TIGHE — Richard and Jane Tighe, both 82, of Clarksboro. In 8th grade, the Pedricktown boy would meet the Carney’s Point girl at the Riverview Beach Roller Rink. After high school, nuptials soon followed, and they’d share a 63-year marriage blessed by 4 children: Sheri Olbrich (Al), Rick Tighe (Debbie), Jeanette Vollmer (Paul) and Susan Tighe, and later by 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
As a couple their lives were about helping others. They found their greatest joy in the blessing of being able to care for their parents and several aunts as they entered into their twilight years. They spent a lot of time together as a couple: they bowled in a couple’s league, built their first home, and even shared a meandering limo ride for their 25th anniversary. As parents they weren’t the strictest, but it only took a look from Mom or Dad to get their kids to behave.
Richard and Jane found their real calling later in life, being grandparents. Of course, they were built in babysitters, but they were the grandparents the grandkids loved to be around: camping trips all over and sleepovers that involved very little sleep. Most importantly, they loved so unconditionally that every child, grandchild and great-grandchild sincerely believed that they were the favorite.
They also were devoted to serving others and to their church, first Hudson UMC in Pedricktown and later Zion Community Church in Clarksboro.
Richard and Jane also did a lot of travelling. Between cruises and trips in their motor home they saw all 50 states. They shared their love of camping with many others as members of South Jersey Gems, KFBO and trips with their extended family. For a time they were even in business with their friends establishing a new campground in Alabama.
Richard could turn a wrench with the best of them. He was a true craftsman. He kept everything humming at Monsanto as a maintenance mechanic and his home in Clarksboro featured a bevy of his creations including the gorgeous oak bar in the home’s previously unfinished basement.
People relied on his leadership: Boy Scouts, his church, and his community. He was a committeeman in Oldman’s Township, following in his father’s footsteps. Later he became Mayor.
Richard was always in motion. He sometimes worked a second and even third job, because he liked his family to have the extra little things in life.
In the late 50’s, he served our nation in the National Guard. He saw many a Nascar event with his family and friends. He was one of those guys who showed up for the race a week in advance to save camping spots for the group.
Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom…. Earlier years found Jane working for the Pedricktown Post Office as a part time rural carrier, filling in when the regular carrier was away. She’d later become a clerk in Penns Grove and Postmaster in Mt Royal and Mickleton.
Like her husband, she was always on the move. Jane was the secretary for the board of education, a volunteer with the Brownies and the 4H and loved entertaining family and friends. But she enjoyed nothing more than popping out to a store to pick up a few things. While there, she figured she might as well do a little browsing; or shop till she dropped.
Her yard rivaled Longwood Gardens: a sea of color. She spent weeks driving back and forth to a quarry in an old pickup truck to get just the right landscaping rocks for her yard. She cooked the best mac and cheese and spaghetti and meatballs and baked everything from scratch. And if the dishes were tasty, she wouldn’t keep it a secret: everyone was welcome to her recipes. She took Christmas decorating to a whole new level: a place for every decoration and every decoration in its place.
Richard is survived by his siblings, Patti Gibbons, Gene and Terry Tighe; Jane is survived by her siblings, Barbara Schilling, John, Donald and Bruce Piel; Richard was pre-deceased by his sister, Joan Nothdurft.
Donations to Zion Community Church, 242 Kings Highway, Clarksboro NJ 08020 will be appreciated.
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WRIGHT — William Wright, 76, of Bridgeport. He was a machinist at Dupont, Chambersworks for 41 years. But in his spare time he’d head off to the woods, shotgun in hand. He started hunting at the age of 13. And since the 70’s he took a yearly trip to Irvona, PA. every year he returned with a deer. At that camp they called him Cuz; the man who did the cooking.
He made the best Hobo sandwich: Egg Bacon and cheese all melted together. And Sundays found Bill and his daughters watching the Three Stooges, eating the hobo sandwiched and enjoying the occasional Bloody Mary. He was the grillmaster of his home, always with a beer in hand. And he was known for his witty sayings, though they’re a little too racy to print. He was Honorary Chairman of the K of D men’s club. He followed his father into the membership.
The handsome guy with blue eyes was walking down the street when a pretty girl named Margo jumped out from behind the shrubs. The encounter lead to a 48-year marriage blessed by children, Jenny and Amy. He was the brother of Michael and cousin of Walter, Fred and Wayne Niebauer, Suzanne String and Deborah and Franklin McKown. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Harry, his cousin, Kathleen Hawks and his special granddog, Pearl. Recent years brought a friendship with the crews from Stone House Revival and SDG Design and Construction as they restored his home. Family will celebrate 76 great years at a service after the pandemic.
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CUGINI — Ronald G. Cugini, of Swedesboro, age 77, passed peacefully on Oct. 19 due to an ongoing battle with heart failure.
Ron grew up in the Newfield area, and loved spending time boating and fishing with his uncles. After marrying his beloved wife, Lucille, he moved to Swedesboro. Ron was family oriented and loved gatherings around the pool in the summer, family Christmas Eve celebrations at his niece’s, and devoured crabs anytime he could get them.
Ron eagerly anticipated yearly vacations to the Outer Banks with Lucille. He enjoyed time with his best bud John while golfing, watching the Eagles, smoking cigars, and sipping a Bloody Mary. When Ron took time to himself he could be found tinkering in the garage, watching cowboy movies or nature programs. Ron was active in trucking and warehouse management for over 50 years before retirement.
Devoted husband of Lucille Weightman-Cugini. Beloved father of Ronald Jr. “Chuck”, Jada Pettit (Cugini), and step-father to Madeline (James). Loving grandfather of Stephen, Matt, Chase, Jimi, Corinne, Michaela, Gabriella, and Antonia. Dear brother of Joseph Jr., Thomas, and Edward. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Donations in Ron’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To share a memory of Ron, please visit www.tjfluehr.com.
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DeVAULT — Gail M. DeVault, age 66, of Mullica Hill passed away Nov. 7, 2020.
Gail was retired from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) as a Registered Nurse. Gail was larger than life and she loved animals. Gail experienced many different interests and hobbies such as her involvement with the Outdoor Club of South Jersey, Wildlife Association, South Jersey Land Trust, hiking (Copper Canyon Mexico, Gaitlinburg, and Appalachian Trail), backpacking, cooking, reading, traveling to Mexico, kayaking, collecting Stangl China, attending the fireworks on New Year’s Eve, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Philadelphia.
Gail is survived by her loving husband Mehdi Khazamipour, Leilah Khazamipour (Steve) Ettore, Shireen (Tim) Dastis, grandchildren Mila and Jagger, brother Jan (Joan) Watson, sister-in-law Virginia Watson, Lisa Watson (Niece) and very close friend, Kathy Gardner. She was predeceased by brother, Thomas T. Watson.
Donations can be made in her honor to Gloucester County Animal Shelter 1200 North Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ 08312. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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BONAVENTURA — Alfio “Fred” Bonaventura, 81, of Swedesboro passed away Nov 12, 2020. Born and raised in Swedesboro, he loved hunting and won many trophies for trap shooting. He was a Saturday fixture at Airport Speedway where he supported his three cousins, Wayne, J., and Levar Scott and calling his buddies, (Late) Paul Thomas, Denny McCool, Bob Thieson, Wayne Scott Sr. and Wayne Jr.
Fred retired from the Gloucester County Road Dept after 25 yrs. of service. He also worked with siding and roofing for many years. Fred was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, the Raccoon Club, the Quinton and Delaware Valley Sportsman Club. He was the ‘head’ chef for his yearly Wild Game Dinner, consisting of deer, rabbit, squirrel, quail, duck and tripe, to name a few. He started in the basement of his home and as the word got out, he had to move the dinner to the VFW Hall in Woodstown.
Fred is survived by his wife of 54 years, Frances (nee Stout), daughter Christine (Joe) Stigliano, many nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. Special love of his cousin Many Ann Alessi and Daddy’s fur babies, Tootsie and the late Daisey, Missy and Penny. He was also predeceased by his parents, Alfio and Josephine (Ragusa) and his brother Sabestino and his wife Josephine.
Arrangements were handled by the CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME, Swedesboro. Contributions in Fred’s memory to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
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