SMITH – Alfina 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 Sept. 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.
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BUNDENS – Allan B. Bundens age 96, formerly of Mantua, passed away on June 19 in Clarksboro.
Born and raised in Paulsboro, he was a life-long carpenter and general contractor, working first with his father-in-law then his brother-in-law as Kircher and Bundens Building Corp., then later in his own company. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951-1953. After retiring from construction, he worked for Wickes Lumber for many years. Allan, however, was most proud of his service in the Mantua Volunteer Fire Department, where he was one of the longest serving active members for over 69 years, having acted in many positions including Chief.
He is survived by his children, Allan (Becky), Robert (Joann), Barbara Kershaw (Fred), and Edward (Joan); 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and companion, Alberta Griggs. Predeceased by all his six siblings, wife Mabel, son William, and grandson Allan Kershaw. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com
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SPADEL — Donald S. Spadel, Jr. of Woolwich Township passed away on July 6. Born in Philadelphia, Donald was the son of Donald Sr. & Chrystina (Hunderuk) Spadel. He graduated from Kingsway High School in 2008 where he played football and basketball. After graduation, he went to the University of Massachusetts and eventually graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Geography. After graduating from Rutgers, he received a certificate in paralegal studies from Villanova.
Donald was employed as a paralegal with the Law Firm of Marshall Dennehey. Like most of the folks in the area, he was a huge Eagles fan. He loved going down to the shore and hiking. He just loved the outdoors and the freedom he felt there. Furthermore, he had a very strong faith in the Lord, and he nurtured and strengthened his faith daily. Donald was also very proud of his Ukrainian Heritage.
He is survived by his parents, Donald Sr. and Chrystina Spadel; his sister, Amanda; their cat, Poptart, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
The family has suggested that in lieu of flowers, for the Ukrainian Relief, donations can be made to World Central Kitchen (wck.org), Att: Donor Services Team, 200 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 7th floor, Washington DC 20001 or to Save the Children (savethechildren.org), 501 Kings Hwy East, Suite 400, Fairfield CT 06825 in Donald’s memory.
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DOLAN – Michael J. Dolan Sr. age 76 years of Clarksboro, died suddenly at home on July 3. Mr. Dolan was born in Camden, raised in Paulsboro and was a 1964 graduate of Paulsboro High School. He was a proud combat veteran serving as a Boatswain’s Mate in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict. From 1966-1967 he was on a West Pac cruise, in 1967 he was in Vietnam until 1969 and finished his service in 1970 on a Med cruise.
Mr. Dolan owned and operated Dolan Plumbing and Heating which is now operated by his son. He was a member of Church of the Incarnation, Mantua; Camden County Master Plumber’s Association and the Anthony T. Calista V.F.W. Post #5579, Gibbstown. He enjoyed taking care of his home and family as well as fishing.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia Dolan (nee Novotny) of Clarksboro; his children, Tracey Juliano of Saddle Brook, Meghan Dolan of Clarksboro and Michael Dolan Jr. of Clarksboro; his grandchildren, Nicole, Taylor, Kevin, Quinn and Tessa; his brothers, David and Jane Dolan of Deptford, Thomas and Sharon Dolan of Thorofare; his sisters, Kate and Chris Brown of Chestertown, MD and Anne and Leonard Norvilla of Paulsboro. Mr. Dolan was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Eleanor Dolan and his brother, Joseph Dolan.
Arrangements by McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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MUSUMECI — Sarah Musumeci, age 97, died on July 7 at her home in Woodbury where she lived since 1968.
Sarah was raised in Swedesboro and graduated from Swedesboro High School in 1943. She worked for DuPont for 38 years. She was an active member of St. Patrick’s Church, Woodbury.
Sarah was an avid hiker and member of the Wilmington Trail Club. She also enjoyed playing bridge with different bridge groups and also a member of the Logan Seniors. Sarah traveled extensively and has been to all seven continents.
Sarah was predeceased by her parents Angela (Patane) and Orazio Musumeci, sister Santina Musumeci, brothers Harry “Frank” (Mary), Pete (Mary), Renard (Phyllis) Musumeci and nephew Renard Musumeci. She is survived by her twin sister, with whom she lived, Rose Musumeci, nieces Angela Freas, Angela (George) Anastasia, Joann (the late Renard) Musumeci, nephews Anthony (Adrienne) Musumeci, Peter (Linda) Musumeci, David (Jeanette) Musumeci, Alfred (Wendy) Musumeci, 17 great nieces and nephews and 17 great great nieces and nephews. Sarah’s family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Tami Bach and staff, neighbors Rich and Marie Keuhler, Angelic Hospice and nieces Angela Freas, Angela Anastasia, Joann Musumeci, and nephew Anthony Musumeci for the special care of Sarah. Contributions may be made to St. John of God, 1145 Delsea Dr, Westville, NJ 08093 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Memories shared at www.buddfuneralhome.com
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TIGHE — Marilyn Gripp Tighe, of Clarksboro, passed away peacefully on July 10. She was 80. Marilyn was an outstanding athlete while attending Swedesboro High School and was on the varsity basketball and field hockey teams all four years. She would get so embarrassed when her husband would proudly tell anyone that would listen about her athletic achievements.
After high school, Marilyn worked at E.I. Dupont in Gibbstown for 11 years and then worked at Gloucester County Community College for 37 years in administration.
Marilyn loved her home, which she helped build along with her loving husband, Gene. She loved cooking, gardening and taking wonderful care of her husband. She is the beloved wife of over 50 years to Louis “Gene” Tighe. Together they shared almost 60 loving years together. Marilyn was the cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Patricia Conard and her brother Frank E. Gripp.
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LISA — Rosaria Lisa, 84. She was a woman who feared nothing, “I crossed the ocean! Ten days!” She would learn the language studying with her daughters, but she never lost her Italian ways. She was strong in her faith; the home she chose for her family was a few doors from the church. Rosaria (known as Sara or Sarina to many) prayed and attended Mass daily and was active in the Altar and Rosary Society.
She was everyone’s Nonna, especially her grandkids’ friends. They would vie to see who could come over to get her authentic Italian cooking – homemade pasta laid out strand by strand and meatballs that were counted as they disappeared into the pot (to be sure the same number came out when they were served). It was a labor of love; most of it originated in her garden which included a small orchard of fig, apple, and peach trees. When the harvest came, she sun dried the tomatoes, roasted the peppers on a wood fire, canned sauce, and everything else for the winter.
For Rosaria everything was hands on. She made her daughters’ clothes and mowed her lawn with a push mower. Always singing no matter what task was at hand. She was always strong and worked as hard as anyone.
In Italy, Rosaria had a custom-order embroidery business and then worked as a seamstress when she came to the U.S. She and her husband, Anthony (Tony) Lisa, had several area businesses; the Old Ford’s Hotel (former Old Swedes Inn) and the Park and Eat (Vesuvio Ristorante). If her T.V. was on, she would be actively watching/interacting with the contestants on Price is Right, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.
A handsome guy would notice her in the town plaza in Monforte San Giorgio which began a long-distance courtship. After a year of letters back and forth (that had to be translated) he would return to Italy, and they wed.
She and the late Tony Lisa were blessed with two daughters, Roseanne Iannotti and Catherine Lisa (Richard Grillo). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brandon, Sarah, Owen, John Anthony, Julie and Lucy; as well as two sisters (Caterina Merulla and Santa Leone) and many nieces and nephews in Italy. She was pre-deceased by her stepson, Anthony J. Lisa, Jr.
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PAWLOWSKI — Victoria A. Pawlowski (nee Leone) age 79, of Clarksboro passed peacefully July 21, surrounded by her family. Vicki owned and operated Vicki’s Hair Stylists in Clarksboro for over 50 years. She formerly taught cosmetology at Camden County Vocational School as well as teaching Culinary Arts at Bayside State Prison.
Vicki devoted her life to spending quality time with her family. She enjoyed cooking, spending time in Ocean City and supporting her grandchildren in their activities. She was known for her strong faith, generosity, and kind heart. Vicki was admired by her community and all who knew her.
Wife of the late Ralph Joseph Pawlowski Jr., she is survived by her daughters, Carla Ferry (Jeff) and Kristi Pawlowski-Kolinoski (Jason); four grandchildren, Hailey, Madison, Channing, and Charlotte; brother, George Leone and wife, Deb; and sister-in-law, Gloria Petrishock.
Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com
