MUHLBAIER — Rev. Howard E. Muhlbaier Cherry Hill, N.J. Rev. Howard Edward Muhlbaier, retired Catholic Priest of the Camden Diocese passed away on Feb. 22 at St. Mary’s Villa in Cherry Hill, with devoted friends and caregivers by his side, at age 81. Rev. Muhlbaier was born on June 16, 1938 to Sebastian Muhlbaier and Dorothy Kennedy Muhlbaier. He was raised in Swedesboro and was a graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School class of 1956. He continued his studies at Saint Charles College, Loyola College and Saint Mary Seminary having received his Master’s in Theology.
Father Muhlbaier was ordained May 22, 1965 in Camden, NJ by Archbishop Damiano. First assigned as parochial vicar at Incarnation in Mantua. Rev. Muhlbaier went on to serve the parishes of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Pitman, Saint Andrew the Apostle in Gibbsboro, St. Maurice Church in Brooklawn and Saints Peter and Paul in Turnersville. From 1992 through 2000, Rev. Muhlbaier was the pastor of Assumption Parish in Atco. He then served as a chaplain at the former Kennedy Hospital in Washington Township until 2008. His final assignment was senior priest at St. Andrew the Apostle. From 1965 through the 1980’s. Rev. Muhlbaier served on the faculty of Gloucester Catholic High School, Paul VI High School and St. Joseph’s High School in Hammonton.
In addition to his parents, Father Muhlbaier is predeceased by his brothers, Sebastian, Charles, Vernon, Norman, Esq. and James. He is survived by his brother, John “Jack” Muhlbaier of MD; sister-in-laws, Patricia Muhlbaier and Anna Muhlbaier, as well as dear friends, Ritamarie and George Simmons and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Gloucester Catholic High School Alumni Fund, 333 Ridgeway St., Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Please memo, Rev. Howard E. Muhlbaier. Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Rev. Howard E. Muhlbaier.
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GRASSO — Lucy Grasso Mullica Hill. If you knew Lucy, you knew that she always had an extra place at the table for anyone who dropped in or for whoever her kids brought home. Every Sunday you could find her at the head of the table surrounded by her family and a huge pot of her homemade meatballs and gravy. Her greatest joy was watching her children raise their kids. If you ever needed advice – whether you wanted it or not – Lucy would tell you how it is.
Lucy Grasso (nee Sorbello) 89, of Mullica Hill departed this life peacefully on Feb. 21, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Swedesboro on the family farm. She was the wife of the late Alfio “Fred” Grasso of Mullica Hill. Together they continued the family tradition of farming and worked side by side growing their business.
Lucy was a great steward and the humble anchor of her large family. She had a sharp business mind and used that resource to better the lives of those around her. Lucy always showed up, she never wanted to miss anything, she was first in line to comfort someone grieving or celebrating. She loved life!
She is survived by her children, Alfio “Fred” Grasso (Diana), Rosario Grasso, John Grasso (Suzanne), and Mary Lynn Shiles. She leaves behind eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sisters, Verna Bisconte and Mary Sorbello. In-laws, Mary Sorbello, Joan Sorbello, Bill and Sadie McCart, John and Mary Ann Grasso, Josephine Tomarchio, Betty Grasso and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Rosario and Giovanina Sorbello, and her brothers, Joseph, Michael, Rosario and Alfio Sorbello and her son-in-law, Michael Shiles.
A 1948 Swedesboro High School graduate, Lucy’s hobbies included traveling, cooking and porcelain painting. She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed biographies. Lucy was past president of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary post 452 having served as Girl’s State Chairman. She was a member of the Incarnation Senior Citizens Club, Golden Age Club of Mullica Hill, Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit Senior Club, and a proud member of NJ Farm Bureau. The family requests donations be made on-line to the National Scoliosis Foundation (scoliosis.org) Thoughts and prayers may be extended at www.FERTIGFUNERALHOME.com
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McLAUGHLIN — Henry J. McLaughlin, 86, of Clarksboro, passed away, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, Feb. 21.
A strong willed man, Henry was devoted to his family. A true outdoorsman, Henry was an avid fisherman and hunter and loved to tend to his garden. He shared his homegrown tomatoes with all who knew him.
Born in Gloucester City, NJ, Henry was a resident of Clarksboro 50 years. He was a United States Navy Veteran who served from 1950 – 1954 during the Korean Conflict. After his military service, he was a meat cutter at ACME and retired after 35 years.
Beloved husband of Frances D. (nee Roberts) McLaughlin; loving father of Kathleen (David) Winslow, Margaret Gindhart, John McLaughlin, Jane (Jerry) Stone, Joseph (Peggy) McLaughlin and Patrick McLaughlin; cherished grandfather of 13 and great grandfather of 5.
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CROTHERS — William Joseph Crothers, 44, a resident of Cape Coral for the past 3 years, formerly of Mickleton, passed away March 6, in Cape Coral. He was born on Sept. 12, 1975 in Woodbury, NJ.
William was of the Catholic faith. He was a bull in a china shop with a golden heart. His big, burly stature could not mask the teddy bear inside of him. His thunderous voice was heard by everyone, and no one could depict if they were being welcomed or scolded.
When William was not working, you could find him at the Matlacha Bridge with a rod in his hands. While fishing, he enjoyed snapping photos of the beautiful scenery, and sending it to the relatives saying, “I live where you vacation.”
He loved to spend time with his family and friends and would do anything possible to ensure that they were safe. Not only a father of his two children, he served as a public parent within the baseball community. Whenever another kid needed guidance he was there to listen and suggest a proper path.
Within his early stages in high school, William knew that his career path was to follow his father’s footsteps and become a police officer. At the ripe age of 17, he actively pursued his dream of becoming a member of law enforcement and took his first police exam. In 1996, he successfully achieved his goal of becoming a member of the Brooklawn Police Department. He quickly amassed the respect and friendship of a large number of local officers.
In 2001, he transferred to East Greenwich Police Department, and had the opportunity to increase his professional opportunities, and he became head of traffic investigation and firearms instructor. He quickly rose to a Patrol Sergeant in July of 2013. His knowledge of police procedures and the law was widely recognized, and it was not uncommon for officers of various ranks to ask for his guidance.
After retiring from the force in 2017, he moved to Cape Coral, Florida. He spent his time as a beach patrol officer. He soon realized that he missed police work, and he joined the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in February 2019. Other officers quickly recognized his capabilities and was accepted into their brotherhood.
Bill seemed to amass friends wherever he went. People recognized Bill for three things: an outstanding family man, an outstanding officer, and a terrible fisherman.
He is survived by his two loving children, Alexander Crothers and Austin Crothers, both of Cape Coral; parents, Bill and Donna Crothers of Deptford, NJ; one brother, Jeffrey Crothers (Alicia) of Mr. Ephraim, NJ; one sister, Dana Like (Brandon) of San Diego, CA; former wife, Kimberly Crothers of Cape Coral; five nieces and nephews, Gabriel, Ava, Amelia, Aurora and R.J; predeceased by his grandparents John Gogolin, Lillie Gogolin, Harry Crothers; Uncle Jack Gogolin, and survived by his Aunt Dot Gogolin; cousins Scott, Dawn, and Shawn; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert Watson (Robin) of Cape Coral; as well as the two huskies, Kona and Sanibel.
Memorial contributions in memory of William Crothers are suggested to the College Education Fund for Alexander and Austin Crothers. Donations to be directed through Mullins Memorial c/o William Crothers, 1056 NE 7th Ter, Cape Coral, FL 33909
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MILLER — Edwin T. Miller (Ted) age 89, of Kennett Square, PA, died on March 8. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps serving in Korea. He retired from DelMonte Foods in Swedesboro. Ted was a resident of Swedesboro for most of his life and was a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church.
He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Barbara A. Miller, (nee Rainey). He is survived by daughter Susan L. Everest and son-in-law Russell C. Everest of Avondale, PA and granddaughters Erica L. Everest of New York City, and Veronica E. Everest of Philadelphia. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
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RAPP — Earl Rapp, Jr., 70. Apples don’t fall far from trees: at St. James High School he was captain of their basketball team. Earl’s athletic genes were passed down by his hero, Earl Sr. And while he was a stellar athlete, what he enjoyed most was being a drummer. He and his wife were in a band, The Gang; Earl the drummer and Donna the lead singer. You would have most likely enjoyed their music at Wildwood venues. And, of course he cheered for the Phillies.
Earl, Sr. and his mother, Elizabeth Morrison Rapp predeceased him and survivors include a brother, Richard, and his wife, Lillian, and a sister, Christine Nina Bolopue, and her husband, Brian.
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EHRMANN — Marian D. Ehrmann (nee Dowdell), 88, of Mickleton passed away on March 10, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Atlantic City, NJ.
Marian was a resident of Brooklawn for 35 years and has lived in Mickleton for the past 26 years. She was a graduate of Woodbury High School, Class of 1949, and married 51 years to her high school sweetheart James J. Ehrmann. Marian was devoted to her husband, and her pride and her greatest accomplishment was raising her 5 children. She was a woman of faith, fun loving, and very active in her children’s activities. Marian lovingly tended to her home, was an avid reader and was her grandchildrens’ biggest fan. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles and loved Notre Dame.
Beloved wife of the late James J. Ehrmann; Loving mother of James J. (Diane), Kathleen Jackson (Reginald), Nancy Ehrmann, Susan Snyder (Frank) and Thomas Ehrmann (Mary); and Cherished Mom Mom of Ryan, Brett, Reggie, Michele, Phillip, Frankie, Michael, Steven, Tracey, Tommy and Danny; dear Gi Gi of 12 and one on the way.
Memorial contributions may be made in Marian’s name to the New Jersey Special Olympics, 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 or at sonj.org. share the memories … share love … ShareLife at www.mcgfuneral.com.
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SHIVELER — Kathleen M. Shiveler of Sicklerville, NJ has a new home in Heaven with her Lord and Savior. She passed from this earthly life after a brief illness on March 13 with her loved ones surrounding her.
Kathy was a dedicated registered nurse in the Critical Care Unit at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden for over 38 years. She loved her work and touched many lives with her humor and compassionate patient care. She was the Best Mom Ever to two wonderful children Sara Shiveler and David Shiveler, and to one “adopted” son Paul Lee.
Survived by her husband, Russell C. Shiveler Jr, Kathy is forever the love of his life. She is also survived by her sister Bernadette Pollis of Williamstown, NJ; by her brother Paul Ryan of Sewell, NJ; by her sister Eileen Ransom of Egg Harbor Township, NJ and by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews all loved and special to her heart.
The family would like to thank the many persons who sent cards or messages of encouragement or prayed faithfully for Kathy during her illness. To celebrate Kathy Shiveler’s lifelong ministry of compassion and giving, her family requests that memorial contributions would be sent to one of the following: Abundant Living Church, 849 Route 54, Williamstown, NJ 08094 for the outreach ministry, or the American Cancer Society at americancancerpa.ejoinme.org/memoriam for the benefit of housing and ministry to the families of breast cancer patients. To share condolences marinellafuneralhome.com.
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MULLEN — Teresa A. Mullen age 92, of Mickleton passed away at home on March 17. She grew up in Audubon NJ, graduating from Audubon High School class of 1945 and remained active with the reunion committee. Terry worked for the Campbell’s Soup Company in Camden before getting married and raising her family in West Deptford where she lived for 52 years before moving to Mickleton.
Terry loved going to the movies and watching sports, especially the Eagles and Phillies. She was a talented artist, especially loved oil painting and enjoyed traveling with her daughter Kathy, to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and all over the US
Teresa was predeceased by her husband, William O. Mullen and daughter, Kathleen D. Mullen; survived by her children, Kevin Mullen (Sherrell) of Mickleton, Patrick Mullen (Shari) of Washington Twp., William Mullen Jr. Of Newtown Sq. Pa. and Beverly Merrick (Lee) of Wallingford Pa.; grandchildren, Lee, Tiffany, Bill, Richie, Amanda, Kaitlyn, Kylie and Shauna; and great grandchildren, Abby, Leiana, Gwendolyn and Finnian. She was predeceased by her daughters-in-law, Roxanne Mullen and Chi Mullen.
Services will be announced in the near future. Donations can be made to The Arc Gloucester Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
