NICOTRA — Michael “Big Mike” Nicotra, 67 of Swedesboro, passed away Nov. 28, 2021 at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland, NJ.
Born into a farming family, he has proudly resided in the Swedesboro area for his entire life. He was a 1972 graduate of Kingsway Regional High School and a 1976 graduate of Glassboro State College. Mike was a member of the East Greenwich Parks & Recreation Committee, where he was instrumental in starting fireworks for East Greenwich Day; managed the concession stand at the East Greenwich Little League and was known as the “Milk Man” for most of his life.
He retired from the State of New Jersey Department of Transportation, as an Emergency Service Personnel, what he would have told you was the best job he had ever had. Big Mike was known for being jovial, telling stories, his Tomlin Station Christmas Parties, Pocket T-Shirts, and drinking several cups of coffee per day. He loved watching his grandson play baseball, ordering things from QVC, and sitting in his chair with Johnnie, Stella, or Toby.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Kathleen Nicotra of Logan Township; by his children, Michael (Marissa) Nicotra of Logan Township, Steven (Jess) Nicotra of Morrisville, PA, Katie (Kevin) Smith of Logan Township; his grandson, Mason; and his sister, Rose Nicotra – Kinsella and her husband Darin Timberman. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Frances Nicotra.
A Memorial Service was held at the McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Contributions can be made in his memory to Salem County Humane Society, 214 N. Game Creek Rd., Penns Grove, NJ 08069.
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ZANGARI — Joseph A. Zangari, 55 of Bridgeport, passed away on Nov. 24, 2021.
Born in Chester PA, he had lived in Mt. Royal for several years. Joseph was a graduate of Kingsway Regional High School, Class of ’85. Joe loved spending time with his kids and his grandson as well as going to car shows and building and collecting diecast cars.
He is survived by a son, Anthony (and his partner Nicole), a daughter, Gianna (and her partner Nick) a grandson, Jaxon, his father Joseph, and brother, James (Donna) Zangari. He was predeceased by his mother, Judith (nee Dougher) Zangari.
Services were held at the CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME, Swedesboro. Donations in his memory to www.pettyfamilyfoundation.org/donatewould be greatly appreciated.
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STRANO — Joseph S. Strano, 88 of Woodstown, passed away at home on Nov. 28, 2021.
Born in Philadelphia PA he was a life resident of the Swedesboro-Woodstown area. He was a farmer, working the family farm and also for Haines and Son at Largemont Farms in Elmer. Joe was a member of the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit Parish, St. Joseph’s Church, Woodstown, NJ where he served as usher and a former Parish Council Member. He was a 3rd Degree member of Council #10392 Knights of Columbus in Woodstown, a Fourth Degree member of Msgr. John S. Griffey Assembly Knights of Columbus and a member of the Color Guard. Joe was also a member of the St. Alfio and St. Joseph Day Committees at St. Joseph’s Church in Swedesboro.
Joseph is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anna Maria (Nee Vecchio), His children, Concetta (Tina) Droge, Joanna Strano, Joseph S. Jr. and Salvatore L. (Tammie) Strano and his grandchildren, Emma Marie, Mikinzie, Lauren, Ryan and Jessie.
The CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME, Swedesboro was in charge of the arrangements. Donations in his memory to the American Heart Assoc. 1 Union St., Robbinsville, NJ would be greatly appreciated.
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BORDEN — Charles F. Borden, Jr. 91, of Mullica Hill, passed away on Dec. 9, 2021.
He was a U.S. Army Veteran in the Korean Conflict. He was a data processor for Acme Markets of Philadelphia, PA for 25 years until he retired in 1985.
Beloved husband of the late Doris I. Borden (nee Davis). Devoted father of Charles T. Borden, Steve M. Borden (Sue), Carla A. Patterson (Andrew) and the late Carol A. Borden. Adored grandfather of 2 and great grandfather of 4. Dear brother of Ruth A. Schultz, Nancy Monroe, Catherine Netter, Franklin W. Borden and the late Frances Attewell. He will be missed by nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Providence Orthodox Presbyterian Church 230 Shadow Place, Mantua Township, NJ 08051.
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SCHNEIDER — Bertha Grace Schneider, (nee Woolson), left her earthly bonds on Dec. 12, 2021 at the age of 99. Born August 24, 1922 in West Cape May, NJ, daughter of Elwood E. Woolson (1885-1978) and Grace Turner Woolson (1890-1984), earliest ancestor, Hance Woolson (1716-1769).
She was the beloved wife of the late Herbert W. Schneider of Merchantville, NJ. Bertha was a wonderful sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Loving mother of Wayne R. (Julie) Schneider, M.D., and grandsons Jacob and Noah Schneider of Tuckahoe, NJ, daughter Krista (Thomas) Smith, B.S., of Mullica Hill, NJ, grandson Shea (Brie) Broucksou, granddaughter Camilla Grace and Grandson James Douglas Broucksou of Middlesex, N.C.
Bertha resided with her daughter Krista and husband Thomas Smith on their farm in Mullica Hill, for the past 12 years. She lived an amazing life. A graduate of Camden High School, 1941, she had an extensive work history including Esterbrook Pen Co., Strawbridge’s, AT&T, Wm. T. Grants, Buddfield Airplane Factory, RCA, and finally retired from Heritage Bank.
Bertha served as Sunday school teacher with the Merchantville Presbyterian Church, Cub Scout Den Mother Troop #118, volunteer at the Wellwood Auxiliary at Cooper Hospital, a member of the Women’s Club of Merchantville, and member of the Haddon Heights Bridge Club. “Bert and Herb” travelled extensively to all 50 states, across USA trips many times, England, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Bermuda, China, Russia, former Yugoslavia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Bali, Japan, Mexico and Canada.
She enjoyed ‘longevity’ hobbies including sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, quilting, canvas painting, and reading, reading, reading. Studying in depth the likes of Abraham Lincoln and Abigail Adams. She also loved crossword, jigsaw and cryptogram puzzles. She enjoyed music, musicals and even learned to play the piano late in life.
Donations to the Women’s Club of Merchantville would be appreciated.
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DAVIDSON — Betty E. Davidson, 6/1/31-12/15/21. She peacefully passed away at Cardinal Village, Sewell, NJ. Born and raised in Swedesboro. Spent most of her adult life in Pitman, NJ and upon retirement moved to Port St Lucie, Fl, with her husband of 57 years, Ralph R. Davidson until his death in 2013.
She is survived by 3 daughters, Margie Sammons (Bob), Edna Hawk, Betty Zubert (Jim), 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and a brother, John Monahan (Joyce) from Pitman, NJ. She loved having fun and everyone enjoyed being with her. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Donations may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association in her name. Arrangements by Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro.
