CALHOUN — Robert Kenneth Calhoun, 80, a permanent resident of Lee County, FL since 2013, formerly of Leesburg, NJ, passed away Feb. 8 in Fort Myers, FL. He was born Jan. 8, 1938 in Moorestown, NJ to Edward and Ethel Calhoun, now deceased.
Robert was of the Baptist faith. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 for 45 years. Capt. Bob was widely known as “The Legend of the Maurice River” while he owned and operated the Charter Boat Sandi Pearl for 33 years; running day and night fishing excursions in the Delaware Bay. Capt. Bob never met a stranger. He was a true people person.
Robert served aboard the USS Gearing (DD-710) as a MM3 during the Korean War. He later served as the President of the Gearing Association for 12 years. Robert was a member of Clarksboro Lodge No.87 F. & A.M. and the Scottish Rite and the Crescent Shrine. He also was a member of Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 434 and American Legion Post 336.
Robert was so excited in his later years to be a member of the Mark Gibson Racing Team for car #59. He looked forward to traveling to new ARCA racetracks each and every weekend, doing whatever he could (mechanic, flagman, catch-can man, manning the jack) to help the team get into the winner’s circle. He loved racing!
He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Patricia Rose Calhoun (nee Bonner) formerly of Woolwich Township, now of North Fort Myers; two loving children, Robert Kenneth Calhoun, Jr. (Kim) of Southampton, NJ and Lisa Anne Peer, also of Southampton, NJ; four brothers and sisters, John Calhoun of NJ, Alice Johnston of CA, William Calhoun (Susan) of NJ, Virginia Fairhurst (Richard) of NJ; nine grandchildren, Annie, Robert, III, Savanna, Jason, Taylor, Keith, Jr., Brandi, Jessica and Aleck; seven great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as Fluffy and Smokey, the cats.
Robert was preceded in death by two children, Edward James Calhoun and Keith Naylor Calhoun; as well as two siblings, James Calhoun and Arthur Calhoun.
Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.
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LaPALOMENTO — Grace S. LaPalomento, age 93, formerly of the Center Square Section of Logan Twp., passed away Feb. 16 with her family at her side. Born and raised in Philadelphia. Grace moved to Center Square in 1943 to be with her husband, Joseph, who passed away in 2013. They had been married for 70 years. Grace was a hard worker on the family farm, a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, The Logan Twp. Senior Citizens, and had operated a produce stand from the family farm. Grace loved to cook and hosted holiday luncheons for her close friends and the traditional Sunday pasta dinners for no less than 15 family members and whoever else knocked on her door.
Grace is survived by her children, Carol (Robert) Leonetti, Sharon (Ralph) Dinwiddie, Robert (Carol), and David T. (Charlotte) LaPalomento; 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Services were arranged by Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro. Contributions in Grace’s memory to Shady Lane Nursing Home, 256 County House Rd., Clarksboro, NJ 08020 or Wills Eye Hospital, Macular Degeneration Div. 840 Walnut St., Phila., Pa 19107 (www.willseye.org) would be appreciated.
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FOLTZ — Robert Wickham Foltz, of Clarksboro, born 1935 in Bryn Mawr, PA, passed away on Feb. 18. He was a proud veteran of the Korean War, former Merchant Marine, and professional Tug Boat skipper for over four decades. Robert was very active in AA up until his passing, and his involvement there brought him many rewards, including 40-year-old friendships and the satisfaction of helping others. He and his wife raised many Guide dogs for the Seeing Eye program.
He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Winifred, and by his brothers Thomas and Richard. His beloved wife of 60 years Sara Foltz (nee Lewis) passed away five months ago. Family requests donations to The Seeing Eye, Inc. in lieu of flowers. Memories may be shared at buddfuneralhome.com.
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SCIOTTO — Peter Joseph Sciotto, 89, formerly of Swedesboro and Clarksboro, died Sunday evening, Feb. 18. He was born July 23, 1928, the fourth of five children, to Joseph and Alfia Sciotto. His brother Michael and sisters, Connie, Rose, and Alfina (“Skee”) were always very proud of Pete and his accomplishments.
Prior to his military service in Korea, Pete married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Carlin Smith, and devoted the next 57 years of his life to her. He showered her with his love, grew a spectacular rose garden in her name, and ensured that her every need was taken care of prior to her death in 2007. Ruth and Pete’s relationship was special in another way – Ruth was the sister of his best friend George and Pete was the brother of Ruth’s close friend Skee. George and Skee married within months of Ruth and Pete’s wedding and the couples remained close throughout their lives.
Pete was an exacting food scientist who worked hard and long to develop high quality products. Tomato sauce produced by his recipes was sold internationally and was well known for its taste. He was also a skillful dancer who loved Benny Goodman’s Big Band sound, a prolific gardener whose produce and roses were enjoyed by the neighborhood, and a man ahead of his time recognizing the virtues of natural foods and vitamins.
In addition, he found comfort, warmth, and solace at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. His free time, however, was primarily spent enriching the lives of his many friends and family, people of all ages and walks of life.
He is survived by his loving younger sister, Skee Smith of Clarksboro. In addition, “Uncle Pete” will fondly be remembered for his unconditional love, kindness, and support by his nieces and nephews: Faith Diehl (Bryan), Mary Provencher (Bob), Susan Sciotto-Brown (Doug Brown), Lou Pantalone (JoAnn), Nancy Sciotto, Joe Pantalone (Olivia), Betsy Smith (John Barrie), and Michael Sciotto (Cathy); his great nieces and nephews: Amy Pantalone (James DeMarsh), Ashley D’Agostino (Joe), Kate Knapp (Tim), Chelsea Skucek (Sascha), Mike Provencher, Smith Alpert, Michael T. Sciotto, Maggie Provencher (Jeff Smith), Joseph Pantalone, Hollis Alpert, James Sciotto, and Kyle Pantalone; and great-great nephews: Leo Skucek, Garrett Knapp, and Tristan Knapp.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Church, 304 Kings Hwy. Clarksboro, NJ 08020. Memories and condolences shared at daviswagner.com.
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MERCANTI — Luke Samuel Mercanti, 10 years old, from Mullica Hill, left us on Feb. 18. Luke’s love for everyone, infectious smile and deep belly laughter made seemingly normal days, joyful ones. He had a voracious appetite for knowledge. What he didn’t know – he learned. Whether it was politics, cultures, human anatomy, music, sports or a multitude of other hobbies, he delved deep to learn all there was about the subject at hand.
Luke was beyond his age with his grasp of various subjects yet he maintained his childlike personality with his playful behavior. His selflessness, cheerfulness and larger than life smile will be the memory he leaves us with.
Luke is the beloved son of Chris Mercanti and Donna Cipollone (DiNardo), stepson to Robert Cipollone, dear brother of Gabriella and Ava, and the precious grandson of John and Marianne Mercanti and Teresa and Fred DiNardo. He is also survived by his dog, Cenza, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Luke loved his sisters, Gabriella and Ava. He was an avid Xbox player, loved the outdoors and achieved a karate black belt at age 9. Luke played on baseball, basketball, hockey and lacrosse teams and last year received the Hawk award for academic achievement.
Thoughts and prayers may be extended to the family at www.FERTIGFUNERALHOME.com.
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McKENNA — Raymond J. and Arlene F. (nee Guenard) McKenna, of Mullica Hill, passed away suddenly on Feb. 20. Raymond was 76 and Arlene was 74.
Both Raymond and Arlene were born and raised in Philadelphia. Raymond worked for the Pera Crudes, Philadelphia Naval Yard as an inspection engineer. Arlene was a secretary for the Vice President of Strawbridge and Clothier. They married in 1964 and raised their family in Stratford, NJ where they lived for 25 years and then moved to Mullica Hill. They loved to travel, spend time with friends and family, and Ray and Arlene were their granddaughters’ biggest fans.
Ray and Arlene met at a wedding. After an awkward dance, she wrote her phone number down on a little piece of paper. On their 50th wedding anniversary, he took that piece of paper out of his wallet and spoke of his love for Arlene. He carried it in his wallet every day, for over 53 years, until his death. They were completely devoted to one another.
They are the beloved parents of Lori (Peter) Morrison and Kristen (Jason) Pappert; devoted grandparents of Emily and Lauren Morrison. Arlene is survived by a sister Carol Greshkon.
Share the memories share love ShareLife at www.mcgfuneral.com.
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SEXTON — Howard M. Sexton III, 70, of Mickleton, passed away on Feb. 21. Howard was born in Camden and resided in Pennsauken before moving to Mickleton 20 years ago. He was a truck driver for Raymour & Flanigan for the past 20 years. Howard served in the US Army during Vietnam.
Howard is survived by his wife Michele Lowry-Sexton (nee Dougherty); children Howard IV (Tina) & Andrew Sexton; Betty, James (Brenda), Robert (Lori) Lowry & Tammy (Michael) Cottom; sister Barbara (Al) Evans; brother Glen (Cory) Sexton; 12 grand and one great grandchild; 12 nieces & nephews and two dogs Quincy & Fudgie.
Donations can be made to Gloucester County Animal Shelter 1200 N Delsea Dr. Clayton, NJ 08312. Memories and condolences shared at daviswagner.com.
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EKMEKJIAN — Michael H. Ekmekjian, age 88 of Woolwich Twp. passed away Feb. 23 at Inspira Medical of Woodbury.
Born in Taunta, Egypt, he resided in Woolwich Twp. for 19 years, and was formerly of Little Ferry, NJ. Michael received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, spoke seven languages and was a former Professor of History in Egypt. He had served in the Arab-Israeli War and was wounded during his service there. In North Jersey, he retired as a Jewelry Courier.
Michael was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, using his voice, he praised his Lord by singing in the Church Choir, singing was a passion for him, even singing at the nurse’s station during his time at rehab. Faithful and strong in his faith, Michael could be seen and heard at the Stations of the Cross Lenten Services where he served as Cross bearer.
Along with two of his friends, Michael started a Prison Ministry at the former Gloucester County Prison in Woodbury, visiting inmates, sharing stories, bringing pamphlets and booklets and praying with the inmates. He was also an active member of the Glassboro Senior Center. A happy man, he enjoyed being with friends, talking and sharing stories.
Michael is survived by his son, Christopher and his wife Debbie and a granddaughter, Heather Schult.
Services were held at the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Organ Repair Fund, c/o St. Clare of Assisi Parish, 140 Broad St., Swedesboro, NJ 08085.
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OBERFRANK — Andrew “Andy” Oberfrank Sr., 85, of Woolwich Township, formerly of West Caldwell, N.J., passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 22, at his home, surrounded by family.
Andrew is survived by his sons, Andrew “Andy” Jr. and Robert, and his four grandsons. He was predeceased by his wife, Maria, and his son, Adam.
Andrew worked as a small business owner in machinery repair and was highly skilled in the dying art of precision hand scraping of machine ways.
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WOZNIAK — Dr. Edward G. Wozniak, D.O., age 86 years of South Harrison Twp., died Feb. 28 at Jefferson Health System, Wash. Twp. Division.
Born in Philadelphia, he graduated from Pitman High School in 1949 and LaSalle University in 1953. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-56 during the Korean War. After serving his country, he attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated in 1960. He practiced medicine for over 53 years. He served as the School Doctor for Pitman, South Harrison, Glassboro, and Aura for 20 years and went on many Senior trips to Disney World.
He was a member of the Tri County Assoc. of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, and was a recipient of the NJAOPS Award in honor of his 53 year career practicing medicine. He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus and was a 50 year member of Highland Chemical Engine Company.
Dr. Wozniak lived in Pitman until 1980, when he and his wife moved to South Harrison Twp. He was an avid horseman and loved traveling especially to Wyoming.
Survived by his wife of 61 years, Lillian G. (nee Gasior), daughters; Laura (Michael) Laughlin, Marie (Dan) Darstein, Ellen Wozniak, and Susan (Lester) Shoemaker, grandchildren; Emily Darstein, Rebecca (Billy) Painter, Edward R. Darstein, and Sara Darstein, and great granddaughter Susie Painter.
Those desiring may make contributions to Society of St. Vincent DePaul Society, 17 Earlington Ave, Mullica Hill, NJ. Memories may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com.
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SKINNER — Beryl Jenelda Skinner, age 93, a lifelong resident of Mullica Hill passed away on March 1 at the Friends Village in Woodstown where she has resided since 2011. Born on December 13, 1924, Beryl was the daughter of the late George F. and Alice (Evans) Skinner and the sister of the late Norman Skinner. She started her employment with the Pennsylvania Rail Road on March 8, 1943 and worked in the Philadelphia Office in bookkeeping and retired from CONRAIL on June 21, 1988. Beryl was a member of the Mullica Hill Historical Society and the Mullica Hill Friends Meeting.
She is survived by her loving Godchild Leah Nawrock of Chesterfield, Michigan.
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JOHNSON — Richard Johnson, 86 of Mullica Hill passed away March 1. Born in Uniontown PA on May 2, 1931. Son of the late John E. Johnson and Hazel (Minerd) Johnson.
Proudly served in the US Navy. Graduated from California University in California, PA. Taught at Paulsboro High School and coached baseball, basketball and track. Retired after 37 years.
Owned and operated the Acorn Shop in Mullica Hill for many years. Was a member of the Mullica Hill Lions Club, member and Governor of Moose 932 Woodstown, NJ. Served 25 years on the Harrison Township Zoning Board. Enjoyed fishing, boating, crabbing but his real passions were golfing, cooking and taking walks in the park with his dog Lexi. Richard had a great personality and was the life of the party with his quick sense of humor and zest for life.
Predeceased by brother Jack Johnson. Survived by devoted wife of 60 years Jane (Hoist) Johnson and loving daughters Denise (Richard) Barone, Wilmington DE and Karen (Edward) Dempsey, South Harrison Twp. and special grandson Eddie Dempsey, Niece Patricia (Johnson) Sheckells, Lilburn GA, Brother in-law Frank (Ann) Hoist Allison Park PA, Sister in-law Joan (Fredrick) Derr, Blackwood NJ, nephews Christopher (Karen) Derr, Lindenwold NJ, Jeffrey Derr, Williamstown NJ and many cousins.
Donations can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children or a charity of your choice.
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KINGETT — Patricia A. Kingett (nee Chestnut), age 76, of Clarksboro passed away on Sunday, March 4. Born in Philadelphia, and raised in Magnolia, NJ, she attended Camden Catholic High School with the Class of 1959. She was the owner of Mullica Hill Candy and Gift Shop, a bus driver for Clearview Regional High School Transportation for 13 years, a nanny for three families. She was also a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Most of all, she loved her family and adored her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Charles L. Kingett, her children, Kathleen Weiland (Randy), Janet Edelman (Jack) and Frank H. Kingett (Kelly), MomMom to nine grandchildren, Paul and Jessica Weiland, John and Jarrett Edelman, and Shannon, Joshua, Jacob, Joe and Christian Kingett, sister Elaine Zuber (William), brother, William Chestnut (Joan), sister, Margie Annuzzi (John), sister-in-law, Janet Kingett Campbell (Steve), and many nieces and nephews.
Contributions can be made to Shady Lane Nursing Home, Attn: Resident Enhancement Fund, 256 County House Road, Clarksboro, NJ 08020. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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RHOAD — Catherine M. Rhoad of Logan Township. Ninety percent of the work is done by ten percent of the people. Catherine was that ten percent. She volunteered at Kings Things, gave her time to St. Joseph’s Church in the rectory, sang in the choir, and spent a lifetime supporting the fire fighting community.
But everyone knew that her family was her top priority. Tough but fair as a mom, if you didn’t heed her wagging finger you’d be ducking a shoe. Sundays found her gathering her flock back to her home: the boys would watch football, the girls would solve the world’s problems. Friday nights were for breaking bread with her tight knit friends from Logan Twp.
In her earlier years she worked as an executive secretary for Boeing in Ridley Park. She was originally from Southwest Philly, raised her family in Sharon Hill, and eventually found her way across the Cmdr. Barry to Logan Twp. She’d meet a handsome guy named Richard at a graduation party. The West Catholic girl would marry the West Catholic boy.
Catherine’s love and devotion to the late Richard never diminished. They were blessed with 5 children: Kate Fagan (Marty), Richard Jr. (Dawn), Frank (Teresa), Steve (Joann) and Susan Saunders (Mike). Her face would light up at the sight of her 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Her 83 years of life were celebrated Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Donations to St. Joseph’s Organ Restoration Fund, 140 Broad Street, Swedesboro will be appreciated.
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BELVICK — Stephen J. Belvick, 52. Steve was lucky when it came to work. His job at All Fill led to meeting the love of his life, Wendy. His job at Godwin Pumps found him the perfect home in Swedesboro. One Thanksgiving it all came together: At the new home, in front of family and friends, Steve proposed to Wendy. The arrival of their two boys, Nicholas and Christopher, wasn’t far behind.
Weekends were for family outings with Steve scouting for events the family could attend, Mostly looking for old collectables such as records, train sets and transistor radios; and on occasions they’d head off for State Parks. Each summer found them at Knoebels campground, always when Mahoney Bros were playing; Steve’s favorite Beatles Tribute Band.
He is survived by his brothers, Nicholas (Ginny) and Kenneth (Marianne) and two sisters, Patricia Shretz (Jim) and Sandy Reinhard (Scott).
Arrangements were made by Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro.
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CONLEY — Dennis Edward Conley, age 76 of Swedesboro, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 11 from complications from cancer. Born in Salem, Dennis was the son of the late Samuel D. Conley and Sylvania (Graham) Conley.
Dennis was a truck driver for Miller Bros. Furniture, Chemical Lehman Tank Lines, and Air Products and Chemicals. He also drove a school bus for Riley Williams, Inc.
Dennis was a proud member of both Harrisonville Fire Company and Woolwich Fire Company in Swedesboro where he was a life member.
Dennis is survived by his children: Sheryl Lam, Michael Conley, Dennis Conley, and Kian Conley; grandchildren: Theresa, Tom, Craig, Chase, Jackson, and Alexandra: great grandchildren: Paige, Gianni, and Addison; and his companion, Beth Conley.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Harrisonville Fire Company, or the Woolwich Fire Company. Please visit www.htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence to his family.
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HAWKINS — Ruby Lantz Hawkins. She lived her life making sure everyone else was taken care of including her grandchildren, her nieces, her only brother and even her father-in-law, each living with her at times during their life.
She became one of the favorite residents at Southgate Nursing where she was recovering from a broken hip; Ruby was more concerned with those in charge of her care than her own needs.
She was a Southern girl who never lost touch with her Virginia roots or her southern accent. Given a few leftovers she could whip up a gourmet meal. Earlier years found her working at Owens and later at 7-11 for her son Kelly, but her real calling was as a mother. Truth be told, with her boys she wasn’t too strict, but she kept a watchful eye on her daughter who she lived with the last three years before entering Southgate. Ruby was a grandmother for the ages: no one ever questioned what they’d be doing for the holidays as she gathered her growing clan back to her home. A woman of great faith, Ruby read The Word every day until her eyesight started to fail.
She was the mother of three: the late Clayton Kelly Weber, Tana Carole Sammons and Kirk David Weber; grandmother of four and great-grandmother of two. A celebration of her 92 great years was held at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro.
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DeFRANK — Domenick Frank DeFrank, age 87, of Woolwich Township, and formerly of Gibbstown, passed away March 21. Domenick was a graduate of Paulsboro High School, Class of 1948, and was a member of the Army National Guard for 27 yrs. He retired in 1985 from Mobil Oil Co. in Paulsboro after 37 years of service, and had attended St. Michael’s Church in Gibbstown.
Domenick is survived by his wife of 32 years, Rose Marie (nee Bonanno); his children, Anthony (Donna) DeFrank and Kathleen (Mark) Whiteman; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and his siblings, Susan (Lee) Geese and Toni Markegene. He was predeceased by his first wife of 27 years., Virginia (nee Cerino) and siblings, Grace Hargis, Dolores Wilgus, and Steve Anthony DeFrank. Contributions in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market St., Ste 102, Phila., Pa. 19106 or on line at ALZ.org would be appreciated. Services were arranged by the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro.
