GAITHER — Dr. Cornelius E. Gaither. On March 22, 2020 in Forest Hill, MD at the Senator Bob Hooper House, Dr. Cornelius Gaither died at the age of 92 of congestive heart failure. He was living with his daughter in Aberdeen, MD but was a longtime resident of Swedesboro and West Deptford, New Jersey.
He was born Feb. 28 in Philadelphia, PA at home, to the parents of Dr. and Mrs. Cornelius H. Gaither of West Chester, PA. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Gloria Hortense Coles and his oldest son, Cornelius W.
He attended the Gay Street Elementary School and graduated from West Chester High School in West Chester, PA as an honor student, a member of the band, orchestra, accompanist for the Boys Glee Club and the Coed Chorus. Having earned enough credits to graduate in his junior year in high school, he went on to attend Lincoln University, in Lincoln, PA which was his father’s alma mater.
While at Lincoln University (1945-1949), he joined the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Nu Chapter. He majored in Biology and Chemistry and minored in English and Psychology. In 1949, he graduated with an AB degree.
He followed in his father’s footsteps and his stepfathers’ father in becoming a dentist and attending the same Dental school, Meharry Medical School of Dentistry and Dental surgery in 1953. In 1953, he attended Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, New Jersey for an Oral Surgery Internship for one year. His military service was postponed during his time at Lincoln University and Meharry.
In 1954, he joined the Air Force and was sent to Germany. His military tour allowed his family (wife and three children) to tour Italy, Germany, Holland, and France. He completed 3 years active duty and 33 years total of military service.
Upon returning to the United States, he remained with the Air Force reserves until his retirement in 1987, where he was the Commander of the 33rd Medical service Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base in Burlington County, New Jersey with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In 1958, he settled in Swedesboro, New Jersey where he opened his private dental practice. While in Swedesboro, he was involved in many community organizations, Kiwanis, The Swedesboro Board of Health where he served as president, one of the founders of the Greater Swedesboro Business Association, served as Welfare Director of the Swedesboro Salvation Service Unit, member of the Gloucester County Visiting Nurses Association, Gloucester County United Way, Mullica Hill Friends School (Charter Member), USAF Medical Liaison Officer at Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia, PA, Reserve Officer Association and the American Legion in PA Post 362.
He was appointed and served on several hospital staffs including Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA, Salem County Memorial Hospital in Salem, NJ, and Underwood Memorial Hospital (Inspira) in Woodbury, NJ.
He was employed in the Wilmington Public Schools as a part-time dentist for many years. He also worked at the River Front Prison in Camden, NJ, The Salem County Visiting Nurses Home Makers Association and the Sleighton Farm School in Lima, PA. He was also a member of the Christ Presbyterian Church in Gibbstown, NJ.
Professionally he was a member of several organizations such as the South Jersey Medical Association, New Jersey Dental, American Association of Hospital Dentists, The Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania Dental Society, the Chi Delta Mu Medical and Dental Fraternity, The Boule and Ye Olde Philadelphia Club and was a part of the Tuskegee Airman.
Awards and honors he received, Presidents Award-Meharry Medical School for 25 years of service, Who’s Who in the North East New Jersey, Black Americans, Community Service and Community Leaders Awards.
His hobbies were photography, collecting old electric trains and spending time with his many friends.
He is survived by his former wife, Anna W. Gaither, daughters, Carmen G. Taylor (Bruce), Carol G. Clark, sons, John C. Gaither, Reginald C. Gaither, grandsons, Offie E. Clark IV, Brandon G. Taylor, his first cousin Lorraine Wilkinson, Father/Mentor to Angell L. Green, Maria Portalatin, Ramon Salgado and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Dr, Gaither’s life was truly dedicated to uplifting the community in which he lived. A memorial service will be held when the pandemic has concluded.
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BONACCORSI — Carmela Bonaccorsi of Woolwich Township passed away Dec. 20, 2020 at Jefferson Hospital Washington Twp., NJ.
Born and raised in Swedesboro, she was the daughter of the late John and Catherine Bonaccorsi. A graduate of Swedesboro High School, Class of ’58, Carmela worked for Del Monte Corp., Swedesboro for 32 years. In retirement, she enjoyed working in her garden, growing awesome gladiolas, among other flowers and running a small roadside stand.
Carmela is survived by her sister Mary, her nephews Mario Casella (Kathy), John Casella and Anthony Musumeci (Debbie), great-niece Gabriela Musumeci, great-nephews Vincent (Katie) Casella, Daniel Casella and Anthony Musumeci, Jr. She is predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law Sadie and John Casella and Rose and Anthony Musumeci.
Services were held at the CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME, 1329 Kings Hwy, Swedesboro. Contributions in her memory to St. Clare of Assisi Parish, 140 Broad Street, Swedesboro, NJ 08085 would be appreciated.
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MIDDLETON –Lois Middleton (nee Norris) age 92 years of Mt. Royal died Saturday Dec. 26, 2020 in her home surrounded by her family.
Mrs. Middleton was born and raised in Wenonah and was a graduate of Woodbury High School. After graduation she worked for several years as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone. While raising her children she was active with the Kingsway Band Boosters and supported her children by attending their sporting events.
She was a member of Church of the Incarnation, Mantua and the Altar and Rosary Society of the church as well as the Catholic Daughters of America. Mrs. Middleton enjoyed doing crafts, bowling and decorating her home for the holidays. She was always ready to babysit her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was known for sending cards to family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Lynda and John Liverman of Mt. Royal, Sheryl Middleton of Mt. Royal, Jeffrey Middleton of Clarksboro, Brett Middleton of Mt. Royal; her grandchildren, Jason and Rebecca Liverman, Jennifer and Steve Brown; her great grandchildren, Matthew, Kerri Ann, Toby, Joey and Michael and her brother, Elmer “Sam” Norris of Sicklerville. Mrs. Middleton was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Warren C. Middleton Jr. and her sisters, Phyllis Voll and Frances Galwitz.
Arrangements by McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Contributions can be made in her memory to Mulligan Animal Rescue, 129 Bell Ave., Mt. Royal, NJ 08061. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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FISH — William and Peggy Fish Swedesboro. William (92) and Peggy (88) (nee Morgan), Fish, long time residents of Swedesboro and married for 70 years passed away within two days of each other, Bill on Dec. 26 and Peggy on Dec. 28.
Peggy grew up in Mickleton and graduated from Swedesboro High School, Class of ’49. She worked in the former Jim-El’s News Agency in Swedesboro before entering the banking industry at the former Swedesboro Trust Co, retiring in 1985 as Vice-President of the Bank. Bill was born and raised in Swedesboro, graduated from Swedesboro High School, Class of ’45. He was a Navy Veteran and retired in 1989 from Mobil Oil, Paulsboro Plant after 39 years of service. He volunteered at Kings Things and for Meals on Wheels and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Swedesboro.
They were both long time members of Bethesda UMC, Swedesboro and Socastee UMC in Socastee, SC. They loved living in Swedesboro, overlooking the lake and hosting many Fish Family reunions there. When both retired, they moved to Myrtle Beach, SC and lived there for 16 years, enjoying many rounds of golf. They returned to Swedesboro in 2005 and in 2014 they became residents of the NJ Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland.
They are survived by their children, Robert and Carol Fish and David and Patricia Fish, Grandchildren Amy and Gary Clarke, Suzanne and Jeff Morris, Dr. Morgan and Katie Fish, Travis and Lexi Fish, Great-Grandchildren, Joshua Conover, Hope Karlesses, Jeffrey Morris, Jr. and soon expected great-grandaughter, Eleanor Fish. Peggy is also survived by a niece Rhonda (Chris) Rector and was predeceased by siblings Edwin (Rena) Morgan, Jimmy (Debbie) Morgan and Bill (Diane) Henderson. Bill is survived by siblings, Betty Little (Late Earl), Mary Lou Stetser (Late John) and Jane (Jim) Harre. He was predeceased by siblings Mae (Martin) Marcus and John (Sheila) Fish and many nieces and nephews in both the Fish and Morgan Families.
Donations in their memory to NJVMH – Vineland Welfare Fund, 524 N West Blvd. Vineland NJ 08360 and place in memo ‘Life Enrichment Program’ would be appreciated. Arrangements by the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro.
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FRAMPTON – Dorothy “Joan” Frampton (nee Leonard), 84, of Clarksboro, passed away on Dec. 29, 2020.
Joan was born in Thorofare and has resided in Clarksboro since 1960. She worked in Admissions for Gloucester County College. She enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds and her cat Martin.
Joan is predeceased by her husband Edwin. She is survived by her children Sheryl A. (Russell) Zappala of Cape May Courthouse, Peggy S. (David) Roberts of Lakeland, FL & Scott A. (Megan) of Brooklyn, NY; grandchildren Jessica, Timothy, Evan and Rhys and great grandchildren Hayden, Julia, Blake and Bennett.
Donations may be made to the NJ Audubon Society at njaudubon.org. Memories and condolences shared at daviswagner.com.
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GAITHER — John Conrad Gaither, funeral director of the Turay Memorial Funeral Chapel in Philadelphia, PA passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020 at Virtua Marlton Hospital in Marlton, NJ. He was 62.
John was born in West Chester, PA on Sept. 7, 1958 to the parents of Dr. Cornelius E. Gaither and Anna Whittaker Gaither. He was raised in Swedesboro, confirmed at Trinity Episcopal “Old Swedes” Church in Swedesboro in 1971. He graduated from Kingsway Regional High School in 1976.
As a boy, John was a Boy Scout and an altar boy at Trinity Episcopal when Rev. Parker F. Auten was pastor, serving as an altar boy for the King of Sweden’s visit to Swedesboro in April 1976. John’s last wish was to be buried at Trinity Episcopal Church.
John studied French and History at Morehouse College, in Atlanta, GA then served in the U.S. Navy in the Dental Department aboard the USS Forrestal from 1984 to1985. He attended the Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services in Decatur, GA, then interned completed his study as a mortician at the DeBaptiste Funeral Home in West Chester, PA. Recently, John became certified to perform all duties of ministry from the Universal Life Church in June of 2014 and officiated several weddings.
John currently worked as funeral director at the Turay Memorial Funeral Chapel and at various funeral homes in the Philadelphia, PA, area. He was a member of the International Cemetery Cremation and Funeral Association. John owned All Paws Go 2 Heaven website, a pet-cremation service. John loved dogs and was especially fond of rescue dogs. He leaves behind his beloved Piper.
John was the first winner of the U.S. version of the game show “The Weakest Link “in 2001 and a participant on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” in 2010.
He is survived by his mother Anna Gaither; his sisters Carmen Taylor of Montclair, NJ, and Carol Clark of Aberdeen, MD; his brother Reginald C. Gaither of Camden, NJ, nephews, Offie Elliott Clark IV, and Brandon Taylor; and many family members and friends. John was preceded in death by his brother Cornelius W. Gaither and his father, Dr. Cornelius E. Gaither.
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YARBOROUGH — Kenneth W. Yarborough passed away on the Dec. 24, 2020, at the age of 75. Ken was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be deeply missed by his family. Kenneth is survived by his wife Bonnie; his children Kevin Yarborough (Tia), Becky Pfaff, Scott Pfaff; his brother Bill Yarborough; his sisters Shirley Angelini (Robert) and Linda Nothdurft (George;) his grandchildren Alicia, Jessica, Megan, Angelina, Sophia, Scotty, Zeke, Elijah, Andrew, Ava and Reese along with his great grandchildren Violet, Evren, and Clover. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Emma Yarborough and beloved son Kenny Yarborough.
Ken was born Nov. 7, 1945 in Woodbury, NJ. He grew up and eventually built his home in his beloved town of Repaupo. He was veteran of the Army from 1965-1967. He proudly served his community as a Repaupo fire fighter all of his adult life. He retired from Dupont Chamber Works after 30 years of employment.
He loved hunting and fishing, being outdoors and working in his garden. Ken had a great love of his extended family in Waynesville, North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains. He spent many family reunions and vacations there and would always feel the need to come back to his roots. It was there that he felt most at home and at peace with himself.
He was quick with a joke to cheer you up if you were down but most of all he loved his family. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to ensure their well being and happiness. He was the rock and the glue that held it all together.
The family is asking that donations can be sent to Mount Calvary Union Church, 111 E. Clements Bridge Road, Runnemede, NJ,08078. Memories may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com.
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BAY — Andre L. Bay Sr., of Mullica Hill died Jan. 2, 2021, his 82nd birthday. Born in Camden, he grew up in Paulsboro and moved to Mullica Hill 35 years ago.
Andre was a member of the Mt. Royal Gun Club. He loved Paulsboro wrestling and football, hunting, fishing, Doo Wop music and making wine with the Stooges.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; five children, Andre (Diane) Jr., Marc (Tracy), Denise (Stanley), Kimberley, and Martin (Desorrae); two brothers, Willis and Gene; one sister, Wanda; fourteen grandchildren, Lindsay, Carly, Cecelia, Tabitha, Angela, Laura, Kristen, Jackie, Holly, Diana, Candice, Zachary, Callie, and Leah; and 6 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Brenda (John).
Family requests donations in Andre’s memory to Paulsboro Wrestling Club c/o Paul Morina 427 Billings Ave. Paulsboro, NJ 08066.
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ROGERS — Elizabeth M. Rogers (nee Eutin), 88, of Logan Township and formerly of Bridgeton died at Merion Gardens in Penns Grove on Jan. 5, 2021 where she had been a resident for the last two months. She suffered with dementia for the last five years.
A resident of Swedesboro for the last 12 years, Mrs. Rogers lived in Bridgeton for most of her adult life and had lived on N. Burlington Road. She was born in Ralphton, PA and was the wife of the late William “Edwin” Rogers, who died in 2008, and the daughter of the late Alexander and Anna Booza Eutin.
She was a graduate of Boswell High School (PA) in 1949 and moved to the Bridgeton area for employment at the Owens-Illinois Glass Company. Mrs. Rogers worked there on “C” Shift for ten years before becoming a homemaker.
She enjoyed crocheting, doing sudoku puzzles and reading. One of her favorite hobbies was caring for her garden.
Survivors include two daughters, Teri Lynn Rogers-Madden and her husband David of Swedesboro and Betty Nicklow and her husband Richard of Ralphton, PA, one grandson, Jason Nicklow and his wife Jennifer, one great granddaughter, Brynnley and two beloved “grandcats.” Additional survivors include two brothers, Charles and Ronald Eutin of western Pennsylvania and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Anna, Helen and Julie and two brothers, Alexander and Harry.
Memorial contributions are requested to the SJ Regional Animal Shelter, 1244 N. Delsea Dr., Vineland, NJ 08360 or to Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, 1385 Chews Landing Rd., Clementon, NJ 08021.
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WILSON — Edith H. Wilson Edith H. Wilson (nee Hunt), age 82 years, died Jan. 8, 2021 in Inspira Health Center, Mullica Hill.
Born in Swedesboro, she was a graduate of Swedesboro High School in 1956 and had 15 siblings. She loved square dancing, quilting, and ceramics.
Predeceased by her daughter Pamela Joan Wilson. Survived by her husband of 60 years, Louis Wilson, Jr., sons; Jeffrey L. (Susan) and Douglas S. (Tina), grandchildren; Gabrielle and Louis J. Wilson, Christa, Jacquelyn, James, and Michael Morrissey. Also survived by her sister; Dorothy Coppolino, and brothers; Walter (Barbara) and Kenneth (Joyce) Hunt.
Those desiring may make contributions to the Susan G. Komen Foundation at www.komen.org. Memories may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com.
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CAVALLARO — Fred Cavallaro, Jr. 65 of Logan Township passed away Jan. 12, 2021 at Inspira Medical Center, Mullica Hill.
Born in Woodbury, he was raised and worked on the family farm, attended Paulsboro High School and chose carpentry as his profession. He was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, devoted family man, was an avid hunter and enjoyed Farm Life.
He was the husband of the late Janine and is survived by his daughters, Gina and Maria Cavallaro, his siblings, Nancy Ann Cavallaro, Mary and Tina Leonardi and John Cavallaro. Also many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by siblings, Tom Cavallaro and Lucy Pennell. Funeral Services were held at the CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME, 1329 Kings Highway, Swedesboro.]
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COCO — Sebastiano J. ‘Ben’ Coco Mullica Hill, N.J. Sebastiano J. “Ben” Coco, 89, longtime resident of Mullica Hill, passed away on Jan. 17, 2021. Beloved husband of Nina M. (nee Mangano) for 64 years, devoted father of Angela Dazlich, Steven Coco and the late Sebastian “Ben, Jr.” Coco, and loving grandfather of Christopher, Nicholas, Zachary, Elaina Coco and David Dazlich and Paula Jean (Dazlich) Graham. Also predeceased by parents Joseph and Angelina, and brothers Anthony and Russell.
Ben retired from Aramco, United Arab Emirates, and formerly worked with Mobil Oil Co. as a Fire Safety Instructor for many years. He served honorably and proudly as a seargent in the US Air Force, and was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather.
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GANGEMI — Salvatore “Sam” Vincent Gangemi, 63, of Mullica Hill, beloved father of Brittney Michele Gangemi, loving brother of Vince (Judy), John (Judy) and Joanne (Mike), and son of the late Angie and Vince Gangemi.
Sam left this life on Jan. 13, 2021, just a few weeks short of his 64th birthday. Sam was a devoted son and a proud father who was always seen and heard on the sidelines of his daughter’s sporting events. Sam had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews and their children. We are sad he will not get a chance to share his love with grandchildren someday.
Sam was someone who was passionate about many things. Whether it was driving his big red dump truck, or sprint cars on a dirt track at Bridgeport speedway, he loved driving, racing and was a great mechanic. Sam was also an avid deer hunter.
He was a proud American and was equally proud of his Italian heritage. He loved Italian food and good mob movies. Sam was a fixture around Mullica Hill, whether it was having a meal at the Harrison House Diner, or spending time at the Amish Market. Everyone knew Sam and he will be greatly missed.
