesgrove, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, at home. Born in Swedesboro, Dave was a 1955 graduate of Swedesboro High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete.
After high school, he served in the US Navy for three years and proudly served on the U.S.S. Intrepid. He worked over 30 years as an electrician for DuPont Chambers Works. He was a former member of Kiwanis, was a member of the Clarksboro Masonic Lodge, and volunteered for many years with the Deepwater Industry Federal Credit Union. He attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Mullica Hill, and in summer, he attended St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Ocean City. He loved his summer home of 53 years in Ocean City, and he enjoyed his annual trips to Maine.
Dave is survived by his wife of 58 years, Laura Mae (nee Hurff); his daughter and son-in-law, Sharon Laura and Joseph Somers; his daughter, Davida Lynne Behrens; his grandchildren, Lauren and Mason Somers and Taylor Behrens; his brother and sister-in-law, Marvin and Bertie Dare; his niece, Beth Azzari; and his nephew, Jeffrey Dare.
Memorial contributions in David Dare’s memory may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 284 Cedar Rd., Mullica Hill, NJ 08062, or to the Salvation Army, PO Box 6, Salem, NJ 08079. Please visit www.htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence to the family.
