PYLE — Philip C. Pyle from Clarksboro passed away April 6. He was born December 1, 1945 in Woodbury.
He always walked on the sunny side of the street; you knew from the ever present smile on his face. He thought that life was best lived a quarter mile at a time: 130 mph in the “PyleDriver” on the track at Atco. He served our nation in the Army National Guard as a tank mechanic. When he was discharged he got a job with Mobil Research. He worked there for 35 years until retirement. Retirement found him on many a cruise ship, 65 to be exact. Alaska, Hawaii, South America and the Caribbean were his favorite ports. Born and bred in Clarksboro he loved the family property and living next to his two brothers and their families.
One day he met a girl named Stella White at a high school football game. They knew that if they could survive their wedding on a July day, with no air conditioning, the rest of their marriage would be a breeze. They were together for 52 years and were blessed with two children, Kevin, Kim and a grandson Galen Fogleman. He is survived by his brother, Donald Pyle.
Family celebrated 75 great years at a private service.
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GARDINER — Dorothy M Gardiner, 94, a longtime resident of South Harrison passed away at
Friends Village in Woodstown on April 29. She was the daughter of
Alec and Mabel (Shepherd) Iles.
As a child she spent many summers at Lake Gilman while growing up in Ferrell. She was an avid swimmer and would tell stories of winning diving competitions at the lake. Dot was an alumni of Glassboro High School, class of 1943. She especially loved to play field hockey and passed the love of the game on to her daughters. She worked at DuPont during World War II before becoming a homemaker.
Dot and Joe always had a wonderful garden and provided family and friends with fresh vegetables in the summer. A family favorite were the lima beans.
Going to yard sales on Saturday mornings was a favorite pastime. When her grandchildren were little they looked forward to their Saturday visits bringing them lots of goodies from the yard sales. Being a depression baby, Dot was very “frugal”. You never threw anything out because you may need it someday. She was an avid Phillies fan.
Dot was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Joseph W Gardiner. They raised 4 children, Richard (Barbara) Gardiner, Joanne (William) Bragdon, Larry (Carol) Gardiner and Karen (Wally) Owens. They also had 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Also survived by sister Barbara
(David) Dersch.
Please visit htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence to family.
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ERNEST — Edward David Ernest, Jr. 85 of Pilesgrove, passed away on May 1. Born in Salem, Ed was a graduate of Swedesboro High School, Class of 54, He was a 20 year Navy Veteran serving during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and specializing in Naval Photography, playing an important role with recon missions. Ed also retired from Mobile Oil where he worked in the Research and Development Department. He continued his love for photography saying that the part he enjoyed most was the developing of the picture.
Ed was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, a Eucharistic Minister for the parish, a Charter member of St. Francis Council, KOC, Chapter 7526 and a 4th Degree member of A.B. Strenski Assemby, Woodbury. He was an outdoor game enthusiast, an expert at Ping Pong and badminton. An avid Phillies fan he loved listening to the games on the radio and tried not to miss any.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years Agnes (Nee DiBartolo), his children, Philip David (Maria) Ernest and Diane Michele (Mark) Bandy, 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. A brother and 2 sisters.
Contibutions to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 620 Sea Island Rd. Ste 288, St. Simons Island, Ga. 31522 would be appreciated. Arrangements are being handled by the CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME, Swedesboro
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FIORDIMONDO — Lewis ‘Lew’ R. Fiordimondo Sr., October 19, 1949- May 9,2020 of Elmer, and born in Woodbury raised in West Deptford. On May 9, 2020 at age 70, Lew passed away at Inspria Hospital of Vineland after a courageous 49 day battle with Covid-19.
Lew graduated in 1969 from West Deptford High School. He proudly dedicated 38 years of his life to his work as a Valet Doorman at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino, where he was also a Union Shop Stewart for Local 54. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf with his friends and spending time with his family.
Lew was predeceased by his parents Andrew Fiordimondo Sr. and Anne Marie Fiordimondo, nee Moore and by his former wife Donna Elizabeth (Fiordimondo) Humerick, nee Koch. Lew is survived by their two adult children, his son Lewis R. Fiordimondo Jr. (Rebecca) and daughter Jennifer N. Harrison, nee Fiordimondo (Kevin) of Largo, Fl. as well as their respective children, Lew’s grandchildren, Miranda and twins Elizabeth and Patrick to parents Lew Jr. and Rebecca; twins Tyler and Ashley to parents Lew Jr and LaVerne.; and Nicole and Joshua to parents Jennifer and Kevin.
Lew also leaves behind a large circle of loved ones including his brothers Andrew “Andy” Fiordimondo of West Deptford ; William “Bill” Fiordimondo (Lynn) of South Harrison; Bruce Fiordimondo (Lynnette) of Elk Township; and Barry Fiordimondo (Gale) of Paxico, KS as well as 7 nieces and nephews, 11 great-nieces and great nephews, and dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends including Mark, Willie, Gill, Don, Brian from the Tropicana and the Union. Dave & Mary Hemsley, Melissa and little Brooklyn Chambers, Dan Adkins of Elmer and the list goes on…
In lieu of flowers, give a gift to someone working in the frontlines of this pandemic, like the dedicated, skilled and hardworking team at Inspira. They are giving their all and risking their lives to help save ours. Honor their efforts with simple gestures like washing your hands, wearing a mask and, if you are at all able to, staying home!
He was deeply loved and sadly missed by all. For the safety of everyone we love, an in-person gathering to celebrate Lew’s life we be held at a later date.
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BLACK — Robert Leslie “Bob” Black, age 88 of Swedesboro, went home to be with his Lord on May 10 in Friends Village at Woodstown. Born in Swedesboro, he was the son of the late Fred D. Sr. & Clara (nee Shaw) Black. Bob graduated from Woodstown High School in 1950.
He joined his family in operating the Hereshome Dairy Farm in South Harrison. He and his brother, Alvin, continued to farm until they retired after selling their herd of cows on October 20, 2003. He was a member of the St. John’s United Methodist Church in Harrisonville. He was recognized for 40 years of service in the Harrisonville Fire Company.
In his younger years, Bob enjoyed hunting with his deer club and playing softball. He also enjoyed singing with the Aldine Quartet and with the Hopefuls of Ranch Hope where they recorded several records.
Bob is survived by his sister, Caroline Elizabeth (nee Black) Ridgway, and his sister & brother-in-law, Clara Dorothy “Dolly” (nee Black) & Ron Strobel. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Ronald F. Black, Beverly (nee Black) Garlic – Sharon, Chali, Preston Foster; Debbie (nee Stetson) Ed Falter – Dana and Eric Rodilosso, Eddie; Denise (nee Black) Ernie Barlow; William (Debbie) Ridgway, Jr. – Will III, Sean; Susan (nee Ridgway) Tim Chard – Ben, Sam; Morgan (Becky) Strobel – Mason, Anna; and his sister-in-law, Dorothy (nee Richmond) Black. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Fred D. Black, Jr. and Alvin D. Black; his sister, Edith M. Black; his sister-in-law, Sarah A. (nee Catling) Black; and his brother-in-law, William A. Ridgway, Sr.
We will all remember your smile. Bob was laid to rest in Lake Park Cemetery in Swedesboro. A memorial service will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the charity of one’s choice. Please visit htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence to his family.
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OWENS — Patricia S. Owen age 85, of Mickleton passed away at home on May 13. Born in Woodbury to the late Edgar R. String and Doris G. (Lee), she graduated from Swedesboro High School Class of 1953. Pat attended Pierce Business School and was an Executive Secretary at Mobil in Paulsboro.
Pat spent many happy summers with her husband and children at their family home in Lake Gilman. She loved the beach. Pat and Don made many wonderful memories at Tybee Island and Shellbay Campground with their children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed traveling, especially, taking her grandsons to watch the Phillies play at stadiums around the country.
An avid antique collector she loved finding “new treasures” as she would say. In the past several years a highlight to each month was going to lunch with her girlfriends from high school.
Wife of the late Donald H. Owen, she is survived by her children, Thomas Owen, Sr. (Gretchen) of Clarksboro and Monique Mihlebach (Mark Sr.) of Clarksboro; and 6 grandchildren, Thomas Owen, Jr., Daniel Owen, Rachael Owen, Matthew Owen, Mark Mihlebach, Jr. and Ryan Mihlebach.
As an expression of sympathy, contributions can be made Zion Community Church, 242 Kings Hwy, Clarksboro, NJ 08020 and Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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MILLER — Verna J. Miller age 80 years of Clarksboro passed away on May 21 peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. Funeral Services will be private. Arrangements by McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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SHIVELER — Mary Nothdurft Shiveler Swedesboro.
Mary had roots deep in Swedesboro. Born to John and Sara Nothdurft at Mae Haffey’s, she went through the Swedesboro school system (where you walked home for lunch everyday), was involved in the Girl Scouts, and was a graduate of Swedesboro High School Class of 1951. Mary graduated from Maryland General Hospital School of Nursing becoming an RN in 1955. In 1957 she was in charge of the first anti-polio clinic for Swedesboro. Mary worked as a private duty nurse until she became a farmer’s wife.
On their Oak Grove farm, she sold brown eggs and canned food for the winter but she was best known for decorated cakes featuring the famous pound cake. Mary taught cake decorating locally and was in high demand for her custom cakes for celebrations and weddings. Mary loved to sew and do needlework. Her daughter’s friends were envious of the clothes Mary had made for Carol’s Barbie Dolls. She quilted; both appliqué and patchwork; there are many finished and unfinished quilts in her house.
Mary was a member of Eastern Star; an active gold sheaf member of Swedesboro Grange, Gloucester County Pomona Grange, and the State of New Jersey Grange. She won a cross stitch contest and presented the winning piece to Barbara Bush while she was First Lady.
Weekends during the summer found her at Lake Garrison and she traveled quite a bit with Pat: she cruised the Mississippi River and the Panama Canal and vacationed in Hawaii, and Florida. She was seldom found without a book in hand. Must have been a family trait: she and sister, Ann, spent a lifetime swapping books
The late Walter (Pat) and Mary would share a 50 year marriage blessed by a daughter, Carol Ewald (Mike) and a son, the late Glenn and later by granddaughters: Samantha Martin (Michael), Abby Lewis and Vicky Raleigh (Austin); and step grandchildren: Jonathan Ewald (Ashlee) and Lauren Berry (Max). Mary is survived by her sister, Ann Zayac as well as many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Elizabeth Hunt and brothers, John and Wilbert Nothdurft.
Because Mary loved to attend parades in Swedesboro and the Woodstown 4th of July parade and watch educational programming please send donations in lieu of flowers to the Woodstown 4th of July Parade (woodstown4thofjulyparade.com) or WHYY. A memorial service will be planned later. Daley Life Celebration Studio 1518 Kings Hwy. Swedesboro, N.J. 08085 856-467-0626
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