GRANT — Robert R. Grant, II, of Logan Township passed away on April 16, age 78 years. Beloved husband of Rosanne (nee Fiducioso). Devoted father of Robert R. Grant, III (Kim). Loving P-Pop of Alex, Cameron, and Kylie. Dear brother of Richard V. Grant.
Robert was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was previously employed by Chemical Leamen Tanklines of Bridgeport. Robert enjoyed camping and was a model train enthusiast. Once Bob became ill, he was affectionately known by all his caregivers at the “Grumpy Old Grouch.” To express condolences please visit www.landolfifuneralhome.com.
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BATTLE — John H. Battle, of Mickleton, passed away on April 19. He was 91.
John was a loving, caring, kind and gentle man. He would do anything for anyone. John proudly served his country in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was a proud member of the First Presbyterian Church of Woodbury Heights. After graduating from Rutgers University John had a successful career with the U.S Government; first with the Postal Service and then as a Special Agent with the U.S Customs.
He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is the beloved husband to the late Marjorie (nee Northacker); loving father-in-law to Bette Nuss and stepfather to the late Barry Nuss and Ronald Nuss ;devoted grandfather of Christopher Nuss; dear uncle to Lynn and the late Earl Nellius and great uncle to Reid, James and Andrew Nellius; dear brother to the late Dorothy Gohagan.
Share the memories share love ShareLife at www.mcgfuneral.com.
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STRAUP — Carolyn Linda Straup, 63, of Clarksboro, passed away April 19. She was born in Cape May Court House, NJ, to the late Harry and Thelma Straup. Carolyn lived at the Lincoln House in Woodbury Heights, NJ, for 30 years.
She is survived by her brother, Richard D. Straup.
Condolences at www.radzieta.com.
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RIVELL — Carmella Rivell (Kennedy) age 48, of Mickleton passed away April 26. She was born in Camden, and raised by two wonderfully caring parents. She grew up in the little town of Glendora, married on June 3, 1995, and had two beautiful children; Hailey and Rachel. She lived her life for her children and will forever be remembered for her beautiful eyes, playful songs and dances, her love of animals, and her ability to make people laugh.
Our Carmella will be missed by everyone she touched. She is survived by her husband Bob Rivell, daughters Rachel Marie Rivell and Hailey Carmella Rivell, mother Carmella Kennedy, sisters Patricia A. Kennedy Schonewolf and Donna L. Kennedy, brother James F. Kennedy Jr. (Janeen), and many nieces and nephews.
Donations in her memory can be made to Voorhees Animal Orphanage, 419 Cooper Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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CHINNICI — Joseph J. Chinnici, 44, of South Harrison Township died suddenly and unexpectedly April 29, 2018 at his home.
Born in Bridgeton on July 14, 1973, he was the son of George F. and Lynne Cochran Chinnici, with whom he resided. Joseph attended Cumberland County College, Penn State University and eventually received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Rowan University.
Joseph spent his life as a highly sought after systems engineer for several major corporations. His specialty was the design, implementation, and documentation of storage technologies. Currently he was employed by CenturyLink and also had experience during the last 25 years with CVS Health, Anthellio Healthcare in Dallas, TX, IBM, Harris Corporation, Cigna, the US Department of Energy and JP Morgan in Wilmington, DE. These are only a sampling of Joseph’s experience during the last several years. Joseph also was continually seeking additional certifications which allowed him to remain on the “cutting edge” of most advances in technology.
He was a member of the New Jersey National Guard and was in constant support of many veterans organizations. He also supported several police officers and their respective police forces. Joseph was a member of the NRA.
His greatest hobby was flying. He had his pilot’s license and was a member of AOPA and flew on a regular basis from Millville Airport.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Paul Chinnici (Joan) and Brian Chinnici (Nicole), two nieces, Angelena and Gia and one nephew, Brian II as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by both his grandmothers, Mary Andeloro Chinnici and Jane Cochran.
Memorial contributions are requested in Joseph’s memory to Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
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LOMBARDO — Santo “Sam” Lombardo, 88, passed away peacefully May 3. Born in Salem, New Jersey, Sam was the son of the late Stephen and Julia Salvo Lombardo. Sam is survived by his children, Angela Kates (Bruce) of Pennsville, Pamela Fisher (George) of Logan Twp., Samuel Lombardo (Jennifer) of Mt. Royal and Joseph Lombardo (Nicole) of Logan Twp. Sam was “Pop Pop” to eight grandchildren, Justin, Kelly, Holly, Sammy, Gianna, Joseph, Alexa, and Sonny. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 48 years, Virginia Ann; and brothers, Joseph and Stephen Lombardo, and sisters, Josephine Palmieri and Anne Catalano.
Sam spent his younger years working in his parents’ store, Lombardo’s Market, in Salem and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He met his beautiful bride Virginia Ann Dean in 1947 and they were married in 1955. Sam exemplified the meaning of love and devotion when Virginia became ill and he gave her life by donating a kidney to her.
He was a member of the Sons of Italy Lodge and loved Frank Sinatra tunes. Sam’s love of cooking permeated the house every Sunday as he lovingly prepared the traditional Italian Sunday dinner for his family. He always said his secret ingredient for his sauce was the ash that dropped from his cigar.
Sam was a 35-year veteran of the DuPont Company, working as a Lab Technician at Chambers Works. He loved watching old movies, boxing matches, and Eagles football, and was never without his favorite cigar.
Contributions in Sam’s memory may be sent to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016. “If heaven has no cigars, I shall not go there” – Mark Twain We’re sure there’s a box of Partagas up there waiting for you, Dad.
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WEBBER — Mary Eugenia Webber (nee Mecholsky) of Mickleton passed away on May 3 at the age of 85.
Mary was born to Alfred and Margaret on Aug. 11, 1932 in Paulsboro, NJ. She is survived by daughter, Linda Futia and husband Dan; daughter, Monica Hawkins and husband Leigh; grandchildren, Amanda, Matthew, Brandon, Justin, and Blaise; great-grandchildren, Gabrielle, Elise, Kian, and Quentin; siblings, Alfred, Agnes, William, Julianna, Franklin, and Margaret. Mary is predeceased by her husband, Ernest, and brothers, Joseph, Stanley, and Bernard.
Mary attended Paulsboro High School, graduating in 1949. Following graduation, she worked in Paulsboro as a florist and then as a seamstress until the birth of her eldest daughter, Linda. For many years while raising her daughters, Mary worked in the cafeteria of Kingsway Regional High School.
Married since May 27, 1950, Ernest and Mary made their home a gathering place for friends and family. Many generations of the extended Mecholsky family would learn to swim in their backyard pool or attend a family reunion at their annual 4th of July barbecue. Throughout their years together, it was also a very common sight to find Ernest and Mary on their patio laughing and reminiscing with friends and family.
Mary enjoyed country music, poetry, baking, and traveling the United States and the United Kingdom. While living in Mickleton, she was an active member of VFW Ladies Auxiliary and senior citizen groups in both East Greenwich Township and Paulsboro.
Mary was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. She is deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
The family asks that you make a donation in honor of Mary Webber to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Memories, thoughts and prayers may be extended to the family by visiting dlfuneral.com.
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TOYE — Marilyn G. Toye, (Nee Nopens), 82 yrs. of Swedesboro passed away May 4, at ManorCare Health Center, West Deptford, NJ.
Born and raised in the Trenton area, she graduated from Hamilton High School, Class of ’54, the Mercer County Community School of Nursing, Class of ’76, and moved to Swedesboro 18 years ago. Marilyn was an LPN and worked for the former Gloucester County Correctional Center in Woodbury, NJ. She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish and a Eucharistic Minister for the parish.
She is survived by her daughters, Connie Sailey and Elizabeth (Betsy) Yard and three grandchildren. Arrangements by the CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME, Swedesboro.
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DRAGER — Michael B. Drager, of Woodstown, formerly of Swedesboro, passed away on May 5. Mike was granted the peace of heaven after a valiant two year journey with the hope of healing from a brain stem tumor. Mike was 67 years old.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pat, to whom he was married for 39 years. They would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on June 24th of this year. They were blessed with 39 wonderful years of marriage.
Mike is the son of Joseph Drager of Swedesboro and the late Doris Drager. He is also survived by his siblings, Louis Drager, JoAnna Gahrs, Shirley Lieggi and a special cousin, Robin Jess, who was like a sister to him. Also surviving him are his sisters-in-law, Maryann Nowak, Susan Peterson, Kathleen Driscoll, Peggy Crystle and their families. Mike was very devoted to his nieces and nephews and took such special interest in their accomplishments and activities.
Mike was a graduate of St. James High School and cherished his friends and teachers from those days. He excelled in both academics and athletics and played football at the college level. He attended Hofstra University, Glassboro State College and received a Master’s Degree in Business from Widener University.
He had an expansive career in refining which began with Seaview Asphalt and he continued with Citgo, as a refinery manager. The company then became Nu Star Energy and eventually Axeon Specialty Products. He retired in December 2017 as the Vice-President of Health, Safety and Environmental for Axeon Specialty Products. He missed his work in retirement and the many people there with whom he had bonded during the many years.
Mike was very involved with service to the company and to the surrounding communities. He served two terms as the Chairperson for Fundraising for the United Way of Gloucester County. He was a member of the Scholarship Foundation Board for Rowan at Gloucester County College. He served on the Advisory Board of Gloucester County Vocational and Technical School under the leadership of Victor Morella.
In addition, he was a member of GAP/CAP, a community advisory panel for Gibbstown and Paulsboro and was involved with working at Paulsboro Senior Citizen Luncheons. Within his work organizations, he established Refinery Olympics, the Refinery Halloween Party and so looked forward to the family Christmas parties each December. He was the founder of the Veterans’ Day Ceremonies at the refinery in which he took great pride.
He resided in Woodstown during his entire married life and served on the Woodstown Planning Board for many years. He was a member of The Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, formerly St. Joseph’s Church, in Woodstown. He attended Mass regularly until his illness progressed. He was a man of deep faith and prayer, with special devotion to the Blessed Mother.
During Mike’s illness, we were blessed with the love and support of many people. Mike’s goodness to so many individuals over the course of his life could be seen in the kindness returned to him. We hold deep gratitude for the many acts of goodness which eased the burden of the suffering during the challenging journey. To each of you who visited, made meals, took us to appointments, sent Mass cards, prayed constantly and touched us in so many ways, both Mike and I were grateful. A special mention of Dr. Arati Desai at Penn Medicine for being what we would term both brilliant and compassionate in attempting to heal Mike. Karen Albright, NP, was also of great assistance on many days which were very difficult. May God continue to bless them in healing those who are ill.
Contributions may be made to Salesianum School, The Michael and Patricia Drager Scholarship Fund at 1801 North Broom Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19802 or to Amigos de Jesus at 126 Woodland Avenue Malvern, PA 19355. Please visit www.htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence to the family.
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BRIGGS — William Clinton Briggs, 89, of Logan Township. He was born in Woodbury, NJ, and resided in Logan Township all his life. William married Barbara Clark in 1953, and settled in Logan Township.
A member of Zion United Methodist Church of Clarksboro, member of the PPR committee, member of trustees of the church, member of the Jerseyite Hunting Club, Committee member of the Boy Scout Troop 7 of Bridgeport, member of the Anthony J. Calista VFW Post of Gibbstown, NJ, member of the Old Forge Snowmobile Club in NY, member of the South Jersey Small Engine Club, member of the Waterloo Boys of PA. He was a proud veteran of the Korean War, serving in the Navy for 4 years aboard the USS Tarawa aircraft carrier stationed in the Mediterranean theater.
Mr. Briggs was employed at Clement Cement Company of Penns Grove, worked for the Swedesboro Seed Company, was a driver for Walter Heilman Trucking Company of Bridgeport and a driver the Chemical Lehman Company of Bridgeport for 25 years, retiring in 1991.
Bill was an avid camper and snowmobiler for many years, traveling most of the states and Alaska. He has been snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park, WY, Canada, Pennsylvania and New York in the Adirondack Mountains.
He was the husband of the late, Barbara and father of Brian (Jody) Briggs, Nancy (Doug) Dorner and the late Robert; grandfather of 5 and great grandfather of 4. Donations to Zion Community Church, 242 Kings Highway, Clarksboro 08020 will be appreciated.
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WRIGHT — William M. Wright Sr., 100, of Bridgeport. He was the oldest man in Bridgeport. He could no longer drive but he maintained a car, tractors and a golf cart: Bill preferred being chauffeured in his own vehicles. Every snowfall he’d make a track on his property; the grandkids would go wild on the snowmobiles. But, of course, he’d do anything to keep them entertained: he even made tomato juice with granddaughter Amy (AKA Turk).
Earlier years found him hauling everything imaginable from oyster shells to fertilizer by boat with his family business, “The Wright Brothers,” along the area’s waterways; he went as far as Baltimore.
He was set in his ways, especially when it came to farming. Bill grew potatoes and pole lima beans, mostly sold to locals but he also maintained a roadside stand if, for no other reason, because he loved to chat with customers. A prankster from the get go; you might find a firecracker under your chair or your purse tied to your seat. His favorite T-shirt read Hot Damn, here I am.
One day he’d meet a girl named Violet while collecting a debt from her brother. He never could quite remember whether or not it was actually paid but he collected the late Violet as his bride. In any case, after 69 years of marriage he considered that debt paid with interest.
He is survived by his sons, William Jr. (Margo) and Michael (Nancy); his sister Ethel Gardner and his grandchildren, Jenny Wright, Amy “Turk” Wright, Tracy Sparks (Dave), Daniel Wright and Lewis Wright; and six great-grandchildren. Donations to the charity of the donor’s choice will be appreciated.
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RUSSELL — Robert P. Russell, 83, of South Harrison Township passed away on May 11. Born in Woodbury, Robert and his brother Bill co-owned and operated William E. Russell and Sons House Moving Co. until he retired. He enjoyed camping, hunting, travelling and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Robert was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church for over 50 years.
He was a loving father and devoted to caring for his disabled daughter, who is his youngest, Kimberly. Robert was predeceased by his beloved wife Gloria. He is survived by children Robert L. Russell (Elizabeth), Deborah Zanes and Kimberly Russell, grandchildren Joseph Zanes, Christine Storar (Brandon), Jacquelyn and Victoria Russell, and brother Kenneth Russell (Donna). He was also predeceased by his parents, William Elias and Ida Eleanor (Hunter) Russell.
Contributions to the MPN Research Foundation to aid in the fight against Polycythemia Vera at mpnresearchfoundation.org would be greatly appreciated. Thoughts and prayers may be extended to the family at www.FERTIGFUNERALHOME.com.
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O’LEARY — Thomas A. O’Leary Sr. age 90 years of Clarksboro died May 11 in his home.
Mr. O’Leary was born and raised in Paulsboro and lived in Clarksboro since 1958 in the home that he built. He was a proud veteran serving in the United States Navy during World War II and in the Navy Reserves for eight additional years. Mr. O’Leary retired with over 40 years of service as a pipefitter with Mobil Oil Co., Paulsboro. He enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his children, Lillian and Paul McCairns, Liz O’Leary, Robert O’Leary, Joseph O’Leary and Mark O’Leary, all of Clarksboro; his grandchildren, Ann Marie and William Glenn; his great- grandchildren, Sean, Liam, Grace and Ryan; his sister, Betty O’Leary (Sister Mary Vida) of Mount St. Mary’s; his brothers, Arthur and Diane O’Leary of Arizona, Gerald and Bernadette O’Leary of Gibbstown, Edward and Carol O’Leary of Georgia and his sister-in-law, Ida O’Leary of Paulsboro. Mr. O’Leary was predeceased by his wife, Lillian O’Leary, his son, Thomas Jr. and his brother, Buck O’Leary.
Arrangements by McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Contributions can be made in his memory to Retired Sisters of Mercy, McAuley Hall, 1633 Hwy 22 W., Watchung, NJ 07069. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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BROWN — Robert M. Brown, age 83, of Mickleton passed away May 13 at home.
Bob and his brother, Richard, owned and operated Brown Brothers dairy farm. Once the cows were sold, Bob held various jobs until he and his brother owned and operated Bob and Dick Trucking. Bob’s “fun” job was working at Cowtown Rodeo from the time it opened at its current location in Pilesgrove, NJ. He performed various jobs, finishing his time at Cowtown by dragging the arena for 30 years with his team of Belgians; he and his horses were referred to as the Equine Zamboni. He and his horses also participated in local parades and competed in plowing contests, pulling contests, and obstacle courses.
Robert is survived by his wife, Maxine L. Brown (nee Layton); his children, B. Lyn Brown, Pilesgrove, NJ; N. Stewart Brown, Pilesgrove, NJ; Christopher (Kate) Brown, Centreville, MD, and Virginia R. Kellum, Pilesgrove, NJ. He has 7 grandchildren: David N. Brown, Justin P. (Tasha) Newcomb, Angela Brown, Autumn Brown, Emily (Bob) Smith, Sarah Brown, and Kyle Kellum; 6 great-grandchildren, Leighton and Susannah Smith, Benjamin Newcomb, Patrick Hardy, and Joshua and Harry Leathbury. He was predeceased by sister, Anna Margaret Pye, and brothers, Richard S. and Joseph C. Brown.
Donations can be made to Howell Living History Farm, 101 Hunter Road, Titusville, NJ 08560-1903. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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