DARA –Rachel Dara, 60 of Woolwich Twp. passed away Dec 28. Rachel was born in Brooklyn, NY, and resided here for the past 20 years. She had also resided in Hamilton, NJ and Tampa, Fla.
She was the property manager for Ingermann Property Management Co. in Collingswood, NJ. She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish where she was a Eucharistic Minister, a CCD teacher and a member of the Bible Study Group.
Rachel’s greatest joy was playing with her grandchildren. She had strong family values, was very creative, loved to crochet, was an avid reader and loved music concerts.
She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Thomas Dara, her sons, Matthew (Stacy) and Thomas Jr., her grandchildren, George, Luna Rae and Dylan. A brother, Jerome (Jeanne) Scotto, sister-in-law, Teresa (Edward) Marian. Her niece, Jennifer (Richard) Williams, great niece, Chloe and great nephew, Evan. She was predeceased by her sister, Phyllis.
Donations in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tn 38105 or online at stjude.org would be appreciated. Memorial services were held at Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro.
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MOYBRAY — Eugene M. “Audie” Mowbray age 89, of Mullica Hill, formerly of Cape May and Ewan passed away on March 8. Born in Oaklyn to the late John M. Mowbray and Eva P. (nee Hurley), he was raised in Mantua. Gene served in the US Army during the Korean War and after his service began a career at NJ Bell Telephone, retiring at the age of 55 years old. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, riding his bike, and puttering around his home.
Gene is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean K. Mowbray (nee Kier), two daughters Linda Mowbray (Tom Lail) of Repaupo and Terri Griest (Dan) of Lititz, PA, two grandchildren, Emily & Tim Griest, and his brother Arthur Stilwell. He was also predeceased by his brother, John Mowbray.
Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com
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JOHNSON – Eric Lorenzo Johnson, 58, of Swedesboro, entered into eternal rest March 8 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
Eric attended Kingsway High School, Salem Vocational and Technical High School. He was also a member of the high school ski club. At an early age he joined First Baptist Church.
Eric was employed by the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Department and retired as a Correction Officer at the age of 50.
Eric was predeceased by his mother, Kate Johnson. He leaves to cherish his memories, his father, Robert Johnson, and a host of family and friends.
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HENNESSY — Thomas John Hennessy, 72, of Mullica Hill, passed away suddenly at Inspira Hospital on March 21. Born Feb. 5, 1950 in Abington, PA to Peter and Maude (Bunting) Hennessy, he was the third of 6 siblings. He was a graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School (1968) and Penn State (1972), earned an MBA from Temple in 1977, and has been a resident of Mullica Hill since 1994
After a fruitful career in product development and marketing in 1992 Tom struck out on his own to launch several international sales and marketing companies for blinds and window treatments, particularly Excel Marketing Co. and Venetian Window Coverings.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marie “Merrie” Hennessy, nee Oskowis; son Ryan (Lauren Pafumi) Hennessy; daughter Katie (Joe) Commisso; siblings James Hennessy, Maria Crawford, and Sharon (Tom) Beck; three grandsons, Dean, Timothy, and Owen; mother-in-law Ann Oskowis; siblings-in-law Kathleen Seweryn, Rick (Michaeline) Oskowis, and Bet (Hank) Dolaway; and a vast array of nieces, nephews, and dear friends. In death, he follows his sister Betsy Messina, brother Peter Hennessy, and infant daughter Corinne.
Tom was a world traveler, stylish dresser, and gourmand, who loved fine wine, beer, and a perfectly done filet the way only he could make it. A lifelong sports fan, he delighted his grandsons with his colorful language when watching Eagles and Penn State games.
He was always happy to share what he knew – whether it was teaching his family about wine, consulting to help friends and colleagues start their own businesses, or in his nurturing relationships with his grandsons. We picture him enjoying his Rolling Stones and Tom Petty while sitting in the kitchen with his newspaper, waiting for the grill to be done, sharing a toast with friends and family.
Donations may be sent to Gift of Life (www.giftoflife.org). Condolences at www.FERTIGFUNERALHOME.com.
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CORDERO — Albert G. Cordero, 95, formerly of Woolwich Twp., a resident of Pitman Manor, Pitman, passed away peacefully on March 23. Born in Philadelphia, Al spent 25 years living in Florida before moving here to New Jersey.
Al was a Navy Vet of WWII as a member of the Seabees. He was involved in the construction of the landing strip for the Enola Gay Bomber. He was a machinist employed by The Pennsylvania Railroad, Amtrack and Conrail out of Philadelphia. The railroad was a major part of his life. He also loved being around water, fishing and boating was a favorite pastime.
A man strong in his faith, dedicating his talents to the churches he attended and spent many years as a Man of Malvern attending yearly retreats. A personable man, making friends and helping anyone that needed help, well-liked by all whose path he crossed.
Albert lost his wife Catherine in March of 2018 and is survived by his children, Robert and his husband Ronald, Richard and his partner Susan, and Catherine and her husband James Hulitt, 2 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and his sister Dolores Spoto.
Arrangements by the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro, NJ. Donations in his memory to Children’s Hospital of Phila., po box 781352, Phila Pa 19178, attn.: pediatric cancer research or on line at https://.give2.chop.edu/.give/243741/#!/donation/checkout would be appreciated.
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DARE — Bertha Dare, 86. Everyone knew her top priority was family, and it was never more on display than Sunday dinner at Art and Beth’s. “What can I do?” Bertie would ask from her counter seat as she enjoyed some grape tomatoes. The most important part of her daily routine was her 10:30 phone call to her daughter to check in on the day’s activities.
Her caring nature shaped her career. She graduated from University of Pennsylvania Nursing School and became a Registered Nurse. Patients at many a nursing home knew her warmth. But she found her real career late in life, that of a grandmother and great-grandmother. As babies they were seldom out of her arms and as they got older, she never missed a sporting event and her vacations were mostly structured around them.
She loved a cup of black coffee, checking in on her friends at General Hospital, Jeopardy and Wheel. She was a lifelong member of Bethesda United Methodist Church.
She met a handsome boy in the 2nd grade. Bertie and Marvin graduated Swedesboro High together. They would share a 66-year marriage blessed by two children, Jeffrey Dare Sr., and Beth (Art) Azzari; and later by grandchildren, Jeffrey Dare Jr, Chelsea Pfahl and Alessio Azzari; and great-grandchildren Ava and Alivia.
Donations in her memory to Bethesda United Methodist Church, 1435 Kings Highway, Swedesboro 08085 or Hollydell Inc (Hollydell School) 610 Holly Dell Drive, Sewell NJ 08080 will be appreciated.
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PUGLISI — Ann M. Puglisi age 81, of Clarksboro passed away March 21. Born and raised in Swedesboro, she graduated from Swedesboro High School Class of 1958 and went on to graduate from South Jersey School of Insurance in Berlin, NJ. Ann was employed with Nothdurft Insurance as a licensed NJ insurance broker.
She enjoyed cooking, reading, sewing, traveling, and going to the Walnut Street Theatre, Sudoku, the beach in Sea Isle in the summer, and Naples Florida in the winter. Ann enjoyed many nice trips abroad with her circle of friends from Mullica Hill. She was outgoing, social and generous and will be greatly missed by her husband, daughter, son-in-law, family and friends.
Loving wife of Samuel Puglisi for 62 years, she is also survived by daughter Angela DeSimone and her husband William of Moorestown and brother Russell Scuderi (Gail). She was predeceased by her sister Josephine Fisher and brother Alfred Scuderi.
Donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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MILSTED — Chelsea Sherrie Milsted age 30 years of Mullica Hill passed away on March 25. Chelsea was born in Woodbury, raised in Paulsboro and attended Paulsboro High School.
Chelsea was known for her charm and genuine personality. She enjoyed music and found wonder in poetry. She had a wonderful singing voice. Chelsea was a fighter. She faced many struggles in her life but found strength through her faith in God to confront them. She was a passionate mother who loved her children deeply.
She is survived by her children Angel, Mi’Nyah, Kai’Cere, Azaria, Damari, Shai’Lynn and Sha’Lonn; her sisters, Arielle Flood, Heather and Kristina Brady and her brother, Robert Morina. Chelsea was predeceased by her parents, Bruce and Angela Milsted, her sister, Noelle Morina and her grandmother, Marge Milsted.
A Memorial Service was held at the McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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WILBRAHAM — Ann Marie Wilbraham, nee Groody, of Woolwich passed away at the age of 77 on March 25. Born in Darby, Pennsylvania on February 22, 1945 to the late Marie J. (Keenan) and Joseph M. Groody, Ann was a graduate of Clearview High School and Cooper Hospital School of Nursing.
Ann met her husband at Cooper Hospital and they were married in 1971. Ann and Frank “Mike” established Swedesboro Pediatrics where they cared for many families of the community. Following Dr. Wilbraham’s death in 1996, Ann continued working at Mullica Hill Pediatrics and West Deptford Pediatrics. In retirement, Ann enjoyed going to the shore with her children and cruising with friends. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Ann was predeceased by her beloved husband Francis Michael Wilbraham and her brothers Joseph and Christopher Groody. She is survived by her children Catherine (Andrew) Shields and John (Kelly) Wilbraham, her grandchildren Andrew, William, Mary, Katelyn and Libby, her brother Michael (Ginni), her sister-in-law Betsy Groody, brother-in-laws John (the late Kay) Wilbraham and Edward (Lisa) Wilbraham and many nieces and nephews.
Contributions can be made to the Church of Incarnation, 240 Main Street, Mantua, NJ 08051.
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SMITH – A woman who personified the Greatest Generation – Skee, as she was known and loved – had a work ethic that never stopped, even as a retiree. She was a fierce proponent for equality and a proud patriot who loved the American flag. She loved discussing current events and making delicious feasts for her family and friends.
She was classy! Skee was born on September 15, 1930, the youngest of five children to Joseph and Alfia Sciotto. In high school, she met George Smith, whom she married at the age of just 20. George and Skee had three daughters and were married for over 53 years.
Born in Swedesboro, Skee moved to Clarksboro in 1950, where she resided until recently. She served as the U.S. Postmaster of the Clarksboro Post Office for more than 25 years greeting new and old families of the town and serving as a repository of information and assistance.
She was an avid sports fan and supporter of her daughters’ schools and the East Greenwich community. Skee was happiest when she was with her girls and the “Smith Girls'” role model was also their strongest advocate and supporter. Skee was a warm and engaging friend to many – she was helpful, kind, generous, and always had an ear for listening and a hand for helping.
She was family first and friends second. She had friends of all ages, creeds and cultures – she loved people and they loved her.
Skee was predeceased by her husband George (2003) and is survived by her three daughters and their husbands: Faith Diehl m. Bryan Diehl of Camp Hill, PA, Mary Provencher m. Robert Provencher of Mickleton, NJ, and Betsy Smith m. John Barrie of New York City. Skee is also survived by six grandchildren: Katie Knapp m. to Timothy Knapp; Chelsea Skucek m. Sascha Skucek; Michael Provencher affianced to Rachel Ryan; George “Smith” Alpert affianced to Elizabeth “Ebbie” Koelle; Margaret Provencher m. Jeffrey Smith; and Hollis Alpert and her great grandchildren: Leo Skucek, Garrett Knapp, Tristan Knapp and Ella Skucek. Skee is also survived by her nieces: Susan Sciotto-Brown and Nancy Sciotto, and nephews Louis Pantalone, Joseph Pantalone and MJ Sciotto, and her life-long friends: Richard and Jodee Heritage, Eileen Desimone and family, Mike and Lisa Kennedy, Marissa and Erin Kennedy, and Phyliss Gimber. Skee will be missed by her family and friends.
The family asks that donations be made to The Church of the Heavenly Rest – Support for Ukraine and please note in the donation comment that your gift is in Memory of Skee Smith. www.heavenlyrest.org/give.
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KELLER — Irene A. Keller (nee Fitzgerald), 94, of Mickleton, passed away peacefully at home on March 31. Irene was the daughter of John and Bessie Fitzgerald. She was born in Paulsboro, NJ in 1927 and was the youngest of nine siblings. Irene was born on New Year’s Eve so every December 31 was celebrated with a huge family birthday party!
Irene was the beloved wife of Robert W. Keller Sr. They were married in 1949 and celebrated 62 years of marriage at the time of her husband’s passing in 2011. Irene was a lifetime resident of Paulsboro until she moved to Mickleton in 2012. Irene retired in 1987 after 17 years from Mantua Terminal, Thorofare where she worked as a secretary/ payroll clerk.
She enjoyed many years of retirement, spending summers with her family at Wildwood, where she enjoyed fishing, crabbing and spending time on the beach. She got to travel extensively throughout the US with her husband and sisters including Alaska and Hawaii. Irene enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles, game shows, The Golden Girls and The Lawrence Welk Show.
She was a great cook and loved to have the family together for a crab feast. Mom always made the holidays special.
Irene will be lovingly remembered by her children, son, Bob and Lillian Keller of Glasssboro, daughters, JoAnn and Jerry Ray of Gibbstown and Kathy and Kevin Logue of Mickleton; also survived by her adoring grandchildren, Jason Ray, Ryan and Eric Logue, Kelly Perry and Kyle Keller and 13 great-grandchildren as well as her faithful companion, Chloe. Irene was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert Sr., her parents, John L. and Bessie, her six sisters, Hazel, Clara, Dorothy, Fannie, Rachel, Erma and two brothers, John Jr. and Elwood; also predeceased by an infant daughter, Nancy, granddaughter, Melissa and a grandson, Kevin. The family would also like to thank her personal caregivers who treated her with kindness over the years, Amy, Margaret, Marie and Dina, you are all the best and Mom appreciated the care you provided for her!
The funeral service was held at the 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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FRIARS — Thomas M. Friars Sr. of Mickleton, age 89 years, passed away peacefully on April 3, surrounded by his loving family.
Beloved husband of Rose (nee Manzoni). Devoted father of Kristine Bergmann (Steven), Karen Minix (Dennis), and Thomas Friars, Jr. (Kim). Loving Pop-pop of Jacob, Lauren, Jamie, Jillian, Steven, Tiffany, Christina, Billy, Kasey, and the late Jessica. Great-grandfather of Rose, Jude, Colson, Riley, and Graham. Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Anna Mae as well as his siblings Charles, John, Matthew, and Maryann.
Tom graduated from Paulsboro H.S. in 1951. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Tom retired from Mobil after 38 years of service. He was a member of the Executive Board of Mobile F.C.U., the Sportsman Club of Paulsboro, the Son’s of Italy, and the Knights of Columbus
In Tom’s memory please donate to St. Clare of Assisi Parish, 140 Broad St., Swedesboro NJ 08085. To express condolences, visit www.landolfifuneralhome.com.
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MAKELY — Therese Makely, 76. It seldom took more than her simple, “It’s all good”, to put all worries to rest. Therese was meant to be a mom; 6 or 7 calls to her daughter before lunch just to touch base and make sure everything was ok. Bluetooth was a lifesaver. And many a trip out for girls’ day; usually off to a winery.
Her earlier years found her working as a secretary for T.F.H. Publishing. But she found her real calling late in life, though she had to relocate to Woolwich Township to do the job effectively; that of a grandmother. Therese was spoiler in chief. She loved nothing more than reading to her grandsons, but they eventually figured out it was a ruse to get them to fall asleep. Nothing better than when grandmom picks you up from school; snacks and hot chocolate waiting at the house.
Therese was a master behind the stove making all kinds of Hungarian and German dishes. Though not Italian, her specialty was spaghetti and meatballs on Christmas Eve.
An animal could do no better than to arrive on her doorstep. Through her life she had a bevy of pets, everything from a German Shepherd to a cat that thought it was a rottweiler. If her T.V was on she’d be checking out some Brit Coms and she loved nothing more than heading down to Manasquan, strolling the boards and doing a little people watching. A handsome guy spied a pretty bride’s maid at his cousin’s wedding. Lucky for Joe, he was acting as her chauffeur. They’d share a 52-year marriage, not just as husband and wife but as best friends. They were blessed with a daughter, Amber (Michael) Moore; and two grandsons, Devin and Garrett. She is survived by her brother, George Gombos, Jr. and her nieces, Gabrielle, Rebecca and R
